Doctorate of Business Administration Online (DBA degree)

Program Overview

The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program is provided in a synchronous cohort mode and follows a distinct calendar with several intakes per year (calendar and dates are available on request). The curriculum exposes the learner to cutting edge business and management concepts and theory as they apply these to real-world business problems. The students enhance their analytical and critical thinking skills while contributing to the body of professional business knowledge through their own research project (i.e., the dissertation).

Our DBA balances the rigor of academic research, with the practical focus of working professionals. Dissertation topics are applied in nature, i.e., the student will focus their research to solving real issues confronting their organization.

This program is designed for individuals with significant business experience who strive to increase their stature in the business community, either through the pursuit of executive leadership positions or applied business research employments. Certain academic career options are also open.

Program Structure

The program is structured as a flexible distance learning program, which can be followed either part-time or full-time, targeted at working professionals. It is conducted entirely online in a cohort mode. Regular online-meetings are held in the evenings to align with the work schedules of our participants. Physical attendance is not required.

The minimum duration as mentioned in the Key Facts reflects a full-time study approach. Full-time is defined in such way, that students follow all courses in the given sequence as per the ongoing calendar. Each new course starts every two months, except July (Summer Break). Students choose to follow the program part-time and skip a course or courses in order to align with their personal and professional commitments. Part-time students will subsequently pursue skipped courses once offered on the calendar.

Click here for further details on Structure, Standards & Procedures.

Program Name: Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

Program Category: Higher Education Program

Program Level: EQF / MQF Level 8

Total ECTS Credits: 180

Total Program Learning Hours: 4500

Total Learning Hours per Module: 175

Language of Instruction: English

Mode of Instruction: Online via Distance Learning

Mode of Teaching: Lectures, workshop, placement, asynchronous forums, VLE, etc.

Mode of Assessment: Examination, assignment, project, blog, etc

Live Online Classes: yes

Physical Presence: no

Degree Awarding Body: SMC Education Group

Accreditation & License: Accredited by MFHEA

License Number: 2019-014

Program Objectives

Objectives

Providing relevant business knowledge and advanced tools for critical assessment and application to experienced business professionals.
Offering opportunities for significant personal development. In the duration of the program, participants will be able to achieve increased professional efficiency.
Providing relevant opportunities to examine and study epistemologies and methodologies in the field of management and business research.
Encouraging and helping professionals to perform substantial focused research on a consistent basis so as to create fresh knowledge that can be easily applied in their specific field.
Providing opportunities to research associates for integrating theoretical knowledge and practical application by performing research that produces fruitful results for professionals in business management and related fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

Develop significant knowledge and systematic understanding of the theoretical foundation of business theories and concepts in both a global and organisational context
Design and autonomously conduct original research with consideration for contemporary societal perspectives that contributes to or advances empirical and theoretical knowledge in business
Develop effective communication skills to authoritatively engage and empower a diverse (specialized and non-specialized) audience as a scholar-practitioner regarding the relevance of theories, applications and practical solutions for both organisational and global business challenges
Introduce solutions to challenges in the local and global business domain based on original and scholarly research that substantially advance professional practice and drive innovation in business procedures and policy
Develop personal, consultancy and research competencies sufficient to continue to undertake rigorous and relevant research at an advanced level that contributes to theory and practice in business and management, and to continue a lifetime of self-reflective development
Develop a systematic awareness of social and ethical issues, both within the business domain and in a wider societal context, and assume a leading role to promote remediation and change

Learning Outcomes for Communication Skills

Engage in full professional and academic communication with others in their field and place of work in both national and international contexts and give papers/presentations to ‘critical communities’ for developmental purposes
Provide a convincing argument to initiate a major change initiative within an organization
Demonstrate the ability to disseminate evidence-based management practice through identifying and communicating to various stakeholder groups

Learning Outcomes for Learn to Learn Skills

Act as an independent, self-critical, and self-directed student who professionally guides and supports the learning of others and manages his or her own professional development while being fully aware of relevant implications of his or her study
Use a full range of learning resources and learn through reflection on practice and experience

Admission Process

Target Group

The typical DBA students are mid-career individual who have already established themselves as business leaders or are on track to being appointed to executive positions and are supported in their academic ambition by their employing organisation.

The programme combines workplace and professional engagement with the scholarly rigour of the academic institution. The DBA aims to develop the participant’s ability to undertake independent research at an advanced level and make a significant contribution to knowledge and professional practice through the evaluation of business structures, contexts and processes from the perspective of a critically reflexive research-practitioner.

SMC DBA applicants should also display a competence in solving problems analytically and in separating opportunities and challenges in terms of cause and effect, as well as the potential to conduct research.

Hence the programme has been designed for senior practitioners in their field, who are used to identifying and dealing with various “real life” issues. Potential DBA candidates expect policy and practice within their organizations to improve in light of their doctoral research and recognise that in investigating problems as research-practitioners, they (and their organizations) will undergo transformative change.

SMC focuses on helping you become an exceptional leader in your profession. This means that every course we offer is designed with enterprise, leadership, and your success in mind.

DBA applicants with an entrepreneurial or public sector background will be assessed against the above outline respectively.

The typical DBA candidate is expected to have achieved the following:

A minimum of five years of experience in a supervisory or higher work role (manager, director, etc.)
A demonstrable record of accomplishment (e.g. noteworthy client or internal projects introduced/lead, measurable contributions to company success or value creation, introduction of change or innovation initiatives, evidence of successful team leadership, evidence of successful entrepreneurship lasting 3 or more years)
A Graduate degree (EQF or MQF Level 7 equivalent) from an internationally recognized academic institution

Entry Requirements

Graduate degree (MQF Level 7 equivalent) from an internationally recognized academic institution
Minimum of 5 years work experience in an executive, leadership, managerial, supervisory, or advisory position involving independent decision-making
GPA Requirement in their master program from an accredited institution: minimum of 3.0
Personal statement of min. 1000 words

Required Documents

A completed online application.
Copy of your Transcript of your recognized Master degree. If the transcript is not in English it must be translated by a certified translation service.
Copy of your Master degree certificate showing the date of graduation .
Proof of English proficiency. Not needed for native speakers, or applicants who previously attended an English-speaking institution or working environment.
Up-to-date Curriculum Vitae

Course Descriptions

Quantitative Research Methods (7 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

The quantitative research methods course introduces students to the field of social science research. It examines in depth the research process and introduces doctoral candidates to the various aspects of conducting scientific research, with a specific focus on quantitative methodology. Topics covered include problem statement development, research question/hypothesis formulation, theory synthesis, validation of research instruments, sampling strategies within a unique cultural context, data collection techniques, ethical issues in research, and data analyses methodologies. The course will also introduce big data and its relevance to business research.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

Qualitative Research Methods (7 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

This course provides students with the foundation for conducting applied qualitative business research, i.e., to design, conduct, read and evaluate qualitative research projects. Attention is given to the role qualitative research can play alongside quantitative research, for example in defining variables, or ‘quants’, or in describing the ‘why’ behind quantitative results. The course also presents the strength of qualitative research in providing rich descriptions and context to observed phenomenon. Various models of qualitative methods and designs will be explored including program evaluations, case studies and interviews. Student practice the skills by designing a qualitative research project proposal.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

Corporate Finance & Governance (7 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

Given the financial crisis of 2008, the need for better corporate governance practices is self-evident. This course explores the system by which firms are financed, directed and controlled and the role the various stakeholders play. Attention is given to reviewing and critically evaluating rules, regulations and procedures for making sound financial and managerial decisions. A focus is placed on exploring contemporary research in such areas as the agency problems between stakeholders, executive compensations, investment and financial considerations, mergers and acquisitions, etc.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

Performance Management (7 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

This course reviews the practices, theories and guiding philosophies that drive performance management programs. The design, implementation and controlling of such programs is critically evaluated through case studies from diverse companies with different performance management schemes. These programs are evaluated according to their organizational effectiveness, employee acceptance and ability to influence productivity.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

Managerial Economics (64 ECTS - EQF/MQF Level 8)

In this course students learn how to use economic principles as analytical tools for managers, enabling them to make more informed production and pricing decisions. Students also learn how different market structures affect business performance and strategy. Topics include: demand and forecasting, production and cost, pricing and output decisions, and market structures.

Advanced Management Strategy (7 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

This course addresses the complexity and multidimensional nature of advanced management systems. It exposes students to the academic debates in the field of strategy and critically evaluates three areas: 1. institutional strategic perspective, 2. behavioral strategic perspective, and 3. emerging strategic management perspectives. Most importantly, the course challenges students to apply theoretical models and practical experience to specific regional business issues from a strategic perspective.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

International Marketing Management (7 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

The course aims to provide students with a comprehensive framework of international marketing by exploring the ever-evolving global business environment facing today’s marketing managers. Theoretical and practical knowledge of International Marketing, its operations and strategies, is used to understand, analyze and evaluate the factors that influence marketing success across global markets.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

Advanced Leadership (7 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

This module aims to shape and develop a critical understanding of contemporary leadership and its impact on organizational functioning.
Learners will be introduced to the knowledge, skills and attitudes needed to organize, evaluate, and apply the state of science in leadership research using a systematic and process-oriented approach. The module will facilitate an in-depth engagement with leadership theories in relation to both their own leadership skills and capacities and leadership practice within organizational contexts. Learners will further their research skills with a focus on quantitative research methodology, especially survey and experimental research designs.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

Action Research (8 ECTS --- EQF/MQF Level 8)

This course provides an in-depth exploration of action research, a form of self-reflective systematic inquiry on a possible solution to a business problem. The course seeks to help student design an action research project at the doctoral level, by integrating theory, the scientific method and practical experience and applying them to solving an actual business problem. The course introduces the stages of action research: entry, contracting, diagnosis, action and evaluation and guides student researchers in developing mutually agreed research objectives with the research site. The final student output of this course is the dissertation research proposal.

Hours of Total Learning: 175

Total Contact Hours: 35

Self-study Hours: 130

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 10

Dissertation (116 ECTS - EQF/MQF Level 8)

As a final requirement for program completion, all SMC DBA students must complete a dissertation. Focus of the research is the thorough investigation of a significant business problem or challenge of strategic importance facing their own organization, industry or market and design an intervention with measurable outcomes. Within this final dissertation, students must apply relevant interdisciplinary knowledge and select the appropriate research design and methodology for their study. The student’s dissertation is expected to make a significant contribution to the understanding of a business phenomenon.

Hours of Total Learning: 2900

Total Contact Hours: 203

Self-study Hours: 2597

Supervised Placement and Practice Hours: n/a

Assessment Hours: 100