DOCTORATE IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

TURN EXPERIENCE INTO KNOWLEDGE AND MAKE A REAL IMPACT ON YOUR BUSINESS

Everyone is familiar with the word ‘research’.

But many people misunderstand how rich,

complex and diverse it is – and underestimate

the level of rigor that goes into it. Yet

creating new knowledge is the foundation of

all learning. It’s how we progress and make an

impact – it’s vital to society.

The DBA programme helps you develop

the skills, methods and mindset to turn

your business experience and insights into

rigorous knowledge – giving you an even

deeper understanding of your field.

When you’re ready to make your contribution

to the academic community – and society as

a whole – we’ll be here to welcome you.

I look forward to meeting you soon.

Prof Dr Brecht CardoenAcademic Director Doctorate in Business Administration

LIVE. LEARN. LEAP.

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Why join our DBA programme? 4

Programme outline 5

• Learning stage 6

• Research stage 10

Graduation requirements 12

Supporting you throughout your journey 13

Meet your faculty 14

How to apply 15

Practical information 17

Where you’ll be studying 18

Ready to learn more? 20

CONTENTS

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WHY JOIN OUR DBA PROGRAMME?There are so many reasons to start a doctoral journey. To deepen your business understanding from a theoretical perspective. To engage in academically robust, practice-based research. To create new knowledge – and make an even greater impact on your organisation, your sector or even society.

And who better to achieve all of these things with than a triple-accredited business school and two leading universities?

In our DBA programme, you carry out academic research alongside your professional career. We take a flexible approach – you choose your start date and tailor the content to suit your ambitions.

When you join us, you become part of a diverse community of academics and professionals from all over the world. You share experiences, insights and ideas with participants who have business expertise, but want more academic experience. And you leave with a PhD degree from two top institutions.

WHO WILL YOUR FELLOW PARTICIPANTS BE?Our DBA participants come from different sectors and industries – and they have diverse academic backgrounds. They have many ambitions for the programme – to gain deeper understanding, move into an academic career or excel in their business. But they all have one thing in common – they are extremely motivated and driven by intellectual curiosity to better understand a specific issue.

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PROGRAMME OUTLINE The DBA is a four-year doctoral programme, comprising two stages:

• Learning stage (18-24 months)

• Research stage (24-30 months)

BUILDING UP RESEARCH CAPABILITY

Introduction to academic research

Quantitative research I

Quantitative research II

Qualitative research

Studying organisations & individuals

Research skills

Individual and guided thesis work

Conference Conference Conference Conference

ENGAGEMENT IN THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY

LEARNING STAGEYEAR 1 YEAR 3YEAR 2 YEAR 4

RESEARCH STAGE

Teaching skills, research skills and business skills electivesPERSONAL GROWTH

Literature review

Field- specific exam

Pilot study

Research proposal

Doctoral seminar I

Doctoral seminar II

PhD pre-defence

PhD defence

DOCTORAL ASSIGNMENTS

RESEA

RC

H PR

OPO

SAL SEM

INA

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LEARNING STAGE

The objective of this first stage is to develop your research skills. You’ll participate in five week-long modules that cover the entire research cycle and the research skills you need to complete your doctoral journey. Each course takes place on campus. They’re intensive sessions supported by our online learning platform, where you can discuss content and ideas with your colleagues and submit your assignments.

You’ll need to attend all of the courses – and dedicate time to preparing for each one, studying afterwards and completing assignments, papers and exams.

At the end of the learning stage, you’ll take part in a formal presentation of your research proposal.

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Each course covers a different element of the research cycle:

1. INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC RESEARCH

Scholarship isn’t just a set of tasks to complete. It’s a craft – and there are many ways of practising it. This course introduces you to various styles of scholarship and gives you opportunities to try them out. By the end of the course, you’ll start to find your own voice and develop your own style. You’ll also need to write an assignment outlining the impact you want your research to have.

2. STUDYING ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

In this course, you’ll explore the paradigms in the field of organisational studies. You’ll compare different methods and identify where to position your research within organisational theory. You’ll learn to structure your research in line with rigorous academic standards – and start to develop your long-term research agenda.

3. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IThis course covers fundamental quantitative research designs and analysis techniques.

You’ll learn how to apply these designs and techniques and interpret the findings – and select the right approaches for your research question. You’ll also be able to evaluate the techniques and analysis you use – and those others use.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to select an appropriate sample – while understanding the limitations of different sampling techniques. You’ll define constructs and develop ways to measure them to use in survey questionnaires. And you’ll understand and apply the principles of true experimental design and the power to test causality.

You’ll also know how to:

• Report the descriptive and first exploratory data analysis for different quantitative research methods

• Apply the principles of hypothesis testing and interpret the results

• Apply linear regression modelling and interpret the results

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4. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH IIThis course shows you how to evaluate the goodness-and-fit of a linear regression model – and modify it according to your sample and the problem you’re analysing. You’ll explore the concept of analysis of variance.

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to design the data structure needed for logistic regression analysis and evaluate the outcome of logistic regression models. You’ll also be able to apply logistic regression for predictive analytics and identify where you could use more advanced data mining techniques.

Finally, you’ll be able to identify the differences between supervised and unsupervised learning – and apply and evaluate unsupervised learning techniques.

5. QUALITATIVE RESEARCHThis course explores the key characteristics of different qualitative inquiry traditions and approaches – including grounded theory, phenomenology, ethnography, narrative research, case study research and action research. You’ll understand how to apply these traditions and approaches in business and management research – and explore the process of carrying out qualitative research.

You’ll learn how to judge:

• The appropriate qualitative research design for a specific research problem

• The appropriate data analysis strategy for a specific research problem

• The appropriate type of data collection or generation for a specific research problem

while also considering quality issues and ethics.

You’ll develop and implement a data collection protocol – including interviews, documents and observations. And you’ll be able to effectively analyse and report results from qualitative data analysis. At the end of the course, you’ll design a qualitative research project.

6. RESEARCH SKILLS These sessions are designed to help you pursue your doctoral journey in a responsible, effective way – and develop the skills you need to do your research. We share relevant sources and examples to help you deal with specific challenges.

The sessions include:

• Managing your PhD• Literature search and review• Ethics and research integrity• Academic writing and getting published• Creating spillovers and having impact• Doing a good review• Presenting for different audiences

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ASSIGNMENTSYou’ll need to complete four doctoral assignments during the learning stage:

LITERATURE REVIEWThis is a comprehensive summary of literature from your field. You’ll need to review both theoretical and empirical work.

PILOT STUDYThis is an opportunity to experiment with the insights and concepts you explore during quantitative and qualitative research courses. It will help you identify the right approach for you and finetune your own doctoral studies.

FIELD-SPECIFIC EXAMThis is a written exam based on a reading list from your supervisors. The literature will comprise seminal work you need to know in your field. Alternatively, you can join an external reading course.

RESEARCH PROPOSALThis is a fully-developed version of the research idea you submitted in your application. It needs to explain the objective of your research, the theoretical framework, your proposed research design and methodology and a work plan. You’ll also need to prepare an impact plan, setting out how your research will contribute to management theory and practice and the difference you want to achieve – both academically and for your organisation, sector and society.

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RESEARCH STAGE

This is where you put your research proposal into practice and develop your thesis. You’ll collect and analyse data, draft your results – and, with the help of your supervisors, present your work to different audiences. You’ll also need to present your research in two doctoral seminars.

During the first doctoral seminar, you present your first paper to the members of your supervisory committee and during the second doctoral seminar, your second PhD paper.

At the end of this stage, you need to present your thesis at a PhD defence at either Ghent University or KU Leuven.

The doctoral thesis can either combine different papers or take a book format that provides input for three high-quality papers.

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JOINING THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITYThroughout your journey you’ll have opportunities to engage with the academic community. You’ll present your work at the DBA conference – and at an international peer-reviewed conference.

TAILOR THE PROGRAMME TO YOUR NEEDSYou’ll also take part in electives which you can choose depending on your personal ambitions.

Elective activities with mainly an academic focus are, for example, additional external field-specific or methodology courses, review assignments, an internationally recognized publication, a conference proceedings, a journal paper or an additional seminar or conference presentation.

If you want to dig deeper in your topic from a business angle, you can take part in business oriented activities.

You can also follow additional skills courses or teaching preparation seminars.

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WHAT IS THE DBA CONFERENCE?It’s an annual event for DBA participants, alumni, supervisors and faculty to discuss the latest academic research and insights. It’s also a forum for you to share your progress.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTSA doctoral degree is the highest form of academic achievement. To graduate, you need to:

• Attend and pass five courses in the learning stage

• Attend all research skills sessions

• Complete four doctoral assignments

• Present your research in three seminars

• Present your work at the DBA conference

• Present your work at an international peer-reviewed conference

• Take part in professional or academic activities that help you grow as an individual

• Complete annual progress reports

• Successfully defend your thesis

PLANNING YOUR SCHEDULETo succeed on your doctoral journey, you’ll need to dedicate on average 2 days each week to the programme – for pre-reading, course and doctoral assignments and research.

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WHEN YOU HAVE COMPLETED ALL OF THESE, YOU WILL GAIN:• A joint PhD degree from Ghent University and KU Leuven

• A Certificate in Management Research from Vlerick Business School

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SUPPORTING YOU THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEYThe DBA is an intensive, challenging, yet deeply rewarding journey. We’re here to support you through it.

You’ll have two or three supervisors from KU Leuven, Ghent University and Vlerick. They’ll be appointed during the admissions process – so right from the beginning of your journey, you’ll have a team with the knowledge and expertise to guide you.

You’ll learn from teachers and professors who are expert in academic research and executive education. The teaching groups are small – to allow for interaction and time to apply what you learn to your research topic.

We also have a dedicated DBA team who will be your first point of contact for any questions or challenges.

BE PART OF A LIKE-MINDED COMMUNITYWhen you start your DBA journey you’ll join a vibrant community of peers, faculty and supervisors. You’ll have opportunities to share experiences and ideas with your DBA group. But you’ll also connect with the other DBA groups at regular events and activities on campus – and via our online learning platform.

As well as being welcomed by the wider research communities at KU Leuven, Ghent University and Vlerick, you’ll also become a member of Vlerick’s alumni association.

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PROF DR DAVID VEREDAS“It’s one of the most exciting courses I’ve ever taught on. The ingredients are simple: motivated participants, a good book, a board and

active involvement. My session is a two-day deep dive into the quantitative pillars of decision making – focused on the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ and equipping participants with the analytical tools they need.”

PROF DR VERONIEK COLLEWAERT“For me, teaching on the DBA is like a trip down memory lane – reflecting on everything I wish I’d known when I started

my PhD journey! Sharing those lessons with our participants is a great experience.”

PROF DR BARBARA BRIERS“The DBA combines business expertise with rigorous research – it’s a dream come true for any professor. I truly enjoy

being pushed forward by highly dedicated, enthusiastic executives who are digging into the world of academic research.”

PROF DR KATLEEN DE STOBBELEIR“For me, it has been very energizing to observe the transformational impact that the DBA programme has on

people. It’s as much about learning new skills (critical thinking, analytical skills, etc) as it is about developing a whole new professional and academic mindset and identity, where the questions you ask become as important as the solutions you come up with.”

MEET SOME OF YOUR FACULTY

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HOW TO APPLYTo join the DBA, you need a Flemish Master’s degree or an equivalent higher education degree. You need to have graduated with distinction.

You’ll also have at least 10 years’ managerial experience – and some experience at executive level.

To apply, you need to:

• Submit a GMAT/GRE test score from the last five years (you may be eligible for an exemption)

• Prove you are fluent in English

• Explain your motivation for joining the programme

• Submit an initial research idea that relates to our research expertise and is academically challenging

• Get support from at least two supervisors – one from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Ghent University and one from the Faculty of Economics and Business at KU Leuven. We’ll help you find them during the application process.

WHEN CAN YOU START?We accept admissions on a rolling basis. We discuss applications during our monthly doctoral committee meetings. If accepted, you can start in either spring or fall.

Please give yourself plenty of time to complete your application. There are two stages:

• Eligibility • Research idea

STAGE 1: ELIGIBILITY• Executive experience

• Diploma and grades

• Research topic

• Interview with academic director

STAGE 2: RESEARCH IDEA

• Discussions with potential supervisors

• Research idea

Decision on eligibility by DBA doctoral committee

Decision on admission by DBA doctoral committee

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1. ELIGIBILITYAt this stage, we assess if you meet the admissions requirements and learn more about your ambitions.

First, you need to fill in the registration form online: Vlerick.com/dba. Please upload your:• CV• Diploma and transcripts• GMAT/GRE report (if applicable)• English Language Proficiency Exam score

(if applicable)

You also need to write a short essay with your research title, topic and reasons for choosing it. You’ll need to include two references to academic papers – you can find these in open source databases like:

• Google scholar (https://scholar.google.com/)

• Bing scholar (https://academic.microsoft.com/)

• Base (https://www.base-search.net)

• Core (https://core.ac.uk/)

• DOAJ (https://doaj.org/)

We’ll contact you as soon as we can to share our initial feedback. If you meet the criteria – and we think the programme is a good fit for you – we’ll set up an in-depth online interview with the academic director.

The DBA doctoral committee will then discuss your file – and if you’re eligible, you can progress to the second stage.

2. RESEARCH IDEAIf you progress from stage one, you’ll need to develop your research topic into a research idea.

We’ll help you identify and get in touch with potential PhD supervisors. They’ll talk to you, suggest relevant academic papers for you to read and help you write up your initial research idea. We have a template you can use to do this.

You’ll need to include:

• Your specific research questions

• Your objectives

• Suggested methodology and data analysis

• How it’s relevant to the business and academic community

• Links to existing academic literature

We’ll submit your idea and feedback from the supervisors to the DBA doctoral committee. If they approve your application, you can enrol on the DBA programme.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A RESEARCH TOPIC, IDEA AND PROPOSAL?

RESEARCH TOPICThis includes your research domain, topic and motivation for applying.

We have a template you can complete. The topic needs to be max. 500 words.

RESEARCH IDEAThis sets out the specific research questions you want to answer, your objectives, approach, data access and methodology.

It needs to include references to existing academic literature.

We have a template you can complete. It needs to be approx. three pages.

RESEARCH PROPOSALThis includes specific questions and clearly defined methodology. It’s based on an extensive review of academic literature, your pilot study and your field-specific study.

Your proposal needs to be completed at the end of the learning stage and presented to the examination jury. If you’re successful, you progress to the research stage.

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PRACTICAL INFORMATIONTIMINGS• Four-year programme

(with the possibility to extend)• Two start times each year –

spring and fall

FORMATBlended learning – on campus and online

LOCATIONBelgium – alternating between campuses in Ghent, Brussels and Leuven

LANGUAGEEnglish

FEES€60,000* (not including travel and accommodation)

If you need more time to complete the programme, each additional year is €6,500.

You can pay in instalments – and if you work for a Flemish-based organisation, you may be able to get a government subsidy.

*These fees are subject to change.

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WHERE YOU’LL BE STUDYINGThe DBA is brought to you by three world-class institutions:

VLERICK BUSINESS SCHOOL

“A triple-accredited international business school, Vlerick brings together the academic excellence, rigorous research approach and robust business expertise you need to succeed.

Doing academically-sound research that’s relevant to business and society is central to the Vlerick ethos. With our parent institutions KU Leuven and Ghent University, we train and guide DBA participants to transform their executive experience into academic- based knowledge that has real business impact.”

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, GHENT UNIVERSITY“Ghent University is a top ranked institution worldwide and one of the main universities in Belgium. It has built up a strong scientific reputation and is acknowledged as an international player in research.

Our researchers – active members of the academic community – will inspire you and share their knowledge. Together we’ll improve your research skills and help you to foster an international mindset and develop research that’s relevant to society. You’ll transform your data into a research-based business case you can implement immediately.”

FACULTY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS, KU LEUVEN

“This EQUIS-accredited institution is one of the top universities worldwide. It has a long research history – with a number of internationally published journal articles and a focus on high policy relevance and visibility in the corporate world and government.

We describe our school’s values as “rigorous and relevant”. We are renowned for the analytical rigour in our research and education, but balance this with practical relevance – and high impact on the corporate world and economic policy making. The DBA is an excellent way to pursue these two objectives.”

Prof Dr Marion Debruyne, Dean, Vlerick Business School

Prof Dr Patrick Van Kenhove, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, Ghent University

Prof Dr Wilfried Lemahieu, Dean, Faculty of Economics and Business, KU Leuven

NOTES

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READY TO LEARN MORE?If you have any questions about the DBA programme, your research ideas or anything else, we’d love to hear from you.

You can:

• Join an upcoming webinar: www.vlerick.com/dba-meet-us• Email cedric.dekoker@vlerick.com • Visit our website: vlerick.com/dba • Check out our blog: blog.vlerick.com

We look forward to seeing you soon.