the durham dba

THE DURHAM DBA

DBA

BETTER BUSINESS THINKING

03DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

1. Introducing Research at Durham PAGE 05

2. Why Durham? PAGE 06

3. Why Study for a DBA? PAGE 07

– Class Profile

4. The Durham DBA PAGE 08

– Programme Structure

– Research Seminar Programme

– Congregation

5. Our Research Centres PAGE 12

– Accounting and Finance

– Economics

– Management

– Marketing

6. Our Research Students Say... PAGE 14

7. A World-Class Learning Environment PAGE 16

– Alumni Network

– Our Research Students Say...

8. Entry Requirements PAGE 18

– How to Apply

– Fees and Finance

For further information PAGE 20

CONTENTS

Just some of the reasons to study a DBA at Durham University Business School.

• INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY

• INNOVATION IN YOUR CHOSEN FIELD

• CRITICAL THINKING TO THE HIGHEST LEVEL

Andrew Smith, SG Photography Ltd.

05

INTRODUCING RESEARCH AT DURHAM

1.WELCOME

Studying a DBA challenges you to achieve your personal dreams and career aspirations by making a difference to the international business world around you.

At Durham, you will benefit from the knowledge of an active faculty – global research experts and renowned practitioners – to develop your intellectual rigour. You will learn how to apply this research to your working life as you become a recognised contributor to business, creating new knowledge and understanding. The DBA is the highest professional business qualification you can achieve.

You will be joining a lively and welcoming research-led community at Durham which attracts senior figures from both academia and industry, and distinguished national and international speakers. We currently have over 230 doctoral students registered for DBA and PhD programmes. As a graduate of Durham you will be affiliated to a research centre and have lifelong access to research materials, online libraries and seminars.

As well as providing rigorous academic standards, we also assure you of the highest levels of support to help you get the best from your studies: our dedicated IT service, library and administrative department will be there for you every step of the way.

We welcome the opportunity to share the Durham experience with you.

Professor Laszlo Polos Director DBA

Research is the lifeblood of Durham University Business School. It is internationally renowned, both for its academic rigour and the benefits it brings to society as a whole. We work with partners around the world to push boundaries – not just keeping up with the latest developments, but setting the agenda and leading the way to better business thinking.

DURHAM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

WHY DURHAM?

2.

Join our world-renowned research community and take your place at the forefront of business thinking.

Studying at Doctorate level is demanding and invigorating. As part of our vibrant and welcoming research-led community, you will work alongside a diverse faculty of research students and international academics to develop an independent, critical and high-level command of your subject.

WHY DURHAM?

Durham University Business School is the ideal place for you to gain your research qualification.

• Located at a World Heritage Site, Durham University is one of the oldest and most prestigious academic institutions in the UK.

• Our research spans the major disciplines of business studies, marketing, Islamic finance, accounting, finance and economics – 95% of outputs are judged to be of international standard (most recent Research Assessment Exercise, 2008).

• Studying at Durham will give you the opportunity to connect with an international community – our students and staff come from over 100 countries; around 60% of our faculty are from outside the UK.

• We work with some of the world’s most admired organisations to solve the challenges they face now and in the future. These partnerships enable you to tackle real-world challenges and be recognised for your contribution to business.

One of an elite group of business schools worldwide to have triple accreditation.

Durham University is ranked a top-six UK UniversitySunday Times 2014

07

WHY STUDY FOR A DBA?

3.

Perhaps you have achieved financial and economic success, and want to take time from your career to pass your knowledge to the next generation. You may want to achieve a critical understanding of a particular field to help you make sense of the research, statistics and data you are presented with in your present career. You may want to achieve a deeper level of understanding so you can communicate more confidently with colleagues – for example, in the health services, law or education.

Whatever your reasons for studying a DBA, we are committed to helping you achieve your career aspirations and personal goals.

• Develop your analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills to the highest level.

• Develop expertise in key areas of business to make yourself stand out in the job market.

• Challenge, stimulate and stretch yourself.

• Satisfy your intellectual curiosity by doing something significant.

• Develop transferable skills for life – such as communication, confidence and presentation skills.

• Innovate in, and contribute to, your chosen field.

• Pursue an academic career at a college or university.

GENDER PROFILE

We take a proactive approach to all aspects of diversity, including gender ratio, and welcome DBA applications from female students.

CLASS PROFILE(CURRENT COHORT)

NATIONALITY

AGE RANGE 34 - 58

MALE 87%

FEMALE 13%

30-39 YEARS 15%

40-49 YEARS 44%

50-59 YEARS 41%

UK 31%

USA 9%

ZAMBIA 3%

BAHRAIN 6%

CANADA 3%

EGYPT 6%

GERMANY 6%

GHANA 3%

IRAN 3%

IRELAND 6%

KOREA 3%

MALTA 3%

NETHERLANDS 3%

SAUDI ARABIA 3%

SOUTH AFRICAN 3%

SWITZERLAND 3%

SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC 3%

Total 97% due to rounding


THE DURHAM DBA

4.

The DBA is the highest business qualification that an academic institution can bestow, and is a demanding programme of research study. The degree denotes you have a strong command of your subject area, have developed high-level skills of analysis and critical appraisal, are able to use a range of research methodologies, and can work independently.

The DBA is enhancing my business knowledge enormously and will help me progress my career in commercial banking. But it’s not only helping me at work, it’s also expanding my horizons and enabling me to look at things from a different perspective. I’ve met people from all over the globe – Germany, Hong Kong, USA, Pakistan – it’s opening up a whole new world for me.

I see the Durham DBA very much as a stamp of quality.

Ghaneyya Al DeraziHead of Commercial Banking, Bahrain

09

Module 1 (taught element: 3 days)

Module 2(taught element: 3 days)


Leadership in Organisations Power, Control and Resistance in Organisations

Change in Organisations

Assessment: 1. Seminar and workshop participation – 50%

2. Individual written assignment that develops the initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research – 50%

Assessment: Individual written assignment that develops the initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research.

Assessment: Individual written assignment that develops the initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research.

Year

1.


Module 5 (taught element: 2 x 3 days)

The Ecology of Organisations Part 1: Research Design WorkshopPart 2: Theory into Practice

Assessment: Individual written assignment that develops the initial formulation and articulation of a potential scheme of research, including a pilot study.

Assessment: Public oral examination, designed to test knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and your ability to articulate a researchable issue.

Year

2.

PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

The programme is offered on a flexible part-time basis and takes from 4 to 6 years to complete. It is structured in phases, which enables you to receive regular feedback to facilitate progression.

YEARS 1 AND 2

Years 1 and 2 comprise five taught modules, each requiring attendance at the School in 3-day blocks.

• Modules 1 to 4 are delivered at Level 4 and are worth 30 credits each. A range of teaching methods is used,

principally lectures, seminars and workshops. Assessment is by individual written assignment for Modules 1-3, and by oral examination for Module 4.

• Between Modules 4 and 5, you will be allocated a supervisor and research apprenticeship dyads will be initiated. You will develop a formative research proposal for initial presentation to DBA tutors at Module 5. Formative feedback at Module 5 will underpin the development of the summative written assignment.

• Module 5 is delivered at Level 5 in two parts, worth 60 credits in total. The individual written assignment has a 10,000 maximum word count.

RESEARCH SEMINAR PROGRAMME

Throughout your studies you will have access to specialist training opportunities. These sessions provide the opportunity for you to meet with visiting researchers and work closely alongside Durham’s academic faculty. Additionally, you will be supported to present your research findings at other universities, research institutes and international conferences.

CONGREGATION

The finale to the programme is congregation, a gathering of successful students, their families and friends, and members of the Business School to witness and celebrate the conferring of degrees in the magnificent setting of Durham Cathedral.

Our staff are highly qualified researchers and teachers, passionate about their subjects and committed to ensuring you achieve your full potential in a supportive learning environment. They are also widely-published researchers who are making an impact in their own disciplines in the international arena.

Meet our academic faculty at: www.durham.ac.uk/business/about/our-people

YEARS 3 TO 6

Years 3 to 6 comprise individual supervised research and study.

• You attend regular research visits to give you the opportunity to meet your supervisor/module leader for teaching, guidance and advice.

• Formal progress reviews are scheduled within the research visits, to ensure you are making satisfactory academic progress. There is no formally assessed work to be completed for a research visit; it is assumed you will be self-regulating by the time you reach this phase.

• The final thesis has a 60,000 maximum word count.

Research Visits (3 days approximately every 6 months)

Qualitative and Quantitative groups to meet with respective supervisors/module leader for teaching, guidance and advice.Module leaders to organise guest speakers.

Academic Progression Reviews to take place as per University Regulations (equivalent of 9-, 21-, 33-month intervals).

Year

3-6.



OUR RESEARCH CENTRES

5.

Our research centres work with partners in all sectors to inform policy and develop innovative approaches to thinking and problem-solving. During your studies at Durham you will be affiliated to a Research Centre, and as an alumnus of the University, you will continue to be a member. Research centres sit within areas:

ACCOUNTING AND FINANCEEngages in the latest research from accountancy regulation in the UK to economic development in China.

ECONOMICSFocuses on how growth can be explained and understood, encouraged or restricted – and examines its impact on individuals and society.

MANAGEMENTExplores the thinking, skills and processes that shape the way businesses work in a global context.

MARKETINGCombines a variety of perspectives to enrich marketing research – including sociology, psychology and philosophy.

‘Research shapes and inspires everything we do. It informs our teaching and impacts on the wider world.’

Mark LearmonthDeputy Dean (Research)

Professor of Organisation Studies

Accounting and AuditingThis research centre sets out to improve accounting and related practices through research-led programmes. Areas of particular interest include enhancing the completeness and credibility of financial and non-financial information and exploring the socio-economic impact of different types of information.

Looking ahead, the research scope will continue to be shaped by a variety of interests consistent with the group’s broad focus. These include financial reporting and disclosure, auditing quality, corporate governance, corporate ownership structure, public accounting, social and environmental accounting, the accountancy profession and accounting education.

China DevelopmentChina’s economy is rapidly growing and becoming increasingly influential. In February 2011, it overtook Japan to become the world’s second largest economy.

Group members of China Development, including faculty and PhD students, share a fascination with this dynamic country and its financial markets. They conduct research into a broad range of issues in this important area and have subscribed to a variety of databases on Chinese firms. The group pools resources, and shares knowledge and specialist skills to produce high quality research papers.

Critical StudiesTraditional approaches to business often play down key issues such as power, control, cultural representations of business, environmentalism, identity, gender, agency and voice. This group challenges conventional thinking, tackling management issues by applying a range of critical theories.

Work encompasses all management disciplines including HRM, finance, accounting and marketing, across the public, private and voluntary sectors.

Durham Centre for Islamic Economics and FinanceAt Durham we have been pioneers in research and education in Islamic finance, economics and management for over 25 years. With Islamic financial institutions now operating in more than 75 countries worldwide, and working with brands with assets approaching US$2 trillion, Islamic finance has become an important influence on the world’s financial stage.

At the heart of this dynamic area of study is the Durham Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance. Building on the international success of the Durham Islamic Finance Summer School, the new Centre offers exclusive facilities for students choosing to specialise in Islamic finance.

Economic Growth and Policy

This group focuses on economic growth and ways to explain and understand it more clearly. Researchers, led by Professor Parantap Basu, investigate the broad determinants of economic growth, and the possible impact of this on individuals and wider society.

Ongoing projects cover a range of economic issues that affect economic growth such as inequality, finance, education, monetary and fiscal policy, and – in international terms – malnutrition, extreme poverty and low aspiration. In the future, its research will open out into areas including understanding the connection between regional disparity in growth, lack of investment in education and training, and the skills gap.

Entrepreneurship

Researchers of entrepreneurship, led by Professor Paul Westhead, have an outstanding record for delivering high quality academic research. The Centre for Entrepreneurship collaborates with the School’s Policy Research Group, under the leadership of Professor Ian Stone, which plays a major role in applied policy research for government and other agencies. The doctoral programme, led by Dr Mat Hughes, offers a range of research study opportunities integrated with staff interests.

13

International Business

This multidisciplinary group provides unique insights by combining disciplinary lenses to perform research in the area of international business, marketing, and strategy. While the common denominator of the research is the international dimension, the ultimate objective is to understand the challenges that confront individuals and firms in an increasingly globalised world.

Members of faculty are widely published in journals such as: Journal of Management, Journal of International Marketing, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Organization Studies, Journal of World Business, International Business Review, Industrial Marketing Management, and European Journal of Business Research.

Leadership and Followership

What makes a leader? And how is a leader defined by their followers and other external influences? This group aims to build knowledge in the area of leadership and followership, and promote this to practitioners. It supervises PhD students in this field, including research around traditional approaches, implicit leadership theories and followership.

Operations and Supply Chain Management

This dynamic, multidisciplinary team is committed to seeking out, creating and conveying knowledge about business and service operations and the management of complex supply chains.

With excellent connections to global businesses, governments and think tanks, it focuses on operations and processes in areas that really matter to business managers. At the same time, developing links between research, skills and employability by offering interactive group courses that respond to the real world of business.

Organisational Dynamics and Ecological Studies

This group carries out and coordinates studies in the area of economic sociology, focusing on how environmental selection processes shape organisational populations and industries. In particular, the research looks closely at institutional processes and the effects of institutionalisation.

A key area of study relates to the emergence of organisational codes applied by the audience members of the focal population and explaining the impact of (partial) compliance/non-compliance with these codes. Other research topics include internal organisational dynamics and cultural and structural changes.

‘The DBA is a challenging but genuinely positive experience.

I studied the MBA programme at Durham over 20 years ago, so the DBA was a natural progression and something I’d had my sights on for a while. However, I stepped away from education whilst I was busy setting up new business ventures. When the time was right, returning to Durham was an obvious choice, and with the impressive refurbished campus at Mill Hill Lane and an even broader academic faculty, it’s a stimulating time to be studying here. Everyone’s support – from my academic supervisor to the programme office – has been exceptional. The solid reputation of the Business School is certainly well-founded.

The DBA has helped me to appreciate the transformational nature of academic research when its outputs are applied to the commercial and industrial world, and for me this is about using the knowledge, skills and tools I’ve learned to bridge a gap in the healthcare setting.’

John CanacottJohn has over 25 years’ experience in the management, marketing and communications sectors. He has set up a number of successful companies that were then acquired by Mosaic, Irish International and more recently Publicis. John has now joined the Board of Real Nation, a company that specialises in behavioural change and social marketing programmes.

OUR RESEARCH STUDENTS SAY...

‘I chose a DBA to broaden my horizons, challenge myself and achieve personal growth; to meet other researchers and access a researcher network. For doctoral students, Durham is a great place to be, with all the resources you need and a first-rate team of faculty and administration staff to help you. Durham is a special university city with enormous energy about it.’

Dolunay Arslan Süess

Academic Director César Ritz Colleges, Switzerland


We are successful in attracting research funding. This includes funding from research councils (ESRC and EPSRC); government departments (ONE and DACC); professional institutions, for example Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants; as well as a range of other funding bodies including the Leverhulme Trust and INQUIRE.

6.

A WORLD-CLASS LEARNING ENVIRONMENT


7.

One of the School’s campuses is in the city of Durham with a UNESCO World Heritage Site at its heart. Our DBA students are based here. Our other campus is the forward-looking Queen’s Campus at Stockton-on-Tees where Accountancy PhD research students study.

At both locations you can immerse yourself in the culture, heritage and vibrant energy that the North East of England has to offer.

In Durham, you’ll benefit from all the resources you’d expect at a leading business school at our newly-extended world-class facility at Mill Hill Lane. From the latest IT and library services to a virtual learning environment, you’ll have everything to hand to make the most of your research and learning.

• Inspiring, contemporary facilities to promote excellence in education and research

• Student-facing services at its heart to afford you easy access

• Superior business facilities to enhance working with some of the world’s most admired organisations

• Enhanced interdisciplinary research through welcoming and accessible third space.

Queen’s Campus is purpose-built to deliver world-class programmes at the striking waterfront location of Stockton-on-Tees. You will find it combines a vibrant and close-knit research community with excellent research facilities and a wealth of sport, cultural and leisure activities. For example, our new high specification lab for research students includes the latest equipment for eye tracking and other biometric analysis; and high-tech fixed and mobile observation.

Both campuses are well-connected with Newcastle Airport and Durham Tees Valley Airport within easy reach, and railway stations within walking distance. A free bus service regularly runs between Durham City and Queen’s Campus.

A case study: internationally renowned research projects

What is it that makes an organisation – or the individuals within it – behave unethically? There may be many factors but one of the key influences is the effect of leadership. The underlying perception is that ‘good’ leadership might lead to good business practice and vice versa, with a particular suggestion that poor leadership might weaken the moral courage of the victims and those around them.

Professor Robert G. Lord, has published more than 125 journal articles and book chapters in leading psychology and management sources. His research focuses on areas including ethical leadership behaviour, motivation and self-regulation, and leadership skill development.

He was a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at the University of Akron where he held a position for 38 years, prior to joining Durham University Business School. He was awarded his PhD from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1975.

Read his full profile and more about his research at: www.durham.ac.uk/business/about/our-people/

Mill Hill Lane Campus, Durham

Queen’s Campus, Stockton-on-Tees

17

ALUMNI NETWORK

When you enrol, you become a member of our alumni association. The network serves around 13,000 Durham graduates and reaches over 100 countries worldwide. It facilitates friendship and business connections, and sits at the heart of the ‘Durham Experience’. All our graduates and students are invited to join the alumni online community and enjoy a range of benefits:

• Continually sharpen your skills through our webinar series and careers workshops.

• Access our online career resources, video library and eBooks – at any time to suit you!

• Build your social and professional network through our global events programme. Events include continuous professional development, social events and networking opportunities through the Durham Speaker Series and Corporate Forum.

• Enhance your knowledge by accessing our business journals and databases.

Contact our dedicated alumni team for more information, email [email protected] or visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/alumni

OUR RESEARCH STUDENTS SAY...

‘My career and life have been focused on Islamic Finance, so I see it as my duty to contribute to the knowledge and understanding of this area.

I wanted to do the DBA as far back as studying Economics and Business Administration at undergraduate level at Kuwait University. I had the choice of progressing to postgraduate level, but chose to start my career and joined the Arab Banking Corporation (ABC). Since then, I have been a lifelong learner, having studied at Harvard Business School, Henley Management College and the University of Hull. My career has involved establishing companies from scratch, so that’s taken time and attention.

Three years ago I joined the DBA programme at Durham University Business School. The School, the programme and the support have been wonderful. The tight-knit nature of the DBA group has made an impact on me – students stick together and help each other.

My family has been an inspiration to me during my studies. I think it’s necessary to be a role model to my three children. It’s important they grow up understanding the value of learning and the immense benefits it brings.’

Issam Al-TawariIssam has served on the board of directors of a number of companies. He is currently Chairman and Managing Director of Rasameel Structured Finance, a capital markets focused investment company supervised by the Central Bank of Kuwait. Also, he is Chairman of Rasameel Investment Bank, a Dubai-based bank.

Campus at Mill Hill Lane, Durham

ENTRY REQUIREMENTSTo apply for a place on the Durham DBA you will need to be well-qualified in your chosen field. You will need to be focused and ambitious, aspire to a career in management research and be able to analyse complex scenarios.

Specifically, you will need:

• A Master’s degree in a discipline related to business and management from a recognised university or other institution of higher education; or equivalent qualifications or experience

• A minimum of three years’ business and management experience at an appropriate level

• For applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of competence in written and spoken English, normally by achieving an IELTS score of 7.0 (with no element below 6.5) or Pearson Test of English overall score 70+ (no element below 62). Please note these can be no more than 2 years old at the month the programme starts.

8.

FEES AND FINANCE For the latest information on fees and funding your DBA, visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/programmes/dba/finance

HOW TO APPLY

Successful application is based on your ability to meet the entry requirements, the quality of your research proposal and the School’s capacity to provide relevant supervision for your research. The School provides support to you in preparing your research proposal, from guidance online to introductory workshops. Please see the ‘preparing your research proposal’ section below.

Our admissions process follows three stages:

19

STAGE ONE

Please ensure that:

• You meet our entry requirements

• You can meet the financial requirements of the programme

• You have prepared a 500-2000 word research proposal (see ‘preparing your research proposal’ section below).

STAGE TWO

You will be asked for the following information:

• Academic qualifications and career to date

• An outline of your research interests of between 500 - 2,000 words. Please submit your proposal within the section of the online application entitled Other Relevant Experience. However, if your research proposal contains tables or graphics, please upload your document via the section Supporting Documents under Scholarships/Other

• The names and addresses of two academic referees

• Details of any support needs you may have

• Your chosen College. Find out more about the College system and the Durham colleges at www.durham.ac.uk/colleges

You should also submit the following documents online, as part of your application. Without these documents your application cannot be processed:

• Copies of certificates of degrees awarded (up to three may be uploaded)

• Copies of transcripts of modules studied (up to three may be uploaded)

• Evidence of proficiency in English (where this is not your first language)

• Two references, one of which must be academic (reference letters should be emailed directly to us by your referees using the downloadable reference form)

• Your Curriculum Vitae.

If you experience any difficulty in attaching your supporting documents to your online application, you may email them to us at [email protected].

STAGE THREE

We will process your application on the basis of all the information provided and will normally let you know our decision within four to six weeks. In certain circumstances we may need to request further information.

A successful application will be sent to Durham University’s Student Recruitment and Admissions Office (SRAO) with a recommendation for approval. (We will contact you direct if we are unable to recommend your application for approval).

SRAO is responsible for approving all postgraduate applications. You should be aware that approval by SRAO is not a formality and that in some cases where we recommended approval, SRAO will be unable to support this. Until you receive an offer from SRAO, you have not received a formal offer of a place.

PREPARING YOUR RESEARCH PROPOSAL

There are a number of ways we can support you in preparing your research proposal. You can now access online guidance on how to write a research proposal, attend one of our global workshops, register for an online information session or if you want to experience all that the School has to offer, attend an introductory workshop here in Durham. For more information please visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/programmes/dba/admissions/research-proposal

Please note, it is important that your general research interests match those of at least one member of our academic staff. For detailed information on the range of expertise and experience of our academic faculty and details of their research interests, please visit www.durham.ac.uk/business/about/our-people

Doctoral Admissions OfficeDurham University Business SchoolMill Hill Lane, Durham DH1 3LB, UK

T +44 (0) 191 334 5404 E [email protected]

Every effort has been made to ensure the information contained in this publication is correct as of September 2014. The University will use reasonable endeavours to deliver programmes in accordance with the descriptions provided.

Copyright © Durham University 2014 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the permission of the University.

@DUBusSchool

Find us on Facebook

the durham dba

Documents

durham page

durham dba page

welcoming research

introducing research

research qualification

research centres page

research materials

durham experience