Modules
Advanced Qualitative Research Methods
In this module you will learn how to design research and analyze data using qualitative methods. It starts by discussing the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and the distinctions between qualitative and quantitative research processes. We will delve into how qualitative research is designed, covering research question formulation, case study, ethnography, and grounded theory. We will also evaluate different data collection techniques, such as interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. Lastly, we put the data to work through sophisticated techniques for analysis and interpretation which include coding, thematic analysis, and narrative analysis. You will become familiar with a range of specialist software packages, designed for sophisticated data analysis.
Advanced Quantitative Research Methods
This module explores the various statistical methods that are used to analyse complex data and establish causal relationships. It begins with an introduction to causal inference, especially the fundamental concepts that differentiate correlation from causation. Building on this foundation, we progress to econometrics, with an exploration of regression analysis and choice models. Then we move into more complex techniques such as instrumental variables, panel data analysis, the difference-in-differences method, matching techniques, network analysis and mediation analysis. The module includes many offers hands-on exercises, allowing students to apply a wide range of industry-standard methods such as Stata and Python to interpret complex real-world data sets.
Innovation and Digital Transformation
The global economy is undergoing a rapid transformation due to emerging digital technologies, which are providing unparalleled opportunities for business development, innovation, and impact. We explore the scope, scale and pace of digitalisation and the impact it has on the business environment. This module gives a comprehensive understanding of the diverse opportunities that digital technology and data management practices present for business transformation. It provides a structured approach to evaluate the potential occurrence of disruptive technology trends through established frameworks, fostering the foresight necessary to align, adapt, and innovate effectively. We will focus on the strategic and operational implications of digital transformation, preparing you to lead organizations through the complexities of technological change.
Knowledge Exchange and Social Impact
Researcher-practitioners create and refine substantial bodies of knowledge, putting knowledge to work, potentially leading to significant social, environmental, and economic benefits. However, there is not always a clear route for this knowledge to be put to practical use in the wider world. To do this, we need to connect with communities, businesses, government, regulators, and citizens to create awareness of our work. As these relationships develop, we need to find safe ways to protect and share our work, choosing suitable partners and structuring agreements. You will develop a knowledge transfer and social impact plan to disseminate the findings of your research.
Literature Review and Developing a Proposal
This module prepares you to develop a critical review of the literature that identifies and justifies a significant research problem for a DBA thesis. You will navigate the vast body of academic business and management literature, identifying theories, models and data to refine your research inquiry. You will locate, assess, analyse, synthesise the work of others, leading to a structured critique of material relevant to your work. You will prepare a research proposal that includes a clearly designed and well-justified research topic, grounded in scholarly literature. Furthermore, students will develop an ethics application related to their proposal and acquire essential skills for managing their research projects and collaborating effectively with supervisors.
Modern Organisations and Cultural Change
Explore the nature of modern organisations who operate in diverse cultures. The module will develop a critical comprehension of complex challenges in multiple contexts. They key themes of this module include the structural contingency and resource dependent nature of modern organisations; the design and development of organisations; leadership and change management in diverse teams to drive transformation through knowledge exchange in various global settings. You will explore processes and gain insights that will help you to consistently identify, evaluate, and address ethical dilemmas, demonstrating a commitment to responsible, sustainable, and impactful business practices. Lastly, we consider the dynamic and changing nature of business and the future of organisations within global business environment.
Research Philosophy and Practice
This module considers the philosophical foundations that underpin your research design. By exploring various research philosophy paradigms—such as positivism, critical realism, critical theory, pragmatism, constructionism, and constructivism—you will gain insights into different perspectives on ontology (questions about existence and reality), epistemology (questions about knowledge), and axiology (questions about values). We will examine how these philosophical viewpoints shape research methodologies and address the compatibility or incompatibility of these paradigms, along with their implications for multi-paradigm research. Ultimately, this course will guide you in developing a coherent research philosophy that aligns with your DBA research project, ensuring a solid theoretical foundation for your work.
Sustainable Leadership
This module provides you with the necessary tools and knowledge to become a sustainable leader within your organization. It covers theories, strategies, and ongoing challenges related to sustainability practices and systems put in place to address pressing social and environmental challenges. It covers a range of topics, including environmental justice and regenerative stewardship. It will also explore studies on collective sustainability action, adaptive management, and environmental governance. You will explore the design and implementation of sustainability systems in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. The aim is to inspire you to appreciate the importance of sustainability practices in organizations and beyond.
The Dynamic Global Business Environment
The global business environment is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. Geopolitical tensions, climate change, population mobility, public health crises, longer life-expectancy, a falling birth rate, energy transition, concerns over food and water security, and the rise of Artificial Intelligence have driven changes in the ways that businesses think and behave. This has a significant impact upon business strategy and operations. Timescales for planning have shortened dramatically. Global supply chains are reconfigured to reposition from global to local. New customer needs and new competitors are emerging. To mitigate this, you will develop a portfolio of scenarios for your organisations and a recommendation for how its strategic capabilities need to be enhanced to achieve future competitive advantage.
Tri Campus Study and Conference Tour
This module aims to build your confidence and capability as a researcher-practitioners to engage and draw from key audiences for your work that may include international, business, academic, and end-user stakeholders. You will become familiar with a range of techniques to engage your audiences to include written (e.g., research updates), visual (e.g., poster presentations), verbal (e.g., conference presentation), and social media for relevant professional research-practitioner communities. The two-week tour gives you time to work alongside fellow researchers and faculty members to share and discuss your research, your dissemination plan, and its potential impact upon target audiences. Visits to UK and Malaysia campuses will comprise research symposia, company visits, and key faculty meetings.