DBA Programme

Page last updated on 27/11/2023

Organization

The Executive DBA programme is organized into three separate phases:

 

  • Phase 1 is equally devoted to:
    • Core seminars focusing on the acquisition of knowledge and the methodologies available for research
    • The definition of your thesis topic, which in taking into account your preferences, should emerge over the course of the seminars and your discussions with professors.
  • Phase 2 is devoted to the initial stages in the writing of your thesis, a process that takes place under the supervision of a professor from Business Science Institute’s Scientific Committee.
  • Phase 3 focuses on you writing up the final version of your thesis and the organisation of a mock defence to help you prepare for this important stage in your learning journey. Finally, you will defend your Executive DBA thesis during the Annual International Week held at Château de Wiltz (Luxembourg) during the last week in September. Successful completion of this phase will lead to the award of the Executive DBA by Business Science Institute and the DBA by iaelyon School of Management-University Jean Moulin

The actual duration of the programme will depend on:

  • Your availability and time commitment
  • Your ability to undertake high-level research
  • The quality of your writing skills

Each module is assessed based on the research projects submitted by the doctoral students and their presentations during the seminars. The thesis is evaluated on the basis of the preliminary external examiner reports, the overall quality of the written thesis and the oral defence.

Face-to-face or distance learning DBA

The same programme, leading to the Certificate of Research in Business Administration (CRBA) and the Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA) is delivered face to face in 10 different countries as well as online in French, English and German.

Both delivery formats (face-to-face and online), share the following key features:

  • Internationally accredited by AMBA
  • 5 taught component modules during the first phase of the programme
  • A team of experienced and highly committed professors
  • Participants write monthly reports on their progress towards the thesis and the contribution of the DBA to their practice
  • Individualised supervision by senior academic coordinators and by the student’s own thesis supervisor
  • Follow-up seminars at all stages of the programme
  • An Annual International Week at our headquarters in Wiltz during the final week of September
  • Access to online or printed book resources
  • Access to bibliographic resources, databases and software
  • Ongoing help and advice from our friendly and professional support team

The difference between the face-to-face and online formats is in the way seminars are run:

  • Face-to-Face: taught components are delivered via blocked 3-day weekend face-to-face seminars
  • Online: distance learning with courses recorded by faculty and individual follow-up sessions at the end of each module.

Certificate of Research in Business Administration

At the end of the first year of training and the first five seminars, the students will receive a Certificate of Research in Business Administration from Business Science Institute.

Research projects should be submitted one year after the beginning of the course and presented during the International Week at the end of September.

They are to be submitted to the Scientific Advisor at Business Science Institute.

The research project should include:

  • Title
  • Scope of the Research (Relevance)
  • Hypothesis
  • Literature Review
  • Research Model or Framework of Analysis
  • Planned Methodologies
  • Data Analysis Plan
  • Expected Research Outcomes
  • Early Managerial Recommendations
  • Bibliography

Supervision of Doctoral Students

One of the characteristics of Business Science Institute is the academic support that is provided to our doctoral students.

Because our doctoral students are practising managers, located in more than 40 countries around the world, Business Science Institute has in its DNA the availability and responsiveness of the support team as well as a culture of academic support provided by the faculty.

Doctoral students submit monthly reports to their supervisors, who are available for regular meetings to support participants on their learning journey.

We have also developed a bespoke tracking system of doctoral students by the administrative support and pedagogical teams. This academic support is highly appreciated by our students and makes a significant contribution to the high completion rates at Business Science Institute.

The supervisor gives the student advice on:

  • The choice of research topic,
  • The research methodology to be adopted,
  • The academic literature to read,
  • The characteristics and the format of the thesis that correspond best to the student’s experience and situation,
  • The thesis plan.

The supervisor approves:

  • The final choice of research topic,
  • The final choice of research methodology,
  • The format of the thesis adapted to the profile of the Executive DBA student and the research topic.

Please note that the supervisor does not:

  • Write the thesis for the student,
  • Provide a proofreading or copy-editing service. Business Science Institute will provide students with a list of trusted service providers if so wished.