DBA Course Specification Core.pdf

COURSESPECIFICATION: Core Award Data

Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate ofBusiness Administration

AWARDING INSTITUTION

The Robert Gordon University

INSTITUTION OF DELIVERY

The Robert Gordon University

COURSE ACCREDITED BY

None.

COURSE ACCREDITATION / RECOGNITION

None.

AWARDS

Stage 1

Postgraduate Certificate Professional Studies

Postgraduate Certificate Research Methods

Postgraduate Diploma Professional Studies

MSc Professional Studies

The Pg Cert shall be awarded on exit from the programme with 60 credits at SHEM level. The PgDip shall be awarded on exit from the programme with 120 credits at SHEM level. The MSc shallbe awarded on exit from the programme with 180 credits at SHEM level. The MSc shall beawarded on exit from the programme with 180 credits at SHEM level.

Stage 2

Doctor of Business Administration

The DBA shall be awarded on exit from the programme with 540 credits, of which not more than120 may be at SHEM level, whilst 420 credits must be at HED level.

Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration 1

COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data

AWARD TYPE

Postgraduate - Doctoral

MODES OF STUDY

Full-time

Part-time

Distance learning

DURATION OF COURSE

Three to six years

Three years

Five to six years

LANGUAGE OF STUDY

English

LANGUAGE OF ASSESSMENT

English

UCAS CODE

None.

JACS CODE

N120

RELEVANT QAA SUBJECT GROUP

None.

DATE OF PRODUCTION / REVISION

20 September 2010

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

The Aberdeen DBA is a professional doctorate that enables you to take a dynamci research-basedview of real world management issues. It is equivalent in terms of academic rigour to a PhD but is



view of real world management issues. It is equivalent in terms of academic rigour to a PhD but ismore applied in nature. The aim is to generate new knowledge and understanding that willcontribute to enhancing the polciies and prractice of modern management.

EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE COURSE

To be awarded a doctorate the QAA states that students must demonstrate ‘the creation andinterpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship of aquality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication'. In thiscontext, the principal aim of The Robert Gordon University DBA course is to provide a flexible butstructured framework to enable management practitioners to: (i) evaluate contemporarymanagerial debates, theories and concepts while tackling real management problems in anindustry, sector and/or organisational context; and (ii) make a significant contribution toprofessional practice/knowledge. Such an approach can be contrasted with the traditional PhDwhich places more emphasis on the development of theoretical perspectives rather than theapplication of knowledge to enhance professional practice. This DBA is therefore a professionaldoctorate concerned with researching real managerial issues via the critical review and systematicapplication of appropriate theories and research to professional practice. Furthermore, the courseaims to support considerable personal development in order that the participant can achieve agreater level of effectiveness as a professional or manager. In particular The Robert GordonUniversity DBA has been designed to meet the needs of practitioners drawn from the private,public and voluntary sectors undertaking an advanced management programme of continuingprofessional development.

In accordance with the University's Mission , the Programme aims to develop managementprofessionals who will be able to:

· Critique and critically evaluate relevant theory and concepts, and current debates;

· Undertake applied research and development at an advanced level, contributingsubstantially to the development of new techniques, ideas and approaches;

· Contribute to and advance the body of knowledge in their chosen specialist areawithin management;

· Demonstrate experience of undertaking rigorous, leading edge research in arelevant context;

· Provide professionals with the knowledge, skills and capabilities that are necessaryto undertake a higher research degree in their chosen specialist area and to make an effectivecontribution to scholarship;

· Apply the higher cognitive, interpersonal, psychomotor, analytical and evaluativeskills and ethical underpinning necessary for competent and reflective practice and lifelongpersonal learning and development;

· Make informed judgements on complex issues, often in the initial absence ofcomplete data;

· Exercise personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex andunpredictable situations in the professional environment;

· Communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist andnon-specialist audiences;

· Develop innovative thinking, while tackling real problems; and

· Demonstrate originality in advancing professional research and best practice.



LEARNING OUTCOMES

None.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF COURSE

The dynamic business environment of the contemporary management practitioner is placing newdemands on them. New skills are required including those associated with a research-basedapproach to solving problems, systematic ways of collecting evidence and an independent andopen mind for analysis and interpretation of evidence. It is against this broader backdrop thatmany DBA Programmes have become in a very short period an attractive option for the busymanagement practitioner wishing to take the next step on the qualification ladder to enhance theircareer prospects. This is because DBA Programmes offer a much more flexible and structuredprogramme of management study than the traditional Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.

The Robert Gordon University DBA has been primarily designed to meet the needs of those withsignificant experience in management. In the development of this doctorate consultation hastaken place with the local business community which by its nature is international in focus; andalso the public and voluntary sectors. The broad aim of the DBA is to enable managementpractitioners to make a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice in theprivate, public and voluntary sectors through the application and development of theoreticalframeworks. The DBA is a professional practice doctorate and is concerned with researching realmanagerial issues via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories andresearch to professional practice. The course has also been designed to provide opportunities forconsiderable personal development, such that the participant will achieve a greater level ofeffectiveness as a professional practitioner or manager. To summarise, the Robert GordonUniversity DBA will provide graduates with the ability to innovate and implement new ideas inpractice and enable them to reach senior positions much earlier in their careers.

It is recognised that as the majority of students undertaking professional doctorates areexperienced and practising professionals, most students will study for the degree part-time andthat the market for full time study will be limited.

WHAT THE COURSE INVOLVES

The course has been designed to allow individuals to specifically build on their managementexperience, skills and past academic achievement as part of a carefully considered plan. Successful completion of the course will also gain students maximum professional credibility, andwill open doors into more senior management positions or consultancy work.

The DBA will give you a foundation in research methods and offer you the opportunity to researchin one or more of the following areas:

Corporate Communications and Marketing;Finance and Corporate Governance;Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour;Entrepreneurship and the Performance of SMEs;Leadership and Strategic Management;Environmental and Operations Management;Public Policy and Not-for-Profit Studies;Tourism, Hospitality and Retail Management; and,Technology, Innovation and e-Business.

PLACEMENT / PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

This course does not include placements within organisations. The expectation is that the Masters



level or DBA level research will be undertaken within or in cooperation with an organisation ororganisations of the students choice.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDY

None

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL INDICATORS OF QUALITY AND STANDARDS

The Aberdeen Business School is committed to the highest standards of quality and best practice inpedagogy and research within an environment which values all associated stakeholders, an aimwhich is commensurate with the University's Vision which is to be internationally recognised forexcellence in professional education and applied research. Teaching staff are all actively engaged inresearch and scholarly activities. All of this is vital to ensure that both staff and the coursesmaintain their understanding of contemporary issues within the sector and can prepare studentsfor current (and indeed future) professional practice.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS

This course is governed by the provisions of the University's Academic Regulations, which areavailable at www.rgu.ac.uk/academicaffairs/quality/page.cfm?pge=1826. In particular:Regulation A1: CoursesRegulation A2: AdmissionRegulation A3: Student Conduct, Appeals and ComplaintsRegulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of Assessment Boards

Entry Requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University's general admission requirements for undergraduate andpostgraduate courses as contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, including proficiency toa minimum standard in the English language. Specific entry requirements for this course aredetailed below.

There are no specific entry qualifications.

There are no alternative entry qualifications.

Candidates for the DBA programme may be called for interview.

Course-Specific Assessment Regulations

See above.

SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION

None.

EQUALITY AND DIVERSITY

The University has a strong commitment to the active promotion of equality across itsfunctions. This commitment is reflected in the University's values, details of which may be foundat: www.rgu.ac.uk/diversity/info/page.cfm. The University's Disability and Dyslexia Service provides support for students, details of which maybe found at: www.rgu.ac.uk/diversity/students/page.cfm?pge=85449. All Schools also have a nominated member of staff who can advise on the requirements of thecourse and reasonable adjustments that may be made. The current School Disability Contacts are



http://www.rgu.ac.uk/diversity/info/page.cfm

http://www.rgu.ac.uk/diversity/students/page.cfm?pge=85449

http://www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices/disability/page.cfm?pge=7853

available from www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices/disability/page.cfm?pge=7853.

NOTE

This document constitutes one of two course documents that should be read together:Course Specification: Core Award DataCourse Specification: Student Learning Experience

CONTACT DETAILS

Robert Gordon UniversitySchoolhillAberdeen AB10 1FR Scotland, UK A Scottish Charity, Registration No. SCO13781

Telephone: +44 (0)1224 262000Web: http://www.rgu.ac.uk

In compiling this information the University has taken every care to be as accurate as possible,though it must be read as subject to change at any time and without notice. The Universityreserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, todiscontinue, merge or combine courses, and to introduce new courses.

Printed: 12 Sep 2011Record Number: 0041Version Number: 1



http://www.rgu.ac.uk/studentservices/disability/page.cfm?pge=7853

DETAILED COURSE STRUCTURE

Full-time

Stage 1 Semester 1 CREDITS LEVEL

GSM005 Principles Of Research Methods 30 SCQF 11

Choose 2 option modules from the following group: Any approved ABS Masters Modules

BSMXX1 Approved Module 1 15 SCQF 11 BSMXX2 Approved Module 2 15 SCQF 11 Total for Semester: 60 Full-time


GSM008 Planning, Organising, Evaluation and Dissemination of Research 30 SCQF 11

Choose 2 option modules from the following group: Any approved ABS Masters module

BSMXX3 Approved Module 3 15 SCQF 11 BSMXX4 Approved Module 4 15 SCQF 11 Total for Semester: 60 Full-time


Choose 1 option module from the following group: Exit with MSc or proceeed to DBA

BSD001 Dissertation (Professional Doctorate) 420 SCQF 12 IMM068 Dissertation 60 SCQF 11 Total for Semester: 420

Total for Stage: 540

Full-time


No Modules are Assigned to this Semester

Total for Semester: 0

Total for Stage: 0

Part-time



Total for Semester: 30 Part-time



BSMXX1 Approved Module 1 15 SCQF 11



BSMXX2 Approved Module 2 15 SCQF 11 Total for Semester: 30 Part-time



Choose 1 option module from the following group: Any approved ABS Masters module

No Modules are Assigned to this Group

Total for Semester: 30 Part-time



BSMXX3 Approved Module 3 15 SCQF 11 BSMXX4 Approved Module 4 15 SCQF 11 Total for Semester: 15 Part-time


Choose 1 option module from the following group: Exit at MSc level or continue to DBA



Distance learning



Total for Semester: 30 Distance learning



BSMXX1 Approved Module 1 15 SCQF 11 BSMXX2 Approved Module 2 15 SCQF 11 Total for Semester: 30 Distance learning



Choose 1 option module from the following group: Any approved ABS masters module

No Modules are Assigned to this Group

Total for Semester: 30 Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration 8


Distance learning



BSMXX3 Approved Module 3 15 SCQF 11 BSMXX4 Approved Module 4 15 SCQF 11 Total for Semester: 15 Distance learning


Choose 1 option module from the following group: Exit with MSc or proceed to DBA





COURSE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM

The DBA has two main stages:

Stage 1

Academic and professional coherence will be driven by the candidate, with advice and supportprovided by the appointed Principal Supervisor. The Principal Supervisors will be selected fromsenior staff in your chosen specialist area.

Candidates will establish a portfolio that is appropriate to their professional and/or specialist path,and underpin their chosen research area. Students are instructed to develop a coherent personallearning plan that encompasses specific modules that address particular needs, interests andaspirations.

An important part of the DBA is to develop your subject knowledge. You will complete 4 taughtmodules, selected under guidance from those offered by the Aberdeen School . Modules that youmight study include:

Leadership and Strategic Management Human Resource Management Knowledge Management Marketing Decisions Operations Management Financial Management

To provide you with a strong foundation in advanced research methods, you will also be requiredto complete 2 compulsory modules in research methods. These modules will require you toundertake a literature review, and develop and articulate a complete research proposal, setting outits aims, objectives, methods and timetable.

Stage 2

Candidates will be required to produce a dissertation of up to 80,000 words.

Candidates will continue to be provided appropriate support in the form of the Principal Supervisorwho will ensure that there is an ongoing programme of work in place.

Progress will be monitored on an ongoing basis and during preparation of your dissertation you willbe required to complete an annual progress report. Training and development needs will also beassessed on an ongoing basis.



Documents

DBA Course Specification Core.pdf