Doctor of Business Administration

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 literature review), construct theoretical models and methodological issues associated with testing theories including replications, generalizability and post-hoc theorizing.

Designed to teach students the basics of qualitative methods in business and develop skills necessary for the practice of business. The 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.

The concepts and tools needed to design a quantitative study, 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.

The focus of this course is the theoretical and practical aspects of why and how some firms outperform 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 relevant problems according to research interests.

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?

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.