Coursework Component (27 Credit Units (CU))
(Applicable to 2016 Cohort and thereafter)

The coursework or taught component is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in research skills and business knowledge through 1.5 to 2 years' study of taught courses.

Research methodology training is an essential part of the DBA programme and will include: research design; data collection and analysis; the application of various research methods; management of research projects; and research presentation.

The Coursework Component includes I. Core Courses and II. Electives:

I. Core Courses (15 CU)

Methodology for Applied Business Research I (3CU)
This course provides students with a general overview of rigorus research in business and management, an introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods, and allows them to develop literature review skills.
Methodology for Applied Business Research II (3CU)
This course introduces examples of interdisciplinary research frameworks in business and management. It will also guide students towards the development of their DBA thesis proposal.
Methodology for Applied Business Research III (3CU)
This course focuses on the application of quantitative and qualitative research designs and methods and covers the analysis, interpretation and presentation of research results.
Two Residential Workshops (4CU)
Students are given opportunities to keep abreast of the latest contemporary business issues and develop their personal skills through two residential workshops.

Residential Workshop I (2CU) is held early in the study to provide students with an update about contemporary and interdisciplinary knowledge (of both theory and practice) in the business field.

Residential Workshop II (2CU) is held later in the study to prepare students for their theses writing in general. Students are required to present their research proposals.
Research Development Workshop (2CU)
This workshop will give the DBA students an opportunity to come back to the campus on a regular basis and interact with other students by either presenting their research or participating in the sharing sessions.

II. Electives (12 CU)

Electives allow students who are not MBA or EMBA graduates to obtain broad foundation knowledge in business management. Those with MBA or EMBA degrees can select specialised courses to widen their knowledge of chosen fields.

More than 130 Master's degree courses are offered each year in the College. Students can attend elective courses either in intensive mode (4-6 weeks per course) or normal mode (13 weeks per course). Three electives are specially offered for DBA participants including two courses in the form of independent study and one on research writing. Independent Study and Research Writing equip students with the knowledge and skills to prepare and write their research proposal and final thesis.

Credit Transfers

Credit transfers are permitted only for relevant formal studies at the postgraduate level that have been attained from recognised institutions in the last six years. A high level of competency should be demonstrated in the completed graduate coursework for which a credit transfer is requested.

Credit transfers should normally be limited to a maximum of 50% of the elective component of the programme.

Attendance Mode

Since most DBA students are senior executives with busy schedules, it is planned that only one core course (Research Methodology) will be offered each semester. Intensive mode of attendance will be adopted - students may be required to attend a total of 3-4 weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) in one semester for a 3-credit course with about 3 weeks between each class meeting so that students will have sufficient time to prepare for their next class meeting.

Attendance mode for most electives will either be in intensive mode (4 to 6 weeks per course) or normal mode (13 weeks per course).

Progression to Thesis

A rigorous quality assurance system will be adopted to ensure the smooth progression of study.

Proposals for independent work must be approved by the Qualifying Panel on the basis of a submission and oral defence and conducted under the supervision of the Qualifying Panel.

Students can start their theses only if