Doctor Of Philosophy (PhD) In Economics

Learn more about the programme

The DBA in Economics is a rigorous program designed for professionals seeking to advance their expertise in economic research and management. Delivered in two segments, the first includes seven advanced modules covering research methods, strategic management, global finance, and organizational behavior. The second segment focuses on developing a high-quality research thesis tailored to the student’s specialization. This program integrates theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing leaders for strategic roles. Flexible and comprehensive, it suits working professionals aiming for academic and industry leadership.

After completing the program, students will have the ability to:

Develop qualitative and quantitative research skills essential for doctoral-level investigations.
Apply effective strategies for managing human resources in complex organizational settings.
Analyze and address competitive challenges using strategic management frameworks.
Explore the evolution of business theories and their application to contemporary practices.
Master principles of asset valuation, risk diversification, and financial risk mitigation.
Evaluate individual and group behaviours to optimize organizational performance.
Enhance leadership, communication, and motivation skills for strategic management success.

Accreditation

All MSBM courses are accredited by the relevant partners and awarding bodies. Please refer to MSBM accreditation in about us for more details.

Entry Requirements

Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in Business and Management
Master’s or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over five years of managerial and/or business experience
Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent recognized academic title in any discipline with over eight years of managerial and/or business experience

English Language Proficiency:

Our programs are conducted in the English language. As such, you must demonstrate proficiency in the English language by submitting one of the following test scores during the application process:

IELTS Overall: 5.5
TOEFL (iBT: 58+; PBT: 490+; CBT: 167+)
TOEIC Overall: 555+
PTE Overall: 50+
Duolingo Overall: 90+

English Proficiency Waivers:

The English proficiency test is not required for the following candidates:
– Native English Speakers, OR;
– Applicants having completed their schooling in English (i.e. High School Diploma or IB), OR;
– Applicants having completed their undergraduate or graduate studies in English, OR;
– 2 years of work experience in an organization where English is the primary language of communication.

Course Modules

This module provides the most critical information about the study course and assignment submission.

Navigating the MSBM Study Portal

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Course Structure and Guidelines

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Interacting with Lectures/Learning Components

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VIDEO - How to Avoid Plagiarism in Your Writing

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Harvard Referencing Style Guide

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How to Summarise - Assignment Guide

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Summarising, Paraphrasing, Quotation for your Assignment

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This module will equip students with the qualitative and quantitative principles to undertake research at the doctorate level. The research principles will include a review of theoretical principles informed by Research Philosophy and Research Approach along with empirical research principles involving Research Strategy, Data Collection Method and Data Analysis Method. Additionally, students will be equipped to make appropriate judgements based on ethical practices during the PhD research.

Research Philosophies and Principles
VIDEO - Overview of the Research Onion

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Selecting a Research Topic
Searching and Reviewing Literature
VIDEO - How to write a Literature Review

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Developing conceptual Framework

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
PDF - How to create a Conceptual Framework

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Research Strategy and Design
Research Methods I

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Research Methods II

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PDF - How Observation is Used As a Research Method

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Research Methods: Data Analysis

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Research Proposal and Writing Up
Research Ethics

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Advanced Research Methods

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This module will aim at the management of human beings in a complex organisation; recruiting, selecting, training, promoting & motivating human beings. Increasing personal loyalties & managing personnel to elevate individual contribution, increasing quality & lowering operational costs.

Dynamics of Human Resource Management
Enhancing Human Resource Management Competencies
Human Resource Management as a Strategic Partner
Concepts in Managing and Utilizing Human Resources
Optimizing Organizational Productivity and Performance Management
Advanced Human Resource Management

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The course presents conceptual frameworks and models which will assist students to analyze competitive situations and strategic dilemmas and gaining insight into strategic management. This course will provide a synthesis of previous course materials within the business programmes. Lectures are supplemented with case studies.

Concepts in Strategy Evaluation
Understanding the Strategy Formulation
Concepts in Implementing Strategies
Business Analysis Case Studies
Understanding Business Analysis
Strategic Management and Business Analysis

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The objective of this course is to provide the principles of asset valuation and financing in competitive global financial markets. The course is organized around the three main ideas in Finance: The time value of money, Diversification and risk, Arbitrage and hedging. The time value of money is a basic determinant in the valuation of assets such as bonds, stocks, futures, and options. The classes on diversification and risk provide a thorough grounding in the trade-off between risk and return given by modern portfolio theory. In discussing arbitrage and hedging, we demonstrate how to hedge market risk, interest rate risk, and foreign exchange risk. This involves using futures and options.

Global Financial Management Landscape
Understanding Exchange Rate System
Understanding International Equity and Debt Markets
Understanding the Dynamics of Foreign Direct Investment
Country Risk Analysis, International Banking and Trade Finance
Global Financial Management

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Organizational Behavior examines the dynamics of individuals, groups, and structures within organizations to improve effectiveness and workplace culture. The course explores key topics such as motivation, leadership, communication, team dynamics, and decision-making. It emphasizes understanding and managing organizational change, diversity, and conflict. Learners analyze real-world scenarios to develop strategies for fostering productivity and employee satisfaction. Practical insights equip professionals to create positive, high-performing organizational environments.

Understanding Leadership Processes

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Understanding Organisational Structure

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Dynamics of Teams and Groups in an Organisation

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Organisational Context and Contemporary Organisational Behaviour

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Dynamics of Individual Behaviour in an Organisation

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Organizational Behaviour

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The course aims at helping PhD candidates develop an appreciation for the intellectual growth of business as a discipline. Students will have an opportunity to view the historical growth of the field from an economic to a behaviourally-based discipline. By studying multiple articles on each topic, students will gain an understanding of the way academic knowledge is developed as well as being exposed to contemporary social science methods.

The Development and Complexity of the Organisation Theory
Advanced Discussion on Rational and Natural Theorists
Marketing as a science, advance marketing theory, and philosophical thoughts
Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches in Finance
Current Research Perspective In Business Theory
Advanced Business Theory

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This module captures the essence of research in advanced theory and practice of business management that include areas such as Analysis of modern management theories, Development of organizations, Dynamics of organizational behaviour and relationship to effective administration in addition to the Models of communication, motivation, and leadership.

Exploring the Legacy of Pioneering Management Thinkers
A Historical and Theoretical Overview of Management and Social Responsibility
Advanced Critical Theory, Critical Management Studies, and Critical Realism

Self-paced pre-recorded learning content on this topic.
Advanced Theoretical Foundation of Organizational Behaviour and Change Management

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Advanced Theory of Quality Management

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Advanced Management

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Here, in this segment, you will produce an academic standard research report. This segment will last nominally for two years.

Workshops

Workshops are conducted through live webinars for online students.

Weekly write-up webinars and monthly supervisor meetings will be held to offer better coordination between the student and the supervisor and achieve optimal professionalism in writing the research report.

Visa Requirements

There is no Visa requirement for this programme.

After completing the program, students will have the ability to:

Develop qualitative and quantitative research skills essential for doctoral-level investigations.
Apply effective strategies for managing human resources in complex organizational settings.
Analyze and address competitive challenges using strategic management frameworks.
Explore the evolution of business theories and their application to contemporary practices.
Master principles of asset valuation, risk diversification, and financial risk mitigation.
Evaluate individual and group behaviours to optimize organizational performance.
Enhance leadership, communication, and motivation skills for strategic management success.

The course is delivered in two segments.

Segment 1 consists of Seven modules, each one with an assignment and Segment 2 consists of a RESEARCH REPORT(paper)

Segment 1:

Modules: You will be awarded a level 8 Diploma for the completion of the coursework of the following modules.

Advanced Research Methods:

This module equips students with essential qualitative and quantitative research principles for doctoral-level studies. It covers theoretical concepts such as research philosophy and approach, alongside practical methods like research strategy, data collection, and analysis. Ethical research practices are emphasized to ensure sound decision-making throughout the doctoral process.

Advanced Human Resource Management:

Focused on managing human capital in complex organizations, this module covers recruitment, training, promotion, and motivation strategies. It aims to enhance individual contributions, foster employee loyalty, and improve operational efficiency while reducing costs.

Strategic Management and Business Analysis:

This course offers frameworks and models for analyzing competitive challenges and strategic decisions. Integrating knowledge from previous modules and case studies, students gain a comprehensive understanding of strategic management and decision-making.

Advanced Business Theories:

This module examines the intellectual evolution of business, transitioning from economics-based to behaviorally-driven approaches. Students engage with key articles and social science methods to understand the development of academic knowledge and contemporary research methodologies.

Global Financial Management:

This module delves into asset valuation and financing principles in global financial markets. Topics include the time value of money, diversification and risk, and arbitrage and hedging, with practical applications in derivatives like bonds, stocks, and options. Risk mitigation strategies using financial instruments are also explored.

Organizational Behaviour:

This module explores individual and group dynamics within organizations, focusing on organizational design, change, and inter-organizational relationships. Discussions and presentations highlight strategies for effective reorganization and behavior management.

Advanced Management:

This module delves into advanced theories and practices in management, addressing organizational development, behavior dynamics, and leadership models. Students refine their understanding of communication, motivation, and strategic administration.

Segment 2 - RESEARCH/THESIS:

Here, you will produce an academic standard research report in this segment. This segment will last nominally for one-two year. Your specialization depends on the topic you will select for the research.