Sept 2024 Entry
2 years (Full-time)
3 years (Part-time)
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Mode of Study: PolyU DBA is a mixed-mode programme. Students may pursue their DBA studies with either a full-time study load (taking 9 credits or more in a semester) or a part-time study load (less than 9 credits in a semester).
Duration of Study: Students who wish to extend their studies beyond normal duration should submit an application to the Faculty of Business for consideration.
Medium of Instruction: English
Note to Applicants
We have a quota for admissions. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews.
What's New
Programme Aims
This programme aims to educate senior executives to be the “scholar-leaders”, who are able to apply research findings in solving the real-world management problems. It has been designed to integrate academic study and management practice in a way which will form a significant part of an individual’s business career.
On completion of the Programme, students will be able to advance their knowledge, skills and intellectual abilities as defined in the broad learning outcomes which are underpinned by specific learning objectives below:
General Business Knowledge
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Broaden, update and deepen students’ knowledge of business administration in general with an appreciation of digital transformation in the business world.
Specialist Knowledge
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Acquire an in-depth knowledge of a specialist area including some basic understanding of the impacts from digital technology.
Applied Research
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Sharpen students' ability to conduct original applied research and ethical awareness in business administration.
Characteristics
Accreditations
AACSB
The Faculty of Business was accredited by AACSB International (The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) in 2010 in recognition of our business education.
EQUIS
The Faculty of Business was accredited by EQUIS (EFMD Quality Improvement System) in 2007 in recognition of our programmes, research and associated activities.
International Collaboration
To enhance the international dimension and academic vigour of PolyU DBA, collaborations have been established with the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Switzerland and The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in London, U.K..
IMD is among top 3 for executive education in the world for ten years in a row (2012-2022) by the Financial Times.
LSE has been ranked top in Europe, and second in the world, in social science and management subjects for the ninth consecutive year in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
Technological Element in the Curriculum
To help students embrace technological changes and digital transformation, five topics, namely artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud computing, data science and entrepreneurship, have been embedded in the programme across a wide range of subjects.
Our curriculum fosters awareness of the impact of technology while teaching students to use data and technology to tackle business and organisational issues, thus enhancing their management and leadership abilities.
Take the first DBA in the region
The PolyU DBA, launched in 1996, was the region’s first professional and academic doctorate in business and management. The success of the programme was further demonstrated with the extension and launch of the Doctor of Management (DMgt) programme on the Chinese mainland in 2004.
Achieve an intellectual transformation
This programme appeals to those who are looking for a challenge and is designed for business professionals who wish to take their business education to the highest level. It is built on engaged scholarship and evidence-based management to enable students to solve practical issues and complex business problems.
Earn a doctorate while pursuing a career
Take this programme without interrupting your career. Most classes are scheduled on weekends, subject to final arrangement.
Learn in a supportive environment
Study alongside diverse and high calibre achievers from a range of industries and be inspired by the world-class faculty. Gain access to the latest research through different activities and dedicated research centres. Obtain insights from guest speakers, world-class scholars and renowned business leaders.
Become part of an elite network
A solid and extensive network of over 560 alumni and 100 students of DBA, DMgt and DFinTech programmes from diverse backgrounds, cultures, professions, disciplines, industries and countries.
Provide leadership in the digital era
Gain an understanding of the impacts of digital technology and develop an appreciation of digital transformation to strengthen leadership and performance.
Programme Structure
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Students are required to complete 51 credits including 8 taught subjects (a total of 24 credits), 2 DBA Residentials (1 credit for DBA Residential I; 2 credits for DBA Residential II) and a DBA Thesis (8 credits for DBA Thesis I; 16 credits for DBA Thesis II).
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All taught subjects are at an advanced level, and students are assumed to have prior knowledge of each subject area.
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There is a possible exit award of Master of Science in Management Research Studies for students who have completed 8 taught subjects, 2 DBA Residentials, and passed the DBA Thesis I (thesis proposal presentation) (a total of 35 credits).
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The curriculum includes technological contents such as data analytics tools, digital technology and the business world, the impact of technology and AI on leadership, and qualitative and experimental designs in relation to AI and entrepreneurship research.
Compulsory Subjects
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Business Research Analysis & Design
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DBA Residential 1
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DBA Residential 2
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DBA Thesis I
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DBA Thesis II
Core Subjects^ (any two)
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Econometrics Methods
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Qualitative Research & Experimental Design
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Statistical Analysis for Management Research
Elective Subjects^ (any five)
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Advanced Business Strategy
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Advanced Financial Management
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Advanced Topics in Economics for Managers
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Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting & Corporate Disclosures
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Current Issues in Organisational Behaviour
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Frontier of Leadership Research
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Incentives & Monitoring in Accounting
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Independent Studies in Business
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Independent Studies in Business - International Collaborations Experience
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Services Marketing Management
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Strategic Management of Information & Organisation in Digital Economy
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Strategic Marketing
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Strategic Quality Management
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Strategic Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Remarks:
^ 1. Normally, each subject will be offered once during the 2-year or 3-year study. However, subject to factors such as staff availability, student enrolment, programme resources and so on, not all subjects will be offered during the 2-year or 3-year study. And, registration is subject to the availability of quota.
2. Programme structure and the subject details (e.g. subject description form, offering pattern, class timetable etc.) are subject to review and change from time to time.
DBA Residentials
Attendance at the 2 DBA Residentials is compulsory.
DBA Residential 1 is a mandatory orientation workshop scheduled for the beginning of the programme in August/September.
DBA Residential 2 is a research workshop held normally after students have completed all the required subjects. The main purpose of the workshop is to give students an opportunity to present their thesis proposals and to prepare them for writing the theses.
DBA Thesis
Students must pass the Compulsory Subject, 2 Core Subjects and at least 3 Elective Subjects before beginning their theses. They need to integrate and apply what they have learned to critically and rigorously examine a topic of interest in the field of business or management. They are challenged to make an important contribution and/or provide innovative insights to the practice of management.
Latest information on the subjects offered can be obtained at https://www.polyu.edu.hk/fb/study/tpg-landing/tpg/dba/programme#timeline.
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Programme Director
Prof. Brian Kei
BEng, DBA
Deputy Programme Director
Prof. Man Kwong Leung
BA, MSocSc, PhD
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A Master's degree, preferably in a business-related area;
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Substantial managerial experience (at least 8 years) at a senior level.
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Candidates in senior management positions possessing a recognised first degree and membership of a recognised professional body may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
If the applicants are not a native speaker of English, and do not possess a Bachelor’s or Master's degree or equivalent qualification which is awarded by institutions where the medium of instruction is English, they are expected to fulfil the University’s minimum English language requirement for admission purpose. Please refer to the "Admission Requirements" section for details.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for admission interviews.
General Enquiries:
Tel: (852) 3400 3234 or (852) 3400 3373
Email: fbdban@polyu.edu.hk
Academic Enquiries:
Prof. Brian Kei, Programme Director
Tel: (852) 3400 3313
Email: cw-brian.kei@polyu.edu.hk
Prof. Man Kwong Leung, Deputy Programme Director
Tel: (852) 2766 7125
Email: man-kwong.leung@polyu.edu.hk
Class Schedule
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Most classes are scheduled on weekends, subject to the final arrangement of the programme.
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HK$953,700 per programme (HK$18,700 per credit) for local and non-local students
I was privileged to pursue my DBA study at PolyU. It was an unforgettable experience. Part of that unforgettable experience was the strong bond I formed with my supervisors, faculty, and other colleagues. Their enthusiastic help and support helped form all of us into a tight circle. My experience of conducting fruitful research has inspired me to become a persistent and determined person. The skills and knowledge that I have acquired have transformed me into a thoughtful and dynamic leader in my own field. There’s no doubt that my DBA journey has been the most rewarding experience of my life.
The PolyU DBA has widened my academic horizon through in depth learning about highly relevant topics. It’s also enriched my professional and personal life through interactions with peers from a variety of backgrounds.
The PolyU DBA covers a wide range of topics in-depth, with a focus on research and problem-solving skills. We not only developed opinions through case studies, but also created our own case studies by conducting business research to solve some of the complex challenges faced by modern businesses, and developed new ideas to move a business forward.
The PolyU DBA was a challenging, but happy and ultimately unforgettable journey for me. I grew into a new person, as I expected, and met wise professors and delightful classmates who were experts in their own industries.
The PolyU DBA develops “scholar-leaders”. I enjoyed the learning journey of creating practical knowledge and applying it to cope with the ever-changing business landscape. I was inspired by the outstanding faculty, alumni, and fellow students from all kinds of academic backgrounds and industries. It was so much more than a doctorate programme—it has enriched my life.
Optional
Required
Required
Candidates are required to submit the following documents at the time of application:
- A personal statement
- Proof of employment (at least 8 years)
- Your academic qualifications (such as graduation certificates, transcripts of studies, etc,) that are not in English should be accompanied by an official certified English- translation
Provision of additional documents may be required if deemed necessary.
An incomplete application cannot be processed promptly and will reduce your chance of admission. Please complete all relevant fields on the application form and enclose all necessary documents.
