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SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

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SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

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The Office for International Relations co-ordinates the admission, administration and support for international students throughout the course of their studies at SETU Waterford.

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SETU Waterfordis recognised as the leading research performer in the institute of technology sector with research activities that are internationally benchmarked, strategic, and economically relevant. Find out about the amazing multi disciplinary research under way

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Code
SE43A
Delivery
Blended
Level
10
Campus
Cork Road
Duration
4-5 years
Next Intake
September 2024
Application Status
Open
Applications Closing
31 Mar 24
Fees
View Details
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What is the Doctor of Business Administration? Logo

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 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. 

PDF iconYour 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-masters 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.

pdf logo DBA Postcard

 

 

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.

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.

Fees

Programme fee details are available on the Postgraduate Fee Schedule displayed on our website at www.setu.ie/pgfees

How to Apply

Applications for this programme are made online by going to https://v2.pac.ie/institute/6

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.

Introduction to the SETU Waterford DBA

Click on play to watch a brief introduction to the SETU Waterford DBA

 

The SETU Waterford DBA dedicated facilities

Click on play to see the dedicated seminar space for the SETU Waterford DBA

 

 

Dr. Louise Doyle, General Manager – HR Leadership, Education and Talent Development

"I found the DBA to be both stretching and fulfilling.  It is ideal for managers and executives seeking a programme with academic rigour, that will cultivate research skills whilst always recognising the importance of a practical contribution arising from the research.  The programme’s structure means that firstly it is not necessary to be based on or near campus and secondly, it can be combined effectively with work and other commitments.  The programme faculty are approachable and supportive and work with you to help overcome the research challenges encountered and to create a rich learning experience.  The DBA requires significant effort but is extremely worthwhile."

Dr. Peggy Coady, Accounting & Auditing Director, Memorial University of Newfoundland

“The DBA program is rewarding and challenging. The academic rigour of the program and the balance between research and practice is impressive. The students and faculty are very supportive and the online library resources are outstanding. The program is well suited for a busy executive who might not live in the Waterford area.”

Ronan O'Loughlin, Director of Education and Training, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland

“[The DBA] ...supports the national initiatives to build a truly learning economy in Ireland. We would hope that some of our experienced members would be attracted to the initiative”

Dr. David Dempsey, Senior Vice President for salesforce.com Ireland

“I  found the DBA programme here to be a world class development opportunity. For me it was a hugely rewarding learning experience that encouraged both deep academic and practical learning in a highly structured but real world way.  The programme itself was both challenging and intense but the academic and professional support I received from the team was superb.  At times it wasn't easy but I would do it again in a heartbeat"

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:

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.

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:

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.

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Best Paper Awards 2011

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Contact

Course Leaders
Denis Harrington
Prof. Denis Harrington
B.Comm (Hons), MBA, PhD, FRSA - Head of Department of Graduate Business
Tel: 51302427 [email protected]
Sean Byrne
Dr. Sean Byrne
BA ACMA MBS PhD - Lecturer in Accounting and Research Methods
Tel: 51302464 [email protected]
Collette Kirwan
Dr. Collette Kirwan
BBS, FCA, PhD - Lecturer in Accounting
Tel: 51 302442 [email protected]

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