COURSE

SPECIFICATION:
Core Award Data
Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of
Business 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 Pg
Dip shall be awarded on exit from the programme with 120 credits at SHEM level. The MSc shall
be awarded on exit from the programme with 180 credits at SHEM level. The MSc shall be
awarded 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 than
120 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-based
view of real world management issues. It is equivalent in terms of academic rigour to a PhD but is
Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration

2
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
view of real world management issues. It is equivalent in terms of academic rigour to a PhD but is
more applied in nature. The aim is to generate new knowledge and understanding that will
contribute 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 and
interpretation of new knowledge through original research or other advanced scholarship of a
quality to satisfy peer review, extend the forefront of the discipline, and merit publication'. In this
context, the principal aim of The Robert Gordon University DBA course is to provide a flexible but
structured framework to enable management practitioners to: (i) evaluate contemporary
managerial debates, theories and concepts while tackling real management problems in an
industry, sector and/or organisational context; and (ii) make a significant contribution to
professional practice/knowledge. Such an approach can be contrasted with the traditional PhD
which places more emphasis on the development of theoretical perspectives rather than the
application of knowledge to enhance professional practice. This DBA is therefore a professional
doctorate concerned with researching real managerial issues via the critical review and systematic
application of appropriate theories and research to professional practice. Furthermore, the course
aims to support considerable personal development in order that the participant can achieve a
greater level of effectiveness as a professional or manager. In particular The Robert Gordon
University DBA has been designed to meet the needs of practitioners drawn from the private,
public and voluntary sectors undertaking an advanced management programme of continuing
professional development.
In accordance with the University's Mission , the Programme aims to develop management
professionals 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, contributing
substantially to the development of new techniques, ideas and approaches;
Contribute to and advance the body of knowledge in their chosen specialist area
within management;
Demonstrate experience of undertaking rigorous, leading edge research in a
relevant context;
Provide professionals with the knowledge, skills and capabilities that are necessary
to undertake a higher research degree in their chosen specialist area and to make an effective
contribution to scholarship;
Apply the higher cognitive, interpersonal, psychomotor, analytical and evaluative
skills and ethical underpinning necessary for competent and reflective practice and lifelong
personal learning and development;
Make informed judgements on complex issues, often in the initial absence of
complete data;
Exercise personal responsibility and largely autonomous initiative in complex and
unpredictable situations in the professional environment;
Communicate their ideas and conclusions clearly and effectively to specialist and
non-specialist audiences;
Develop innovative thinking, while tackling real problems; and
Demonstrate originality in advancing professional research and best practice.

Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration

3
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data

LEARNING OUTCOMES
None.

DISTINCTIVE FEATURES OF COURSE

The dynamic business environment of the contemporary management practitioner is placing new
demands on them. New skills are required including those associated with a research-based
approach to solving problems, systematic ways of collecting evidence and an independent and
open mind for analysis and interpretation of evidence. It is against this broader backdrop that
many DBA Programmes have become in a very short period an attractive option for the busy
management practitioner wishing to take the next step on the qualification ladder to enhance their
career prospects. This is because DBA Programmes offer a much more flexible and structured
programme 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 with
significant experience in management. In the development of this doctorate consultation has
taken place with the local business community which by its nature is international in focus; and
also the public and voluntary sectors. The broad aim of the DBA is to enable management
practitioners to make a significant contribution to the enhancement of professional practice in the
private, public and voluntary sectors through the application and development of theoretical
frameworks. The DBA is a professional practice doctorate and is concerned with researching real
managerial issues via the critical review and systematic application of appropriate theories and
research to professional practice. The course has also been designed to provide opportunities for
considerable personal development, such that the participant will achieve a greater level of
effectiveness as a professional practitioner or manager. To summarise, the Robert Gordon
University DBA will provide graduates with the ability to innovate and implement new ideas in
practice and enable them to reach senior positions much earlier in their careers.
It is recognised that as the majority of students undertaking professional doctorates are
experienced and practising professionals, most students will study for the degree part-time and
that 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 management
experience, skills and past academic achievement as part of a carefully considered plan.
Successful completion of the course will also gain students maximum professional credibility, and
will 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 research
in 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
Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration

4
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
level or DBA level research will be undertaken within or in cooperation with an organisation or
organisations 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 in
pedagogy and research within an environment which values all associated stakeholders, an aim
which is commensurate with the University's Vision which is to be internationally recognised for
excellence in professional education and applied research. Teaching staff are all actively engaged in
research and scholarly activities. All of this is vital to ensure that both staff and the courses
maintain their understanding of contemporary issues within the sector and can prepare students
for current (and indeed future) professional practice.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
This course is governed by the provisions of the University's Academic Regulations, which are
available at www.rgu.ac.uk/academicaffairs/quality/page.cfm?pge=1826. In particular:
Regulation A1: Courses
Regulation A2: Admission
Regulation A3: Student Conduct, Appeals and Complaints
Regulation A4: Assessment and Recommendations of Assessment Boards
Entry Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the University's general admission requirements for undergraduate and
postgraduate courses as contained in Academic Regulation A2: Admission, including proficiency to
a minimum standard in the English language. Specific entry requirements for this course are
detailed 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 its
functions. This commitment is reflected in the University's values, details of which may be found
at: www.rgu.ac.uk/diversity/info/page.cfm.

The University's Disability and Dyslexia Service provides support for students, details of which may
be 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 the
course and reasonable adjustments that may be made. The current School Disability Contacts are
Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration

5
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
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 Data
Course Specification: Student Learning Experience
CONTACT DETAILS
Robert Gordon University
Schoolhill
Aberdeen
AB10 1FR
Scotland, UK
A Scottish Charity, Registration No. SCO13781
Telephone: +44 (0)1224 262000
Web: 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 University
reserves the right to make variations to the contents or methods of delivery of courses, to
discontinue, merge or combine courses, and to introduce new courses.
Printed: 12 Sep 2011
Record Number: 0041
Version Number: 1
Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration

6
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
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
Stage 1

Semester 2 CREDITS LEVEL
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
Stage 1

Semester 3 CREDITS LEVEL
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
Stage 2

Semester 1 CREDITS LEVEL
No Modules are Assigned to this Semester

Total for Semester:

0


Total for Stage:

0

Part-time
Stage 1

Semester 1 CREDITS LEVEL
GSM005 Principles Of Research Methods 30 SCQF 11

Total for Semester:

30


Part-time
Stage 1

Semester 2 CREDITS LEVEL
Choose 2 option modules from the following group:
Any approved ABS Masters module
BSMXX1 Approved Module 1 15 SCQF 11

Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration 7
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
BSMXX2 Approved Module 2 15 SCQF 11


Total for Semester:

30


Part-time
Stage 1

Semester 3 CREDITS LEVEL
GSM008 Planning, Organising, Evaluation and Dissemination of Research 30 SCQF 11
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
Stage 1

Semester 4 CREDITS LEVEL
Choose 1 option module 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:

15


Part-time
Stage 1

Semester 5 CREDITS LEVEL
Choose 1 option module from the following group:
Exit at MSc level or continue to DBA
BSD001 Dissertation (Professional Doctorate) 420 SCQF 12

IMM068 Dissertation 60 SCQF 11


Total for Semester:

420


Total for Stage:

525

Distance learning
Stage 1

Semester 1 CREDITS LEVEL
GSM005 Principles Of Research Methods 30 SCQF 11

Total for Semester:

30


Distance learning
Stage 1

Semester 2 CREDITS LEVEL
Choose 2 option modules from the following group:
Any approved ABS Masters module
BSMXX1 Approved Module 1 15 SCQF 11

BSMXX2 Approved Module 2 15 SCQF 11


Total for Semester:

30


Distance learning
Stage 1

Semester 3 CREDITS LEVEL
GSM008 Planning, Organising, Evaluation and Dissemination of Research 30 SCQF 11
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
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data

Distance learning
Stage 1

Semester 4 CREDITS LEVEL
Choose 1 option module 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:

15


Distance learning
Stage 1

Semester 5 CREDITS LEVEL
Choose 1 option module from the following group:
Exit with MSc or proceed to DBA
BSD001 Dissertation (Professional Doctorate) 420 SCQF 12

IMM068 Dissertation 60 SCQF 11


Total for Semester:

420


Total for Stage:

525

Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration 9
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data
COURSE STRUCTURE DIAGRAM
The DBA has two main stages:
Stage 1
Academic and professional coherence will be driven by the candidate, with advice and support
provided by the appointed Principal Supervisor. The Principal Supervisors will be selected from
senior 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 personal
learning plan that encompasses specific modules that address particular needs, interests and
aspirations.
An important part of the DBA is to develop your subject knowledge. You will complete 4 taught
modules, selected under guidance from those offered by the Aberdeen School . Modules that you
might 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 required
to complete 2 compulsory modules in research methods. These modules will require you to
undertake a literature review, and develop and articulate a complete research proposal, setting out
its 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 Supervisor
who 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 will
be required to complete an annual progress report. Training and development needs will also be
assessed on an ongoing basis.
Doctorate of Business Administration [DBA] Doctorate of Business Administration 10
COURSE SPECIFICATION: Core Award Data