Doctor of Business Administration

N/0414/8/0118 (MQA/PA18871)

Overview

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at Spectrum International University College (SIUC) is designed for senior professionals, managers, and entrepreneurs who wish to deepen their expertise in business, management, and leadership while contributing to applied research. The programme combines advanced academic knowledge with practical business insights, enabling candidates to address complex organisational challenges and develop innovative solutions that contribute to industry and society.

The DBA programme focuses on developing high-level competencies in strategic thinking, research methodology, leadership, and evidence-based decision making. Students engage with contemporary issues in business administration and apply research-driven approaches to real-world organisational problems. The programme aims to produce graduates who can contribute to business innovation, policy development, and organisational transformation.

The programme is structured over three (3) years. The first one and a half years are dedicated to advanced coursework that strengthens students’ knowledge in business research methods, strategic management, and specialised areas of administration. The remaining one and a half years focus on the doctoral dissertation, where students conduct independent research under the guidance of experienced supervisors.

Assessment in the DBA programme is 100% coursework-based with no final examination, emphasising practical assignments, research projects, case studies, and presentations that mirror real-world business and administrative environments.

Designed for working professionals, the programme offers a flexible hybrid learning mode, allowing students to attend classes either on campus or online. The dissertation phase is conducted online to provide additional convenience while maintaining close academic supervision and research support.

Graduates of the DBA programme are well positioned for senior leadership roles, academic careers, consultancy, policy advisory positions, and executive management, contributing to both scholarly knowledge and industry advancement.

 

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme at Spectrum International University College (SIUC), graduates will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and critical understanding of contemporary theories, concepts, and practices in business administration and management.
  2. Conduct independent and rigorous research using appropriate qualitative, quantitative, and mixed research methodologies to address complex business and organisational problems.
  3. Analyse and evaluate strategic business issues by integrating theoretical knowledge with practical managerial insights.
  4. Develop innovative and evidence-based solutions that contribute to organisational improvement, business sustainability, and policy development.
  5. Apply ethical principles and professional standards in research, decision-making, and organisational leadership.
  6. Communicate complex research findings effectively through academic writing, professional presentations, and scholarly publications.
  7. Demonstrate leadership and strategic decision-making skills in diverse organisational and global business environments.
  8. Contribute to the advancement of knowledge and professional practice in business administration through applied research and scholarly engagement.
  9. Utilise digital technologies and analytical tools to support data-driven decision-making in modern business contexts.
  10. Engage in lifelong learning and professional development to adapt to evolving challenges in business, management, and global markets

Local Students:

  • A Master’s degree (MQF Level 7) in a relevant field
  • A Master’s degree in a non‑related field with relevant work experience (subject to assessment)
  • A Master’s degree in a non‑related field, subject to successful completion of prerequisite courses
  • Other equivalent qualifications recognised by the Malaysian Government (HEP Senate‑approved)**

APEL C:

  • Credit award is also available via the Centre of Continuous Development (CCD) for candidates who possess relevant prior experiential learning

International Students:

  • Minimum Band 4 in MUET or an equivalent CEFR Mid B2 level

Years

Programme Structure
Year 1 

DBAC1014 Advanced HRM for Analytics, Agility and Trends

DBAC1024 Advanced Marketing  for Digital Visibility

DBAC1034 Advanced Accounting and Finance for Strategic Business Decision-Making

DBAC1044 Advanced Microeconomics and Macroeconomics for Business Strategy

DBAC1064 Advanced Organisational Dynamics and Ethical Leadership

DBAC1054 Advanced Strategic Leadership and Global Business

DBAC1084 Advanced Digital Operations and Organisational Systems

DBAC1074 Advanced Innovation  and Entrepreneurship

DBAC1094 Advanced Quantitative Methods and Data Modelling

DBAC1104 Advanced Research Methodology

Year 2

DBAC2013 Marketing Research & Analysis with AI

DBAC2023 Digital Marketing with AI

DBAC2033 Human Resource Development with AI

DBAC2043 HR Planning, Recruitment and Selection with AI

DBAC3032 Doctoral Dissertation

Year 3

DBAC3032 Doctoral Dissertation

Duration : 3 Years

This Programme is designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their strategic influence and leadership impact.
Rather than preparing graduates for entry-level functional roles, the DBA supports progression into executive, advisory, entrepreneurial, and transformation focused positions across corporate, public, and higher education sectors. Graduates are equipped to lead organisations, shape strategy, drive innovation, and contribute evidence-based solutions to complex business challenges.

• Chief Executive Officer/Chief Operating Officer
• Director/Executive Director/ Managing Director
• Strategy and Transformation Leader
• Senior Policy or Institutional Leader
• Principal Consultant/Strategic Advisor
• Entrepreneur/Founder
• Board or Governance Contributor
• Innovation and Change Leader