University of Bradford: Postgraduate Programme specification. UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Management

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1 University of Bradford: Postgraduate Programme specification UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Management Programme title: Doctor of Business Administration Awarding and teaching institution: Final award: Programme title: Programme approved / accredited by: Duration: UCAS code: University of Bradford Doctor of Business Administration Date produced: 17 th December 2001 Last updated : 28th March 2013 Introduction [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 8] Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) 48 months minimum 84 months maximum In accordance with the University s mission Making Knowledge Work, the School of Management aims to provide excellence in a range of business areas. We are committed to the belief that business education should be offered in a way that facilitates rather than constrains. It should provide a thorough grounding in core business disciplines as well as offering participants the opportunity to specialise in a specific business area. This programme contributes to those aims offering practising managers and professional staff the opportunity to combine the best of academic knowledge with the best of practitioner knowledge so as to push forward the boundaries of understanding of business and management. This involves equipping you with the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in rapidly changing and challenging environments. You will develop the competences to think critically and strategically and identify complex research programmes needed to develop new approaches or new knowledge that will drive organisational change and make a significant contribution to the development of your chosen profession. The programme is supported by experienced researchers and practitioners from a wide range of academic backgrounds and cultures to assist you in developing in-depth knowledge of research methods and the ability to apply them to real business and management issues. Programme Aims The programme is intended to produce managers and leaders who, through gaining in-depth knowledge about research methods, are able to apply them to exploring organizational and DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 1

2 managerial practices. You will do this through combining your academic and business expertise so as to contribute to the development of knowledge of and/or professional practice in organizations. Programme Learning Outcomes When you have completed the programme you will be able to: 1. Create and interpret new knowledge through original research into business and management 2. Discuss the state of the art in one or more specialist areas of management theory, thus demonstrating a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of the discipline or professional practice 3. Interpret the nature and philosophy of management research 4. Identify appropriate research methodologies for addressing areas at the forefront of the discipline 5. Select suitable methods for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. 6. Critically assess the suitability of the research methodologies used in other research projects and in your own work 7. Conduct a significant research project in your own (or other) organization(s) 8. Analyse the results of research, using qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method techniques 9. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in your area of professional practice through the application of research outcomes. 10. Demonstrate understanding of how to translate theory or research into practice; 11. Communicate and disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences 12. Understand the importance of ethical practices in research, and conform with high standards of ethics in research; 13. Address major challenges for business and society in the 21 st century. These may include but are not limited to such issues as globalisation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. Curriculum The programme is structured in two parts: Part 1 consists of eight taught modules and Part 2 relates to the doctoral research-based element. The DBA has a credit volume of 540 credits. Part 1 consists of 180 credits, and Part 2 of 360 credits. The 8 modules in Part 1 allow you to cumulatively develop knowledge of and experience in research methods. At the start of Part 2, one module is structured to support you in developing and presenting a comprehensive research proposal that assesses your capacity to undertake a programme of research (20 credits), you will then progress to the research phase and produce a 50,000 word thesis (340 credits) based on original research carried out within an organisation(s). Progression to part 2, the thesis phase, is subject to satisfactory performance in the taught stage of the programme and in the transfer module. DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 2

3 Part 1 (180 credits) Module Code MAN4285D MAN4286D MAN4288D MAN4287D MAND002D Module Title Type Credits Level Study period Introduction to Research Methods at Doctoral Level Philosophical approaches to researching and studying management and organisations Quantitative Research Methods at Doctoral Level Qualitative research methods for DBA studies Critique of management research studies (1) Core 20 7 Year 1 Core 20 7 Year 1 Core 20 7 Year 1 Core 20 7 Year 1 Core 20 7 Year 2 MAN4336M Literature Reviewing for DBA Studies Core 20 7 Year 2 MAND008T MAND009T Advanced studies in management and business studies (1): the practitioner as author Advanced studies in management and business studies (2): translating research into practice Core 30 7 Year 2 Core 30 7 Year 2 Part 2 (360 credits) Module Code Module Title Type Credits Level Study period MAND010D Thesis Research Proposal Core 20 8 Year 3 MAND007A DBA Thesis Core Years 3-7 Upon successful completion of Part 1 and having achieved 180 credits at levels 7, students may be eligible for the degree of MSc. Research in Business and Management if they are not progressing to the research phase. Candidates who leave the programme prior to completion of Phase 1 may be eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. For a Postgraduate Certificate, candidates must study units in Part 1 amounting to 60 credits at Level 7 and have passed them. For a Postgraduate Diploma, candidates must study units in Part 1 amounting to 120 credits at Level 7 and have passed them. The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. Achieving Learning Outcomes You will achieve the learning outcomes through the following aspects of your studies: DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 3

4 Create and interpret new knowledge through original research into business and management This is primarily achieved through the thesis (MAND007A) but all taught modules contribute towards your achieving this aim. The peer review workshops are important forums for facilitating the development of your ideas through debate and discussion with DBA students and academic staff; Discuss the state of the art in one or more specialist areas of management theory, thus demonstrating a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of the discipline or professional practice This is initially achieved through the taught modules where you learn to critically evaluate management theory/research, and then through the thesis (MAND007A) as your research will develop new knowledge that pushes forward the boundaries of what is known in your area of management and organization studies. You will develop the skills of discussing the state of the art in peer review workshops, where you will support and be supported by fellow students, through whose work you will be exposed to a wide range of ideas; Interpret the nature and philosophy of management research This is the specific focus of MAN4286D, which explores philosophical approaches to researching and studying management and business for DBA students. Through the reflective learning log that you will keep throughout your studies, you will be able to use philosophical ideas to explore your own practices; Identify appropriate research methodologies for addressing areas at the forefront of the discipline This is explored in the three modules that focus on research methods Introduction to research Methods at Doctoral level (MAN4285D), Quantitative research methods at Doctoral level (MAN4288D) and Qualitative research methods for DBA studies (MAN4287D). Select suitable methods for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. This is achieved specifically through the module Critique of management research studies (1) (MAND002D) that builds on what you will already have learned in MAN4285D, MAN4286D, MAN4288D, MAN4287D. Critically assess the suitability of the research methodologies used in other research projects and in their own work This is specifically addressed in Critique of management research studies (1) (MAND002D) Conduct a significant research project in their own (or other) organization(s) DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 4

5 This is the thesis stage of your studies (MAND007A) but all of the other modules will have prepared you for undertaking the thesis. Throughout your studies on the DBA you will keep a reflective learning journal that will provide invaluable insights into how you are developing your ideas. There will be workshops and day-conferences organised during the taught part of the programme that will help you hone your ideas about your research, and the peer review workshops that you will attend during the research phase of the programme will help guide you through the process. Analyse the results of research, using qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method techniques This aim relates specifically to your thesis (MAND007A) in which you will analyse the results of your own research. However, you will also have been analysing data in most of the modules up to that point. Demonstrate understanding of how to translate theory or research into practice; This is the specific focus of MAND009T, Advanced studies in management and business studies (2): translating research into practice, which prepares you for exploring how to translate the findings of your thesis (MAND007A) into practice. You will also demonstrate this in the applied aspects of your research project. Communicate and disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences. MAND008T, Advanced studies in management and business studies (1): the practitioner as author, focuses on how to communicate the outcomes of your research through writing for academic and practitioner journals. However, throughout the programme you will participate in seminars, workshops and peer review workshops in which you will be communicating your ideas about your research. Translating your research into practice is the ultimate test of dissemination to a variety of audiences. Understand the importance of ethical practices in research, and conform with high standards of ethics in research. Research ethics is introduced during the first module and is a running theme through all later modules. The importance of high ethical standards in research is discussed throughout the taught stage of the programme, and students have to account for their ethical research behaviours in all taught modules as well as in the thesis. Students are expected to attach their ethics approval forms with the Thesis Research Proposal. Address major challenges for business and society in the 21 st century. These may include but are not limited to such issues as globalisation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. Many students register on the DBA because they are working at the cutting edge of major challenges and changes for business and society in the 21 st century. The DBA provides a forum for the development of academic practitioners who bring the highest standards of academic research to the application of business and societal responses to these challenges and changes. Every module in which you participate will explore how to undertake research into the issues identified by students as the most profound topics DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 5

6 facing business and society currently. The peer review workshops ensure that students share knowledge and develop ideas about tackling these issues, because each participant is asked to state the relationship of their research to finding solutions to the major problems facing business and society in the 21 st century., Learning Teaching and Assessment Strategies School of Management programmes aim to combine academic rigour with practicality and relevance to professionals and managers. They aim to reflect best practice and innovative thinking and research. The approach, therefore, to teaching and learning aims to integrate applied and theoretical knowledge. Similarly, assessment processes test both knowledge of the disciplines plus their application and limitations. The DBA in particular facilitates the development of knowledge at the forefront of the discipline. The philosophy underpinning the taught part of the DBA is that mature students such as those attracted to the DBA learn best by reading, doing, then reflecting on that doing, before beginning the cycle again. Each module builds on the learning achieved in previous modules, so learning is cumulative, and all modules relate to each other. Initially you are introduced to research, and you will undertake a small, mixed method study which is then used in a subsequent module as the focus for developing understanding of the philosophy of research. You are then introduced to more advanced qualitative and quantitative research methods taking forward your earlier work and developing a more in-depth understanding of research methods, the philosophy underpinning research, and a continued refining of your own research aims and questions. The emphasis then switches to developing an understanding of a particular field through focusing on techniques for critically assessing research in your own chosen sub-discipline. As you progress through the modules you will apply the ability of critical review to a wider range of literature in your chosen sub-discipline and search more widely for methods or research outcomes from other disciplines that may be transferred to add value to your own work. This review allows them to identify gaps in knowledge in the sub-discipline, consider creative methods to find ways of extending knowledge in the subdiscipline and to explore how to become a practitioner author through studying how to write for academic journals. You will undertake a pilot study writing it up in the format of a journal paper so as to gain experience of that form of academic writing. You will then develop an understanding of the issues of translating research into practice, a fundamental aspect of a DBA. You will be expected to reflect on the insights already developed into the key issues you are tackling, and explore how such findings, if replicated in a bigger study, could be translated into practice. This takes you to the progression to the research stage, bringing all the elements together in a research proposal that is presented and defended. Successful completion of your proposal prepares you for the main research stage and ultimately writing the thesis. During the main research phase you will attend peer review workshops that enhance understanding, provide motivation and support, enable networking, prepare you for presenting your work to non-specialists, give opportunities for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and will expose you to research from outside your specialist area. Assessment for the early 20 credit modules is by means of one 7000 word paper, and for the Advanced Studies 30 credit modules it is by means of one word paper. In addition, you will be asked to make presentations in modules MAN4287D, MAN4285D, MAND008T and MAND009T. Non-credit-bearing, informal formative assessment of these DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 6

7 presentations will be made by academic staff and peers on the programme. The later papers are expected to follow the format of academic journal papers, although the focus will differ between modules. If you fail to meet the required standard in any module you will be given feedback and asked to revise the original paper to bring it to the expected standard. Teaching in Part 1 is in intensive study blocks of 3-5 days, and after each study block you will have 6-8 weeks in which to undertake the work required by the module. During this period you must focus on self-directed study, in liaison with (in the first year) the module tutor and (in subsequent years) your supervisor. There are eight inter-linked, taught modules that take you from an introduction to research to transfer to doctoral status. In the first year s four taught modules, the module leader first marks all papers, which are then second marked by the module leader of the next module in the timetable, you will always receive formative as well as summative feedback to help you to understand not just the techniques of research but also the culture of constructive critical review that is essential for success. In subsequent years, your supervisor first marks papers, but the Director of Studies or module leader second marks, to ensure consistency between supervisors. During the main research phase you will develop a close working relationship with your supervisor who acts as a sounding board for ideas as well as mentoring you through to the preparation of the final thesis. The range of assessment methods used throughout this programme have been specifically designed to be progressive in terms of developing critical analysis and writing skills in addition to addressing specific learning outcomes as indicated in the previous section. Also, they benefit from increasing levels of formative feedback as you progress through the modules and then the research phase with the final thesis being the capstone or synoptic assessment that encompasses all the learning outcomes. One of the School of Management s main aims is to address major challenges for business and society such as globalisation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. We will seek to prepare you to be able to contribute to the debates in these key areas and to critically appraise the relationships between the social, environmental and economic dimensions. The peer review workshops will be the forum in which these topics will be explored in depth: you will be asked to relate your evolving ideas to these and any other major challenges identified by the DBA students themselves. We recognise that DBA students are often at the cutting edge of developments in globalisation, CSR, business ethics, sustainable development, etc., and our aim is to ensure that all participants can learn from each other as well as from academic staff. Our intention is to encourage debate amongst peers so that you will continue to develop your own values and understanding of sustainability and CSR in a global context and how it applies to your own situation. The international nature of the DBA student cohort will expose you to perspectives that you may not otherwise come across and the peer to peer debate is an essential part of the DBA learning and teaching strategy. Assessment Regulations This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link: For a Degree of Doctor of Business Administration, you must have acquired 180 credits at level 7 in the taught modules, 20 credits at level 8 for your research proposal, and 340 credits at level 8 for the thesis. DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 7

8 All elements in Part 1 must be passed before progressing to Part 2. Where a candidate has not attained the required level in any module (grades A, B, or C) they must submit work for supplementary assessment. Supplementary assessment will be by re-submission of the work, taking into account the feedback received. Normally, only one re-submission will be allowed for each module. Candidates will be provided with feedback in support of all decisions. In Part 2 a panel comprising normally of supervisor(s) and the Director of Studies will assess the research proposal, and internal and external examiners appointed to examine the thesis must be satisfied with its content before the candidate will be considered for the award of doctor. Admission Requirements Consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic qualifications and relevant managerial or professional experience. The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If you have any form of disability you may wish to contact the Director of Studies before you apply to ensure that reasonable adjustments can be made to facilitate your studies. For admission to the DBA you will normally have successfully completed an MBA with average performance of merit or higher within the ten years prior to applying to study on the programme. You will also normally have worked for at least five years at middle or senior managerial levels since completing your MBA. Entry to the programme on a similar basis may be possible if you possess a relevant master s degree, or equivalent, from an approved HEI or awarding body, rather than an MBA. Relevant masters degrees will normally have included aspects relevant to an understanding of business administration, organisations, and management. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate capacity for studying in the English language with an IELTS (or equivalent) score of 6.5 or above (with no sub-test less than 6.5), and evidence of having studied or worked in an English-speaking environment. You will be able to discuss your application with one of the programme team. Learning Resources DBA students study part-time in a range of environments and locations but wherever a module or learning activity is taking place the student experience is at the forefront of our planning. The School s Bradford campus incorporates our Heaton Mount executive education and conference facilities and these are used extensively for DBA workshops. The Emm Lane campus also includes a Harvard-style lecture theatre, the Management/Law library and resource centre, careers and the Effective Learning Service to ensure that you get the most out of your time here. Library The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist in the School of Management provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians provide training sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your assignment/research, and will help you organise your references properly. The School s library offers a wide range of quality resources including: DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 8

9 On-line databases for articles from over 7,000 journals Country, industry and company information and market research reports In house databases for theses and project dissertations Inter-library lending service There is an on-line public access web catalogue to the library stock which also allows user to check their own records allowing you to renew and reserve books remotely (particularly useful for part-time students). The library plays a key role in developing the information management and research skills of staff and students offering seminars on a wide range of topics and information sources such as the Endnote citation and referencing software. Effective Learning Service The School s Effective Learning Service (ELS) is a key resource for students experiencing academic related difficulties. Established in 2003 it has a remit to help you to become a more effective learner and to work to the best of your ability. It s main aim is to help you to develop study skills that connect to your previous learning experiences, emphasising that all learning styles can be enhanced and developed. Technology PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on and off campus), and you can also access your University account, personal information and programme-related materials this way. The technology infrastructure at the School is supported by the School s Computing and Audio Visual Team. The principal learning platform is the virtual learning environment (VLE) Blackboard which provides access to all the relevant learning materials to support each module; discussion boards and the opportunity to get formative feedback and highlight potential academic bad practice by allowing nonassessed submission of reports to referencing checking software (Turnitin). This is particularly useful for students returning to study after a long break. The VLE is continually being developed to find new ways to communicate with students to support learning. Student Support and Guidance Programme Team Support for you personally and in your programme of study, will be provided both by the University and the Programme Team. Your main contact in the early stages of the programme will be the Director of Studies, who is someone with whom you will be able to talk about any academic or personal concerns. The School will ensure that there is someone available with whom you feel comfortable to help and support you. You will be provided with a comprehensive series of handbooks that you can consult on a range of learning issues and your programme tutors will be available to consult on subject specific queries. DBA students meet with their peers and faculty four times in Year One, three times in Year Two, and at two or more peer review workshops each year of continuing study. These meetings include instruction, peer-group discussion, and presentation of work and evaluation of progress. You will be encouraged to present your own work and constructively comment on the work of your peers. At the end of the first year you will be allocated a primary DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 9

10 research supervisor who will meet with you on a regular basis to give guidance on submitted and presented work. The Director of Studies is supported by a Programme Manager (based in Bonn) and a Programme Administrator in managing the DBA Programme and they can answer most of your questions and provide support. The DBA Review Panel meets twice per annum to review student progress and advises the Director of Studies of any students that are not making satisfactory progress and may need additional support. Additionally your supervisor should be in regular contact with you to discuss progress and to give advice. The Peer Review workshops also act as the Staff/Student Liaison Committee and there is always time set aside to formally raise concerns, discuss problems or highlight best practice encountered that may require a more formal consideration and response from the programme team. Students Services The Students Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will provide you with information about a diverse range of issues. International Students can access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student s Union. Careers and Employability The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this is an integral part of many programmes. However, most DBA students are mid-career, so the opportunities for career development are provided not so much by official resources as by the international networking made available to you through working closely with fellow students from all over the world, and from a broad range of industries and professional groups. Learner Development Unit The University s Learner Development Unit provides support in all aspects of academic, maths, numeracy and interpersonal skills. A programme of interactive workshops is delivered during both semesters which complements the individual support available from supervisors and the wide range of interactive online materials. Disability Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: or via disabilities@bradford.ac.uk University policies and initiatives Ecoversity Ecoversity is a strategic project of the University which aims to embed the principles of sustainable development into our decision-making, learning and teaching, research activities, campus operations and lives of our staff and students. We do not claim to be a beacon for DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 10

11 sustainable development but we aspire to become a leading University in this area. The facilities we create for teaching and learning, including teaching spaces, laboratories, IT labs and social spaces, will increasingly reflect our commitments to sustainable development. Staff and student participation in this initiative is crucial to its success and its inclusion in the programme specification is a clear signal that it is at the forefront of our thinking in programme development, delivery, monitoring and review. For more details see Further Information: For further information, please check the University prospectus or contact Admissions. The Admissions Office The University of Bradford Richmond Road Bradford, BD7 1DP UK +44 (0) The DBA Team, School of Management, The University of Bradford Emm Lane, Bradford, BD9 4JL. UK +44 (0) The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's regulations and Programme approval, monitoring and review procedures. DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 11

12 Appendix 1. Curriculum map This table shows in which modules the main learning outcomes are developed and/or assessed: Stage Module Programme Learning Outcomes MAN4285D S S S A S A S A S 1 MAN4286D S A S S S 1 MAN4288D S S S A A S S A S S S 1 MAN4287D S S S A A S S A S 1 MAND002D S A A S S A S S 1 MAN4336M S A A S S A S S 1 MAND008T S A A A S A S S S S 1 MAND009T S A A A S A S S A S 2 MAND010D A A A A A A S A S S A A A 2 MAND007A A A A A A A A A A A A A A A = this outcome is formally assessed in the module S = this outcome is explicitly supported in the learning and teaching but is not formally assessed Programme Outcomes 1. Create and interpret new knowledge through original research into business and management 2. Discuss the state of the art in one or more specialist areas of management theory, thus demonstrating a systematic acquisition and understanding of a substantial body of knowledge at the forefront of the discipline or professional practice 3. Interpret the nature and philosophy of management research 4. Identify appropriate research methodologies for addressing areas at the forefront of the discipline 5. Select suitable methods for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data. 6. Critically assess the suitability of the research methodologies used in other research projects and in their own work 7. Conduct a significant research project in their own (or other) organization(s) 8. Analyse the results of research, using qualitative, quantitative or mixed-method techniques 9. Demonstrate specialist knowledge in your area of professional practice through the application of research outcomes. 10. Demonstrate understanding of how to translate theory or research into practice; 11. Communicate and disseminate research outcomes to a variety of audiences. 12. Understand the importance of ethical practices in research, and conform with high standards of ethics in research; 13. Address major challenges for business and society in the 21 st century. These may include but are not limited to such issues as globalisation, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development. DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 12

13 Appendix 2. Assessment map This table shows the methods of assessments used across different stages and modules: Stage Module Methods of Assessment Assessment MAN4285D X 1 MAN4286D X 1 MAN4288D X 1 MAN4287D X 1 MAND002D X 1 MAN4336M X 1 MAND008T X 1 MAND009T X 2 MAND010D X 2 MAND007A X 1 = coursework 7,000 word papers; 2 = coursework 8,000 to 10,000 word papers; 3 = a research proposal and presentation 4 = viva voce examination of a doctoral thesis of c. 50,000 words DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 13

14 Appendix 3. Teaching map This table shows the main delivery methods which are used across modules and stages: Stage Module MAN4285D X X X 1 MAN4286D X X X 1 MAN4288D X X X 1 MAN4287D X X X X 1 MAND002D X X X X X 1 MAN4336M X X X X 1 MAND008T X X X X X 1 MAND009T X X X X X 2 MAND010D X X 2 MAND007A X 1 = lectures 2 = seminars and small group work 3 = presentations 4 = practicals 5 = one-to-one supervision with subject specialist DBA (V5) Final.doc Page 14