Executive DBA

Program Overview

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Executive DBA

Overview

The Executive DBA doctorate in business administration is designed for professionals seeking to elevate their expertise in business management and leadership to the highest level. This rigorous doctoral program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines advanced theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing graduates to address complex challenges in today's dynamic business environment.

Learning Objectives

The DBA program has the following main objectives:

• Mastery of Advanced Business Concepts: Develop a deep understanding of advanced theories, principles, and practices in business administration, enabling the analysis and resolution of complex organizational issues.
• Proficiency in Research Methodologies: Acquire advanced research skills, including quantitative and qualitative methodologies, to conduct rigorous empirical research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field.
• Strategic Leadership Development: Enhance leadership capabilities through the cultivation of strategic thinking, effective communication, and ethical decision-making skills essential for guiding organizations towards sustainable success.
• Global Business Acumen: Explore global perspectives on business operations, including international market dynamics, cross-cultural management, and global supply chain strategies, to navigate the complexities of the global marketplace.
• Contribution to Scholarly Discourse: Produce original scholarly research and contribute to the academic discourse in business administration through publications, presentations, and professional engagements, demonstrating thought leadership and expertise in the field.

Student Achievement Key Metrics

Student achievement key metrics can be found here.

Program Prerequisites

• None

Curriculum

The Executive DBA curriculum is composed of several core courses. We organize elective courses in collaboration with our business and industry partners on specific topics relevant to global business and management challenges as well as many events that can be found here.

YEAR 1

• Research Methodology I
• Research Methodology II
• Publishing Your Paper (seminar)
• Writing Research Proposal (seminar)
• Research Proposal (seminar)

YEAR 2

• Software Citation Tools (seminar)
• Thesis

MANDATORY COURSES*

1. Sustainability
2. AI for Managers
3. Strategic Corporate Culture
4. Digital Business Acceleration
5. Corporate Security and Business Intelligence
6. Innovation and Change Management
7. Financial Management
8. Business English
9. Business IT
10. Data Visualization and Storytelling with Data

*The student chooses 4 options from the above list in accordance with their preferences, selecting from the following:

• After completing the course, the student prepares a Final Project/assignment, which is graded, and earns additional ECTS points upon completion

or

• After completing the course, if the student does not prepare a Final Project/assignment, no ECTS points shall be awarded.

Teaching Method

This program is delivered entirely online.

You also have the opportunity to increase your learning by attending our webinars.

Our interactive, supportive teaching model is designed for busy professionals and is delivered through our best-in-class learning management system.

Materials

All reading materials for this course will be made accessible to you through the SSBM Online Learning Portal. Notes for each module are often downloadable, and you are able to save your current learning status and continue whenever you like.

Study Program Outline

To access the detailed study program outline, please click on this LINK.

Degree

Upon successful completion of the DBA program, you will be awarded with a DBA degree delivered by SSBM Geneva.

You have the possibility to select a specialization.

FAQ

TOP Frequently Asked Questions by Students

1. When does the program start, and when is the next intake? Our programs are fully online, self-paced, and delivered in a pre-recorded format, so you can apply and start at any time throughout the year.
2. What payment plans are available, and can I pay in installments? We offer flexible payment options, including bank transfers, credit card payments, and Flywire. Additionally, you can pay in installments, with the number of payments tailored to your needs. If further flexibility is required, we can arrange additional installments. The payment schedule is entirely customizable based on your preferences.
3. How many hours per week do I need to dedicate to complete the program on time? As the program is fully online and self-paced, the time commitment depends on your personal schedule. We recommend dedicating approximately 4 hours per week to complete the program within the envisioned timeframe.
4. What accreditations does the program hold, and will it be internationally recognized? SSBM Geneva is accredited by ACBSP and certified by EduQua. We are registered in Geneva, Switzerland, providing superior Swiss education. For details on our accreditation and membership, please visit this link. If you want to check the national recognition in your residing company, we recommend checking the acceptance of the degree with your local NARIC office.
5. Are there networking and career opportunities for online students? Yes, online students can engage in networking through our dedicated online platform “SSBM Connect” and attend weekly webinars hosted by professors and industry professionals. For additional career support, we offer more extensive services, such as company visits and internships, to our on-campus students.
6. Can I extend the duration of my studies? While the program is designed to be completed within a certain time, you can extend it to accommodate your schedule. If you exceed the contractual program duration, extension fees will apply:

• Up to 3 months: 30% of the full tuition
• Up to 6 months: 50% of the full tuition
• Up to 12 months: 100% of the full tuition

7. What do the exams look like? Exams typically include case studies, projects, and open-ended questions. If a student does not pass an exam, they may retake it up to three more times. After the fourth attempt, re-enrollment in the course is required, which will incur additional fees.
8. Are scholarships or discounts available? We offer scholarships and discounts during specific campaigns, which are announced on our website and newsletter. Scholarships generally cover 50% to 100% of tuition fees and are awarded based on academic achievements, motivation, English proficiency, and professional experience. You can also apply for an admissions fee discount by submitting a motivational essay to [insert email]. Our admissions team will review your application based on various factors, such as your academic achievements and career goals.
9. How can I apply? You can apply online through this link. Once your application is submitted, our admissions team will review your documents, including your degree, transcript, CV, ID, and other relevant materials. If you meet the requirements, we will provide you with the next steps, which include signing a student contract, receiving an admission letter, making payments, and accessing our student information system and portal.
10. Is coming to Geneva required during online studies? No, coming to Geneva is not mandatory during your online studies. However, students will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony, which will take place in Geneva. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your achievements in person, but participation is entirely optional.

Executive DBA Specializations

The Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program offers a variety of specializations to cater to diverse professional interests. You can see all specializations here.

Why Executive DBA?

Our Executive DBA program will enable you to be able to provide novel, innovative, and creative solutions to complex business problems and opportunities as well as thought leadership for organizational change.

Key Benefits

• Researcher education in management studies (theoretical and methodological competence)
• Competence to design and implement a sizable research project with a practical orientation
• A collegial network with professors and other researchers and the Executive DBA candidates
• Competence in presenting papers in international seminars and conferences
• Writing and defending an academic doctoral thesis and research papers/articles
• Possibility to realize a sizable research/development project for an organization

Variety of Possible Topics

Any topic can be considered that deals with management, finance, HR, or any other related themes, such as:

• General management
• HR topics
• Business topics
• Supply chain
• Finance
• etc.

Competitive Advantage

Executive DBA program will broaden your professional horizons enabling you to climb further up the corporate ladder.

Flexibility

Executive DBA was designed to fit the demanding lifestyle of executives and professionals.

ACBSP Accredited

Executive DBA is accredited by ACBSP (Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs), which is recognized by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation).

Degree

Upon successful completion of the DBA program, you will be awarded with a DBA degree delivered by SSBM Geneva.

SSBM DBA Students

Who Are SSBM DBA Students?

• Diversity: Over 106+ different countries and cultures represented
• Flexibility: You can start anytime with the possibility to attend campus-based seminars
• Engagement: Experienced PhD mentors

Average Age

• 35 years old

International

• 106+ countries

Work Experience

• 10+ years in average

Join a selected and experienced group of classmates, grow together, and build a strong network.

What Our Students Say?

• Adina Grecu: "It is a great experience, and I truly appreciate this chance that I have received, to study at SSBM Geneva, one of the top 10 European Business Schools offering online MBAs."
• Katarina Lasic: "I completed the Executive MBA program, and it has been quite an experience. I have enjoyed myself, and my expectations have been exceeded."
• Alex E. Asampong: "SSBM is highly efficient regarding information, assistance, and all tools one needs to accomplish study successfully. Undoubtedly, I am very proud of my excellent experience with SSBM."
• David Annan: "It was a great experience, and I want to thank the entire SSBM for an amazing support during my thesis. I'm also proud to be part of DBA mentors after I finished my DBA journey."
• Elisa Simeoni: "SSBM offers high-level education with experienced professors and effective learning. This is a great opportunity to boost my career and invest in quality education."
• Aser Matter: "The greatest benefit of the program was much more than the 'piece of paper'…Thanks to the SSBM for the MBA program, I know that I have all of the tools to be a successful and ethical leader."
• Apostol Georgiev: "Studying at SSBM Geneva has been extremely impactful for the way I look at business organizations. There are so many things I've learned…"
• Lisa Tamilia: "I am very impressed with my experience in the DBA program! It is also a great network and collaboration with a professional network of great students around the globe."
• Rohini Ghavari: "I'm very happy with the support of my mentor. It is really amazing, and I'm enjoying my journey."

Tuition Fees

Executive DBA: 15,000 EUR

We offer various scholarship opportunities. We invite you to carefully check which one can apply to you.

• This price includes all online program-related costs. Additional costs may apply in some situations.

Admissions

• Minimum five years postgraduate work experience prior to DBA study, some of this at a senior level
• MBA (or equivalent qualification) from a recognized higher education institution.
• A Master's degree in management (or associated discipline)
• A Master's degree in a field other than management (or related discipline) but with a minimum of 5 years professional work experience.
• Grade transcripts
• Your CV or resume
• ID or passport copy
• One photo

Applications to the doctoral program will be reviewed by members of the Doctorate Admissions Committee who will make recommendations and decisions (accept/reject) regarding offers of admission to the DBA program. Upon receipt of the documents, a formal interview with the DBA Academic Director may be scheduled with some candidates.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview: Executive Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

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Objective:

Equip participants with the ability to make significant contributions to both theory and practice in the field of business, while fostering professional practice at the highest level. The program is designed for mid-career and senior executives who aim to move towards C-suite leadership positions.

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Program Highlights:

• Focus on practical, research-based approaches to business and industry.
• Led by experienced mentors from prestigious universities worldwide.
• Delivers Swiss quality education through a unique learning experience.
• Global community of diverse students and industry leaders.

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Outline:

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Year 1:

• Research Methodology I & II
• Publishing Your Paper (seminar)
• Writing and Preparing Research Proposal

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Year 2:

• Software Citation Tools (seminar)
• Thesis Development and Completion

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Mandatory Courses (Select 4 options):

• Sustainability
• AI for Managers
• Strategic Corporate Culture
• Digital Business Acceleration
• Corporate Security and Business Intelligence
• Innovation and Change Management
• Financial Management
• Business English
• Business IT
• Data Visualization and Storytelling
• The program is delivered entirely online with optional opportunities to attend campus-based seminars in Geneva.
• Duration is two academic years or less, depending on the student's progress.
• Students can also choose to specialize in a specific area.

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Assessment:

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Thesis:

• Completion of a rigorous thesis with original research and contributions to the field of business.

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Coursework:

• Varies depending on the selected courses, but may include assignments, projects, and examinations.

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Teaching:

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Delivery Mode:

Online with optional campus-based seminars.

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Teaching Methods:

Interactive, engaging, and supportive, designed for busy professionals.

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Learning Management System:

Best-in-class platform for facilitating online learning.

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Faculty:

Highly experienced PhD mentors and industry leaders.

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Careers:

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Outcomes:

• Develop advanced research and analytical skills.
• Acquire expertise in solving complex business challenges.
• Gain leadership skills for C-suite level positions.
• Enhance career prospects and salary potential.

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Career Opportunities:

• C-suite roles in various industries.
• Senior management positions.
• Consulting and research roles.
• The program fosters networking opportunities with peers, alumni, industry leaders, and faculty.
• Scholarships are available for eligible candidates.