Overview

The DBA is a four-year, part-time program structured in two stages.

Stage one, the taught stage, consists of two years of course work that covers research philosophies, qualitative and quantitative research methods, research in support of business functions, literature review & critique, and human factors and social responsibility.

Stage two, the research and dissertation stage, lasts between two and three years. At this stage, the formal teaching aspect of the program ends and students are expected to use the knowledge gained from stage one to undertake a research investigation that represents an original contribution to professional practice that possesses exceptional academic merit. DBA candidates are expected to tackle issues of real importance to their own organizations, delivering high-utility outcomes and enjoying the rewards of seeing their solutions beneficially implemented. During this period, the student's work will be overseen by two supervisors.

The program is completed after successful submission and defense of the dissertation.

The DBA program has five primary areas of focus:

Communication skills
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving.
Autonomy, Teamwork and Leadership.
Ethical and Civic Engagement.
Discipline knowledge.

The following 6 Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) specify what DBA graduates will be able to do upon completion of the program,
PLO 1 Communicate effectively, in writing and orally, highly complex and diverse academic and professional information to expert audiences
PLO 2 Apply a range of mastered critical thinking skills and techniques including synthesis, evaluation, planning and reflection to extend and redefine professional practice and knowledge.
PLO 3 Evaluate highly technical data and information to provide innovative and sustainable practical solutions to challenging and interdisciplinary business problems.
PLO 4 Demonstrate effective leadership capabilities, to act with autonomy and integrity, in various professional contexts.
PLO 5 Assess, diverse issues, using ethical reasoning, in managing highly complex interdisciplinary organizational problems.
PLO 6 Create new knowledge and innovative, practical solutions to challenging and interdisciplinary business problems.