DBA Key Account Management

Summary:

A Joint Executive DBA Programme in Partnership with Association for Key Account Management (AKAM) and iaelyon School of Management, University of Lyon 3, France

The Business Science Institute DBA, delivered in cooperation with Association for Key Account Management and iaelyon School of Management, is a practice-oriented Doctorate in Business Administration designed to fit the schedules and professional realities of senior executives. This international four-year doctoral programme goes beyond academic inquiry – it creates tangible business value, accelerates professional growth, and generates societal impact.

Strengths of the DBA

AMBA accredited.
“Responsible Doctoral School” Certified by IRAFPA.
An internationally-renowned faculty of over 124 professors qualified to PhD level and accredited to supervise doctoral research, offering students access to a team of academics that is exceptional in its diversity, reputation, research publication track record and expertise.
A team of dedicated senior academic coordinators. Our team of coordinators play a vital role in Business Science Institute’s academic leadership structure. As senior academics, they have a key responsibility for coordinating the teaching and supervision carried out by our faculty for the site or course they are in charge of. They also provide a line of direct communication for participants, thus making a positive contribution to the participant learning experience.
Present in 10 countries, with an academic community of 205 DBA student-managers representing 60 nationalities and already 205 theses successfully defended since 2015.
Exceptional service quality through personal monthly thesis follow-up meetings between the doctoral student-managers and their supervisors, and through the responsiveness of the support team that responds to emails within 24 hours.
The only DBA programme in the world to have its very own book collection written by DBA doctors and professors (60 books since 2015)

In partnership with AKAM (Association of Key Account Management).

The Association for Key Account Management (AKAM) and Business Science Institute have joined forces to launch a pioneering Executive DBA programme tailored specifically for KAM professionals.

Key account managers operate at the intersection of strategic client relationships, business growth, and cross-functional collaboration, often progressing into senior leadership roles. As their responsibilities expand, so does the need for advanced expertise in corporate strategy, business transformation, and leadership. The DBA in Key Account Management is designed to empower Key account managers with the research-driven insights and strategic acumen needed to elevate their careers and impact their organisations.

AKAM: A Hub for KAM Knowledge and Professional Development

AKAM is a non-profit professional membership organisation dedicated to advancing Key Account Management through education, research, and professional networking. It connects corporate KAM leaders, individual practitioners, academic researchers, and industry consultants, encouraging collaboration and knowledge exchange to elevate standards and best practices in the field.

Through this partnership, AKAM ensures that the research conducted within the DBA remains deeply relevant to industry challenges, bridging the gap between academic insights and real-world business impact. The association’s network of expert practitioners and scholars will deliver thematic seminars, guiding research that benefits both businesses and the wider KAM community.

Bridging the Gap Between Professional Practice and Academic Research

For its part, Business Science Institute is a globally recognised expert in DBA education, having successfully delivered over 60 DBA programmes worldwide (in French, English, German, and Spanish), both in face-to-face and online formats. These programmes span general management as well as industry-specific domains such as real estate, healthcare management, and public administration.

Through this unique DBA, active Key account managers will contribute to groundbreaking research that addresses real-world business challenges. Under the close supervision of an international faculty body, participants will develop new frameworks, insights, and best practices that will directly benefit companies, helping them navigate complex client relationships and seize new business opportunities.

Academic Excellence in Applied Research

This Executive DBA in Key Account Management is a research-based programme with a strong managerial focus. It offers a rigorous yet practical approach to developing new knowledge at the intersection of academia and business practice.

AKAM will play a key role in ensuring that the research undertaken aligns with the strategic and operational realities of the KAM profession. Through thematic seminars, academic mentoring, and collaborative discussions, AKAM’s Academic Advisory Board will help bridge theory and practice, ensuring that DBA research translates into actionable insights for professionals and organisations alike.

Why Choose the AKAM – Business Science Institute DBA?

Advance Your Career – Elevate your strategic expertise and leadership capabilities to move into senior executive roles.
Develop Research-Based Insights – Investigate and solve critical business challenges through applied doctoral research.
Gain a Competitive Edge – Position yourself as an industry thought leader with a recognised doctoral qualification.
Contribute to the Future of KAM – Generate new knowledge that helps businesses navigate complex client relationships and drive sustainable growth.

Join the Next Generation of Strategic KAM Leaders

Enrolling in the Executive DBA in Key Account Management, delivered by Business Science Institute in partnership with AKAM, means becoming part of a prestigious academic and professional network. This programme embodies the values of academic excellence and practical impact, equipping KAM professionals with the knowledge, skills, and research expertise to shape the future of their profession.

https://akam.org/dba/