Doctor of business administration (DBA) G r a d u a t e S c h o o l o f B u s i n e s s, U n i v e r s i t i S a i n s M a l a y s i a ABEST21 ACCREDITED eduniversal ECXCELLENT BUSINESS SCHOOL QUALITY SYSTEM SIRIM MS ISO/IEC 17021 : 2006 QS 02121999 CB 01 CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2008 CERT. NO.: AR 5233 QUALITY SYSTEM SIRIM CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2008 CERT. NO.: AR 5233 QUALITY SYSTEM SIRIM 074 CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2008 CERT. NO.: AR 5233
MESSAGE from PROGRAMme MANAGER (dba) First of all, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all aspiring scholars who have taken the interest to explore the doctorate programme at the Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Your future destiny depends on your decisions, and at a certain stage in your career, further education could be a big part of the answer to that niggling question we all ask ourselves: What s next in my life? In an era marked by uncertainty,, the private and public sectors, as well as the nonprofit organisations/social enterprises, face an increasingly unpredictable global environment. While successes in managing difficult and risky situations abound, the paradox is that successes could potentially breed more challenges. For example, a seemingly perfect supply chain aided by technology and efficient logistics is, more than ever, easily disrupted by natural and man-made disasters. Hence, you, as a knowledge worker, need to rise above any mediocrity existing within the socio-business environment, which may, to some extent, hinder you from moving forward. For you, more than anything else, an ability to synergise with, and complement, the managerial and leadership skills required of you, becomes even more crucial. This is where the doctorate programme at the Graduate School of Business (GSB) could be of service to you. Through this programme, you will be equipped with management skills/knowledge in six core functional areas Marketing, Organisational Behaviour, Accounting/Financial Management, Corporate Strategy, and Technology Management. In addition, the Consultancy and Research Methodology courses are aimed at sharpening your ability to systematically and creatively find solutions to any business challenge. We are also living in an era where DBA scholars at GSB will be challenged to renew the meaning of corporate citizenship. As doctorate scholars at GSB, you will also gain many opportunities to be part of ground-breaking research in transdisciplinary studies business application of research in science and social sciences and expand into new horizons that foster new solutions for civil societies. I wish you all the best in your educational pursuits. Dr Ellisha Nasruddin DBA Programme Manager
Programme Highlights Established in 1992, the DBA programme is geared towards producing business leaders who are equipped with the skills, competencies, and core ethical values required for success in the contemporary global business environment. It is especially catered for those who are ready to synergise and complement the managerial skills required to succeed in today s competitive business environment, with advanced scientific as well as business knowledge. A key distinguishing feature of this programme comes from a three-part programme curriculum. Learners begin the programme through theoretical updating in six key management disciplines (Part I) and synergise this knowledge with research methods and applied problem-solving (Part II) before producing a dissertation (Part III). The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the candidates to contribute to their fields and also to respond to the needs of society, particularly in the management of various government bodies, private agencies, and NGOs. At the end of the programme, graduates will be able to: Apply and integrate advanced knowledge of the core business disciplines in research and/or practice. Generate advanced practical, technical and scientific knowledge to unravel complex business problems. Demonstrate interpersonal skills in communicating effectively with all stakeholders and to interact with groups and individuals at all levels Display social and team-building skills, together with a focus on sustainability in decision-making and problem-solving Incorporate ethical values and a professional attitude in decision-making and problemsolving. Show competency in using and managing ICT and demonstrate responsibility for continual knowledge and skill development. Display innovative, strategic thinking, entrepreneurial skills and sound judgment in problem analysis and solutions, and communicate them effectively and convincingly to a range of audiences. Display skills in leading change within a dynamic global business environment.
PROGRAMme STRUCTURE The DBA programme is delivered in three parts, through a series of lecture seminars, consultancy, teaching practicum, and independent study. Part I: Theoretical Updating (18 Units) AGW721/3 SEMINAR IN MANAGEMENT CONTROL AND DECISION MAKING This course introduces students to the application of various theories within a particular topic, such as in earnings management, choice of accounting policy, management accounting and control, auditing, Islamic accounting, and corporate social reporting. AGW722/3 SEMINAR IN HUMAN CAPITAL TRANSFORMATION This course deals with the issues surrounding the management of human resources and how firms can gain and sustain a competitive advantage through human resources. It also examines the challenges and issues pertaining to human resource management and the substantial research that has been undertaken relating to human resources. AGW 724/3 SEMINAR IN MANAGING TECHNOLOGY AND DECISION MAKING This course covers the principles, theories, concepts, applications, strategies and issues in technology management that are essential for business leaders as well as entrepreneurs. It is a highly practical course that stresses the strategic importance of technology in the business context, incorporates essential IT-related topics, and focuses on practical real-world cases. The course incorporates relevant topics to enhance decision-making and problem-solving skills. AGW 725/3 SEMINAR IN MARKETING AND GLOBAL BUSINESS This course is designed to present important conceptual ideas in integrating marketing into strategic decision-making processes. Superior marketing is an essential requirement for business success in both domestic and international markets. The course focuses on key issues surrounding the commercialisation of new products, entry into international markets, and global issues pertaining to sustainability. AGW 723/3 SEMINAR IN FINANCIAL DECISION MAKING This course covers looks into the essential features of financial accounting, management accounting, and financial management from the perspective of a non-business major. It is a highly practical course that will help students improve their use of accounting and finance in the business context. Particular emphasis is given to developing students skills in analysing and interpreting financial and non-financial information, particularly in the context of the organisation s strategy, its competitors, and its industry. AGW726/3 SEMINAR IN TRENDS AND FORESIGHT IN BUSINESS STRATEGY This seminar focuses on management strategy and examines key research in this area. Classical theories, the latest management strategy models, and current issues are also covered in the course.
& COURSE SYNOPSIS Part II: Knowledge Dissemination and Generation (21 Units) This part is divided into two components: Dissemination of knowledge: AGW727/15 CONSULTANCY AND TRAINING (CAT) course (15 Units) requires the candidate to conduct consultancy and training in a chosen field. This course is completed over two semesters. CAT is a collaborative effort between the apprentice consultants, supervisors and clients engaged in problem-solving of clients business issues. The project critically evaluates, identifies symptoms and problems, and synthesises the issues and provides sustainable solutions. Part III: Dessertation (42 Units) AGW729/42 DISSERTATION AND VIVA VOCE is an extension of the Research Methodology course (AGW 728). This course is offered in the first semester and takes a minimum of three semesters to complete. Students are required to submit their dissertation at the end of the course and will be examined by one external examiner and two external examiners. In addition, the usefulness of the research will also be evaluated by an industry examiner. Generation of Knowledge: AGW728/6 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (6 units) is designed to familiarise the candidate with research methodology, statistical techniques and statistical software packages. The candidate needs to prepare a research proposal, which will form the basis of the dissertation in Part III. This course is completed over two semesters.this course covers the foundations of research, including the philosophical underpinnings of the various research paradigms. Specifically, skills associated with both qualitative and quantitative research approaches are equally emphasised. Students will learn to identify business issues and problems, undertake a comprehensive literature review, and synthesise existing work. In addition, students will also learn how to determine the theoretical framework as well as the appropriate tools and techniques involved in collecting and analysing data and writing up the research proposal. The students also need to explain and justify their research proposal.
ADMISSION CRITERIA Applicants should possess the following: A Master s degree in Management or Master Business Administration (MBA) from a university recognised by USM s Senate, or an equivalent qualification. A minimum CGPA of 3.00, or equivalent. A minimum of five years relevant working experience. Note that degrees awarded by local private institutions of higher learning, including those awarded under any collaborative/franchising schemes with local or foreign partners, must be accredited by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA). Applicants must also attend a pre-test interview before the final selection. Language Requirement (Applicable for international applicants only) A minimum score of 550 in TOEFL(Test of English as a Foreign Language); or A minimum score of 6.0 in IELTS (International English Language Testing System); or Successful completion of USM s Intensive English Course Level IV with a minimum score of Grade B DURATION Full time: 3½ 5 years (or 7 10 semesters) Part time: 4½ 7 years (or 9 14 semesters) FEES Type of candidate Registration fees Personal Bond Tuition fees Total fees Local candidates RM 340.00 - RM 525.00 x 81 units RM 42,865.00 Foreign candidates RM 910.00 RM 1,900.00 RM 790.00 x 81 units RM 66,800.00 SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARD MyBrain15
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES For those who successfully complete the DBA programme, there is no limit to the possibilities available to you. Examples of possible new career paths include: Senior managerial/leadership positions within various industries Corporate trainer Educationist Academic business/management research expert Entrepreneur Business advisor to national government/ multinational companies/small enterprises Leadership/advisory position within the public sector/ non-profit organisations Management consultant (general or in particular business field of interest) Market research consultant Business analyst consultant Project management consultant Management/technical/research writer Columnist: Business analyst writer Editor for commercial/academic business/ management-related publications
VOICES FROM ALUMNI The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at GSB combines an innovative and rigorous curriculum, which helps create a plethora of opportunities for students to enhance their strategic leadership and consultancy skills. The programme s interdisciplinary nature offers cross-training in multiple business fields, which helps students to develop expertise in a wide range of disciplines. I look back on my time as a DBA student at GSB with great pride and happiness. Dr Wan Norhayate Binti Wan Daud Deputy Dean (Research & Graduate) Faculty of Business Management and Accountancy Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin Kuala Terengganu The quality and passion within GSB really motivates students to attend all classes and School events. I studied for four years at GSB while I was living and working in Kuala Lumpur but I looked forward to my classes in Penang each weekend. GSB acts as a private university in the heart of public university, which made my study experience a truly memorable one. Dr. Falahat NejadMahani Mohammad DBA GOLD Medalist for 2012/2013 Academic Session Asst. Profesor/Chairperson, Centre for Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility in Business (CSDCSR) at the Faculty of Accountancy and Management, UTAR
During my DBA, I gained a lot of knowledge and experience that continues to help me in my teaching profession. Moreover, through the consultation skills I acquired during my studies, I am now able to offer advice to help SMEs in Thailand, particularly in terms of productquality improvement, packaging, and general business management. Dr Hamdia Mudor Senior Lecturer Faculty of Communication Sciences Prince of Songkla University Pattani, Thailand The DBA programme at GSB provided great flexibility for me as a working adult as I could take as many or as few credits for each semester, based on the workload in my office. In my 2008 cohort, we had an extremely lively and very cooperative and caring group. We helped each other in assignments, had discussions in the library to exchange ideas, and studied together prior to exams. The DBA gave me thorough insights into the functional areas vital in running a business and taught me how to prioritise matters and handle challenges in innovative ways. I would strongly recommend the GSB DBA as it is most suitable for working adults with its flexible scheduling and close proximity to the town centre and industrial zones in Penang, making it a convenient place to study. Dr Mary Ann Harris DBA, CHA, CA (M) General Manager - Eastin Hotel Penang and Chairman, Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang Chapter)
ABEST21 ACCREDITED eduniversal ECXCELLENT BUSINESS SCHOOL QUALITY SYSTEM QUALITY SYSTEM QUALITY SYSTEM SIRIM MS ISO/IEC 17021 : 2006 QS 02121999 CB 01 SIRIM SIRIM 074 Member of: CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2008 CERT. NO.: AR 5233 CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2008 CERT. NO.: AR 5233 CERTIFIED TO ISO 9001:2008 CERT. NO.: AR 5233 The World Association of Business Schools in Islamic Countries Graduate School of Business, Universiti Sains Malaysia is a member of AACSB and link to our website, http://www.aacsb.edu/ Contact Us For further information on this programme, contact: Dean Graduate School of Business Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 USM, Penang, Malaysia Tel: +6 (04) 6535863 Fax: +6 (04) 6532792 Useful Links for Further Information www.gsb.usm.my www.ips.usm.my