Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Learning Outcomes

1. Develop a research proposal, objective and analyse research gaps with strong academic foundations: Identify a research-worthy problem, conduct a critical literature review, and design a structured doctoral-level proposal with clear objectives, questions, and methodology.
2.  Apply research methods and data analysis tools: Use appropriate qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods ethically, and apply tools like SPSS, NVivo, R, or Python for effective data collection and analysis.
3. Produce high-quality academic writing: Write clearly and persuasively at the doctoral level, adhering to academic conventions and institutional formatting guidelines.
4. Prepare for doctoral milestones: Demonstrate readiness for various doctoral milestones including research proposal approval, progression reviews, and viva voce (oral defence).
5. Align research with global development goals: Map research objectives and outcomes to relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhancing global relevance and impact.
6. Publish and present research: Identify suitable academic journals and conferences, and develop publication-ready articles, policy briefs, or presentation materials.

Learning Outcomes for Knowledge and Understanding

• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of strategic management and applied business research.
• Understand the integration of academic theory with executive practice in organisational contexts.
• Evaluate global business challenges through the lens of sustainable development.
• Develop a deep understanding of governance, innovation, and leadership frameworks.

Learning Outcomes for Cognitive, Intellectual or Thinking Skills

• Critically analyse business problems using evidence-based and research-driven approaches.
• Develop strategic solutions that balance profitability with social and environmental responsibility.
• Reflect on leadership and management practices through critical self-evaluation.
• Integrate theoretical and applied insights to inform decision-making at senior levels.

Learning Outcomes for Practical, Professional or Subject-specific Skills

• Design and conduct applied research addressing real-world organisational issues.
• Translate research outcomes into actionable managerial and policy recommendations.
• Demonstrate advanced professional competence in sustainable and ethical business leadership.
• Communicate research and practice insights effectively to executive and practitioner audiences.

Learning Outcomes for Technical or Information Technology Skills

• Utilise digital tools for project management, data collection, and business analytics.
• Apply business intelligence and statistical software for evidence-based decision-making.
• Manage information systems to support research and organisational strategy development.

Learning Outcomes for Transferable, Key or Personal Skills

• Exhibit leadership, negotiation, and change management capabilities.
• Communicate complex research and strategic insights clearly to diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrate autonomy, adaptability, and reflective practice in professional contexts.
• Collaborate across interdisciplinary and multicultural teams to drive innovation.

Programmes’ Structure: DBA

Stage 1: Introduction to DBA – Research Management & Supervision

1. Managing the Doctoral Journey: Roles, Expectations, Responsibilities
2. Working with Supervisors Effectively
3. Time and Project Management for Doctoral Research
4. Using Research Logs, Diaries, and Progress Reviews

Stage 2: Research Foundation and Idea Development

1. Introduction to Doctoral Research
2. Philosophy of Science and Research Paradigms
3. Research Problem Identification and Formulation
4. Literature Review Techniques and Systematic Reviews
5. Developing Research Questions, Aims, and Objectives
6. Theoretical and Conceptual Frameworks
7. Critical Thinking and Academic Writing for Doctoral Students

Stage 3: Research Proposal Development

1. Research Proposal Structure and Requirements
2. Proposal Writing and Approval Process
3. Research Design Alignment with Proposal
4. Ethical Considerations in Proposal Development

Stage 4: Literature Review Phase

1. Conducting a Comprehensive Literature Review
2. Synthesizing and Critiquing Scholarly Sources
3. Identifying Research Gaps and Trends
4. Integrating Literature with Theoretical Frameworks

Stage 5: Research Design and Methodology

1. Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
2. Mixed Methods Research Design
3. Research Design and Methodological Alignment
4. Sampling Techniques and Strategy
5. Measurement and Instrument Development
6. Pilot Studies and Pre-testing Tools
7. Research Ethics and Integrity in Doctoral Work
8. Access, Consent, and Data Protection

Stage 6: Data Collection and Analysis

1. Data Collection Techniques (Interviews, Surveys, Case Studies, etc.)
2. Qualitative Data Analysis (Thematic Analysis, NVivo)
3. Quantitative Data Analysis (SPSS, R, STATA)
4. Advanced Statistical Methods (Regression, SEM, etc.)
5. Coding and Categorizing Data
6. Triangulation and Validity in Data Analysis

Stage 7: Dissertation Design and Structure

1. Dissertation Proposal Refinement
2. Structuring the Dissertation/Thesis
3. Writing the Literature Review Chapter
4. Writing the Methodology Chapter
5. Writing the Data Analysis and Findings Chapter
6. Writing the Discussion and Conclusion Chapters

Stage 8: Contribution and Impact

1. Establishing Contribution to Knowledge or Practice
2. Positioning Research within the Field
3. Writing for Impact (Academic and Practitioner Audiences)
4. Translational Research and Managerial Implications

Stage 9: Writing and Presentation Skills

1. Academic Writing and Style (APA, Harvard, etc.)
2. Reference Management Tools (EndNote, Zotero, Mendeley)
3. Thesis Editing and Proofreading Techniques
4. Avoiding Plagiarism and Using Turnitin
5. Writing Abstracts and Executive Summaries
6. Publishing in Peer-Reviewed Journals
7. Writing Conference Papers and Presentations

Stage 10: Dissemination & Defense

1. Preparing for Viva Voce / Oral Defense
2. Presentation Skills for the Dissertation Defense
3. Responding to Examiner Comments
4. Final Submission Requirements
5. Archiving and Publishing the Dissertation
6. Professional Practice and Applied Focus