Role of Research in a Doctorate of Business Administration Program

31-Jul-2023

A Doctorate of Business Administration program is the highest-level professional doctoral degree in the business industry oriented towards training professionals in real management research work. A DBA program has been developed to harness skills and expertise for the modern business landscape marked by significant globalization and digitalization. The program develops talents and skills to make data-driven decisions based on scientific research and evidence-based.

A Doctorate of Business Administration in simple terms is a unique applied research program to enable professionals and business students to delve into modern corporate strategic and complex operational issues. Research, hence, holds critical space in the Doctorate of Business Administration program. Through this blog let us learn more about the role of research in a DBA Program and all the relevance of a DBA degree in the modern business ecosystem. 

What is a Doctorate of Business Administration?

A DBA is the highest professional degree program. It will involve rigorous research-based training that will prepare candidates for higher-level positions in the job market or industry, and equip them to be future leaders in the business world by contributing innovative and novel ideas to the industry. Ideally, the DBA degree will encompass several components including extensive research, coursework, evaluation, producing literature and publications, and all the efforts culminating in the final degree award. A DBA will provide professionals with a full-time academic position, engage them in the development of skills to enhance organizational proficiency and effectiveness, develop advanced organizational skills, and have the competency to manage organizations.

Roles of Research in a DBA Program

Research in a Doctorate of Business Administration program is one of the key components. Research plays a significant and crucial role in the entire program journey. It is the foundational basis upon which the rest of the DBA program relies. To have a deeper understanding and knowledge of the role of research in a DBA program, let us classify a few points. 

Expansion of Knowledge:

Research in the DBA program facilitates the expansion of the existing body of knowledge and field by exploring the diverse avenues in business. By undertaking rigorous research doctoral candidates can generate novel ideas and insights and contribute to the understanding of numerous business phenomena. 

Identifying Business Problems:

The primary channel to identify business problems and challenges is through intensive research. Research enables doctoral candidates with the scope to explore the nuances of the problems, further, examine the challenges, and bring about appropriate solutions. This further helps candidates to identify key topics that need thorough analysis which they may choose as their research topic which is relevant to the academia and is practically significant to the business industry.

Theory Testing and Development:

Research plays an inevitable role in strengthening the existing theories, concepts, and practices in the business field. In a Doctorate of Business Administration degree program, candidates engage in research that involves testing and developing conceptual or theoretical frameworks significant to the range of business practices and industries. Through this process, the pitfalls and limitations in the existing theory are identified and new propositions are implemented resulting in enhanced managerial decision-making and overall growth of the sector. 

Application of Several Research Methods:

Research in a DBA program allows candidates to explore the various research methods and employ them in developing a robust thesis that will contribute to the larger business industry. Through research, candidates get to learn the various methods and approaches of gathering, analyzing, and Interpreting data effectively. Consequently, doctoral candidates are equipped with the appropriate skillsets and knowledge to conduct research of high quality and generate informed conclusions.

Strong Footing with Practical Relevancy:

One of the significant roles of research in a DBA program is developing practical competency in the candidates. Research in a Doctorate of Business Administration is distinct from other doctoral programs as it emphasizes building the practical applications, knowledge, and skills of the candidates. A DBA doctoral candidate will develop a strong footing in business practical application. A DBA research is essentially designed with the goal to generate direct implications to the real-world business setting, consequently making doctoral candidates competent and valuable business leaders and managers.

Evidence-Based Decision Making:

Research in DBA equips candidates to develop the practice of evidence-based decision-making in complex business settings. Research helps candidates cultivate the ability to critically evaluate data and draw valid conclusions. As a result, they become more skilled in problem-solving and taking critically analyzed decisions. 

Developing Thought Leadership:

DBA graduates come out of the degree program as potential future leaders as they establish themselves as credible experts in the field. They undertake thorough research and contribute to the existing business practices and theories. Their contribution to the field makes them valuable and credible candidates capable of shaping the future of the business industry.

Thesis/Dissertation Development:

This is one of the most significant roles of research in a DBA program. Higher academic as well as professional study programs emphasize research as the sole pedagogy in developing new concepts and strengthening existing theories. In doctoral programs like a doctorate of business administration,  the thesis or dissertation is the end product developed out of intensive research, analysis and this demonstrates the candidate's ability to apply and situate their research skills to generate unique, credible, and original insights that will altogether help in the growth of the business field. The roles of research in a DBA program cannot be negotiated, sidelined, or ignored.

Research is core to doctoral programs like a doctorate of business administration shaping candidates into potential business leaders while they make significant contributions through their studies to both the academia as well as the business industry. We have learned the significance of the roles of research in a DBA program in detail. 

For a rapidly evolving industry like the business which is constantly shaped by global factors like the economy and technological innovations, a DBA program serves as the top mechanism in coping with the constant changes. A Doctorate of business administration degree program is the mediator that bridges the gap between business theory and practice in the real world. As doctoral candidates study real complex business problems, dive into the intricacies through research, and offer actionable insights and solutions directly applicable to the business environment. 

The modern business landscape is significantly aided by the doctorate of Business Administration and plays a crucial role in driving innovation and effecting growth and development of the field as well.

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