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What is the Doctor of Business Administration? 

The DBA programme focuses on the application of theoretical knowledge to the advancement of management and business practice, and is designed to develop the analytical, conceptual, and critical thinking skills of senior business and management professionals.

This is a distinctive, research-issue driven programme that is orientated towards senior executives in managerial roles and combines workplace and professional engagement with the scholarly rigour of the academic institution. This qualification is increasingly recognised by international business and management schools as the most appropriate post-MBA (or equivalent master's degree) route to combining academic research on management and business with further personal and professional development.

This part time programme is innovative in its structure, combining three significant milestones on the doctoral process: advanced research skills workshops, cumulative paper series and the completion of the DBA thesis, all of which centres around addressing an organisational issue of interest.  The programme is designed to facilitate senior manager access, with a 2-3 day block on campus each semester. The SETU Waterford DBA utilises a blended learning approach, combining the latest technologies for remote access and communications.

We are both delighted to have been accepted as a member of the global Executive DBA Council.” Dr. Collette Kirwan / Dr. Seán Byrne, DBA Programme Leaders http://www.executivedba.org/members

Special Feature

The programme allows participants to understand prevailing practices in the subject area of their field of research; to acquire the necessary understanding and expertise in appropriate research design, data- collection methods and data-analysis techniques; to conduct, write-up and disseminate high-quality research of doctoral standard; and to achieve a greater level of effectiveness in managing business innovation and change. 

Your Questions on the SETU Waterford DBA Answered

You can register your interest at G[email protected] inserting "DBA Next Intake" in the subject line and include in the main body of the message: your full name, organisation and position, and telephone and email contact details. We can then keep you informed about future programme recruitment.

The DBA is the international post-master's qualification for senior management advancement. This business doctorate develops management expertise through rigorous research design, positioning the DBA graduate for rapid organisation and career progression.

Course Aims

We aim to develop the participant’s ability to undertake independent research at an advanced level and make a significant contribution to knowledge and professional practice through the evaluation of business management structures, contexts and processes.

Through the application of research to business problems and issues, the programme focuses on the skills required to contribute to the enrichment of trans-disciplinary professional practice in management, and to lead organisations facing a complex global business environment.

 

Diagram displaying course phases

This three-stage programme concentrates on the enhancement of professional practice by: 

  • Focusing on professional development
  • Enhancing enterprise leadership and development skills
  • Assimilating knowledge
  • Honing analytical, conceptual and critical thinking skills
  • Developing advanced research skills

Following completion of a series of workshops in Stage 1, participants will submit a research proposal, to be presented at a doctoral colloquium. Students will then research and write up a series of research papers in Stage 2, guided by an academic mentor and a SETU Waterford working paper series, before submitting and defending their thesis in Stage 3 of the programme. 

This programme is intended to meet the strong demand for professionals who have completed a high level of training in management and business-related areas, and who possess highly developed skills in undertaking research. Applicants should also display a competence in solving problems analytically and in separating opportunities and challenges in terms of cause and effect. Specifically, we look for:

  • MBA (or equivalent Master degree)
  • Five years management experience, ideally at senior level

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see SETU Waterford’s English Language Requirements for details.

How to Apply

Applications for this programme are made online by going to the PAC website.

However please contact Professor Denis Harrington, Head of Graduate Business at D[email protected] before making your application.

In the interim, please feel free to contact Professor Denis Harrington, Head of Graduate Business at D[email protected] if you wish to have an informal discussion about the SETU Waterford DBA.

Doctor of Business Administration Publications

Books:

Dempsey, D. and Kelliher, F. (2018) Industry Trends in Cloud Computing: Alternative Business-to-Business Revenue Models, UK: Palgrave Macmillan.

Journal Publications:

Murphy, A., Byrne, S., and Casey, J. (2023) ‘Exploring the transition of newly qualified chartered accountants from practice to industry’, Accounting, Finance & Governance Review, 30. https://doi.org/10.52399/001c.77264

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2018) 'Management Support for Staff Knowledge Sharing in Higher Education Institutions',  Journal of Advances in Higher Education (JAHE), Vol. 10, No. 1, pp. 29-39.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2018) 'Using Social Media to Enable Staff Knowledge Sharing in Higher Education Institutions', Australasian Journal of Information Systems, Research on Recent Advances in Social Media, Vol. 22.

Coady, P., Byrne, S. and Casey, J. (2018) ‘Positioning of emotional intelligence skills within the overall skillset of practice-based accountants: employer and graduate requirements’, Accounting Education, Vol. 27, No. 1, pp. 94-120.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2017) ‘Management support for staff knowledge sharing in higher education institutions’, Journal of Advances in Higher Education (JAHE), Paper Accepted, Pending Publication.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2017) 'Using Enterprise Social Networks as a Knowledge Management Tool in Higher Education', VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, Vol. 47, No. 4, pp. 555-570.

Doyle, L., Kelliher, F., and Harrington, D. (2016) ‘How multi-levels of individual and team learning interact in a public healthcare organization: a conceptual framework’, Action learning: Research and Practice, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 10-22.

Doyle, L., Kelliher, F. and Harrington, D. (2015) ‘How multi-levels of individual and team learning interact in a public healthcare organisation: a conceptual framework’, Action Learning: Research and Practice, [Online]. Available at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/14767333.2015.1122574 (Accessed 11 Feb 2016).

Dunne, E., and Kelliher, F. (2013) ‘Learning in action: creating a community of inquiry in a healthcare organization’, Action Learning: Research and Practice, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 148-157.

Dunne, E. and Kelliher, F. (2013) ‘Learning in action: creating a community of inquiry in a healthcare organisation’, Action Learning: Research and Practice, Vol. 10, No. 2, pp. 148-157.

Book chapter:

Hagl, R. and Duane, A. (2020) ‘Exploring how Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technologies Impact Business Model Innovation in Technology Companies in Germany’, in T. Jung, M. Claudia, T. Dieck, and P.A. Raushnabel, (eds) Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality - Changing Realities in a Dynamic World, Springer Nature Switzerland, AG.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2018) Organisational Knowledge Sharing and Enterprise Social Networks: A Higher Education Context. In Peres, P., Moreira, F., and Mesquita, A. (Eds). Educational and Social Dimensions of Digital Transformation in Organizations , Chapter 5, October, Available at: https://www.igi-global.com/book/educational-social-dimensions-digital-transformation/198518.

Conference Presentations:

Ó Madagáin, D.B., Kirwan, C.E. and O'Rirdan, C. (2022) 'The Influence of Cogniture Communication Factors on the Presentation of Financial Narratur Board Reports', 24th Annual Conference of the Irish Accounting and Finance Association, Maynooth University, Ireland.

O’ Driscoll, P. Kelliher, F. and Harrington, D. (2022)  Investigating Talent in the Force: Internal Strategic Talent Management in An Garda Síochána. Conference Proceedings, Irish Academy of Management Conference (Re-energising Management for a Greater Future), Trinity Business School, Dublin, August 24-25th

Hagl, R. and Duane, A. (2019) ‘Exploring how Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technologies Impact Business Model Innovation in Technology Companies in Germany’, 5th International ARVR Conference, Changing Realities in a Dynamic World, Munich, Germany, June 12-14th

Stoiko, M., Egan, T. and Duane, A. (2019) ‘Entrepreneurial Internationalization Takes the Effectuation Turn: A Conceptual Framework’, Proceedings of the 9th Engaged Management Scholarship (EMS) Conference, Antwerp, Belgium, September 5th to 7th.

Crehan, E. and Duane, A. (2018) ‘Impact of external investment on resource availability and competitive advantage in High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs)’, The 21st Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland, 3rd-5th of September.

Dooly, Z. and Duane, A. (2018) ‘Exploring the configuration and management of an EU funded research network’, The 21st Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland, 3rd-5th of September.

Doyle, L. (2018) ‘Implementing a longitudinal Interpretive case study in the public healthcare sector: Reflections from the field’, Organizational Learning, Knowledge and Capabilities (OLKC) Conference, University of Liverpool, April 26-27

Doyle, J.(Jacqui) and Kelliher, F. (2018) ‘The power of storytelling in the co-creation of tourism experiences’, Tourism and Hospitality Research in Ireland Conference (THRIC), Waterford Institute of Technology, June 17-19.

Hagl, R. and Duane, A. (2018) ‘Exploring the Impact of Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality Technologies on Business Model Innovation in Technology Companies in Germany’, The 29th Australasian Conference on Information Systems (ACIS), UTS Sydney, Australia, December 3rd-5th.

Heneghan, M.,  Claffey, E. and Morrissey, P. (2018) ‘The  moderating  role  of  online  social  influence  in  switching  of  personal current  account, The 21st Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland, 3rd-5th of September.

Hennessy, N., and Kelliher, F. (2018) ‘Embedding an employee engagement ethos in continuous improvements programs’, 3rd Annual Journey to Enterprise Excellence (JEE3) Conference, University of Limerick, Sept 6th. (Shortlisted for the Business Ireland Research Award for the “Best Contribution to Lean/Operational Excellence Body of Work”.)

Ryan, R., Egan, T. and Burke, R. (2018) ‘Embedding  risk  management  in  a  public-sector  organisation  through a  facilitation  approach:  an  exploratory  study’, The 21st Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, University College Cork (UCC), Cork, Ireland, 3rd-5th of September.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2017) ‘The impact of organisational culture on using enterprise social networks for staff knowledge sharing in higher education’, Paper presented at the 20th Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, 30-1 Aug-Sep, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2017) ‘Using enterprise social networks to support staff knowledge sharing in higher education’, Paper presented at the 4th European Conference on Social Media (ECSM), 3-4 July, Vilnius, Lithuania.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2017) ‘Management support for staff knowledge sharing in higher education institutions’, Paper presented at the SPACE International Network Conference, 26-28 Apr, Porto, Portugal.

Crehan, E. and Duane, A. (2017) ‘Exploring the impact of external investors on resource availability and competitive advantage in high potential start-up businesses from the owner/founder perspective’, Paper presented at the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (ISBE) 2017 – Entrepreneurial Finance, Nov 8-9, University of Ulster, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Dooly, Z., Duane, A. and O’Driscoll, A. (2017) ‘Exploring structural embeddedness in EU funded research networks’, Paper presented at the 20th Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, 30-1 Aug-Sep, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland.

Hagl, R. and Duane, A. (2017) ‘Exploring the development of a framework to support entrepreneurs in the creation of dynamic business models for high-potential technological innovations’, Paper presented at the 20th Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, 30-1 Aug-Sep, Queens University, Belfast, Northern Ireland..

O'Nolan, L. and Griffin R. (2017) ‘Strategy, consultation, their theatropoesis and its improvisations’, Paper presented at the 33rd EGOS Conference, Jul 3-8, Copenhagen Business School, Copenhagen, Denmark.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2016) ‘Enterprise social networks (ESNs) for staff knowledge sharing in virtual communities of practice (vcops) in higher education’, Paper presented at the 3rd European Conference on Social Media (ECSM), 12-13 Jul, Caen, France.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2016) ‘Examining ethics for an action research project in an enterprise social network enabled virtual communities of practice environment’, Paper presented at the 19th Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, 31-2 Aug-Sep, UCD, Dublin, Ireland.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2016) ‘Social media for knowledge sharing in communities of practice in higher education’, Paper presented at the 17th European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM), 1-2 Sep, Ulster University, Northern Ireland, UK.

Doyle, L. (2016) ‘How the multi-levels of individual learning and team learning interact in public healthcare organisations’, Paper presentation, SETU Waterford Research Day, WIT, May 4

Coady, P., Byrne, S. and Casey, J. (2015) ‘Should emotional intelligence be developed in university accounting programs? An investigation of employer and graduate attitudes on the skill set requirements for professional accountants’, Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Accounting Association, 8-12 August, Chicago, US.

Coady, P., Byrne, S. and Casey, J. (2015) ‘Graduate and employer perspectives on the development of emotional intelligence skills in university accounting programs: Is curriculum innovation needed in accounting education?’, Paper presented at the British Accounting & Finance Association (BAFA) Accounting Education Special Interest Group Annual Conference,  6-8 May, Manchester, UK.

Corcoran, N. and Duane, A. (2015) ‘Social media stages of growth model for knowledge sharing in communities of practice in higher education institutes: a conceptual model’, Paper presented at the 18th Irish Academy of Management (IAM) Conference, 3-4 Sep, NUI Galway, Ireland.

Doyle, L.(Louise), Kelliher, F., and Harrington, D. (2015) ‘How the multi-levels of individual learning and team learning interact in a public healthcare organisation: A conceptual review’, 16th International Conference on Human Resource Development Research and Practice (UFHRD), UCC, June 3-5.

O’Sullivan, N. and McCarthy, A. (2014) ‘An exploration of leadership behaviours at head of department level in the institute of technology (IoT) sector In Ireland’, Paper presented at the Annual Irish Academy of Management Conference, 3-5 Sep, University of Limerick, Limerick. (Note: Best Paper Award)

Dunne, E., and Kelliher, F. (2012) ‘Creating a community of inquiry in a healthcare organisation’, Action Research Colloquium, Waterford Institute of Technology, May 24-25.

Contact

Course Leaders

Prof Denis Harrington

Head of Department of Graduate Business -

Call: +35351302427

Email: [email protected]

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Dr Sean Byrne

Lecturer in Accounting and Research Methods -

Call: +35351302464

Email: [email protected]

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Dr Collette Kirwan

Lecturer in Accounting -

Call: +35351302442

Email: [email protected]

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