Taught elements
Induction - aims to help participants understand themselves and their motivation for engaging in the process, to gain a better understanding of their peers and to create peer group learning; to know what resources exist; to understand what is expected of them and to provide a firm foundation for the rest of Year 1.
Organisational Theory & Research Philosophy - exposes participants to a variety of theoretical perspectives that can inform their understanding of the organisation and introduces participants to some of the basic principles of research design.
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Techniques - explains and demonstrates the different research approaches available, providing the most appropriate techniques for a particular project and practice in developing the analysis skills required to undertake research at this level.
The Research Process - helps participants to understand the issues involved in managing a major piece of research. The course also looks at bibliographic skills and takes participants through the process, explaining what will be expected at each stage and provides an overview of research currently being undertaken at Cranfield. Assistance on putting the thesis together is also an integral part of the process.
Writing Workshops - a series of workshops throughout the programme which will develop the students' skills in identifying communicating and disseminating their work.
Personal Development Planning - allows students to develop personal as well as research skills by engaging in the learning required to do the doctorate. This impacts on professional practice as a result of acquiring new mind sets and approaches to producing evidence, understanding what counts as knowledge and the inquiring, questioning approach used in a doctorate.
Student Project Presentations - run throughout the programme and allow participants to present their work as it progresses and obtain supervisory feedback and peer review.
“For me the DBA was a logical progression in my career for two reasons. First I wanted background and training on theory and methods that could be applied to my consulting. Second, I hope to become a full-time faculty member at a leading university. Since the DBA is as rigourous a qualification as a PhD and Cranfield is a world-renown business school, it seems a logical way to transition into academia as a mid-career professional.”
Edward ‘Ed’ Barrows Jr
2005-2009 Executive Doctorate student
Vice President, Balanced Scorecard Collaborative/
Palladium Group
Lecturer, Babson College