Programs

Doctorate

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Dissertation Track


Program Overview

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Barton Business School is a terminal doctoral qualification designed for experienced professionals, senior managers, and entrepreneurs who wish to advance their expertise through rigorous research and applied business practice.

The Dissertation Track focuses on independent doctoral research under the supervision of academic mentors, culminating in a substantial doctoral dissertation that contributes new knowledge to business and management practice.

This program enables candidates to investigate real-world business challenges and develop evidence-based solutions that impact organizations, industries, and policy environments.

Graduates of the DBA program demonstrate the ability to integrate theory and practice, conduct advanced research, and provide strategic leadership in complex business environments.

Key Features of the Program

  • Doctoral-level qualification in Business Administration
  • Research-focused program culminating in a doctoral dissertation
  • Supervision by experienced academic mentors
  • Flexible structure suitable for working professionals
  • Applied research addressing real organizational challenges
  • Development of high-level analytical and strategic thinking skills

Program Objectives

The DBA program aims to:

  • Develop advanced research competencies in business and management
  • Enable professionals to address complex strategic problems through research
  • Bridge the gap between academic theory and business practice
  • Produce original contributions to knowledge in applied business fields
  • Strengthen leadership, decision-making, and innovation capabilities

Duration

Typical duration: 3 – 4 Years

StageDuration
Research Preparation6–12 months
Research Proposal Development6 months
Doctoral Research18–24 months
Dissertation Writing & Defense6–12 months

Program Structure

The DBA – Dissertation Track follows a research-intensive structure.


Stage 1 – Research Foundations

Candidates develop advanced research skills and identify their doctoral research focus. Example areas include:

  • Research Methodology
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods
  • Doctoral Research Design
  • Academic Writing and Publishing

Stage 2 – Research Proposal

Students prepare a formal doctoral research proposal, including:

  • Research problem
  • Literature review
  • Research methodology
  • Data collection approach
  • Expected contribution to knowledge

The proposal is reviewed by an academic committee before progressing to the dissertation stage.

Stage 3 – Doctoral Research

Students conduct independent research under the supervision of a doctoral advisor. Typical research fields include:

  • Strategic Management
  • Corporate Governance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation Management
  • Digital Transformation
  • International Business
  • Finance and Investment
  • Organizational Leadership

Stage 4 – Dissertation

The final stage involves the completion of a doctoral dissertation. The dissertation:

  • Demonstrates original research
  • Contributes new knowledge to business practice
  • Applies rigorous research methodologies
  • Addresses a significant management or organizational challenge

Typical dissertation length: 60,000 – 80,000 words

The dissertation is evaluated by academic examiners and may require an oral defense (viva).

Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the DBA program will be able to:

  • Conduct independent doctoral-level research
  • Critically evaluate complex business theories and frameworks
  • Apply advanced research methodologies to real-world problems
  • Produce scholarly research contributing to business knowledge
  • Provide strategic leadership and innovation in organizations

Research Areas

Doctoral candidates may pursue research in areas such as:

  • Strategic Management
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Leadership and Organizational Behavior
  • Marketing Strategy
  • Digital Business Transformation
  • International Business Management
  • Financial Strategy and Corporate Finance
  • Sustainability and ESG Strategy

Supervision and Support

Each DBA candidate is assigned:

Supervisors guide candidates through:

Admission Requirements

Typical requirements include:

  • Master's degree in Business, Management, or related discipline
  • Professional managerial experience preferred
  • Research proposal or research interest statement
  • Academic transcripts and CV
  • Interview with the doctoral admissions committee

Career Outcomes

The DBA prepares graduates for senior roles, including:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Senior Strategy Consultant
  • Corporate Director
  • Academic Lecturer or Adjunct Professor
  • Research Fellow
  • Policy Advisor

Assessment

The program is assessed through:

  • Research proposal evaluation
  • Progress reviews
  • Dissertation submission
  • Final dissertation defense (if required)

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

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