The IE DBA is a four-year, blended, part-time program. The first stage (two years) is mainly devoted to coursework. The second stage (two years) is devoted to supervised research and the dissertation.
Throughout the program, participants take “blended” sessions (a blend of face-to-face and online learning). The Face-to-face sessions involve three two-weeks presential periods in Madrid, and three on-line periods. Participants attend on-line sessions using an interactive asynchronous dialog platform, open 24 hours a day and moderated by an IE professor. Participants log in at their convenience and participate in live discussions. A maximum of 10-12 students will be admitted each year.
The enrollment in the DBA Program gives you the possibility of getting a University Research Methodology in Management Science Official Degree, worth 60 ECTS, adapted to the Higher Education Area in accordance with the Bologna Process.
Below the DBA Academic Director, Elena Revilla and the DBA staff; Laura Maguire, DBA Executive Director and Ancir Salazar, DBA Program Assistant.Blended Methodology
Coursework: This stage includes the study of fundamental disciplines from which management research draws to provide students with a variety of theoretical backgrounds and help them crystallize their research interests. During this stage students will take methodological courses to develop their quantitative and analytical skills, including a full range of methodologies: field research, case studies, simulations and experimental research.
Throughout the first two years (first stage) students will complete core and elective courses. These courses are designed to build the kind of research skills that are critical to the development of a high-caliber management scholar able to create solid research as the basis for excellence in teaching and the improvement of management practices. At the successful completion of this stage students will undergo a comprehensive exam that will qualify them to start their dissertation preparation.
In the Second Stage of the DBA Program, Students are expected to work in their Dissertation with an exhaustive supervision of the Advisor. There are two main academic acts before the student is being granted the DBA degree. The Dissertation Proposal Defense and the Dissertation Final Defense. The DBA degree is awarded by the Direction of the Program, with the endorsement of the Dean on behalf of the Faculty. The degree is granted by IE Business School under its own name and responsibility.
Dissertation Proposal Defense: The Committee Members evaluate the theoretical and practical contribution of the proposed research project as well as the suitability of the methodology used to conduct the research.
Dissertation Final Defense: this academic act entails the presentation and recognition of the completed doctoral work and the formal evaluation of the dissertation by the Committee.