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