Author: Dr. Tali Režun, COTRUGLI Business School
Embark on Your DBA Journey: A Guide to Writing a Dissertation That Stands Out
Embarking on a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is more than an academic milestone—it’s a transformative journey that requires dedication, intellectual rigor, and a deep commitment to advancing the field of business.
As Vice Dean at COTRUGLI Business School and a proud DBA graduate, I’ve distilled my years of academic and practitioner experience into The DBA Dissertation Guidebook: The Steps Toward Writing Your DBA Masterpiece. This comprehensive, practical resource is available on ResearchGate and serves as your roadmap to crafting a dissertation that is both academically sound and professionally impactful.
What Sets a DBA Apart?
Unlike an MBA, which emphasizes group collaboration and case-based learning, the DBA dissertation is a more independent, research-driven endeavor. It demands self-discipline, time management, and a strong sense of purpose.
The guidebook walks you through every critical stage—starting with the dissertation proposal, which typically includes the first three chapters along with a complete APA-style reference list. Capped at 40 pages, this proposal must clearly define your research problem, objectives, theoretical framework, and most importantly, your contribution to professional practice.
A strong proposal doesn’t just set expectations—it lays the groundwork for a successful dissertation journey, aligning you with your supervisory committee’s academic standards from the outset.
Chapter by Chapter: Structure of a DBA Dissertation
The DBA dissertation is commonly structured into four to five key chapters, each serving a distinct purpose and function:
- Chapter One: Introduces the business problem, outlines the research context, and engages readers with a strong, focused framework.
- Chapter Two: Presents a comprehensive literature review, covering both academic and practitioner sources. Organizing your review by themes, methodologies, and theories helps create a solid foundation for your research.
- Chapter Three: Details your chosen research methodology—whether qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. This chapter explains and justifies your design, data collection strategy, and analysis approach.
- Chapter Four: Presents the findings, followed by an in-depth discussion of their implications for theory, professional practice, and social change.
- (Optional) Chapter Five: Summarizes key contributions, limitations, and opportunities for future research.
Tools and Techniques to Streamline the Process
Writing a DBA dissertation is a multi-year endeavor—typically taking about four years, though completion time can vary depending on your dedication, access to resources, and faculty support. The guidebook provides practical writing strategies to help you stay efficient and focused, such as:
- Using active voice and precise verbs to clarify your stance
- Leveraging Mendeley for reference management and citation formatting
- Employing digital pens or annotation tools for organizing and tagging academic literature
- Accessing digital research databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or SAGE Journals to build a strong literature base
These tools and techniques are designed to help you minimize friction and maximize output, making the dissertation process more structured and less overwhelming.
Why Pursue a DBA?
A DBA is more than a degree—it’s a journey of intellectual empowerment and professional reinvention. It challenges you to think critically, innovate strategically, and contribute meaningfully to your industry and academic field.
Writing my own dissertation reshaped how I think, lead, and solve problems. It strengthened my analytical skills, expanded my academic horizon, and gave me a deeper appreciation for evidence-based leadership. Whether your goal is to teach, consult, or lead transformative change within your organization, the DBA gives you the tools to do so at the highest level.
Take the First Step Toward Your DBA Masterpiece
If you’re ready to elevate your career, expand your influence, and contribute new knowledge to the global business community, the DBA is your path forward.
Download The DBA Dissertation Guidebook today on ResearchGate. With step-by-step strategies, practical tools, and insider insights, this guidebook will help you begin—and complete—your dissertation journey with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
