Is there a Doctor in the Boardroom?
Only a few years ago the highest level of qualification available in Business Administration was the MBA (Master of Business Administration), a well-regarded qualification offered by most major universities. After completing an MBA a small proportion of students would continue to a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), but this was generally seen as a research qualification, of little relevance 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 tends to be applied research, rather than the scholarly research typical of PhD programmes. Professional doctorates require the submission of a body of original research of a similar length to a PhD thesis. However, this might take the form of a portfolio of technical reports on different research projects, as opposed to 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”.
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