Business Administration – Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

    Program Code - Title: DR061 - Doctor of Business Administration

    Campus

    City campus

    Description

    Introduced in 1996, the RMIT Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) has established itself as one of the leading professional business doctorates. The RMIT DBA is a professional doctoral program offered part-time for senior executives who seek to further their successful career development through advanced studies and research.

    Business executives with leadership responsibilities must acquire and apply advanced knowledge and technology in innovative ways, which are appropriate for future business leadership. The RMIT DBA contributes to Australia's need to develop strategic management and leadership in our organisations by concentrating on high level professional knowledge and skills development.

    Program objectives

    The RMIT DBA aims to prepare senior executives to perform at the highest level of management practice. It aims to enhance the knowledge, ability and experience required to lead organisations facing a complex, competitive, global business environment.

    The DBA at RMIT University differs from other DBA programs, and from a PhD with coursework components, as it focuses on the application of knowledge within the context of the individual's workplace, using the individual's own experience as a base for learning.

    Places in the DBA program are restricted to a small group to provide individuals with a highly personalised program. (No new places are available for candidates in 2009.)

    The DBA is designed to:

    • enhance the individual's ability to provide effective leadership
    • address high level management problems and opportunities
    • stimulate individuals to respond more innovatively and creatively to business challenges
    • develop each individual's experience in tackling complex issues
    • improve understanding of high level work-based solutions
    • focus on long-term sustainable strategies rather than short term ad-hoc decision making
    • extend each individual's knowledge base in strategic management.

    Applicant Profile

    Strong motivation is required to complete the DBA program. Applicants will have completed an MBA or equivalent with excellent results. They will have a clear idea of how the DBA can help them achieve their objectives. Ideally, they will have an understanding of the area of professional practice that they wish to concentrate on for their supervised research component.

    An analysis of our candidate profiles in recent years reveals considerable diversity in the range of positions and industries: 46% are senior managers in industry, employed in functions such as strategy, finance, quality control, project management, human resources, or marketing; 20% are managing directors, CEOs or partners; 15% are directors or executive directors; and 15% are self-employed consultants.

    General information is available at Postgraduate Study at RMIT

    Useful links

    Research Supervisors and their Research Interests

    Research and Innovation at RMIT University

    Information for Research Students

    RMIT Research Centres

    Duration

    At present the program is only available part-time. The normal time for completion is four to six years—three years covering coursework and research, followed by the thesis. The maximum time allowed is eight years.

    Career Prospects

    The DBA involves highly advanced studies designed to enhance performance in the workplace. Both individuals and employers benefit from the program as research work can be based on the participant's work environment, to provide a direct and immediate return to his or her organisation. Participants strengthen their analytic skill base for use in management and consulting and on a personal level, leadership confidence and abilities are enhanced.

    The learning program allows participants to extend their learning into their workplaces by providing opportunities for constant reflection on theory and practice and as a result, develop more effective personal dynamics relevant to their management performance.

    From the viewpoint of a business or government employer or an individual wishing to pursue University study, investing in the RMIT DBA program will provide highly relevant training and develop executives to creatively solve current and future management problems and policy issues..

    Entrance Requirements

    A Master of Business Administration degree from a recognised university, or another coursework Master degree relevant to organisations and their management, or qualifications accepted as equivalent by the selection committee.

    In addition, a proportion of relevant work experience which should be post-MBA graduation.

    Participants will be selected on the basis of academic results in their MBA or other postgraduate study, their professional experience, their ability to undertake successful doctoral studies and their potential for professional leadership.

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    Application Procedures

    Applications are not being taken for the DBA program at this time. Should you have any enquiries please contact Professor Lynne Bennington, DBA Director at lynne.bennington@rmit.edu.au or tel. +61 3 9925 0130.

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    Fees

    Fees are payable at the commencement of each semester and are recalculated annually.

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    Program Structure

    The doctoral course includes professional development seminars and doctoral seminars. Doctoral-level courses extend each candidate's knowledge base in organisational theory, strategic management and research methods as well as providing a background for informed practice.

    The final step in the DBA is the completion of a thesis (of at least 50,000 words) on an approved topic.

    The doctoral thesis is expected to demonstrate a significant and original contribution to knowledge and relevant professional practice; independent and critical thought; and demonstrate that the candidate has the capacity to work independently of supervision.

    Class attendance and workload
    The DBA is designed for busy executives seeking advanced study with minimal disruption to work demands. However, to successfully complete the DBA, candidates must commit to regular attendance and participation in classes and program activities

    Significant time commitment is required for reading, consolidation of class work, preparation and assignments. Additional time commitment is required for research work.

    The following program structure(s) are linked to this program.

    Contact Details

    Gra
    Building 158, 300 Queen Street
    Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
    Tel. +61 3 9925 0100
    Fax: +61 3 9925 0147
    Email: GSBresearch@rmit.edu.au

    Owning School

    Graduate School of Business

    Disclaimer

    Although RMIT endeavours to ensure the accuracy of this information, there is no guarantee it will remain accurate all year. Applicants are advised to confirm program details with the appropriate school before making an application.