Earning a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program is an excellent way to delve deeper into applied research and develop advanced skills in business management and consultancy.
At SBS Swiss Business School, one of the best business schools in Switzerland, the DBA program stands out for its focus on research and the flexibility it offers professionals who wish to continue their education without leaving their job responsibilities.
This blog provides a brief guide to help you achieve better results on your research topics and offers examples of quality research that leads to satisfactory outcomes.
The structure of the DBA at SBS Swiss Business School
The DBA program at SBS Swiss Business School is a part-time program designed for executives and professionals seeking to achieve the highest academic level in business administration.
With two specializations available—DBA General and DBA in Project Management Office (PMO)—this program allows students to choose the focus that best aligns with their interests and career goals.
First year: face-to-face courses
In the first year and a half of the SBS Swiss Business School DBA program, students must attend seven courses taught over five weekends, with courses scheduled every 2 or 3 months. This flexible structure allows professionals to manage their time effectively, attending classes on weekends while dedicating the rest of their time to work obligations.
Upon successful completion of the coursework (year one and a half of the program) and elaboration of the DBA research topic, the candidate will be awarded a Swiss state-accredited Master of Applied Business Research (MABR).
Also, SBS DBA program is accredited by:
• British Accreditation Council (BAC)
• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
Second and third years: distance research
Starting in the second year, students focus on the research phase of their DBA program. Consultations and advice on their research topic are conducted remotely, providing additional flexibility that allows students to advance their research from anywhere in the world.
Why select a DBA in Strategy, Project Leadership, and PMO?
The DBA in strategy, project leadership, and PMO is a unique specialization offered by SBS Swiss Business School. This specialization is ideal for those who wish to delve deeper into project management at the executive level.
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a comprehensive program focused on developing advanced research skills and practical business knowledge applicable across various industries and functions. In contrast, the DBA in Strategy, Project Leadership, and PMOs specifically hones in on strategic planning, leadership within project management, and the oversight of Project Management Offices (PMOs).
Research in this area can include topics such as process optimization, change management, and the implementation of agile methodologies in large organizations.
How to choose a DBA research topic
If you want to enter a DBA program, you will need to come up with a research topic idea. Choosing a good research topic is crucial for success in these programs. Here are some steps and tips for selecting the right topic.
Identify your personal and professional interests
Reflect on the challenges and opportunities in your area of work that you are most passionate about. These interests can become the basis of your research topic.
Review existing literature
Research previous studies in your field of interest. This will help you identify gaps in current knowledge and provide you with a solid foundation for your research. Academic libraries and online databases are excellent resources for this task.
Consult with professors and mentors
Professors and mentors at SBS Swiss Business School have vast experience in applied research. Consult with them about your ideas and get feedback on the feasibility and relevance of your research topic.
Consider relevance and impact
Decide on a topic that not only interests you, but is also relevant to the industry and has the potential to generate significant impact. Applied research in a DBA program should contribute to solving practical problems and improving business practices.
Clearly define the scope
It is important that your research topic has a well-defined scope. A topic that is too broad may be difficult to manage, while one that is too specific may limit your ability to analyze it. Find a balance that allows you to go deeper without losing focus.
Examples of research topics for a DBA
Here are some examples of research topics that might interest students in the DBA program at SBS Swiss Business School:
- Strategies for Change Management in Multinational Companies
- Implementation of Agile Methodologies in Project Management
- Innovation and Product Development in the Technology Industry
- Effects of Digital Transformation in Business Management
- Leadership and Management of Virtual Teams in Global Environments
- Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility in Large Companies
- Supply Chain Optimization in the Globalization Era
The DBA programs at SBS Swiss Business School offers a unique opportunity for professionals looking to advance their careers through applied research. With a flexible approach that allows you to balance work and research and the possibility to specialize in areas such as strategy, project leadership, and PMO, this program is ideal for those who wish to make a significant contribution to business knowledge and practice.
Choosing the right research topic is a fundamental step in this academic journey. By following the above advice and taking advantage of the resources and guidance offered by SBS Swiss Business School, students can develop research that is not only academically rigorous but also highly relevant and applicable in the real world.
With its commitment to excellence and innovation, SBS Swiss Business School remains one of the best business schools in Switzerland for those looking to elevate their skills and knowledge through a DBA program. Schedule an individual appointment to learn more.