Author: Dr. Tali Režun, COTRUGLI Business School
A Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is one of the most prestigious degrees in the academic and professional world, recognized globally as a hallmark of advanced research, leadership, and expertise in business. Designed for seasoned professionals and executives, a DBA builds on an MBA by equipping individuals with the skills to address complex business challenges through rigorous, applied research. As Vice Dean at COTRUGLI Business School and author of The DBA Dissertation Guidebook: The Steps Toward Writing Your DBA Masterpiece (link), I invite you to explore the DBA journey—a path that transforms both your career and perspective.
The DBA process begins with a concise yet critical dissertation proposal outlining your research problem, objectives, and methodology. This proposal, limited to 40 pages, is your opportunity to define a unique contribution to business practice or theory. Once approved, you’ll dive into the dissertation, structured across four or five chapters: an introduction to the problem, a comprehensive literature review, a detailed methodology, and a presentation of findings with implications for practice and society. Each chapter builds on the last, culminating in a work that showcases your expertise.
The guidebook simplifies this journey by breaking it down into manageable steps. Start by crafting a compelling Chapter One to hook your readers and frame your study. In Chapter Two, conduct an exhaustive literature review using trusted sources like JSTOR or SAGE Journals to ground your research. Chapter Three requires selecting an appropriate methodology—whether narrative, phenomenological, or experimental—guided by frameworks from experts like Creswell. Finally, Chapter Four ties your findings to real-world applications, offering recommendations for future research and professional practice.
The DBA journey typically spans four years, though it can be completed sooner with extreme dedication. Technology can ease the process: AI research tools like Google’s Notebook, or classical tools like Drawboard PDF or Mendeley, streamline literature organization and citation management, reducing reliance on physical resources. The culmination is the oral defense, where you present your work to a committee and earn their approval.
Why pursue a DBA? Beyond the academic prestige, it’s a profound personal and professional growth journey. As I reflect on the guidebook, writing my DBA dissertation reshaped my perspective, deepened my patience, and elevated my business acumen. It opens doors to leadership roles, consulting opportunities, and academic positions while equipping you to drive meaningful change in organizations and communities. Whether you aim to innovate in your industry or contribute to global business knowledge, a DBA is a powerful investment in your future.
Ready to chart your path? Download The DBA Dissertation Guidebook and start your journey today. Available on ResearchGate (link), this guidebook is your roadmap to crafting a dissertation that stands out.
