DBA in Financial Management

Program Overview

The Rushford DBA in Financial Management is a flexible, online doctoral program designed to equip business professionals with advanced knowledge and skills in financial management. The program emphasizes applied research, enabling students to solve complex business problems and advance their careers in various organizations, including academia. With a focus on research methodologies, data analysis, and communication, graduates are well-prepared for high-level roles and leadership positions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Rushford DBA in Financial Management is a 180 ECTS credits doctoral program designed to equip business students, managers, practitioners, and leaders with high-level knowledge, research, and analytical skills so that they can apply these personal and professional attributes to solve the most complex business problems.

Objectives:

• Apply research methodologies to study business situations and address business challenges
• Conduct primary and secondary research to understand business challenges
• Apply deep understanding of relevant business and financial theory and practices to predict outcomes
• Develop a high level of command over business communications
• Articulate complex ideas, strategies, plans, and tactics in a clear and effective manner
• Develop a high level of proficiency in creating meaningful reports that use data collection, data cleaning, data interpretation, and engaging reporting with the use of data visualization
• Engage in academic and professional research activities that may lead to publications in peer-review journals
• Develop high-level proficiency in applying robust research methodologies, study design, and study conduct in producing a thesis at the end of the program as part of the requirement for the conferring of the doctorate qualification

Program Description:

This is a flexible though rigorous program that can be completed 100% online. Students define the pace at which they complete the program. Based on the pathway that the student chooses (Coursework vs Research), the duration of the program will vary significantly. Most students are expected to achieve the qualification within 3 years of joining the program. However, the research pathway can lead to the qualification in less than 3 years. The Rushford DBA in Financial Management program focuses on applied research so that executives, managers, and practitioners can start applying what they learn in the program in their organizations in real-time. We focus on ensuring that our students develop a very high level of expertise in all areas of financial management. The coursework will also focus on the enhancement of research skills, writing skills, presentation skills, critical and analytical thinking skills, and change management skills. Upon completing the program, students should be able to:

Outline:

• Business Management Track (30 ECTS)
• Business Management
• Managerial Skills
• Cutting Edge Leadership
• Managerial Economics
• International Business Environment
• Accounting for Financial Reporting
• Strategic Management: Integrating the Enterprise
• Specialization Track (30 ECTS)
• Choose 6 courses from the specialization track
• Research Track (30 ECTS)
• Introduction to Academic Research
• The Landscape of Literature Review
• Research Design
• Business Statistics
• Designing a Quantitative Research Methodology
• Designing a Qualitative Research Methodology
• Written Proposal Defence (5000 words) (20 ECTS)
• Doctoral Residency (10 ECTS)
• Reflection & Minutes of the Meeting with Supervisor (10 ECTS)
• Report Writing (10 ECTS)

Research Mode:

• Specialization Track (15 ECTS)
• 3 Subject Specialization Courses
• Research Track (30 ECTS)
• Introduction to Academic Research
• The Landscape of Literature Review
• Research Design
• Business Statistics
• Designing a Quantitative Research Methodology
• Designing a Qualitative Research Methodology
• Written Dissertation Proposal (5000 words) (30 ECTS)
• Reflection & Minutes of the Meeting with Supervisor (20 ECTS)
• Research Publication / Doctoral Residency (25 ECTS)

Careers:

• High-level roles in a variety of organizations
• Accelerate growth in current organizations
• Transform career to move to new business and industry domains
• Teaching at universities or business schools