Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) & Master of Business Administration - MBA

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) - 2 / 3 Years 

One of the best European Doctorate programs with EU & US Accreditation. Very popular among middle and top executives from around the world.

(The 2-year program is suitable for highly experienced executives, even though both programs have the same credits and fee.)

LIUTEBM-SOIP and SSM Collaboration

Swiss School of Management is one of the best, highly ranked and fully accredited Business Schools and degree-granting HEI, which has institutional and program accreditation from both Europe and the USA. LIUTEBM University, Lusaka is one of the oldest and fully Accredited Universities of Zambia and the LIUTEBM School of International Programs - LIUTEBM SOIP  is a well-known, highly recognised and trusted Online Educational Platform & facilitators in the African region. Because many African students are unable to pursue their dreams of overseas education, particularly from Europe and America, the LIUTEBM SOIP and SSM collaborated to facilitate SSM's MBA, DBA and PhD Programs to Zambians and to other African region students at an economical, subsidised and affordable fee plan through the LIUTEBM School of International Programs in addition to the other LIUTEBM University Programs. HEA-Zambia has permitted LIUTEBM University to facilitate enrolment in the SSM's fully online Programs. 

Fast-track Pathway for LIUTEBM's MSc by Research Degree holders

LIUTEBM's MSc by Research graduates will receive transfer credits for 50% of the ECTS Credits of SSM's DBA and will complete it in half the duration, i.e., 1.5 years / 1 year, respectively.

SSM's DBA Program

DBA Studies are among the most challenging and rewarding levels of Higher Education. The Swiss School of Management has developed outstanding Doctoral Programs. These programs have unique features which add significant value to Graduates beyond the rewarding Doctor's Degree.

Multiple academic collaborations contribute to the exceptional program quality, starting with the involvement of highly renowned and recognised academics as Research Directors. Our Doctorate candidates are supported on an individual basis by both SSM Professors and visiting Professors from a wide variety of international Universities.

Today, academia has no borders. Therefore, the knowledge and expertise of experienced academics influence the structure and content of our Doctor Programs, from which candidates can select the option that accommodates their needs.

The Doctor of Business Administration will be awarded by the internationally recognised Swiss School of Management. The result is based on delivering studies of the highest quality and multiple benefits to SSM’s Doctorate candidates. Swiss School of Management is committed to impress and to express: impress through the value of the studies resulting in Degrees, which express the outstanding skills of those being awarded. This allows them to develop a top career in industries, administration, and academia.

Swiss School of Management offers a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program based on blended and online learning principles. The program is highly structured and internationally accredited by IACBE & DEAC. Due to the integrated learning aspects, there are no admissions deadlines. Individuals have flexibility in how they complete their courses. The SSM has the following Accreditations:

• Accreditation by  IACBE, USA 
• Accredited by DEAC, USA
• Accredited by Malta FHEA, Europe
• Recognition by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation -  CHEA, USA 
• Certification with  EduQua  (a prestigious Swiss quality assurance label)
• Acknowledged by the Ministry of Education, Italy
• UNESCO-approved Institution, through the International Association of Universities -  IAU, UNESCO, Paris 
• LIUTEBM is permitted by the Higher Education Authority, Zambia, for facilitating enrolment in SSM's online Swiss Doctorate Program 

Each DBA candidate receives much support from a dedicated supervisor and a mentor, and access to digital libraries and live (digital) events. Joining the DBA program at SSM gets you access to our International Expert Group. The following paragraphs explain these reasons to start your DBA with SSM in detail.

Universities around the globe have extended doctoral studies to these professional doctorates for many good reasons. Industries are very interested in such graduates, and the results of their job applications demonstrate this, as DBA Degree skills and capabilities go beyond any Master’s graduate. At the same time, these doctoral graduates are practice-oriented. Consequently, they are the first-choice candidates for top-management positions. 

The Doctor of Business Administration addresses business, economy, and management research. The dissertation can be oriented by the student’s personal interest and based on their individual work environment. At the end of these studies, students are awarded the title of “Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).”

Before the Degree awarding, the DBA dissertation has to be written and defended in a live defense known as the ‘viva voce.’ The dissertation argument is about applied sciences. It consists of 50,000+ words, which fulfils independent research criteria on a superior level and consequently demonstrates the internationally acknowledged standards of doctoral studies. The type and style of this research are source-oriented on applied sciences, in which a solid theoretical understanding must be evident.

The variety of topics is extensive, and candidates can make their own choice upon approval of the Academic Board. The only request is that the selected research relates to management, business, and/or the economy. Theory and empirically consistent research, which the dissertation delivers, are expected on a superior level. An individual Director of Studies will support each student during the development and writing of the dissertation. Students will find personal support, but they are expected to work individually, accordingly to the individual nature of such studies on this high level. Therefore, strict limitations on the extent and length of such support are applied.

Intended Students' Learning Outcomes (ISLOs):

ISLO 1: Students must contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific discipline.

ISLO2: Students must show their capacity to analyse existing theories and draw data-supported conclusions. 

ISLO 3: Students must be able to integrate divergent or contradictory perspectives or ideas fully. 

ISLO 4: Students must be able to present and defend a thesis in applied research to be evaluated by a jury. 

ISLO 5: Students must demonstrate advanced knowledge and competence in a field of study of practical relevance.  

Program Structure

The DBA Program structure is aligned with international standards of Postgraduate Education and, accordingly, fulfils the criteria of the process of Harmonisation of Higher Education in Europe (Bologna Process).

The doctoral program will require the accomplishment of five taught Research Methods modules as the first stage. Only the successful fulfilment of all five modules entitles students to progress to the second stage, the thesis level.

The successful students will acquire 180 ECTS credits throughout the course and complete :

• 5 Research Methods modules (6 ECTS credits per module)
• Seminars, Conferences & Research papers and
• Doctoral thesis

The modules are delivered interactively and are based on actual knowledge and research in this pathway. The “Research Methods” modules are taught via lectures and/or seminars and require students' attendance. A long-distance learning version will be introduced as an alternative form of study as well.

The data collection, analysis of data and Doctoral Thesis demonstrating independent empirical research are evidence of the candidate’s ability and capability to undertake applied, defendable and empirical research on the highest level of academic studies.

This program of studies is considered relevant, rich and academically valid thanks to the adoption of the highest standards of Higher Education. Additionally, superior professional standards have been embedded. Learning objectives and module contents are further closely related to the Six Principles of the PRME Framework of the United Nations. The 2-year Program modules are described below; the 3-year program will have a different distribution model.  

 

Master of Business Administration - MBA

Executive Master of Business Administration - eMBA

An 18-month 90 ECTS Program, one of the best European MBAs with EU & US Accreditation.

LIUTEBM-SOIP and SSM Collaboration

Swiss School of Management is one of the best, highly ranked and fully accredited Business Schools and degree-granting HEI, which has institutional and program accreditation from both Europe and the USA. LIUTEBM University, Lusaka is one of the oldest and fully Accredited Universities of Zambia and the LIUTEBM School of International Programs-LIUTEBM SOIP  is a well-known, highly recognised and trusted Online Educational Platform & facilitators in the African region. Because many African students are unable to pursue their dreams of overseas education, particularly from Europe and America, the LIUTEBM SOIP and SSM collaborated to facilitate SSM's MBA, DBA and PhD Programs to Zambians and to other African region students at an economical, subsidised and affordable fee plan through the LIUTEBM School of International Programs in addition to the other LIUTEBM University Programs. HEA-Zambia has permitted LIUTEBM University to facilitate enrolment in the SSM's fully online Programs. 

The SSM's MBA Program

The Swiss School of Management’s 18-month, fully accredited Master of Business Administration Degree Program is designed to equip students with the tools and analytical framework required for a successful career. The interactive community of faculty and students in an international setting provides students with globally relevant materials on today’s ever-changing economy.

Accreditations & Recognitions

SSM’s Master of Business Administration Degree holds an institutional accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is recognised as an Institutional Accrediting Agency by the U.S. Department of Education and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). DEAC is a full member of INQAAHE, the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies. Further, the program is fully accredited by the International Accrediting Agency for Business Education (IACBE) in the USA. IACBE is a renowned Accreditation agency recognised by the CHEA-Council for Higher Education, USA. The US Department of Veterans Affairs also recognises the Master of Business Administration. The Swiss School of Management is quality-certified in Switzerland by EduQua. EduQua is the best-known and most widely used quality label for continuing education and training (CET) providers in Switzerland, owned and controlled by the Swiss Federation for Adult Learning SVEB. The SSM's MBA is also accredited in Europe by the Malta Further & Higher Education Authority. 

The Program

Throughout the MBA program, students will be immersed in the modules of Leadership, Business, Entrepreneurship, and Management Philosophies that can be applied to any management role across varied industries. This business school gives students hands-on, applicable experience leading groups and classroom discussions, which is essential in providing an interactive, dynamic, and effective program to students. It is conducted fully online via live classes, which can be attended from anywhere in the world.

The program features international lectures, optional corporate visits, visiting speakers, seminars, webinars, and workshops to help boost and enhance student learning. One of the Swiss School of Management’s goals is to start growing students’ networks immediately when their program starts.

MBA Module Structure

The Master of Business Administration Degree program comprises 15 modules subdivided into 12 core modules and a specialisation module comprising 3 modules. Submitting a final project/thesis or business plan to graduate is mandatory, accounting for one additional core module of 4 credits. Most modules are equivalent to 4 credit points and are assessed by an examination, assignment, or combination. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree is granted to participants with 90 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) or the equivalent of 45 US Semester Credit Hours.

Module Delivery

Each module must have a minimum of 34 front-class hours, another 30 hours of assignments, coursework, individual or group projects, and a minimum of two hours of final exams, as explained above.

Blended Method

The program is available in person or online through our blended study method. Every class session is live-streamed and recorded on our online platform, giving students the tools they need to succeed in their program.

Exit or Additional Award

At the Swiss School of Management, we recognise the diverse needs and circumstances of our MBA candidates. To provide greater flexibility and value, we offer an Exit or Additional Award option within the MBA program.

This pathway is designed for:
– Candidates who are unable to complete the full MBA program.
– MBA students who wish to earn an additional qualification alongside their degree.

By successfully completing 65 ECTS from the accredited MBA modules, students are eligible to receive a Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management.

Final Assessment Requirement

To be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma, students must:
– Successfully complete all selected modules totalling 65 ECTS.
– Undergo a final international assessment provided by Peregrine Global Services.

Upon successful completion of the assessment, students will be conferred the Postgraduate Diploma in Leadership and Management, a recognised qualification that reflects advanced knowledge and practical skills in leadership and management. 

(Information sourced from the SSM official website)