Doctor of Business Administration DBA

Program Overview

It emphasizes reflective practice and practice-based research, allowing participants to tailor their projects to their organizational needs. The program culminates in a capstone research project that introduces evidence-based changes and new perspectives to the participant's professional practice or organization.

Program Outline

• Focus is on developing participants as reflective practitioners and undertaking high-level practice-based research.
• Participants tailor their study projects to their organization & sector needs.

A key role

• Capstone research project to introduce evidence-based changes & new perspectives to your professional practice or organization/sector.

Outline:

• Stage 1 (9 months): Critical reflection of professional practice & context engaging with relevant literature & theories.
• Stage 2 (18 months):
• Gaining advanced understanding of research methodologies.
• Designing a research proposal grounded in academic, professional, & methodological literature.
• Stage 3 (30 months minimum): A major research project relevant to your organization/sector with identifiable practical applications & impact.

Assessment:

• Stage 1 Review: Discuss a 5,000 word critical reflection with a panel.
• Stage 2 Review: Discuss a 10,000 word research proposal with a panel, including data or product development cycle.
• Stage 3: Final submission of thesis (65,000-80,000 words) or artefact with critical commentary (35,000-40,000 words).
• Viva examination with external examiners to decide on doctorate awarding.

Teaching:

• Experienced teaching team.
• Hybrid mode: residential sessions or individual tutorials once per term.

Other:

• DBA is the professional equivalent of the academic PhD, but with a focus on practice-based research in organizational & industry context.
• Participants placed at the center of their research investigation with highly applicable findings within their organization, sector and professional community.
• Participants can exit the program at the Master's level after completing Stages 1 and 2 reviews.