Programme outline

The University of Pretoria's (UP) DBA is offered through the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) based in Illovo, Johannesburg. It is an advanced study programme that builds on the solid foundation of a first-class MBA. It is intended for top echelon business scholars interested in deepening their knowledge of select topics in the field of business science and administration through intensive study and research.

The DBA programme comprises two main parts: directed learning and research. Successful applicants enrol for the Year 1 directed learning curriculum of Part 1 as doctoral registrants of GIBS. Successful completion of Part 1 leads to registration for Part 2 as a DBA candidate of UP, to undertake independent research leading to a doctoral thesis.

Part 1: Directed Learning

Year 1 is devoted to intensive directed learning based on prescribed readings, facilitated seminars and independent written assignments. The aim is to provide an essential base in theory and method that will equip the student to undertake independent doctoral research at the cutting edge of business know-how and scientific rigour.

The directed learning in turn covers two main components:

Research Methodology, with four compulsory modules:

The Nature of Scientific Research
Design and Methods for Quantitative Research
Design and Methods for Qualitative Research
Transdisciplinary Applied Business Research

Business Science, with eight modules, of which three are compulsory (*) and any two of the remaining six must be taken as electives:

Macroenvironment of Business*
Strategic Management*
Leadership
Organisation Behaviour and Transformation
Strategic Marketing
Innovation
Finance
Governance, Risk and Performance*

The directed learning modules are delivered via full-day seminars based on prescribed readings. These are held either weekly or fortnightly. Students are expected to come prepared to present their views on the prescribed learning materials and participate actively in class discussion and debate. In addition, individual written assignments based on independent study and analysis must be submitted. The directed learning modules are subject to written examination and a pass in all modules taken is a requirement to proceed to Part 2.

For a brief summary of the modules and schedule for the Directed Learning Programme of Part 1 in 2011- 2012 please click here.

Part 2: Research

The remaining 36 months of the DBA programme are devoted to independent research. The requirement is for an original, substantive, empirical research study that contributes to the body of scientific knowledge in the relevant field of enquiry. Typically, this should utilise appropriate research design and analysis tools taken from the core Research Methodology modules in Part 1 and develop, test or apply theory arising from one or more of the elective Business Science modules.

Progress on the research study will be guided by a supervisor and monitored at periodic peer review seminars facilitated by members of the research committee. In the final year of the research each student will be required to prepare and deliver a lecture based on their research to faculty and students at GIBS.

The completed research study must be presented in the form of a doctoral thesis. At the same time, a manuscript based on the thesis must be prepared for submission to an accredited academic journal, local or international, for publication as a research article. A pass of the thesis by three independent examiners will be a condition for the award of the DBA degree.