I'll be sharing a few tips on how to identify a research problem during your MBA program and transition to a PhD degree. So perhaps you traveled abroad go do an MBA and decided to explore further studies rather than return home, this may be one of your better options.
1. Look for phenomena that appear innovative: During your MBA you will be solving business problems and applying solutions to them. During this process, try to find areas where there could be ground breaking.
2. Conceptualize how some solutions could succeed or fail: Conceptualize how certain business processes could fail in Nigeria due to maybe corruption, electricity or insecurity.
3. Don't be afraid to share your ideas with your professors: When you have these ideas in embryo form, share them with your professors informally and let them know your interest in researching the area further.
4. Build on your final dissertation/thesis: Using my experience as an example, I discovered my research area prior to my dissertation so I was writing with a view to continue into a PhD program. This way it was easy to convert my final MBA dissertation into a PhD proposal.
5. Begin to draft a research proposal: With the tiny acorn of your research idea, begin to write a skeletal proposal. Don't worry if gaps exist in certain areas at this point.
6. Begin to gather references on past work in the area: Read articles and books in the area to know how much has been done so far. This will help you avoid replication and identify research gaps.

7. Don't place funding first in your considerations: At this point, you want to identify institutions that will accept your proposal and supervisors willing to work with you on the research.
8. Identify your target universities: Depending on your area of research, certain universities will have a range of minimal to significant interest in your proposal. It's important to visit the websites and study the research institutes and work they have done or presently doing. This will help you identify potential future supervisors.
9. Begib to apply early: If you're aiming for fall admission, send off your proposal early enough ( deadlines vary). This way your chances are better.
10. Identify specific faculty in selected umiversities: Read profiles of potential supervisors on the department website and if you wish email them to introduce yourself and mention your research and application.
11. Prepare for good ( and bad) news: Several factors will determine your outcome which are beyond your control. Some places will schedule a telephone interview while some will outright say no.
12. Prepared for the interview: Do your research and have a printed copy of your proposal and resume handy. Questions vary from formal to informal but basically they want to know your depth and why you are pursuing this path. Ask about funding at this point and don't be disappointed if they say it's not available.
13. Make an informed choice: Depending on how many applications you send out ( In my case I sent close to 100), you will need to decide on one. Various factors again: research strength of the university and support for PhD students is a big factor. Look for feedback from past and current PhDs to inform your decision making. Point to note here: Differentiate between undergraduate, graduate and Phd feedback!
I'm the coming posts, I will enumerate on the next steps and how to manage yourself and family during the PhD.
Good luck!