Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) — a rigorous, practice-oriented doctoral program for senior executives, top managers, and business leaders. Unlike a traditional PhD, the DBA is structured around applied research: participants select a substantive problem from their own professional context and prepare a doctoral dissertation that contributes to both academic theory and management practice.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) — a rigorous, practice-oriented doctoral program for senior executives, top managers, and business leaders.
Accreditation, European registries, Swiss quality standards, and the institute's partners
4 semesters in a blended format. Required core courses: 29 ECTS; required electives (edX): 11 ECTS; doctoral dissertation: 80 ECTS (67% of the program). The final requirement is an oral defense (viva voce) before an independent examination committee that includes an external expert.
An interactive map of the program's key competencies that correspond to the official DBA learning outcomes.
Integrating the findings of doctoral-level research into long-term strategic thinking, leading organizational transformation, and making responsible decisions in the face of uncertainty.
Designing and conducting a rigorous research project: quantitative methods (multivariate analysis, SEM, econometrics), qualitative methods (case studies, grounded theory, phenomenology), and mixed-methods designs.
A critical synthesis of a substantial body of literature; the development and defense of a theoretical framework; the ability to form independent judgments when working with contradictory data; and the challenge of established assumptions.
Ethical principles at all stages, the responsible use of AI, and an understanding of epistemological traditions (positivism, interpretivism, critical realism, pragmatism) and their implications for research design.
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Get adviceAccess to the platform, course materials, webinars, an academic advisor, and two retakes for each course are included in the semester fee.
Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. The Swiss International Institute Lausanne (SIIL) diploma is issued with an official European Diploma Supplement, which lists the modules completed, grades, and ECTS credits.
SIIL Status and Documents
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External experts evaluated the educational processes, the management system, internal quality assurance, and other aspects of the institute’s operations. The result was institutional accreditation by the IAAR (certificate AA 0298).
Check the SIIL in the IAAR registryIAAR is a member of ENQA and is registered with EQAR. The status of the accreditation agency itself can be verified in European sources.
SIIL programs are structured according to the Bologna Process. Their credit load is specified in ECTS—the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System.
Credit Distribution: Required core courses—29 ECTS, required electives (edX)—11 ECTS, doctoral dissertation—80 ECTS.
Official documents open in a new tab—you can review and save them on your own.
Submit your application on the website and prepare a research proposal (500–800 words) describing your proposed area of research.
Resume, two letters of recommendation, certified transcripts and diplomas, and a valid ID. Proof of English proficiency: IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL iBT 90 (or exemption).
Those who have passed the preliminary screening are invited to an interview with the SIIL Academic Committee, which will evaluate their research abilities, experience, and the viability of their research topic.
Signing the contract, gaining access to the platform, assigning an academic advisor, and starting the first semester.
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