Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Overview

The programme seeks to advance candidates’ proficiency in research, methodology and analytical skills via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research in order to maximise their performance and decision making abilities in their chosen area.

The course has a dual purpose - to make a contribution to both theory and practice in relation to business and management, and to develop better professional practice through making a contribution to professional knowledge. Therefore, the programme aims at both making a contribution to the body of knowledge in the area as well as informing and positively impacting on management practice.

London Metropolitan Business School

www.londonmet.ac.uk/lmbs/

Applying and entry

PLEASE NOTE There is no official closing date for this course, but you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only consider your application if there are places available on the course.

Tel: 020 7133 4202
Email: admissions@londonmet.ac.uk

The DBA is designed for those who already have sufficient business experience. In order to provide a contextual setting for their research, candidates must have the ability and opportunity to carry out detailed research activity in one or more organisations. Access to and support from the appropriate organisation(s) is considered essential in terms of initial selection of candidates and for the duration of the programme.

Candidates will be well qualified in their chosen field and will normally have already gained an MBA or other business-related master’s degree or equivalent qualification, together with a sufficient amount and level of business and management experience appropriate to the research being undertaken. However, subject to a successful interview with the course director, candidates with an undergraduate degree of at least 2:2 in the wider social sciences area and relevant significant business experience are also welcome to apply. Exceptionally, applicants without these qualifications may also be considered for admission if they have a number of years of experience at a senior level. Applicants in this category would not normally be less than 28 years of age.

Course contents

Course Structure

The course is a 3-year full-time study. However, it can also be completed in 4 years on a part-time basis by taking the taught modules of year one over two years and undertaking years 2 and 3 as normal. This can be extended to 5 years in total, if required.

Year 1 is essentially taught. However, Years 2 and 3 are based on semi-guided learning that is also supported by participatory research groups. Teaching and research support will be delivered on a block basis requiring attendance at the university for two days approximately 9 times a year.

Course modules:

Year One:

• Research Philosophy and Design
• Computer-Aided Research
• Current Trends in Leadership Scholarship
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Current Trends in Strategic Thinking
• The Practice of Research
• Project One: Critical Review of Literature Relating to the Enquiry
• Project Two: Research Rationale and Design

Year Two:

• Continuation of Project Two: Research Rationale and Design
• Project Three: Implementation and Evaluation

Year Three:

• Continuation of Project Three: Implementation and Evaluation
• Project Four: The Reflective Practitioner

Assessment

The taught modules are assessed in a variety of ways, including seminar papers, reports, and presentations. Once all work is completed and the doctorate portfolio submitted candidates will also be examined by viva.

Careers

Career opportunities

Successful completion of this course will enable individuals to become more competent in their specialist fields and enhance their management practice. They will also gain the ability to apply key problem solving skills to achieve a set of objectives and use research within different business contexts as a vehicle for policy improvement and strategy development.

Hence the likelihood is that successful candidates will enjoy improved career opportunities in their selected fields and they will have a distinctive qualification to pursue senior management positions in a variety of organisations both in national and international contexts.