Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Program Overview

A DBA degree, or Doctor of Business Administration, is a doctoral-level qualification in the field of business administration. It is designed for experienced professionals who wish to advance their knowledge, skills, and expertise in business leadership, research, and management. DBA candidates often bring significant work experience to the program and engage in research that is directly relevant to professional practice. The DBA program focuses on the practical application of business theory and research to address complex challenges and contribute to the advancement of the field. Unlike a PhD in Business, which typically emphasizes theoretical research and academic scholarship, the DBA degree has a stronger emphasis on applied research, practical problem-solving, and professional development.

In line with our commitment to excellence and international partnerships, our DBA program also features a double degree initiative in collaboration with the American Imperial University (Florida, United States of America). This exciting opportunity is exclusively reserved for a select number of qualifying candidates from the English track program and would allow those eligible to earn a DBA in Strategic Leadership as a second degree alongside their core DBA, further enhancing their academic and professional profile.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Our DBA program is designed to accommodate full-time professionals and offers a flexible structure that combines distance work with several on-site seminars and workshops, in addition to participation in relevant symposiums, colloquiums, or conferences.

The program emphasizes the ability to conduct original investigations, test ideas, and understand the wider field of knowledge related to the chosen research theme. It encourages independent thinking and the application of research findings to practical business scenarios. As such, the DBA candidate is required to show his or her ability to conduct original investigations; test, apply and examine his or her own ideas as well as others, and understand the relationship between his or her theme and a wider field of knowledge.

Objectives:

• To equip professionals with the necessary tools to contribute to applied science in the various fields of management and business administration.
• To provide a practical, experience-based learning environment.
• To foster independent thinking and the application of research findings to practical business scenarios.
• To encourage the ability to conduct original investigations, test ideas, and understand the wider field of knowledge related to the chosen research theme.

Outline:

Optional Research-Focused Module:

• Specialization: Candidates can choose to specialize in their area of interest.

Course Schedule:

• The program is delivered through intensive and interactive 3-day on-site seminars, providing a dynamic learning environment for participants.
• The program is designed to be completed within a typical duration of 3 years; with fast-track options available for outstanding candidates who demonstrate exceptional progress.

Assessment:

• The DBA degree is granted based entirely on a personal thesis of approximately 50,000 words in length (and of no less than 40,000 words).
• Quality of research is the single most important factor for awarding the DBA degree, not length.

Careers:

• The program is best suited for individuals who are seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and capabilities to advance their careers and make significant contributions to their respective fields.
• The program is designed to provide professionals with the necessary tools to contribute to applied science in the various fields of management and business administration.

Other:

• The program offers a specialized track in Performing Arts Management, in parallel and in complements to the core program.
• The program features a double-degree initiative in collaboration with the American Imperial University (Florida, United States of America) through a special Doctor of Business Administration in Strategic Leadership program.
• Ascencia Center for Applied Business and Management Research – CABMR – is an affiliated research center of Ascencia Business School, with an emphasis on applied research in the areas of management and business administration.
• CABMR provide candidates enrolled in the DBA program with the opportunity to explore applied research opportunities, participate in relevant symposiums, colloquiums, and conferences to better integrate into applied research practices and the research community.