Empowering Excellence

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

Build on your knowledge and expertise to solve some of the most complex organisational challenges

“With two decades of experience delivering executive education, our DBA programme at Atlantic TU embodies a legacy of significant management and organisational development, and builds on our academic excellence, instilling trust in our quality at the highest levels and delivering transformational value in professional and organisational practices”

Michael Margey, Head of Faculty – Business

Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)

Study for a Doctorate in Business Administration at Atlantic Technological University and obtain the highest-level management qualification available.

Delivered by Atlantic TU’s Faculty of Business, this unique, research-based, practice-driven DBA will empower innovative thinkers, build analytical prowess and equip executives and academics with the knowledge and competencies to confront and conquer substantial organisational challenges.

Tailored to suit professionals in management or leadership roles, the programme’s flexible structure facilitates doctoral-level research while enabling DBA candidates to continue meeting their employment commitments over a four-year, part-time duration.

A DBA is the pinnacle of professional achievement in the realm of management, offering a platform for individuals to enhance their expertise, drive innovation, and shape the future of their chosen domains.

Why undertake a DBA?

Empowering Organisational Impact

Strategic Leadership: Armed with advanced business knowledge and a strategic mindset, DBA graduates develop and implement visionary strategies that drive growth and competitiveness.

Unlocking Personal Impact

Knowledge Mastery: Through rigorous research, DBA candidates gain a deep and nuanced understanding of complex business concepts. This new-found knowledge not only boosts confidence but also cultivates a lifelong passion for learning.

Innovation Catalysts: DBA research often leads to groundbreaking insights and innovations. Graduates introduce fresh perspectives, enhancing product development, process optimization, and customer experience.

Problem Solvers: The DBA equips individuals with the ability to tackle complex organisational challenges. They become adept problem solvers who can address issues ranging from market fluctuations to operational inefficiencies.

Critical Thinking: The DBA sharpens critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to dissect intricate problems, formulate innovative solutions, and make informed decisions both inside and outside the boardroom.

Self-Discovery: The DBA journey often leads to self-discovery, as candidates uncover their unique strengths, interests, and leadership styles. It is a path to personal growth and empowerment.

This advanced degree will involve a remarkable journey of growth, both individually and within the broader context of the business world, delivering impact at three levels:

Elevating Professional Impact

Executive Roles: DBA holders are sought after for top executive positions, including CEO, CTO, and CMO, due to their strategic acumen and leadership prowess.

Academic Excellence: For those inclined toward academia, a DBA can lead to prestigious teaching and research roles in universities, allowing them to shape the next generation of business leaders.

Industry Influence: DBA holders often become thought leaders and influencers in their respective sectors, contributing to industry publications, speaking at conferences, and guiding industry standards.

A DBA is not just an academic pursuit; it is a life-altering journey that empowers individuals to make a profound impact on themselves, their organisations, and their professions.

The Executive Education programme really transformed my thinking around public service and it has been of enormous benefit to me in my career.”

Rob Doyle, Director, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Programme Structure

Our blended delivery model seamlessly integrates the advantages of both online and in-person learning, offering flexibility without compromising on quality of engagement. This approach allows you to engage in enriching online discussions and coursework while also participating in on-campus sessions for handson experiences and networking opportunities.

Our commuter learner model is tailored to accommodate busy professionals who may find it challenging to commit to regular campus visits. This model emphasises flexible scheduling and leverages technology, empowering students to excel in their doctoral journey.

The DBA takes a minimum of four years to complete.

Programme Structure

Your DBA journey will follow a structured approach. A structured approach means breaking down your doctoral work into smaller pieces that add up to your final submission. The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) programme is divided into four stages:

DBA Phase 1: Induction

Start of Semester 1: Programme orientation and meet the programme team

DBA Phase 2: Workshops

Workshop 1

Professional Development: Connecting Theory and Practice (incl. Induction)

Semester 1

Workshop 2

Theory Development and Application

Semester 1

Research Paper 1

Workshop 3

Research Principles, Skills and Methods

Semester 2

Supervisor Nomination

Workshop 4

Approaches to Quantitative Research

Semester 3

DBA Stage 3: Research Paper Series

Research & Thesis Production

Literature Review

Semester 5

Research Paper 2

Research & Thesis Production

Methodology

Semester 6

Workshop 5

Approaches to Quantitative Research

Semester 3

Research Paper 3

Research & Thesis Production

Analysis & Findings

Semester 7

DBA Stage 4: Final write up, thesis submission and DBA Viva

DBA Thesis Research & Thesis Production

Research papers 1-3 collated with introduction and discussion/conclusion

Semester 8

Viva

Professional Doctorate

Workshop 6

Research Proposal: Integrity, Ethics and Impact Presentation and Transfer

Semester 4

In our DBA programme, we offer two distinctive, yet intertwining, learning models to cater to the diverse needs of our students: the blended delivery model and the commuter learner model.

Attendance

The programmes requires attendance in person three times per year, for the first two years. Workshops are delivered in blocks consisting of three days on-campus. Workshops are supplemented by pre-andpost-sessions delivered online.

Where will DBA students study?

With campus locations in Galway, Mayo, Sligo and Donegal along with access to off-campus learning environments across Ireland, workshop delivery will be facilitated in a location that meets with the cohort’s needs.

Online content will be delivered live and interactive on the University’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), with the opportunity to access resources and recorded sessions at a time that suits.

DBA students are required to attend an on-campus induction in Semester 1 “Preparing the Mindset”.

Taught Elements

Year 1 & Year 2, part-time study

Each of the 6 core taught modules integrate advice on academic writing skills and have a dedicated focus on the forthcoming research proposal. The research proposal is written during the final module of the taught element.

Workshop Themes

• Becoming a Professor of Practice

– Reflective and reflexive practice, academic writing, variations of literature review.

• Grand and Middle Range theories in areas such as Strategic Management, Leadership and Change Management, Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Technology, Digital Transformation, AI, and Healthcare Processes.

• Research Paradigms and Philosophies, Methodologies, Methods, Applied Research Design.

• Data Preparation and Preliminary Analysis, including comparing groups and exploring relationships through data sets.

• Qualitative Methodologies e.g. case study, narrative, action learning, processual, etc.

• Ethics and Integrity, The Research Proposal, Getting Published.

In order to proceed to the research stage (years 3 & 4), the DBA candidate must have successfully completed all 6 workshops and attained the 60 ECTS credits.

Research Paper Series, Thesis and Viva

Year 3 & Year 4, part-time study

The research element is based on the production of a series of 3 research papers which are written in tandem with pursuit of the research project. Each of these papers are supported by one-to-one consultation with the research supervisors and are reviewed by an external advisor. Research papers which reach an acceptable standard at doctoral level can be integrated as chapters into the final dissertation. The 3 research papers are as follows:

• Literature Review: due Semester 5

• Methodology: due Semester 6

• Analysis and Findings: due Semester 7

• Final dissertation: due Semester 8

Faculty of Business Executive Education Team

DBA Academic Team

Passionate, experienced and knowledgeable – our team and their networks empower excellence, including industry experts and visiting professors. Every member of our faculty is a distinguished expert in their field, possessing doctoral level qualifications obtained from some of the most renowned universities across the globe.

Their comprehensive knowledge, extensive research experience, and commitment to teaching ensure that our DBA students receive a world-class education that seamlessly blends theory and practice.

By enrolling in our programme, you will have the privilege of learning from and collaborating with academics who have not only excelled in their own academic journeys but have also gained international recognition for their contributions to the business world. Join us in this transformative educational journey and be mentored by the best in the field.

Academic Supports

DBA Supervisory Team: Your DBA supervisory team is here to guide you throughout your doctoral journey. Your lead supervisor is assigned in Year 2, ensuring support from the beginning of your research project. Your supervisory team will support you in your research journey, assisting from the initial research concept to your final thesis viva.

Joint

Programme Directors and Executive

Education: You’ll be an integral part of our Faculty of Business, including its Executive Education. You’ll receive unwavering support from our faculty team throughout your academic journey, from DBA Programme Directors, Dr Anne Burke and Dr Tena Patton, and our Executive Education Coordinator, Donald Hannigan.

Anne’s research interests encompass a diverse range of areas, including auditing, corporate governance, entrepreneurship, action learning, processual research, and IT-business alignment. In her role, she not only conducts research but also actively contributes to the academic community by delivering lectures as part of PhD programmes at both the TCD Business School and Bursa Uludağ University.

Tena’s teaching interests straddle the areas of creativity, business, entrepreneurship and education. She is involved at postgraduate level in teaching and supervision and has published in the areas of research methodology, creative enterprise, and pedagogy. Her own DBA was a qualitative study of creative entrepreneurship.

Dr Anne Burke

Joint Programme Director, DBA

Dr Tena Patten Joint Programme Director, DBA

Making an Application

ATU is accepting applications for the Doctorate of Business Administration. For important deadlines, information sessions and webinar series, visits atu.ie/dba for details.

Entry Requirements

To join our DBA, it's essential to demonstrate not just your academic aptitude but also the resilience, determination, and unwavering dedication required for self-directed study. You'll engage in a conversation with our programme academics, where you can delve into the programme's prerequisites and explore how it can address specific challenges or opportunities within your organisation through your research.

To be considered for this programme, you must:

• hold a Masters degree in a Business related area or equivalent;

• have a minimum of five years’ professional experience at managerial level.

To apply you will need to submit the following documentation:

• completed DBA application form;

• curriculum vitae (max 3 pages);

• DBA research proposal;

• supporting evidence of the qualifications achieved;

• two letters of reference (one academic and one industry – where possible);

• evidence of English language proficiency (if required).

Further details on entry requirements, English language requirements and recognition of prior learning (RPL) entry pathways are available at atu.ie/dba

Fees & Funding

Your fee encompasses a comprehensive array of services and benefits, including online study materials, registration, tuition, expert supervision, as well as refreshments during the induction, and the on-campus sessions. You'll also enjoy access to ATU campus student facilities, convenient hot-desking facilities at the University, a black and white printing allowance, and free car parking (where available). Furthermore, your fee covers attendance at the graduation ceremony, ensuring your achievements are celebrated in style.

Full fees and funding details are available at atu.ie/dba

An investment in executive education is the best decision you could possibly make for yourself, your career or your business! I have learned a lot about myself and our growing team –about how and why we manage and lead the way we do and how to adapt my leadership style to suit the situations and people involved. The calibre of faculty, guest lecturers and industry experts are outstanding. You will be exposed to some of the best and brightest minds available

Annette Houston, Managing Director of FM Services Group

Contact Details

For further information, or to arrange a meeting with our Course Directors, please contact:

Donald Hannigan Executive Education Coordinator Faculty of Business

E: Donald.hannigan@atu.ie

T: +353 (0)74 9186206

atu.ie/dba