Introduction

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a doctoral degree that caters to today’s business world. In the practice of business management, it is often better received than the more focused PhD degree as it has a broader and more practice oriented approach, taking a practical subject as its basis for the research.  The DBA enables the students to make a significant contribution towards the enhancement of professional practice, rather than to a body of theoretical knowledge, as is the case with the traditional PhD degree. This does not mean it is of lesser academic rigor, but it does mean that it bears a greater relevance to contemporary issues in the world of business and management.

Many see the DBA as a natural progression of an MBA programme, extending some of the common elements of the shorter taught programme. The DBA thus aims to provide its students with the ability to apply state of the art knowledge to a distinct issue related to management through a research-informed approach. It is primarily concerned with the direct application of research to improve the quality of decision making. This practical core is evident in the degree structure, the eligibility of candidates, the components taught, delivery modes and the stated outcomes of the degree.

Structure of the DBA

Most DBA programmes are organized in two stages. Stage one typically comprises a series of focused elements of coursework and workshops. The taught courses often focus on research methods – quantitative and qualitative, statistics, management related courses and an epistemological or philosophical element. The courses are designed to equip the student with the necessary tools to conduct research in a specialized field. Courses tend to have an applicable relation to practices in the world of management and lecturers are selected accordingly to reflect and be able to address current problems and issues in management and business today. Workshops aim to give doctoral students an opportunity to find appropriate literature, assess the current gaps in practical knowledge and define a topic within a specific area of interest.

Stage one typically culminates in the student finalizing and submitting a research proposal outlining the specific problem selected, demonstrating the academic sustainability of the topic chosen and presenting a conceptual framework for the research. In some cases, students will have mentors for this stage. Once stage one is successfully completed, students are typically ‘upgraded’ to doctoral student status.

Stage two is typically the research stage in the DBA programme. This stage occupies generally at least half of the overall study duration and requires working closely with a supervisor in progressing the research project and in developing the thesis. The research work is often accompanied by cohort seminars and presentations. Stage two culminates in the submission of the thesis, which typically has to be defended before a panel in the Viva.

The exact modules present in stage one or stage two may vary. However, the DBA always requires a final thesis or project and the oral exam to defend the work.  

Delivery modes

Many universities offer their DBA programmes in a variety of modes to accommodate professionals who prefer to remain in their position while studying for the DBA degree. It is no surprise then that a large number of DBA students chose either a distance learning or online option to complete the programme. As many DBA students stay employed during the doctoral degree, the part-time DBA is one of the more favourable options for most. Unlike a PhD degree in humanities, for example, the DBA is considerably more structured and modules are organised to suit a busy professional so that the success rate for part-time DBA students tend to be higher than those for traditional part-time PhD students.

The minimum period in which to complete the degree is typically four years, the maximum up to eight years (part-time / distance learning).  

DBA eligibility

The DBA is designed for business and management professionals who wish to apply a doctoral research approach to current and acute business issues. As such, the degree typically addresses professionals with considerable experience in their field, i.e. senior executives, consultants, management educators and business school academics. Entrants to the DBA degree are expected to have at least a first degree and a minimum of three to six years of management experience, depending on the programme. DBA programmes that include a Masters level qualification at the first stage may accept a Bachelor degree only, paired with relevant experience. However, where this is not the case, the entrance requirements often specify an MBA or MSc in a related subject as a basis for the DBA.

Applicants whose first language is not English, must submit either TOEFL or IELTS scores as a requirement for admissions. Some institutions may specify additional skills required, such as IT capabilities or a subject specific experience. Admission to a DBA programme at a reputable business school is highly competitive and comparable with MBA admissions, and it is crucial that prospective DBA candidates begin the application process at least 12 to 18 months prior to the start of the programme.

The Doctor of Business Administration is not a PhD programme in the traditional sense, rather it is a broader doctoral degree focusing distinctly on an aspect of practical application of a researched topic. Some might say that a PhD produces professional researchers, while the DBA produces researching professionals. More information on the difference between these two doctoral degrees can be viewed here.