Online Doctor of Business Administration
Program Overview
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Swiss International Management Academy is a professional online doctoral program designed for managers, consultants, entrepreneurs, academics, and experienced professionals seeking to enhance their leadership and decision-making capabilities through applied business research.
The program combines advanced business knowledge, research methodology, and doctoral-level inquiry to help learners address complex business and management
challenges through evidence-based solutions and professional practice.
3 Years
Duration
$8,500
Program Investment
Online
Study Mode
180
Credits
Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification
Eligibility
Doctoral Thesis and Viva Voce
Final Requirement
Program Highlights
Applied Business
Focus on real-world business and management
Flexible Online Learning
Designed for working professionals
Structured Doctoral Journey
Coursework, research development, thesis, and viva
Research Supervision
Professional guidance throughout the doctoral process
Professional Relevance
Suitable for managers, consultants, entrepreneurs, and academics
International Learning Environment
Diverse professional learner community
Learning Outcomes
Strategic Thinking
Analyse and address complex business and management challenges through strategic and evidence-based approaches.
Applied Research
Conduct independent, ethical, and doctoral-level business research.
Critical Evaluation
Evaluate organisational issues using analytical and evidence-based frameworks.
Strategic Decision-Making
Apply advanced business knowledge to support executive and strategic decisions.
Professional Impact
Develop innovative solutions that improve organisational performance and long-term sustainability.
Scholarly Communication
Present, defend, and communicate doctoral-level research findings professionally.
Syllabus Breakdown
| Stage | Component | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Strategic Leadership & Business Excellence | 60 ECTS |
| Stage 2 | Doctoral Research Development | 60 ECTS |
| Stage 3 | Doctoral Thesis & Viva Voce | 60 ECTS |
| Total Programme Credits | 180 ECTS Credits |
| Stage | Business Module | Credits | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Strategic Leadership & Business Excellence | 60 ECTS | |
| Strategic Management & Competitive Advantage | 10 | ||
| Leadership & Organisational Transformation | 10 | ||
| Global Business Environment | 10 | ||
| Innovation, Digital Transformation & AI | 10 | ||
| Corporate Governance, Ethics & Sustainability (ESG) | 10 | ||
| Strategic Financial Decision-Making | 10 | ||
| Stage 2 | Doctoral Research Development | 60 ECTS | |
| Doctoral Research Methodology | 15 | ||
| Quantitative Research Methods | 10 | ||
| Qualitative Research Methods | 10 | ||
| Advanced Data Analysis & Interpretation | 10 | ||
| Research Proposal Development & Research Ethics | 15 | ||
| Stage 3 | Doctoral Thesis & Viva Voce | 60 ECTS | |
| Doctoral Thesis | 50 | ||
| Viva Voce (Oral Defence) | 10 | ||
| Total Programme Credits | 180 ECTS Credits |
| Research Specialisation Areas |
|---|
| Strategic Management |
| Leadership & Organisational Development |
| International Business Management |
| Entrepreneurship & Innovation |
| Digital Transformation & Artificial Intelligence |
| Business Analytics |
| Marketing Strategy |
| Human Resource Management |
| Finance & Financial Management |
| Healthcare Management |
| Education Management |
| Sustainability & ESG |
| General Management |
Essential and Specialized Skills
Admission Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification. |
| Professional Experience | Relevant professional experience preferred. |
| Admission Review | Professional profile review. |
| Interview | May be required for final admission approval. |
Why Choose SIMA DBA?
Research-Oriented Structure
Develop advanced research and analytical capability
Flexible Online Delivery
Continue your career while pursuing doctoral studies
Applied Learning
Research focused on practical business challenges
Academic Supervision
Structured support throughout the thesis process
Global Perspective
Learn within an international professional environment
Swiss Institution
Delivered by Swiss International Management Academy, Zug, Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a Question?
What is the duration of the DBA?
The DBA is a 3-year doctoral-level program.
What is the study mode?
The program is delivered through online learning, blended learning, and work-based study.
Who should apply?
The DBA is suitable for managers, consultants, entrepreneurs, academics, and experienced professionals seeking doctoral-level business education.
Is the thesis compulsory?
Yes. The Doctoral Thesis is a mandatory component of the program.
Is viva voce compulsory?
Yes. Learners are required to complete a viva voce / oral defence.
What is the difference between DBA and Executive DBA?
The DBA focuses on applied business research and professional practice, while the Executive DBA focuses on executive leadership, organisational transformation, and strategic impact.
Take Your Leadership and Research Capability to the Next Level
Join the Doctor of Business Administration at Swiss International Management Academy and develop the knowledge, research capability, and leadership skills required to address complex business challenges.
