Program Schedule

DBAS 6001 - Research Philosophy and Thoughts (3 credit hours)
The focus of this course is on the research philosophy and process that can enable students to generate both scholarly contributions and practical knowledge. Students learn the fundamentals of the research process including the scientific method, defining and understanding ‘theory,’ how to formulate a problem, review and synthesize relevant literature (including doing literature review), construct theoretical models, and methodological issues associated with testing theories including replications, generalizability, post-hoc theorizing, to name a few.

DBAS 6002 - Qualitative Research Method I (3 credit hours)
Designed to teach students the basics of qualitative methods in business and develop skills necessary for the practice of business. This course introduces the student to qualitative research approaches such as case study research, ethnographic research, and grounded theory. It also introduces key data collection techniques used in qualitative research, namely interviews, participant observation, fieldwork, and using documents. Relative strengths and weaknesses are discussed along with examples of how each approach has been used in practice. Further, issues associated with qualitative or small sample studies such as reliability and validity are also explored. Finally, the differences between positivist, interpretivist, and critical perspectives are discussed.

DBAS 6004 - Quantitative Research Method I (3 credit hours)
The concepts and tools needed to design a quantitative-studies, and to collect, evaluate and analyze quantitative data are introduced in this course. Students are exposed to empirical data collection methods, such as surveys and covers sampling techniques, several types of data and appropriate analytical techniques. These include an introduction to univariate and bivariate statistics (i.e., chi-square, t- and z- tests, the ANOVA family, correlation, and regression). In addition, the course helps students gain proficiency in using SPSS software to analyze and interpret empirical results.

DBAS 6003 - Qualitative Research Method II (3 credit hours)
Application of concepts and tools for qualitative data analysis is the focus of this course. Some of the concepts include hermeneutics, semiotics, narrative analysis, and content analysis, with particular emphasis on grounded theory and case study research. Students are introduced to grounded theory coding, memo writing, theoretical sampling, saturation, sorting, and use of qualitative data analysis software. Various techniques for analyzing case study evidence are explored including pattern matching, explanation building, and within-case and cross-case analysis. Perspectives on what it means to draw conclusions and build theory from qualitative data are explored. Finally, the course concludes with guidance on how to write and publish qualitative research. 

DBAS 6010 - Strategic Business Management (3 credit hours)
The focus of this course is on the theoretical and practical aspects of why and how some firms out-perform others. It includes the study of formulation and implementation issues from strategic, economic, organizational, and other perspectives and prepares the student for participation in research within the field. This course examines the theory and practice of developing and implementing strategy and managing organizations. Dominant management and organization theories focusing on the concepts of coordination and cooperation among key stakeholders are examined and applied to real-world issues. The course exposes students to a variety of theoretical frameworks and helps them apply these to problems that are relevant for their research interests.

DBAS 6012 - Value creation - Theory and Practice (3 credit hours)
Value creation is critical for any exchange relationship and the survival of a business. Students focus on the theoretical foundation and practical considerations of value creation in this course. Some focal questions include - How do firms create value, what role is played by various exchange opportunities and platforms, and how can value be enhanced? How do various functional disciplines of business come together to create value for key stakeholders and who are these key stakeholders?

DBAS 6013 - Integrative Research/Investigation (3 credit hours)
(work on the project may start in the first term, but must end before dissertation hours are taken)

The focus of this course is on the creation and the dissemination of knowledge pertaining to the student’s area of interest. Students use the research skills and business theory in preceding courses to identify a research problem anchored in business practices, develop hypotheses, propositions and/or a model, and identify appropriate research methods to empirically evaluate the hypotheses or propositions. Students complete a manuscript suitable for business practitioners and/or academicians. Students are also expected to think of ways in which their research could be translated into business practices.

DBAS 6005 - Quantitative Research Method II (3 credit hours)
The focus of this course is on the quantitative methods such as experiments, field studies, use of secondary data and use of psychometric data. It helps student’s develop abilities to design and execute quantitative research with an emphasis on construct measurement (i.e., development of measurement scales associated with key variables of interest). Further, topics such as theoretical modeling, framing research questions, developing hypotheses, model refinement, reliability, scientific validity, and statistical conclusion validity are also discussed. The course builds on and reinforces the knowledge acquired in Quantitative Research I.

DBAS 6021 - Digital Transformation (3 credit hours)
Digital technology is advancing at a rate that is truly transforming and disruptive –machine learning, AI, quantum computing to name a few. This course focuses on understanding how and why firms transform themselves to leverage the paradigm shifts brought about by the digital technology. This may involve rethinking the relationship between key stakeholders and the firm, communication and delivery channels, and the organization structure and culture to adapt to changes due to digital transformation. Students are exposed to the industry developments as well as research developments in the field.

DBAS 6023 - Transformative Leadership (3 credit hours)
Irrespective of the industry or marketplace, leadership is critical for creating and sustaining value in organizations. The course examines key questions associated with leadership focusing on the concepts of leadership, authority, and status; understand the competing human values in leadership theories; and identify the boundary conditions that pertain to leadership theories. The students integrate both the practical and theoretical perspective to understand and explore various aspects of leadership.

DBAS 6011 - Innovation and Entrepreneurship (3 credit hours)
As the markets become more global and competitive, businesses must develop new ways of creating value, i.e., become innovative and entrepreneurial. This course gets students to explore some of the best practices and theories in the areas of entrepreneurship and innovation. Specific topics may include designing new products, services, processes, organizational structures, business models, and industry ecosystems.

DBAS 6022 - Applied Data/Text Mining (3 credit hours)
Introduces students to data mining techniques and software including machine learning tools. Topics include extracting information from large databases and designing data-based decision support systems in a decision-making context. The course covers the latest advances in data mining and machine learning research and practices. Current issues in storage, retrieval, and analysis of large volumes of data (Big Data) in order to support business decisions are also discussed.

DBAS 6024 - Managing Complexity-Theory and Practice
Provides students with an overview of complexity, what it is and how it is different from standard ways of operating. Students gain an understanding of complexity from multiple perspectives, complexity science and naturalistic science. Students are introduced to different methods and tools to assist them in addressing complex environments and problems in real-world settings.
(or)
DBAS 6025 - Global Marketplace (3 credit hours)
The market is becoming increasingly global and firms operating in the global marketplace must understand and be responsive to the global political, legal, and economic systems. Businesses today have to understand and work with multiple stakeholders in the global value chain. This course explores the extant research surrounding the contemporary global organization and provides a foundation for applied research into the dynamics of strategy and competition within a global context. Some topics include critical elements of global strategic operations, international trade, innovation in emerging economies, market entry, and knowledge flows within the firm.

Dissertation proposal defense (may register for DBAS 6950 if needed) (3 credit hours)

DBAS 6950 - Dissertation (3 credit hours)
Students focus on a business problem that is strategically important for practitioners. They apply relevant theories to inform their investigation and use a suitable mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Each student is expected to make a significant contribution to the understanding of practice at the senior management level. At least 9 hours of dissertation hours must be completed before the student graduates. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.

DBAS 6950 - Dissertation (3 credit hours)
Students focus on a business problem that is strategically important for practitioners. They apply relevant theories to inform their investigation and use a suitable mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Each student is expected to make a significant contribution to the understanding of practice at the senior management level. At least 9 hours of dissertation hours must be completed before the student graduates. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.

DBAS 6950 - Dissertation (3 credit hours)
Students focus on a business problem that is strategically important for practitioners. They apply relevant theories to inform their investigation and use a suitable mix of quantitative and qualitative research methods. Each student is expected to make a significant contribution to the understanding of practice at the senior management level. At least 9 hours of dissertation hours must be completed before the student graduates. This course may be taken multiple times for credit.