Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Award Options

The DBA is designed with the following aims:

To produce and equip a new breed of manager-leaders with the ability to develop a vision for the future, think critically and plan strategically, implement effective business policies and make sound decisions to achieve business goals.
To enhance the research capability by undertaking a systematic and scientific research which will contribute to both the expansion of knowledge and management practices.

Students graduating from the DBA will be able to:

Use self-assessment, reflection, critical evaluation, feedback and developments in theory and evidence-based practice to improve their ethical business practice.
Apply a deep understanding of relevant theory and practices to predict outcomes and create business solutions in a complex environment.
Communicate key issues effectively and creatively using numerical, graphical, oral and written skills.
Conduct ethical research on business topics, based on critical analysis of academic research and professional practice, and communicate findings in a scholarly manner.
Demonstrate proficiency in applying systematic, vigorous research methodologies, design and processes when undertaking original research via the thesis requirement.

IBES: Docteur en Administration des Affaires (Doctor of Business Administration) – Sample Certificate
VERN: Doctor of Business Administration

The Research Mode is a ‘Thesis only’ route accruing 120 ECTS credits.

Stage 1: Thesis Preparation
- Thesis Preparation (Research Methodology): Students must undertake a Business Research Methodology module (or be exempted) before commencing their thesis research.
- Thesis Proposal: Students have up to three months to submit a Thesis Proposal for grading and approval (approx. 4,500 – 5,000 words).
- Weighting: 25%
- Duration: Not more than 4 months.
Stage 2: Final Thesis
- A supervisor will be assigned to guide the student in completing the Final Thesis.
- The thesis must be between 40,000 to 45,000 words.
- Weighting: 75%
- Duration: 12-18 months.
Stage 3: Oral Defence of Thesis
- A mandatory Viva Voce (oral defense) will be organized after the thesis has been marked.
- Weighting: N/A

Assessment will be based on the candidate successfully demonstrating achievement of Doctoral-level criteria, including systematic understanding of knowledge, originality in application, and the ability to communicate results in a scholarly manner.
Stage 1: Thesis Proposal is assessed (25% of final grade).
Stage 2: The Final Thesis (75% of final grade) is assessed. The word count is 40,000 to 45,000 words.
Stage 3: A mandatory oral defense (Viva Voce) is required.

An applicant may be admitted on the basis of evidence to suggest that he/she will be able to fulfil and benefit from the objectives of the programme:

A Master’s degree in any field; or other qualifications recognised by IBES as equivalent.
Demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS overall band of 6.0 or equivalent). This can also be met by having undertaken a qualification taught and assessed in English.
Students may be exempted from the Research Methodology module through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) if they have already undertaken a similar module.

Blended Delivery: Combines live classes, online discussions, and independent study.
Fully Online: Delivered entirely online with virtual supervision and independent learning.
Both modes involve close supervision from a dedicated thesis supervisor.

Maximum Duration: 24 months (for students exempted from taught modules and undertaking Thesis only).
Notional Hours (Total): Approximately 3000 hours.
- Stage 1:
  - Thesis Preparation (250 hours).
  - Face-to-face/Online Supervision (8 hours).
  - Thesis Proposal Preparation & Submission (250 hours).
- Stage 2:
  - Supervision (20 hours).
  - Final Thesis (2,572 hours).

Program	Award Options	Tuition Fee
Doctor of Business Administration	IBES	€9,000
Doctor of Business Administration	IBES + VERN	€13,200