Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Course Overview

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) prepares students to address the challenges within an increasingly Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) digitalised world.

The knowledge and experience gained through this programme will allow you to sharpen your skills and competencies in decision making, strategic thinking, and problem solving be it for work or personal aspirations. The programme is also designed to enhance your research skills which can be applied to strategic formulation, policy formation and organisational risk assessment and mitigation plans.

The programme has a unique digital emphasis and is a technology-infused leadership programme that focuses on future-proofing leaders in a highly volatile and uncertain future. The content of each module is carefully designed through collaboration with business and covers the following topics:

1. FinTech – developed through professional engagement with MyFin.
2. Economics - teaching & research content infused through consultation with professionals from the Economic & Social Research Council, UK (UKRI).
3. Digital Thinking - inclusion of professional talks/seminars/guest lectures by Startup Malaysia and other organisations, powered by Design Thinking principles.
4. Leadership - collaborative case studies from the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) via the Education & Skills Strategy Board of IMechE-UK.
5. Data Science - supported by software tools powered by SAS Institute Inc (USA).
6. Digital Business Transformation - content related to business with Analytics and Artificial Intelligence platforms driven by TIBCO, USA.
7. Marketing - research content in consultation with Marketing Research Society of Malaysia (MRSM).

The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) has endorsed APU DBA to enhance and progress existing business knowledge, gaining perspective of contemporary business issues, future trends, and complex problems that require analytical skills to solve.

Chartered Management Institute (CMI Accreditation)

Students have the opportunity of enrolling for the APU-CMI Dual Accreditation by registering for a qualification through APU. Students under Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) will have the option to also opt-in for a CMI L7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice which will be awarded subject to moderation by CMI.

• Dual qualifications - When you complete your studies you will have both your University qualification AND a CMI qualification.
• Theory into practice - CMI qualifications are highly regarded by employers as a testament that you can demonstrate the practical skills needed to perform in the workplace.
• International stamp of approval - CMI qualifications are linked to the QCF and European Qualification Framework, so you can be assured that the qualification you are taking is of the highest standard.

This programme is designed for executives, professionals and leaders to prepare them for digital transformation, by:

• Applying innovation and technology in problem-solving-guided by Design Thinking ideals.
• Employing real-world coaching and providing an entrepreneurial outlook via our in-class and value-added activities.
• Participating in thought leadership sessions delivered by our academic staff and Industry partners.
• Learning and collaborating in a highly dynamic and interactive world-class environment.
• Future-proofing themselves and enabling them to lead digital transformation in organisations.

A wide array of career options are available to DBA holders, including, but not limited to:

• C-Suite and Managerial positions
• Leadership roles 
• Academic leadership
• Policy makers/advisors
• Consultants
• Entrepreneurs
• Researchers

Key Facts