SIMA Online Executive DBA
Program Overview
The Executive Doctor of Business Administration (Executive DBA) at Swiss International Management Academy is a premium online doctoral-level program designed for senior executives, entrepreneurs, founders, directors, consultants, and business leaders.
The program focuses on executive leadership, organisational transformation, strategic decision-making, and applied business research. It enables experienced professionals to address complex business challenges, drive organisational growth, and create measurable
business impact while continuing their professional careers.
2 Years
Duration
$13,500
Program Investment
Online
Study Mode
120
Credits
Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification with leadership experience
Eligibility
Executive Thesis and Viva Voce
Final Requirement
Program Highlights
Executive Leadership Focus
Designed for senior leaders, entrepreneurs, founders, and decision-makers
Strategic Transformation
Address real organisational and business challenges
Applied Executive Research
Research linked directly to executive practice and organisational impact
Flexible Online Learning
Study while continuing professional and leadership responsibilities
Research Supervision
Professional guidance throughout the doctoral journey
Global Executive Community
Learn alongside experienced professionals from diverse industries
Learning Outcomes
Explain relevant concepts in doctoral research, executive leadership and organisational management.
Apply quantitative and qualitative research methods to a defined business or organisational problem.
Analyse strategic organisational issues using research evidence and appropriate management frameworks.
Evaluate options in leadership, governance, technology, innovation and organisational change.
Develop evidence-based recommendations for organisational or professional practice.
Prepare and defend an original applied doctoral thesis and present its practical implications.
Programme Structure
| Year | Business Module | Credits | ECTS Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Quantitative Research Methodology | 15 | |
| Qualitative Research Methodology | 15 | ||
| Executive Leadership & Corporate Governance | 10 | ||
| Total Year 1 Credits | 40 ECTS | ||
| Year 2 | Technology, AI & Strategic Transformation | 20 | |
| Executive Decision Making & Organisational Change | 10 | ||
| Executive Applied Doctoral Thesis | 50 | ||
| Total Year 2 Credits | 80 ECTS | ||
| Total Programme Credits | 120 ECTS |
How the Executive DBA Differs from the DBA
| Area | DBA | Executive DBA |
|---|---|---|
| Primary learner profile | Managers and experienced professionals | Senior managers, directors, entrepreneurs and executives |
| Programme emphasis | Applied business research | Strategic organisational research |
| Learning experience | Research seminars and academic workshops | Executive seminars, research clinics and senior peer learning |
| Application | Business and professional problems | Strategic organisational and industry problems |
| Final research output | Doctoral thesis | Executive applied doctoral thesis + research impact presentation |
| Teaching & Learning Approach |
|---|
| Recorded lectures for core knowledge |
| Live seminars for discussion and application |
| Directed readingp |
| Case studies and executive examples |
| Research assignments |
| Independent study |
| Doctoral supervision |
| Research clinics and thesis milestone reviews |
Admission Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Qualification | Master's degree or equivalent professional qualification |
| Professional Experience | Significant professional experience preferred |
| Leadership Experience | Senior management, consulting, entrepreneurship, or leadership responsibility |
| Admission Review | Professional profile review |
| Interview | May be required for final admission approval |
Why Choose SIMA Executive DBA?
Executive-Oriented Curriculum
Designed specifically for senior leaders and business decision-makers
Transformation Focus
Apply doctoral-level thinking to real organisational challenges
Flexible Online Delivery
Study without interrupting professional commitments
Executive Research Approach
Integrates leadership practice with applied research
Professional
Structured guidance throughout research and thesis
Swiss Institution
Delivered by Swiss International Management Academy, Zug, Switzerland
Frequently Asked Questions
Got a Question?
What is the duration of the Executive DBA?
The Executive 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.
What is the program investment?
The program investment is USD 13,500.
Who should apply?
The program is suitable for senior executives, entrepreneurs, founders, directors, consultants, and experienced business leaders.
Is the Executive Thesis compulsory?
Yes. The Executive Doctoral Thesis is a mandatory component of the program.
Is viva voce compulsory?
Yes. Participants are required to complete a viva voce / oral defence.
How is the Executive DBA different from the DBA?
The DBA focuses primarily on applied business research, while the Executive DBA focuses on executive leadership, organisational transformation, strategic impact, and executive-level problem-solving.
Take Your Leadership to the Next Level
Join the Executive Doctor of Business Administration at Swiss International Management Academy and develop the strategic, research, and leadership capabilities required to create meaningful organisational impact.
