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Programmes

You are here: Management | Programmes | Research | Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) | Structure

Structure

There are two main parts to the Bradford DBA.

Part 1: Research skills training

In years one and two you will study eight modules designed, firstly, to develop doctoral-level expertise in research methods and, secondly, to take you to the point where you can start your own research at the end of year two. The modules are practically focused so that, if you wish, you can hone your research skills by focusing on current problems you have to tackle for your organization. You will maintain a learning journal that will helps you become more reflective as a business person and encourages professional self-improvement. Procedure to Part 2 is by a module which will involve you writing a research proposal which you will present at a 'mini viva'.

Part 2: Research

You will complete a supervised research project leading to either a thesis of 60,000 words, or a combination of thesis and management reports that together total about 60,000 words. Your thesis will be focused on your professional practice. It may be problem driven, giving you the opportunity to demonstrate where existing theories break down and new thinking is needed, or discovering a new way in which to tackle difficult issues. Your research project provides you with the chance to demonstrate that you have combined the highest level of both professional and academic expertise, and will provide you with skills and insights you will draw on throughout your career.


Title of unit
Assessment
YEAR 1

Introduction to Research Methods for DBA
Written essay of 6,000 words maximum based on your first, small research project.
Philosophical approaches to researching and studying Management and Organizations
Written essay of 6,000 words maximum, which explores findings from Module One from a philosophical perspective.
Quantitative research methods for DBA
Written essay of 6,000 words maximum based on a small study using quantitative methods.
Qualitative research methods for DBA
Written essay of 6,000 words maximum based on a small study using qualitative or mixed methods.
Reflective learning journal
Reflective journal of 6,000 words maximum.
YEAR 2

Critique of management research studies
Written essay of 6,000 words maximum involving critique of published research.
Advanced studies in Management and Business Studies (1)
Written paper of 6,000-8,000 words based on a pilot study for the thesis, supervised by thesis supervisor.
Advanced studies in Management and Business Studies (2)
Written paper of 6,000-8,000 words maximum in which you explore how your research could be used by companies.
Communication and presentation
Written detailed research proposal and a verbal presentation to supervisor and DBA academic staff.
YEARS 3-4 or 3-6

DBA thesis
A written thesis, maximum 60,000 words, or combination of thesis (minimum 40,000 words) and management reports to a total of 60,000 words. These are presented in accordance with University regulations for doctoral theses. Examined by viva-voce (spoken) examination according to University regulations for the conduct of doctoral examinations

Timescales and attendance

The Bradford DBA starts in September each year and takes between four and six years to complete. Parts 1 and 2 will normally take one year each, while you will normally complete Part 3 over two to four years.

You will attend residential workshops spread throughout the year in years one and two. These are a compulsory part of the programme. From year 3 onward you will attend a minimum of two x two-day peer review workshops each year. They give you the chance to test your ideas with fellow participants, while you can advise them on theirs. The PRWs keep DBA students motivated, and contribute to our having fewer students fail to complete than most DBA programmes.

Bradford University School of Management, Emm Lane, Bradford BD9 4JL
Tel: +44 (0)1274 234393 Fax: +44 (0)1274 234405 E-mail: management@bradford.ac.uk
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