Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

Target Group :

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme is tailored for individuals with a solid foundation in business and management, typically acquired through previous master's level studies and substantial professional experience. The programme is particularly well-suited for:

• Experienced Professionals:

Individuals with a wealth of practical experience in business and management who seek to advance their knowledge, skills, and expertise.

• Executives:

Seasoned executives looking to augment their strategic leadership abilities and contribute to cutting-edge research in business practices.

• Experienced Managers:

Those with a background in managerial roles aiming to deepen their understanding of advanced management principles and refine their decision-making capabilities.

• Consultants:

Professionals in consulting roles who wish to integrate theoretical insights with practical applications and contribute to the development of innovative business solutions.

• Coaches:

Individuals engaged in coaching, mentoring, or leadership development,aiming to combine their practical insights with scholarly research to enhance coaching strategies.

• Academics in Business Settings:

Educators and researchers within business environments seeking to bridge the gap between academia and industry by conducting research directly relevant to professional practice.

Entry Requirements :

Pathway 1:
• MQF Level 6 Degree and MQF Level 7 Master's Degree totaling 240 ECTS in a relevant field.
• OR applicants from other disciplines with equivalent qualifications (240 ECTS) and at least 7 years of managerial experience.
Pathway 2:
• MQF Level 7 Master's Degree (90 ECTS) in a relevant field and a Level 5 Higher Diploma (120 ECTS).
• Minimum 5 years of management experience in a field related to the proposed doctoral research topic.

The mission of a DBA graduate is to bridge the gap between top management decisions and operational implementation, ensuring the effective translation and execution of strategic initiatives. Upon successful completion, graduates will be prepared for one or more of the following roles:

• 1. Lecturer :

DBA graduates often enter academia, teaching courses in business administration, conducting research, and publishing scholarly articles.

• 2. Researcher:

DBA graduates can work as researchers in academic institutions, think tanks, or research organizations, conducting research on various aspects of business and management.

• 3. Consultant:

Many DBA graduates choose to work as consultants, providing expert advice to businesses on strategic planning, organizational development, change management, and other areas.

• 4. Executive/Corporate Leadership:

DBA graduates may take up executive positions in companies, such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or other senior management roles.

• 5. Entrepreneur:

Some DBA graduates start their own businesses or join startups, using their knowledge and expertise in business administration to develop and grow successful ventures.

• 6. Policy Analyst:

DBA graduates can work as policy analysts, analyzing business-related policies, evaluating their impact, and making recommendations to policy makers.

• 7. Business Development Manager:

DBA graduates may work as business development managers, identifying growth opportunities, conducting market research, and creating strategies to expand the business.

• 8. Chief of Strategy:

DBA graduates can work as strategic planners, assisting organizations in developing long-term goals, formulating business strategies, and implementing initiatives to achieve competitive advantage.

Knowledge and Understanding

At the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:

PLO 1: Analyse the complex philosophical foundations that inform advanced management research, understanding their significant impact on new research paradigms in the nuanced environment of doctoral studies by examining and interpreting these foundations to design and execute innovative research projects.

PLO 2: Utilise advanced concepts in global economics and international business to conduct in-depth evaluations of essential theories, detailed concepts, subtle assumptions, and persuasive arguments within the field of international business management, demonstrating high-level critical analysis by integrating these insights to develop strategic business solutions and policy recommendations.

PLO 3: Engage in sophisticated discussions on the complex cultural, political, economic, and technological drivers of globalisation, demonstrating an advanced comprehension appropriate for the detailed exploration typical of doctoral research by leading and contributing to academic and professional forums with insights and solutions to globalisation- related challenges.

PLO 4: Clarify subtle differences among various complex methods of advanced critical thinking by examining and assessing the applicability of different methodologies available in doctoral academic work to develop robust research designs and analyses addressing complex business problems.

PLO 5: Identify and address the complex intercultural and interdisciplinary challenges common in advanced academic writing, focusing on equality, diversity, belonging, and decolonisation in academic discourse to produce inclusive and ethical scholarly work that contributes to equitable academic communities.

PLO 6: Acknowledge the critical importance of Knowledge Management and critically evaluate the complex influence of organisational culture in supporting it by developing and implementing strategies that align with and enhance organisational culture, driving innovation and performance.

PLO 7: Examine and critically evaluate both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, making precise decisions to conduct advanced, methodologically sound, and dependable research within the specialised area of study that defines a doctoral programme of exceptional quality by designing and executing robust research studies that contribute significantly to the field.

Skills

At the end of the programme, the learner will be able to:

PLO 8: Master and apply advanced Knowledge Management tools and cutting-edge techniques to demonstrate expertise in doctoral-level scholarship.

PLO 9: Design, implement, and manage innovative Knowledge Management strategies, demonstrating the ability to execute sophisticated initiatives characteristic of doctoral scholarship.

PLO 10: Analyse international business opportunities with advanced understanding, navigating the complexities of the global business landscape with precision.

PLO 11: Evaluate the impacts of globalisation on various management functions such as human resources, marketing, and supply chain management, showcasing advanced scholarly comprehension.

PLO 12: Critically evaluate research methodologies for capturing and codifying knowledge sharing and communities of practice, demonstrating high-level methodological acumen.

PLO 13: Analyse local and global business studies, evaluating scenarios to identify contextual differences and challenges with advanced discernment.

PLO 14: Position individual research projects within the broader context of Business Administration, demonstrating awareness of the interconnected nature of research within the discipline.

PLO 15: Design and conduct pioneering qualitative and/or quantitative research that contributes original knowledge to Business Administration, meeting the rigorous standards required for publication in top-tier academic journals.

PLO 16: Conduct systematic literature reviews to identify gaps and contribute meaningfully to scholarly discourse in the specialised domain.

PLO 17: Formulate research questions or hypotheses that address complex issues in advanced doctoral-level research, demonstrating critical framing abilities.

PLO 18: Align epistemological and ontological perspectives with appropriate methodologies, demonstrating nuanced understanding of the philosophical foundations of advanced research.

PLO 19: Employ the conventions, language, and principles of academic writing with high proficiency, meeting the standards of scholarly publishing at the doctoral level.

PLO 20: Develop sophisticated arguments and produce scholarly material that meets the standards for publication in esteemed academic journals.

PLO 21: Tailor writing processes and strategies to different audiences, purposes, and genres, demonstrating versatility and acumen in scholarly communication.

PLO 22: Produce groundbreaking insights and original work that significantly contributes to the field, facilitating the dissemination of new knowledge and further research.

PLO 23: Disseminate research findings effectively, contributing novel knowledge to Business Administration through comprehensive and impactful scholarly communication strategies.

General Pedagogical Methods

The pedagogical methods employed in this programme reflect a judicious blend of interactive strategies, encompassing face-to-face sessions, online learning activities, and a balance of guided and independent self-study and research. This multifaceted approach is designed to offer adult learners the flexibility to navigate their educational journey while concurrently managing familial, professional, and personal commitments.

Face-to-Face Sessions

Incorporating lectures, tutorials, discussions, presentations, and workshop activities, face-to- face sessions form a cornerstone of the pedagogical structure. These sessions are meticulously curated to foster peer-to-peer learning, providing a collaborative and engaging environment for participants.

Online Learning Activities

Online learning hours are seamlessly integrated into the overall contact hours of the programme. These activities encompass tutorials and discussions, engaging participants in meaningful interactions beyond the confines of physical classrooms.

Self-Study and Independent Research

A significant proportion of the programme is dedicated to self-study and independent research. DBA students are expected to take the initiative in their learning, identifying their learning needs, setting goals, and seeking out resources. This approach fosters the development of critical thinking skills, adaptability, and lifelong learning habits essential for doctoral-level scholarship.

Tutor Support

Each module is supported by dedicated tutors who are available for one-to-one academic support, group supervision, and feedback on assignments and research progress.

General Assessment Methods

The programme employs a comprehensive assessment strategy designed to evaluate candidate's knowledge, skills, and competences at the doctoral level:

Section 1: Thematic Weekend School Assignments (Modules 1–6)

This phase encompasses a series of carefully designed thematic assignments, each approximately 5,000 words, encapsulating the disciplines covered during weekend school sessions. Over the course of six assignments, participants actively engage in scholarly discourse to deepen their understanding within specified discipline areas.

Section 2: Doctoral Thesis Proposal Presentation and Defence (Module 7)

The presentation and defence of the doctoral thesis proposal represent a pivotal element in the doctoral journey. Candidates undergo a comprehensive examination, inclusive of an interview and defence with the Level 8 Doctoral Theses and Professional Research Committee.

Section 3: The Doctoral Thesis

The culmination of the programme involves the development of a doctoral thesis, which can manifest as a traditional monograph (not exceeding 60,000 words or 250 pages) or a Compilation Thesis.

Section 4: Viva Examination

Upon the successful completion of the thesis, candidates undergo a viva examination led by internal and external examiners. This final stage provides candidates with the opportunity to defend their research and demonstrate a profound understanding of their scholarly contributions.

Grading and Progression

For each module, students are required to achieve the minimum pass mark. Students who fail the module have an opportunity to resit. Should the student fail a second time, they will need to repeat the complete module.

Exit Awards

Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Organisational Philosophy

MQF/EQF Level: 7

ECTS: N/A

In order to obtain this qualification the student must have:

Successfully finished all phases, submitted a thesis; however, the thesis was not approved.

OR

Completed the taught component but discontinued before presenting a proposal.