Is there a Doctor in the Boardroom?
Until relatively recently the highest level of qualification available in Business Administration was the Master of Business Administration (MBA), a well-recognised qualification offered by most major universities. Some people would go on to do a PhD, but this was very much a research-oriented qualification, rather than something of direct value to practicing managers.
In recent years the qualifications landscape has changed, due to the introduction of a new qualification, the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). The DBA is a perfect example of a new type of qualification, the Professional or Vocational Doctorate. Professional doctorates are usually awarded in fields where most candidates for the degree are involved in the practice of a profession, rather than carrying out scholarly research. In addition to the DBA, these include EngD (Engineering), EdD (education), DSocSci (Social Science) and nd DClinPsych (Clinical Pychology).
The name of a Professional Doctorate generally specifies the subject area in which it is awarded, rather than the more generic Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), which can be awarded in any subject area. PhD programmes are usually research-based, with no taught content, other than perhaps a few short courses in research methodology. By contrast, Professional Doctorates usually include a year of advanced-level study prior to the research phase. In the case of the DBA, this taught component often focuses on current hot topics, such as entrepreneurship and branding.
The DBA also incorporates a research element, but this is usually applied research, rather than the purely academic research typical of PhD programmes. Professional doctorates require the submission of a piece of original research of a similar length to a PhD thesis, usually around 70,000 words. However, this could take the form of a portfolio of technical reports on different research projects, rather than a single, long thesis.
Working managers can undertake a DBA on a part-time basis, fitting it around their work commitments. In some instances, the research element may be something of direct relevance to their employer, who may even sponsor their attendance on the programme. The thesis can sometimes be jointly supervised by faculty members and company employees.
Relatively few institutions currently offer DBA programmes, but their numbers are on the increase. They include such well known names as Heriot-Watt University and Harvard University. The jury is still out on whether DBA programmes will come to rival the MBA in popularity, but don’t be surprised when you notice that the nameplate on your manager’s door reads “Doctor”.
Popularity: 3% [?]