Year 1

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.

Year 2

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.

Year 3

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.

 

The DBA program includes 39 credit hrs of coursework (13 courses/seminars) and a minimum of 9 credit hrs of dissertation (DBAS 6950).