In Collaboration with the France based Institut Brittany d’Enseignement Supérieur (IBES), Joseph Education College (JEC) is offering the Doctorate in Business Administration with the following instruction.

Award Options

  • Single Award: Institut Brittany d’Enseignement Supérieur (IBES)
  • Dual Awards: IBES & VERN University (VERN)

Program Aims

The DBA is designed with the following aims:

  • To produce and equip a new breed of manager-leaders with the ability to develop a vision for the future, think critically and plan strategically, implement effective business policies and make sound decisions to achieve business goals.
  • To enhance the research capability by undertaking a systematic and scientific research which will contribute to both the expansion of knowledge and management practices.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from the DBA will be able to:

  • Use self-assessment, reflection, critical evaluation, feedback and developments in theory and evidence-based practice to improve their ethical business practice.
  • Apply a deep understanding of relevant theory and practices to predict outcomes and create business solutions in a complex environment.
  • Communicate key issues effectively and creatively using numerical, graphical, oral and written skills.
  • Conduct ethical research on business topics, based on critical analysis of academic research and professional practice, and communicate findings in a scholarly manner.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in applying systematic, vigorous research methodologies, design and processes when undertaking original research via the thesis requirement.

Awards to be Conferred

  • IBES: Docteur en Administration des Affaires (Doctor of Business Administration) – Sample Certificate
  • VERN: Doctor of Business Administration

Program Structure

The Research Mode is a ‘Thesis only’ route accruing 120 ECTS credits.

  • Stage 1: Thesis Preparation
    • Thesis Preparation (Research Methodology): Students must undertake a Business Research Methodology module (or be exempted) before commencing their thesis research.
    • Thesis Proposal: Students have up to three months to submit a Thesis Proposal for grading and approval (approx. 4,500 – 5,000 words).
    • Weighting: 25%
    • Duration: Not more than 4 months.
  • Stage 2: Final Thesis
    • A supervisor will be assigned to guide the student in completing the Final Thesis.
    • The thesis must be between 40,000 to 45,000 words.
    • Weighting: 75%
    • Duration: 12-18 months.
  • Stage 3: Oral Defense of Thesis
    • A mandatory Viva Voce (oral defense) will be organized after the thesis has been marked.
    • Weighting: N/A

Assessment Strategies

  • Assessment will be based on the candidate successfully demonstrating achievement of Doctoral-level criteria, including systematic understanding of knowledge, originality in application, and the ability to communicate results in a scholarly manner.
  • Stage 1: Thesis Proposal is assessed (25% of final grade).
  • Stage 2: The Final Thesis (75% of final grade) is assessed. The word count is 40,000 to 45,000 words.
  • Stage 3: A mandatory oral defense (Viva Voce) is required.

Entry Requirements

An applicant may be admitted on the basis of evidence to suggest that he/she will be able to fulfil and benefit from the objectives of the program:

  • A Master’s degree in any field; or other qualifications recognized by IBES as equivalent.
  • Demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS overall band of 6.0 or equivalent). This can also be met by having undertaken a qualification taught and assessed in English.
  • Students may be exempted from the Research Methodology module through Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) if they have already undertaken a similar module.

Delivery Mode

  • Blended Delivery: Combines live classes, online discussions, and independent study.
  • Fully Online: Delivered entirely online with virtual supervision and independent learning.
  • Both modes involve close supervision from a dedicated thesis supervisor.

Duration / Notional Hours

  • Maximum Duration: 24 months (for students exempted from taught modules and undertaking Thesis only).
  • Notional Hours (Total): Approximately 3000 hours.
    • Stage 1:
      • Thesis Preparation (250 hours).
      • Face-to-face/Online Supervision (8 hours).
      • Thesis Proposal Preparation & Submission (250 hours).
    • Stage 2:
      • Supervision (20 hours).
      • Final Thesis (2,572 hours).