DBA University of Newcastle - HKMA
Although the DBA programme offered by the University of Newcastle in Australia with the Hong Kong Management Association (HKMA) takes three years to complete, it allows a shortcut for students with MBA qualifications who can enrol in the second year and gain the qualification in two to two-and-a-half years. The programme schedule is also suitable for working people.
Students with MBAs must complete six taught and four research courses. Each taught course has a six- to eight-week schedule of 36 contact hours on two consecutive weekends plus two weekday evenings.
Programme graduate Dr Derek Ling, IT manager at Luk Fook Group, was pleased to be able to upgrade his qualifications while working. 'Through the course, I updated my business research and management ability and I have gained a thorough understanding of business research methods and also a strong network of professionals from all walks of life. I love the course on relationship marketing. It is something we can apply on a daily basis in almost any industry. Research methods was the most practical course. It serves as a guide on how to complete my dissertation,' he says.
Professor Amir Mahmood, acting pro-vice-chancellor in the faculty of Business and Law at the University of Newcastle, says the programme aims to build students' core knowledge of business, equip them with research skills and inspire them to contribute to the development of the global economy in an ethical, environmentally aware and socially responsible way.
'These goals are achieved by offering students a strategically designed coursework structure. All taught courses are conducted through intensive seminar blocks, taught by Newcastle Business School faculty staff. Students keep in touch with lecturers through the online learning portal, Blackboard,' he says.