DBA International ProgrammeFul illing Ambitions

www.bsn.eu

Ful illingAmbitions

Our ambition is to be an enabler in the development and success of managers and organisations worldwide, through unique Action Learning programmes, providing answers to current management issues.

The DBA International programme is offered in English and is seen as the pinnacle of all business administration qualifi cations. It is our mission to offer this Doctor of Business Administration to Senior Professionals, Chief Executive Offi cers and Senior Managers in order for them to experience professional advancement, develop research skills and a scientifi c attitude through the encouragement of original research at doctorate level whilst adding new theory and/or fi ndings to the existing body of knowledge in business administration.

Do you have the ambition to enrich yourself and take your professional development to the next level? We will support you during this exciting journey.

Marcel van der HamDirector Business School Netherlands

DBA InternationalProgramme

You are an experienced, successful manager. You have an MBA or similarquali ication. You feel that you need a deeper understanding of the issues youface and more systematic ways of investigating options and possibilities. Youfeel that only by stepping back and taking the time, and putting the issuesyou face into a broader context of theoretical knowledge, will you be ableto develop the kinds of breakthrough solutions you are looking for. You areenthusiastic about personal, professional and organisational developmentand are motivated to contribute to management thinking and practice byresearching and developing new ways of doing things.

To achieve your goals, you are willing to spend agreat deal of your time over the next 40 monthson study and research. Centred on questions youchoose, you want to develop your conceptualunderstanding in the context of important,practical business problems you and yourorganisation face. You also want the challengesand changes that working with a peer group ofinternational professionals will bring. All these ambitions will materialise in the Action Learning approach in this DBA programme.

The DBA International is a blended learningprogramme especially tailored for executives whocannot put their careers on hold. The freedomand fl exibility of this programme will allow youto balance the demands of your career andpersonal life while developing your skills andcapabilities through a signifi cant study of originalresearch aimed at improving practical decision-making as well as increasing the understanding oforganisational and business life.

Doctor of Business AdministrationA Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a management practitioner’s degree and, while not a requirement, continued involvement inan organisation is important for keeping the learning, theoretical and methodological contentsof your DBA studies in a practical context. A DBAis focused on developing a scientifi c attitude,not just completing a research project. Therigorous application of research methods within atheoretical framework, is a skill which will serveyou throughout your career. Apart from that,

Action Learning methodology helps to create a thorough understanding of the business and cultural context, in which the research is to be carried out.

StructureThe programme is structured in four phases. Inthe fi rst phase, you will be challenged to developyour own identity and vision as a researcher as well as improve your skills needed for continuous learning. What motivates you? What kind of problems fascinate you? The focus is on developing your professional identity and drive as a researcher and on defi ning and refi ning theproblem areas which fascinate and motivate you.

The second phase is focused on developing yourskills as a researcher, the instruments of yourprofession. What research skills do you needto master? What approaches are best suitedfor different problems? A DBA degree is aboutdeveloping your capacity to act in the world. Thetools you bring to your work are as important asyour motivation and vision.

The third phase is focused on integration. Are youable to unite your vision and motivation with yourknowledge and intellectual capacities to addressand resolve specifi c organisational problems?Problems of organisational design and action are,at heart, problems of knowledge. Faced with anintractable business problem, can you generatethe knowledge needed to resolve the problemby formulating a researchable question and doing

the research? Can the answers you come up withbe implemented? Can you put it all together? Inthis third phase you develop your professionalidentity and capacities into an integrated whole,

focused on implementing solutions to businessand management problems.

nal phase is the thesis research and writing.The focus in this phase is consolidation andelaboration. Through your research, you will

rst threephases. You will also contextualise your research,placing it in a larger body of theoretical work andpractical, strategic, organisational problems. Thisphase is aimed not only at ensuring that you arecapable of conducting world class research intobusiness and management problems. It is alsoaimed at elaborating the connections between thevarious problems which have intrigued you duringyour studies and which are likely to be of enduringconcern in your professional career.

Bene itsOn completion of the programme you will:• have made a contribution to theory and the practice of management;• be capable of undertaking rigorous research in

eld of business and management;• have developed a broad understanding from multiple perspectives of business and management issues;• be able to critically assess your own thinking and impact as a manager and become more effective in your work interactions;• have developed an acute understanding of your speciality within the broader context of organisational and managerial action;• ective practitioner with

c approach to management and organisational problems;• recognise the strengths of group effort and have developed strong cooperative work habits.

AccreditationThe DBA International programme is accreditatedby the American Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Nauman AliLondon School of Business & Finance,

Lecturer, United Kingdom.Student International DBA

“This DBA InternationalProgramme incorporates

Action Learning methodology which is a new and interesting

experience for me. This tool allows me to make a difference

in my professional life and helps me to understand the importance

of collective learning and development. The structure of

this programme is very effective. It allows me to look at the

theoretical frameworks and research methodology aspects

in a broader spectrum. The applicability of the content

related to the programmes is extremely valid and the staff of

Business School Netherlands have facilitated a very productive and interesting experience so far.”

Structure and contentLearning settingsLearning takes place in three phases:• three sets of modules delivered at week-long workshops;• your participation in your Action Learning Set;• the advice, support and guidance of your thesis supervisors.

Module DeliveryYou will be making three trips to participate in thedelivery of the core modules. Each time you will beattending a set of workshops associated with oneof the fi rst three phases of the programme.

The fi rst set of workshops, held in Buren in TheNetherlands, will introduce you to the programme.It will involve fi ve intensive days of work anddiscussions as the foundations for Action Learningare laid and current theories and practices ofbusiness and management are presented anddiscussed. This set of modules focuses on puttingyour concerns, your motivations, and your reasonsfor wanting to become a practical researcher,into the broad context of organisational andmanagement research. Relating your interests to this ongoing stream of research, enables

you to defi ne your passion and understand how the problems which fascinate are related toother management and business issues. Theseworkshops will lay the foundations for your futurelearning and research.

The output from this fi rst set of modules will bean ‘X-Ray’ report on your work organisation. Youwill be asked to apply the theories you learn, bothin the module workshops and in your independentstudy, to an organisation. This exercise is aimedat broadening your view of organised action andits organisational context, and gaining a betterunderstanding of your own perspective andbiases. This exercise will develop your identity as aresearcher by clarifying your motives and interests.It will stretch your theoretical understanding, pointyou to the gaps in your knowledge, allow us toassess your needs, and provide a foundation foryour thesis proposal.

You will start working on your Action Learning Refl ection Assignment, this assignment is due for submission at the same time as your ResearchProposal. It is developed in refl ective dialogue with your set-advisor.

Phase Module/Activity LocationMajor Assignment/Assessment

Duration ofteaching block

5 daysin month 1of study

I Introduction to Action LearningAdvanced Practice in Businessand Management - 1

Organisational ‘x-ray’DraftAction Learning Refl ection assignment, fi rst draft

Buren,Netherlands

5 daysin month 4of study

II Foundations and Design ofManagement Research

Methodological PositionpaperFirst draft of thesis proposal2nd draft al refl ectionassignment

Buren,Netherlands

6 daysin month 12of study

III Advanced Practice in Businessand Management - 2

Thesis research proposalFinal submissionRefl ection Assignment

Prague,Czech Republic

betweenmonths 16 - 40of study

IV Thesis Research andPresentation

Thesis Writing and OralViva defence

Buren or video conference

In the second set of workshops, which take place in Buren, Netherlands you will develop your skills and knowledge as a researcher. It will focus on thephilosophical issues related to knowledge generation and use, and on the design of research in business and management. Here you will be forced to think about what knowledge is, how it is generated, and how it is used. The development of a scientifi c attitude requires not just that we view common understandings with scepticism and baseour arguments on theory and evidence; it also demands that we make conscious decisions about how we understand our world and what constitutes evidence for action in it.

At the conclusion of these modules, you willbe asked to write a paper expounding yourmethodological preferences. This exercise isa vehicle for thinking through your researchpreferences and consolidating your methodologicalposition. It provides a means for us to assess yourdevelopment as a thinker and points to wherediffi culties may lie ahead in your thesis research.At this point you will also be asked to write afi rst draft for your research proposal. This will bepresented during the third set of workshops at thebeginning of the second year.

The third set of modules, lasting six days, willbe held in Prague in the Czech Republic. Aspart of phase three of the programme, it isdesigned to do two things. Firstly, to providean advanced forum for the exposition anddiscussion of current thinking in organisationsand management, and secondly, to providea means for you to develop your theoreticalpositions and solidify your thinking about your

thesis research. You will be presenting your research proposal to the faculty and your peersfor discussion and assessment. There will beplenty of opportunities to discuss your ideasand progress with faculty. The focus of theseworkshops depends very much on you and yourdevelopment as a well-rounded researcher.

Action Learning SetsThe second setting for learning is your ActionLearning Set (ALS). An ALS is liberating. Bythis we mean that it provides a structure whereindividuals can develop their ideas in a fl exibleand supportive environment. The constantinteraction with peers and advisors results in aninterplay between theory, experience and practicalproblems that facilitates rigorous and creativeinquiry.

Self-study, the workshop modules, and yourthesis work are all supported by your ALS. An ALSties your theoretical learning to practical issuesrelevant to you and your peers, managementexperiences. Through the ALS you are putinto an environment which is motivating, has apractical focus, where you can benefi t from otherperspectives and experiences, where feedbackis timely and direct, and where you can developyour skills in analysis and presentation, as wellas leadership and persuasion. An ALS promotesteam thinking and mutual success. An ALShonours diversity by encouraging and validatingmultiple perspectives. By contributing yourperspective to your colleagues’ problems, andvice-versa, your ALS contributes to a broadeningand deepening of your learning. The ALS isfacilitated and coached by the Action Learning

Coach, while substantive issues can be referredto advisors, methodologists, and your thesissupervisors for guidance.

Your ALS is your core reference group. It is thethread which runs through the entire programme.And, together with the faculty and others inthe programme, the members of your ALS willprovide professional support throughout yourongoing career.

Thesis SupervisionThe fi nal setting for your learning is yourrelationship with your thesis supervisor.From your fi rst year in the DBA InternationalProgramme, you should be thinking aboutwho you would like to invite to be your thesissupervisor. The person you choose will have amajor infl uence on the direction of your studies.Your thesis supervisor is teaching and conductingresearch in your area of interest. He or she isthe one who will recommend new directions inreading and theory development, critique yourwork, and support you in your thinking and efforts.He or she will advise you concerning standardsas well as your readiness to stand for fi nal, oralexamination. Your thesis supervisor can give youopportunities to assist you in your own research,adding to your experience and possibly resultingin co-authorship of scholarly articles. Your choiceand management of a thesis supervisor will makeyour academic career in the DBA Internationalmore productive, satisfying and rewarding.

Pedagogical ApproachYou are the centre of attention during the DBAInternational Programme. What you bring is yourpersonality, your experience and perspective, thepractical challenges and opportunities you facein your work, and your knowledge, creativity andenergy. What we provide is our expertise andknowledge, our extensive experience in creatinga supportive learning environment in which youcan develop your own ideas and interests. Weback you, challenge you, guide you and providethe environment where you can stretch your mindand develop. A large part of this is done throughAction Learning.

From the beginning, in the fi rst set of modules,you will be immersed in an Action Learning

environment. This means that following a briefintroduction to its principles and methods,subsequent learning activity will take place usingAction Learning methods. The goal is fourfold.

Firstly, to ensure that discussions of theoryand methods are grounded in the practical andintellectual problems which you bring with you.Secondly, to bring you and your classmates’diverse perspectives and personalities to bearon these issues. Thirdly, to put you in a positionwhereby your ability to communicate andpersuade is tested and improved. And fi nally, tolay the social foundations for the internet-basedAction Learning which will support your individualstudy on your return home.

As part of your application, you will have preparedtwo questions. The fi rst is motivational. Why areyou interested in pursuing a DBA? The second issubstantive. What research questions interest youand what might your thesis topic be? Discussionsof theory will originate from these questions. It isthe role of the fi rst module faculty to guide youfrom your practical and intellectual concerns tothe streams of research literature which informand contextualise them. It is the role of the ActionLearning Coach to facilitate a critical but supportivediscussion. It is the role of the Action LearningSet to bring their varied reading and experience totheir discussions of your work, and to critique yourthinking. Together, the faculty, the coach, and theALS, work to move you from a topic that fascinatesand motivates you to a research question, framedby a body of theoretical literature, rigorouslythought through and ready for investigation.

Action Learning is emotional and behaviouralas well as intellectual. It aims to develop yourpersonal capacities and professional effectivenessas well as intellectual capabilities. The DBAInternational will, during each workshop series,engage you in what we call “Intervision”. Theobjective of Intervision is to develop your personalcapacities and effectiveness by examining yourhabits of character. Focusing on specifi c worksituations, Intervision is invaluable for improvingperformance and outcomes. The emphasis is onrefl ection, helping you think through how you canbecome more effective and professional in yourwork interactions.

Faculty and Online ResourcesAs a DBA International student, the resourcesof Business School Netherlands are at your disposal. Diverse faculties with international reputations are there to advise and assist you. For a blended programme of distance learning combined with on-site workshops, online resources are of critical importance. BSN hassubstantial online facilities available for its students. The online learning facilities are also fi rst rate. Our sites will be deployed in support of both the Action Learning Sets and the modules delivered at the on-site workshops. Each module has a site containing reseach material, core and supplementary readings, a discussion board and other resources. Members of each Action Learning Set communicate and interact through their own customisable site.

Danny ZandamelaFirst National Bank, CEO FNB Africa,

South AfricaStudent International DBA

“The DBA International Programme, of Business

School Netherlands provides a unique learning experience; the

candidates are drawn from a diversity of countries and

professional disciplines. The quality of the learning is also of

a high standard, providing a stimulating and satisfying

experience. The programme is suf iciently lexible in structure to

accommodate the more senior and mature professional who is seeking

to add depth to his other professional attributes with the opportunity tobecome a subject matter authority

in the chosen thesis subject and direction.”

Admission requirementsFor admission to this programme, applicants will be required to:• hold an MBA, or a Masters qualifi cation in a relevant area, and• have at least fi ve years experience• be in a professional capacity with signifi cant responsibility or• be in a senior management role or• be the Managing Director/Chief Executive Offi cer of a small to medium-sized enterprise or• be in an equivalent position;• be pursuing, or have pursued, a signifi cant career in professional or business areas that fall within the research interests of Business School Netherlands, and• display evidence of the potential to do doctoral level work, and• have written and verbal fl uency in English. For non-native English speakers, a minimum TOEFL mark of 580 on the paper based test or 237 on the computerized test, or 91 on the internet based test, or a 6.5 on the IELTS standard is required.

In exceptional circumstances, consideration may be given to applicantswithout a Master’s degree who:• hold a good fi rst degree in a relevant discipline;• have exceptional work experience demonstrated by professional advancement;• can demonstrate continued education and professional development since graduation.

Application and Selection ProceduresTo discuss enrolment procedures for this programme, please contactinternational@bsn.eu

The Admissions Committee will process the application withinone month of its receipt and you will be informed by mail of youracceptance to the programme.

InformationFor more information about the DBA International programme, pleasecontact the Programme Manager at Business School Netherlands.

While specifi c questions need to be addressed to the ProgrammeManager you are invited to visit our location to get a feel for what we do and who we are.

Informationand enrolment

Business School NetherlandsDe RaadskamerHerenstraat 25BurenT. +31 (0)344 579 030

international@bsn.eu

Business School NetherlandsOur pro ileBusiness School Netherlands was established in 1988 based on our belief that traditionalexecutive education programmes failed to meet the training and development needs of businessmanagers. We are the fi rst European institution to become affi liated with the World Institute forAction Learning. In 1991 we began to offer our Dutch language MBA using the Action Learningmethodology.

Business School Netherlands is the market leader in MBA training in the Netherlands. With an annualMBA student intake of over 350 students, this leadership position was recognised by Intermediar, theindependent Dutch ranking body and publication. This body has ranked our MBA curriculum 1st in theNetherlands in the last three of their biannual rankings and readers of Management Team in 2012 rankedBSN as the best MBA-provider 2012/2013.

The quality of our programmes and our Action Learning approach to executive education, has been thefoundation for our development and expansion. We currently offer executive education programmesin several languages in other European countries, as well as in Africa and Asia. Our English languageInternational Action Learning MBA® is our fl agship programme, as we continue to develop aninternational community of Action Learners.

Besides its degree programmes, Business School Netherlands also offers special skills and managementdevelopment courses, and short courses customised to meet the requirements of specifi c clients.These programmes are closely integrated with our clients’ needs and goals and place heavy demandson faculty capabilities. To ensure that we are always abreast of the latest developments in managementtheory and practice, and that we are able to meet the demands of our clients, we maintain relationshipswith a broad array of academic and professional faculty. Drawing on expertise as it is needed, ratherthan tailoring programmes to a fi xed set of resources means that we are always ready to effectively andeffi ciently meet the next challenge.

For more information about our programmes please visit www.bsn.eu

InformationThe DBA is aimed at the practicing manager

capproach and attitude are fundamental tosolving business problems. Through thisDBA programme, we offer the internationalstudent a unique combination of resourcesand experience dedicated to developing theircapabilities.

Business School NetherlandsDe RaadskamerHerenstraat 25BurenT. +31 (0)344 579054E. international@bsn.eu