DBA – Doctorate in Business Administration

DBA programme structure

Our DBA is designed for senior executives, managers, consultants and management educators with at least five years of management experience and qualified at Master or MBA level (or equivalent). The Online DBA in Sustainable Innovation Management is organised in three different stages and is normally completed in four years. Learning resources are accessed on our virtual learning platform (videos, articles, books, data analysis software, participant forums), enabling students to work remotely at their own pace.

Throughout the programme, students are guided and mentored by an experienced faculty member. Monthly online feedback meetings guarantee close, regular monitoring of student progress up to graduation.

Stage 1

Stage 1 is devoted to the acquisition of the knowledge and methodological skills needed for the DBA research. In addition, students follow courses on a broad range of contemporary issues in sustainability innovation management by leading experts in the field. Examples include:`

• Driving sustainable strategic leadership in an international environment
• Sustainable marketing practices
• Green and sustainable finance
• New trends in sustainable supply chain management
• Sustainability in HR management
• Sustainable behaviour in business

Finally, under the guidance of an experienced faculty member, students identify the research problem they intend to address in their thesis and map out the path to successful completion of their doctoral studies.

Stage 2

Mentored by their supervisor, students focus on their research and prepare their thesis in stage 2 of the programme (data collection, development of conceptual framework, drafting of thesis, etc.).

A highlight of stage 2 is the International Week, an in-person event that brings together doctoral students, alumni and faculty members and offers DBA students a unique opportunity to discuss and present their research and connect with past and present graduates . Students will also be given the chance to participate in DBA thesis defences.

Stage 3

The DBA thesis is completed in stage 3 and students proceed to the defence of their thesis. After successful completion of stage 3 students will be awarded the Executive DBA by ICN Business School & the Business Science Institute and the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

The degree

After successful defence of the thesis, graduates will receive both a university degree (“diplôme d’université”) of Doctor in Business Administration from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the title of Executive Doctor in Business Administration from ICN & the Business Science Institute.

To be eligible for the programme you will need to have 5 years of management or equivalent professional experience and an MBA or Master’s degree from a recognised academic institution.

You will also have to prepare the following documents for your application:

• A curriculum vitae
• A research Proposal that is relevant and of demonstrable value (particularly in terms of potential impact on management practice)

A good standard of written and oral English is required for the programme. Applicants’ English skills will be evaluated at the admission interview (no formal test required).

Promising applicants will be invited to an online admission interview after which a final decision will be made.

As the dates are subject to change, we invite you to regularly consult the school’s website and the page dedicated to the DBA Programme

Tuition fees

Title of Executive Doctor in Business Administration from ICN & the Business Science Institute – for 3 to 4 years – € 30.000

Titles of Executive Doctor in Business Administration from ICN & the Business Science Institute + university degree of Doctor in Business Administration from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) – for 3 to 4 years – € 37.500