 DBA Accreditation |
 |
DBA Accreditation
On this page:
Complete list of Accredited DBA Programmes
Introduction to DBA Accreditation
The Association’s DBA Accreditation service has been running since 2006. Schools wishing to apply for accreditation of their DBA programme should carefully review the information on this page. Please be aware that DBA accreditation is not available to schools offering an unaccredited MBA programme. Please contact Mr Mark Stoddard, Accreditation Projects Manager, if you require any further information about our DBA accreditation service.
Accreditation of the DBA is a response to market concerns over issues of both quality in an increasing international market for DBA programmes, and clarity over the nature of various postgraduate degrees in general management.
The DBA is a Doctoral level, research-based qualification, designed to make a contribution to the enhancement of trans-disciplinary professional practice in management as well as a contribution to knowledge via the application and development of theoretical frameworks, methods, and techniques. A DBA places emphasis on the novel application of theory, rather than the creation and testing of theory.
The current DBA criteria have been assembled by the senior academics that sit on the IAAB, following extensive consultation with employers, doctoral management degree specialists and institutions offering DBAs.
Please download our complete DBA Criteria
Overview of DBA Criteria
Our accreditation criteria focus on every aspect of DBA provision at the candidate institution. These include:
THE INSTITUTION
The institution offering a DBA should have a clear strategy and mission for high quality applied research, explicitly expressed and regularly updated. It will have a clear understanding of the market for its products. This will include a means of regular access to employer opinion. The institution should have its own identity and an adequate degree of independence from any larger institutional structure of which it may be a part, as well as secured financial viability and institutional continuity.
FACULTY & SUPERVISION
Faculty, including DBA supervisors and those teaching on any taught element of the DBA programme, must be appropriately qualified and credible, and be able to teach at doctoral level. Research quality and output should demonstrate national excellence in all areas of activity and show some evidence of international excellence. This should apply especially to each primary DBA supervisor. Supervisory teams should have regular contact with the student to assist in the development of applied doctoral research.
STUDENTS
The DBA is intended for those with previous managerial experience who wish to make a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice in the management area via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and research to professional practice. Students are expected to have a minimum of 3 years’ relevant and appropriate work experience upon entry.
STRUCTURE AND ASSESSMENT
The DBA thesis, based on research carried out throughout the DBA programme, is the primary piece of work that will be assessed for the award of the DBA degree. The thesis should make a contribution to the enhancement of professional practice in management as well as a contribution to knowledge via the application and development of theoretical frameworks, methods, and techniques. Comprehensive research methods training will be expected, in order to guide the student in doctoral-level applied research.
ADDITIONAL FACTORS
Accreditation is also based on factors such as the availability of language teaching, library and computer facilities and international contacts. The extent to which students’ reactions are taken into account in the continuing process of course design and improvement is also important.
Downloads of Further Information
Our accreditation process is extremely thorough. We aim to be as transparent as possible about our procedures with candidate schools. Please download details of our accreditation process, and a comprehensive process diagram, for your information. If you have any questions about any aspect of our accreditation process, please contact the accreditation team.
|
