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Programme Specification University of Bradford: Postgraduate Programme Specification UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Management Programme Title: Doctor of Business Administration
Programme Specification University of Bradford: Postgraduate Programme Specification UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Management Programme Title: Doctor of Business Administration
Programme Specification University of Bradford: Postgraduate Programme Specification UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORD School of Management Programme Title: Doctor of Business Administration
INTRODUCTION
In accordance with the University’s mission ‘Making Knowledge Work’, the School of
Management aims to provide excellence in a range of business areas. We are committed to
the belief that business education should be offered in a way that facilitates rather than
constrains. It should provide a thorough grounding in core business disciplines as well as
offering participants the opportunity to specialise in a specific business area. This
programme contributes to those aims offering practising managers and professional staff
the opportunity to combine the best of academic knowledge with the best of practitioner
knowledge so as to push forward the boundaries of understanding of business and
management. This involves equipping you with the skills and knowledge required to work
effectively in rapidly changing and challenging environments. You will develop the
competences to think critically and strategically and identify complex research programmes
needed to develop new approaches or new knowledge that will drive organisational change
and make a significant contribution to the development of your chosen profession. The
programme is supported by experienced researchers and practitioners from a wide range of
academic backgrounds and cultures to assist you in developing in-depth knowledge of
research methods and the ability to apply them to real business and management issues.
PROGRAMME AIMS
The programme is intended to produce managers and leaders who, through gaining in-
depth knowledge about research methods, are able to apply them to exploring
organizational and managerial practices. You will do this through combining your academic
and business expertise so as to contribute to the development of knowledge of and/or
professional practice in organizations.
CURRICULUM
The programme is structured in two parts: Part 1 consists of eight taught modules and Part
2 relates to the doctoral research-based element. The DBA has a credit volume of 540
credits. Part 1 consists of 180 credits, and Part 2 of 360 credits.
The 8 modules in Part 1 allow you to cumulatively develop knowledge of and experience in
research methods. At the start of Part 2, one module is structured to support you in
developing and presenting a comprehensive research proposal that assesses your capacity
to undertake a programme of research (20 credits), you will then progress to the research
phase and produce a 50,000 word thesis (340 credits) based on original research carried out
within an organisation(s).
Progression to part 2, the thesis phase, is subject to satisfactory performance in the taught
stage of the programme and in the transfer module (NEW).
Upon successful completion of Part 1 and having achieved 180 credits at levels 7 and 8,
students may be eligible for the degree of MSc. Research in Business and Management if
they are not progressing to the research phase.
Candidates who leave the programme prior to completion of Phase 1 may be eligible for the
award of a Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma. For a Postgraduate
Certificate, candidates must study units in Part 1 amounting to 60 credits at Level 7 and
have passed them. For a Postgraduate Diploma, candidates must study units in Part 1
amounting to 120 credits at Level 7/8 and have passed them.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's programme approval, monitoring
and review procedures.
This is primarily achieved through the thesis (MAND007A) but all taught modules
contribute towards your achieving this aim. The peer review workshops are
important forums for facilitating the development of your ideas through debate and
discussion with DBA students and academic staff;
This is initially achieved through the taught modules (levels 7 and 8) where you learn
to critically evaluate management theory/research, and then through the thesis
(MAND007A) as your research will develop new knowledge that pushes forward the
boundaries of what is known in your area of management and organization studies.
You will develop the skills of discussing the state of the art in peer review workshops,
where you will support and be supported by fellow students, through whose work
you will be exposed to a wide range of ideas;
This is explored in the three modules that focus on research methods Introduction to
research Methods at Doctoral level (MAN4285D), Quantitative research methods at
Doctoral level (MAN4288D) and Qualitative research methods for DBA studies
(MAN4287D).
Select suitable methods for the analysis of quantitative and qualitative data.
Critically assess the suitability of the research methodologies used in other research
projects and in their own work
This is the thesis stage of your studies (MAND007A) but all of the other modules will
have prepared you for undertaking the thesis. Throughout your studies on the DBA
you will keep a reflective learning journal that will provide invaluable insights into
how you are developing your ideas. There will be workshops and day-conferences
organised during the taught part of the programme that will help you hone your
ideas about your research, and the peer review workshops that you will attend
This aim relates specifically to your thesis (MAND007A) in which you will analyse the
results of your own research. However, you will also have been analysing data in
most of the modules up to that point.
Understand the importance of ethical practices in research, and conform with high
standards of ethics in research.
Research ethics is introduced during the first module and is a running theme through
all later modules. The importance of high ethical standards in research is discussed
throughout the taught stage of the programme, and students have to account for
their ethical research behaviours in all taught modules as well as in the thesis.
Students are expected to attach their ethics approval forms with the Thesis Research
Proposal.
Address major challenges for business and society in the 21 st century. These may
include but are not limited to such issues as globalisation, corporate social
responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development.
Many students register on the DBA because they are working at the cutting edge of
major challenges and changes for business and society in the 21st century. The DBA
provides a forum for the development of academic practitioners who bring the highest
standards of academic research to the application of business and societal responses to
these challenges and changes. Every module in which you participate will explore how to
undertake research into the issues identified by students as the most profound topics
The philosophy underpinning the taught part of the DBA is that mature students such as
those attracted to the DBA learn best by reading, doing, then reflecting on that doing,
before beginning the cycle again. Each module builds on the learning achieved in previous
modules, so learning is cumulative, and all modules relate to each other. Initially you are
introduced to research, and you will undertake a small, mixed method study which is then
used in a subsequent module as the focus for developing understanding of the philosophy
of research. You are then introduced to more advanced qualitative and quantitative
research methods taking forward your earlier work and developing a more in-depth
understanding of research methods, the philosophy underpinning research, and a continued
refining of your own research aims and questions. The emphasis then switches to
developing an understanding of a particular field through focusing on techniques for
critically assessing research in your own chosen sub-discipline. As you progress through the
modules you will apply the ability of critical review to a wider range of literature in your
chosen sub-discipline and search more widely for methods or research outcomes from other
disciplines that may be transferred to add value to your own work. This review allows them
to identify gaps in knowledge in the sub-discipline, consider creative methods to find ways
of extending knowledge in the sub-discipline and to explore how to become a practitioner
author through studying how to write for academic journals. You will undertake a pilot
study writing it up in the format of a journal paper so as to gain experience of that form of
academic writing. You will then develop an understanding of the issues of translating
research into practice, a fundamental aspect of a DBA. You will be expected to reflect on the
insights already developed into the key issues you are tackling, and explore how such
findings, if replicated in a bigger study, could be translated into practice. This takes you to
the progression to the research stage, bringing all the elements together in a research
proposal that is presented and defended. Successful completion of your proposal prepares
you for the main research stage and ultimately writing the thesis. During the main research
phase you will attend peer review workshops that enhance understanding, provide
motivation and support, enable networking, prepare you for presenting your work to non-
specialists, give opportunities for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and will expose you to
research from outside your specialist area.
Assessment for the early 20 credit modules is by means of one 7000 word coursework
paper, and for the Advanced Studies 30 credit modules it is by means of one 8000-10000
Teaching in Part 1 is in intensive study blocks of 3-5 days, and after each study block you will
have 6-8 weeks in which to undertake the work required by the module. During this period
you must focus on self-directed study, in liaison with (in the first year) the module tutor and
(in subsequent years) your supervisor. There are eight inter-linked, taught modules that
take you from an introduction to research to transfer to doctoral status. In the first year’s
four taught modules, the module leader first marks all papers, which are then second
marked by the module leader of the next module in the timetable, you will always receive
formative as well as summative feedback to help you to understand not just the techniques
of research but also the culture of constructive critical review that is essential for success.
In subsequent years, your supervisor first marks papers, but the Director of Studies or
module leader second marks, to ensure consistency between supervisors. During the main
research phase you will develop a close working relationship with your supervisor who acts
as a “sounding board” for ideas as well as mentoring you through to the preparation of the
final thesis.
The range of assessment methods used throughout this programme have been specifically
designed to be progressive in terms of developing critical analysis and writing skills in
addition to addressing specific learning outcomes as indicated in the previous section. Also,
they benefit from increasing levels of formative feedback as you progress through the
modules and then the research phase with the final thesis being the “capstone” or synoptic
assessment that encompasses all the learning outcomes.
One of the School of Management’s main aims is to address major challenges for business
and society such as globalisation, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable
development. We will seek to prepare you to be able to contribute to the debates in these
key areas and to critically appraise the relationships between the social, environmental and
economic dimensions. The peer review workshops will be the forum in which these topics
will be explored in depth: you will be asked to relate your evolving ideas to these and any
other major challenges identified by the DBA students themselves. We recognise that DBA
students are often at the cutting edge of developments in globalisation, CSR, business
ethics, sustainable development, etc., and our aim is to ensure that all participants can learn
ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for
Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
http://www.brad.ac.uk/admin/acsec/QA_Hbk/Ord_5_PG_Taught_Awards.html
For a Degree of Doctor of Business Administration, you must have acquired 180 credits at
level 7/8 in the taught modules, 20 credits at level 8 for your research proposal, and 340
credits at level 8 for the thesis.
All elements in Part 1 must be passed before progressing to Part 2. Where a candidate has
not attained the required level in any module (grades A, B, or C) they must submit work for
supplementary assessment. Supplementary assessment will be by re-submission of the
work, taking into account the feedback received. Normally, only one re-submission will be
allowed for each module. Candidates will be provided with feedback in support of all
decisions. In Part 2 a panel comprising normally of supervisor(s) and the Director of Studies
will assess the research proposal, and internal and external examiners appointed to examine
the thesis must be satisfied with its content before the candidate will be considered for the
award of doctor.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Consideration of your application will be based on a combination of your formal academic
qualifications and relevant managerial or professional experience.
The University of Bradford has always welcomed applications from disabled students, and
these will be considered on the same academic grounds as are applied to all applicants. If
you have any form of disability you may wish to contact the Director of Studies before you
apply to ensure that reasonable adjustments can be made to facilitate your studies.
For admission to the DBA you will normally have successfully completed an MBA with
average performance of merit or higher within the ten years prior to applying to study on
the programme. You will also normally have worked for at least five years at middle or
senior managerial levels since completing your MBA. Entry to the programme on a similar
basis may be possible if you possess a relevant master’s degree, or equivalent, from an
approved HEI or awarding body, rather than an MBA. Relevant masters’ degrees will
normally have included aspects relevant to an understanding of business administration,
organisations, and management. Applicants whose first language is not English will be
required to demonstrate capacity for studying in the English language with an IELTS (or
equivalent) score of 6.5 or above (with no sub-test less than 6.5), and evidence of having
LEARNING RESOURCES
DBA students study part-time in a range of environments and locations but wherever a
module or learning activity is taking place the student experience is at the forefront of our
planning. The School’s Bradford campus incorporates our Heaton Mount executive
education and conference facilities and these are used extensively for DBA workshops. The
Emm Lane campus also includes a Harvard-style lecture theatre, the Management/Law
library and resource centre, careers and the Effective Learning Service to ensure that you
get the most out of your time here.
LIBRARY
The JB Priestley Library on the city campus and our specialist in the School of Management
provide a wide range of printed and electronic resources to support your studies. We offer
quiet study space if you want to work on your own, and group study areas for the times
when you need to discuss work with fellow students. Subject librarians provide training
sessions and individual guidance in finding the information you need for your
assignment/research, and will help you organise your references properly.
The School’s library offers a wide range of quality resources including:
On-line databases for articles from over 7,000 journals
Country, industry and company information and market research reports
In house databases for theses and project dissertations
Inter-library lending service
There is an on-line public access web catalogue to the library stock which also allows user to
check their own records allowing you to renew and reserve books remotely (particularly
useful for part-time students). The library plays a key role in developing the information
management and research skills of staff and students offering seminars on a wide range of
topics and information sources such as the Endnote citation and referencing software.
TECHNOLOGY
PC clusters can be found in all our libraries and elsewhere on the campus. Many of these
are open 24/7. You can also use the University's wireless network to access the internet
from your own laptop. Most of our online journals are available on the internet (both on
and off campus), and you can also access your University email account, personal
information and programme-related materials this way. The technology infrastructure at
DBA students meet with their peers and faculty four times in Year One, three times in Year
Two, and at two or more peer review workshops each year of continuing study. These
meetings include instruction, peer-group discussion, and presentation of work and
evaluation of progress. You will be encouraged to present your own work and constructively
comment on the work of your peers. At the end of the first year you will be allocated a
primary research supervisor who will meet with you on a regular basis to give guidance on
submitted and presented work.
The Peer Review workshops also act as the Staff/Student Liaison Committee and there is
always time set aside to formally raise concerns, discuss problems or highlight best practice
encountered that may require a more formal consideration and response from the
programme team.
STUDENTS SERVICES
The Students’ Union and the University of Bradford work in partnership to provide
confidential counselling and welfare services where you can get help with any aspect of your
personal or academic life. Student Financial and Information Services (part of the Hub) will
provide you with information about a diverse range of issues. International Students can
access a range of additional advice and support services through the Student’s Union.
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CAREERS AND EMPLOYABILITY
The University is committed to helping students develop and enhance employability and this
is an integral part of many programmes. However, most DBA students are mid-career, so
the opportunities for career development are provided not so much by official resources as
by the international networking made available to you through working closely with fellow
students from all over the world, and from a broad range of industries and professional
groups.
DISABILITY
Disabled students will find a supportive environment at Bradford where we are committed
to ensuring that all aspects of student life are accessible to everyone. The Disability Service
can help by providing equipment and advice to help you get the most out of your time at
Bradford and is a place where you can discuss any concerns you may have about
adjustments that you may need, whether these relate to study, personal care or other
issues. For more information contact the Disability Service by phoning: 01274 233739 or
via email: disabilities@bradford.ac.uk
The contents of this programme specification may change, subject to the University's
regulations and Programme approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Stage Module 1 2 3 4 5
1 MAN4285D X X X
1 MAN4286D X X X
1 MAN4288D X X X
1 MAN4287D X X X X
1 MAND002D X X X X X
1 MAN4336M X X X X
1 MAND008T X X X X X
1 MAND009T X X X X X
2 MAND010D X X
2 MAND007A X
1 = lectures
2 = seminars and small group work
3 = presentations
4 = practicals
5 = one-to-one supervision with subject specialist