Module descriptors

Qualitative Research Methods and Paradigms

This module covers the underlying theory and forms of qualitative research approaches, methods and ethics as they apply to the context of the programme.  This includes acquiring a critical and interpretive understanding of qualitative research approaches, theories and concepts, as well as methods and techniques that constitute the qualitative research realm.

Quantitative Research Methods

This module introduces students to a wide range of methods of data collection, analysis and interpretation. It will consider the strengths and weaknesses of experimental and quasi-experimental approaches, the proposal and testing of hypotheses, and the suitability of such methods. It will introduce students to a range of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques used for interpreting numerical data.

Applied Research Design and Planning

This module concentrates on the development and design of students’ own research proposals.

Core Readings in Management and Business Research

The purpose of this research-based module is to introduce students to the latest seminal research publications. This is necessary so that the candidates will develop a deep understanding of the core disciplines and research streams within Management and its cognitive disciplines. Through this module student will acquire a strong disciplinary knowledge foundation, based on recent publications. Students will be directed to current research themes in each discipline in the portfolio of the professional doctorate. The module will cover the major research streams and fundamental disciplines in each of the four subject areas.

Innovation Theories/Models and Entrepreneurship

The module aims to prepare students for their doctorate research topics. The module will introduce students to a variety of ongoing research innovation and entrepreneurship and related themes.

Business Excellence

The purpose of this module is to provide a solid understanding of different theories of excellence, approaches and models in the UAE and beyond, such as the Baldridge framework for performance excellence, UAE excellence models, statistical methods in quality management, business excellence and leading, and building and sustaining business excellence.

Global Management

The purpose of this module is to provide a solid understanding of theories and debates in global management relevant to doctoral thesis research. This will involve consideration of the challenges of globalisation and varieties of capitalism, and it will attend to identifying differences between countries in government regulation, societal and industrial contexts, organisational cultures and management practices.

Management of Knowledge in Projects

The aim of this module is to teach the principles and technologies of knowledge management. A case study approach will be adopted in introducing the course contents. The module covers the fundamental concepts in the study of knowledge and its creation, representation, dissemination, use and re-use, and management.

Organisations, Projects and Sustainability

This module is designed to provide advanced knowledge and higher-level of understanding of the concepts of an organisation in relation to the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. The focus of interest is on projects and their implementation for achieving goals of strategic alignment, knowledge management, sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Thesis (360 credits)

This element of the programme comprises the planning, development and submission of a doctoral research thesis of 40,000-50,000 words. The student will carry out a major research investigation. The student will work under the supervision of a Director of Studies and second supervisor from BUiD and an external academic advisor. The thesis will be expected to make a distinct and original contribution to the practice of the topic addressed.