DBA in Operational Management

Program Overview

The Rushford DBA in Operational Management is a 180 ECTS doctoral program designed to equip business professionals with advanced research and analytical skills to solve complex business challenges. The program offers two pathways: Coursework-based for graduates with less experience and Research-based for candidates with significant management experience. Graduates can pursue careers in operations management, supply chain management, logistics management, and more, with a positive job outlook and high earning potential.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Rushford DBA in Operational 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. In contrast to programs at the master level, the DBA program focuses on the application of theory to real-world business challenges. Students are expected to go through a transformative learning process that enhances their research skills, so they view business situations differently with an emphasis on applying research methods and finding solutions that lead to organizational efficiency, growth, and long-term sustainability. 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 Operational 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 business and Operational 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:

• Apply research methodologies to study the business situations and address business challenges
• Conduct primary and secondary research to understand business challenges
• Apply a deep understanding of business and Operational Management fundamentals 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

More information is available on these pathways in the curriculum section of this program page. Rushford offers Recognition of Prior Experience (RPE) and thus a formal master’s degree is not mandatory for entering this program. However, a prior bachelor’s degree is mandatory for entry into this program.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Award:

All doctoral candidates are eligible to apply for the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) award instead of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) award. Only one title can be awarded to the doctoral candidate. This selection is required to be confirmed before or immediately after all the requirements for graduation are completed. Those students who had received an exemption for any prior academic qualification through the Recognition of Prior Experience (RPE) are only eligible to receive the DBA award.

Outline:

DBA in Operational Management

Mixed Mode

The DBA in Operational Management mixed-mode pathway focuses on coursework completion and gaining a high level of knowledge and applied research skills before moving to the dissertation phase of the program. This pathway is particularly suited to graduates, junior to mid-level managers with less than 5 years of experience in business and management.

Course

• ECTS+-
• Business Management Track30
• Managerial Skills
• Cutting Edge Leadership
• Managerial Economics
• International Business Environment
• Accounting for Financial Reporting
• Strategic Management: Integrating the Enterprise
• Specialization Track30
• Choose 6 courses from specialization track
• Research Track30
• 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
• Doctoral Residency10
• Reflection & Minutes of the Meeting with Supervisor10
• Report Writing10

Research Mode

This DBA in Operational Management through research pathway is well suited for candidates who have significant management and business experience, usually over 5 years. A doctoral mentor will be assigned early in the program to work with the student towards the preparation of the dissertation.

Course

• ECTS+-
• Specialization Track15
• 3 Subject Specialization Courses
• Research Track30
• 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
• Reflection & Minutes of the Meeting with Supervisor20
• Research Publication / Doctoral Residency25
• Written Dissertation & Oral Defence (45000 to 50000 words)60

Careers:

The job outlook for graduates of a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Operational Management is positive, as there is a high demand for professionals with advanced skills and knowledge in operational management. DBA in Operational Management graduates can pursue a wide range of career opportunities, including operations management, supply chain management, logistics management, and more. They can work in a variety of settings including manufacturing companies, service providers, retail and e-commerce companies, consulting firms, and government agencies. DBA in Operational Management graduates are well-equipped for leadership roles, such as chief operating officer (COO) or vice president of operations, where they can make a significant impact on the management and performance of the organization. They can also work as operations consultants, where they can help organizations to improve their operations, reduce costs, and enhance the efficiency of service delivery. The operational management field is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the need for organizations to improve their operations, reduce costs, and enhance the efficiency of service delivery. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of operations management professionals is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Overall, the job outlook for graduates of a DBA in Operational Management is positive, with strong demand for graduates in a variety of industries and the potential for high earning potential. With a DBA in Operational Management, you will have the skills and knowledge to excel in a wide range of roles within the operational management industry and to make a meaningful impact on the management and performance of organizations.