Business Administration DBA

The DBA is a research-based programme consisting of two stages incorporating four structured modules along with the research development stage (Stage 1) and a research project stage (Stage 2).

Stage 1 of the programme will consist of the course stage (delivery of four structured modules) which will focus on delivering systematic approach towards literature review and research methods training to equip doctoral candidates with tools to pursue original practice-based research at a doctoral level.

The four modules delivered during the first two years are as follows:

• Critique of Literature
• Synthesis of Literature
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Quantitative Research Methods

Those students who succeed through the course stage will have the opportunity to proceed further to develop and present their research proposal (research development stage which also forms part of Stage 1). Once approved, the DBA candidates will pursue independent and original research under the supervision of Staffordshire University approved academics (research project stage or Stage 2).

The programme is designed to give you the freedom to develop your own ideas and interests, whilst benefiting from the shared experiences of your peers through small study groups. The philosophy of the programme is based on the belief that this level of management education is based on three inter-related objectives: 

• The provision of an academically challenging and stimulating curriculum.
• The application of the curriculum to an appropriate managerial and professional context.
• The development of your personal and professional effectiveness, and your continuing ability to be a successful reflective management practitioner.

The overarching objectives are thus to:

• Enhance your ability to question, analyse, critique and theorise through the undertaking of a programme of research, and so develop your professional management practice.
• Provide sound training in the design, execution and analysis of research to enable you to complete a thesis and potentially other academic publications that represent original contributions to the practice of management and thereby business and management knowledge.
• Recognise the relationship between management research and the professional practice of management within business organisation.
• Facilitate and foster your ability to question and challenge received wisdom in business and management arena, and consider how learning is translated into management practice, and practice into business and management theory.
• Build a rich community of reflective business and management practitioners.

The parallel strands of professional development and management research training offered by the DBA are designed to provide mutual enhancement of theory and praxis within the learning experience.

 

The DBA is planned to develop your professional and research skills and encourage the application of original thought to management practice.  It is concerned with professional development through knowledge creation and will benefit both the individual career of the successful graduate, as well as the profession and organisation in which you are, or may in the future be, employed.  You will be able to employ your new knowledge and skills across a wide range of professional occupations, especially those where critical thinking and knowledge creation in relation to professional tasks is necessary and highly valued.

Learning support

Additional support