Rigorous Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) focuses on real-world applications
[Sponsored Article] Widely recognised as one of the highest academic achievements for senior managers, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU)Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) places an emphasis on developing scholar-leaders, with a distinct focus on cross-disciplinary academic research that has real-world applications.
“Our programme is designed for senior professionals with extensive experience in the world of business,” says Professor Wilson Tong, director of the PolyU DBA programme. Tong says the DBA programme is a rigorous exercise in research which is designed to achieve a meaningful impact. Furthermore, he adds that the programme is ideally suited to successful professionals who are looking for a challenge and the opportunity to develop new perspectives to provide insights and make a contribution to the practice of management.
The DBA is a rigorous exercise in research and standards are particularly demanding, but experience has really broadened my horizons
Dr Danny Po, Asia-Pacific and China National M&A Tax Leader of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu
While displaying some similarities to a PhD programme, Tong says the PolyU DBA has the unique characteristics of being a workplace-based research programme that places an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge needed to lead businesses and organisations. “Our students tend to focus on research that is relevant to their industry or area of expertise rather than a typical PhD theoretical research programme,” he explains, adding that the structure of the programme is carefully monitored to ensure the content remains enriched and responsive to the evolving global business environment.
The part-time, credit-based DBA programme comprises eight taught subjects which include one compulsory, two core and five elective subjects, two residential workshops and a thesis. The normal duration for completing the taught subjects is 18 months. The DBA thesis can also normally be completed within 18 months, leading to an expected completion time of 3 years. Tong says taught core subjects help students obtain doctoral-level knowledge and the critical thinking skills required to conduct original research to complete their DBA thesis. To align with the work schedules of busy professionals, and to accommodate those who commute from outside Hong Kong, courses are taught at weekends.
Tong believes it is important to highlight how the PolyU DBA distinguishes itself as an inter-disciplinary programme that draws on various disciplines within the university. For instance, participants are taught by a world-class faculty who regularly publish their research findings in highly respected international publications. Tong says DBA students benefit from studying in a diverse group of high-calibre achievers from a wide range of industries. “Students are able to exchange different ways of thinking and approaching problems, which widens their perspectives,” he says.
