/ Doctorate of Business Administration

/ Doctorate of Business Administration

Sunderland Business School s Doctorate of Business Administration programme (DBA) is a stimulating, innovative programme which has been developed to strengthen your expertise as a manager and help you adopt fresh approaches to problem-solving and development. Decision-making, change management and innovation are integral to the programme. It will create senior managers and business leaders who understand the complexities of organisations and have the ability to apply their expertise to benefit organisations. The DBA makes use of Sunderland Business School s key areas of expertise and the University s international reputation for research. Practice-based assessment means that the DBA will have a direct impact on your career and on your future prospects. You will learn exciting new concepts in important areas which help you fulfil your potential and will drive your organisation forward.

Sunderland Business School: Fostering creativity, critical enquiry, entrepreneurship and leadership. / Programme Structure Full-time students will complete phase one, the taught programme, in one academic year. Part-time students will study phase one over two years. The taught programme includes study days at the University, and you will be supported throughout by academic tutors. In phase two, you will carry out an applied management research project, normally within your own workplace, under the supervision of an academic Director of Studies. This is normally assessed through a written thesis. There will also be an oral examination by a panel of experts. / Phase One Philosophy of Management Research This module introduces the approaches that can be taken to management research. It also aims to develop your understanding of research methodology. You will develop an awareness of the ethical issues and debates within research and be able to show how research approaches and outcomes can drive the change agenda and deliver effective organisational outcomes. Professional Identity and Transformation The concept of professional identity will be explored in terms of authentic leadership, organisational effectiveness and learning. You will be asked to analyse your own professional identity and consider how this contributes to your ability to make professional judgements and lead change within your organisation. Critical Debate in Professional Practice The module aims to develop advanced levels of critical thinking. You will select an issue of strategic importance at the leading edge of your chosen specialist field and conduct in-depth research on current debates affecting that issue.

Sunderland Business School at the Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's / Phase Two Applied Management Research Project Literature Review This is designed to develop your advanced level research skills and deliver leading edge ideas. From this literature review you will identify a suitable research question and methodology for the next phase of work. Applied Research Project You will conduct a systematic programme of research within your professional context to address the research question identified from the literature review. Evaluation You will have to demonstrate high levels of critical thinking to ensure that both leadership concepts and applied management strategies undergo rigorous interrogation. You will present a summary of your work to a review panel before proceeding to the next stage. Synoptic Report You will prepare a synoptic report of your project. It must include the literature review, methodology, findings, evaluation, contribution to the profession and a reflective account of personal development. It will normally be expected to be between 30,000 and 40,000 words. The Sunderland DBA is a doctoral programme that has been designed specifically for experienced managers to help them build on their own knowledge and experience to enhance their professional practice. It is an equivalent qualification to the traditional PhD and carries with it the prestigious title of Dr, but unlike most PhDs it combines strong academic underpinning with immediate real-world application. It will help to create senior managers and entrepreneurs who understand the complexities of modern commerce and have the ability to apply their expertise to benefit businesses. The Sunderland DBA encourages experienced professionals to become true reflective practitioners who can look at work problems through a fresh lens and propose novel and creative solutions whilst also inspiring others to do so. Our aim is to develop professionals as effective thought leaders who are able to drive change, innovate, and make a real difference in their workplace. Dr Gail Sanders, Doctor of Business Administration Programme Leader, Sunderland Business School Entrance Requirements The Sunderland DBA can be studied full or part-time. All entrants will provide a summarised research proposal, and are expected to have relevant qualifications such as a postgraduate degree in business, although the Business School will take current and past work experience into consideration.

Practice-based assessment means that the DBA will have a direct impact on your career and on your future prospects.

Chris Marshall, Head of Department, Sunderland Business School Decision-making, problemsolving, change management and innovation are integral to the Sunderland DBA programme. The DBA is an important addition to our Business School s range of postgraduate research programmes. Chris Marshall, Head of Department, University of Sunderland Business School / SUNDERLAND BUSINESS SCHOOL, The University of Sunderland Our postgraduate programmes bring together Sunderland Business School s expertise in practice-based professional learning, led by expert staff who support and guide students throughout their studies, offering up-to-the-minute knowledge and understanding of the latest business and management thinking and research to create an outstanding, superb learning experience. The Doctorate of Business Administration builds on the depth of research expertise within the Business School. We are nurturing international partnerships with prestigious universities to strengthen our involvement in research worldwide. Sunderland Business School tops the five North East England universities for business and management studies in the Guardian league tables 2012, and is ranked 14th across the UK. To find out more contact Sunderland Business School E business@sunderland.ac.uk T: +44 (0)191 515 3341