In my (short) investigation, these seem to be the major doctoral structures: US-type PhD programs: A number of courses, including some covering research, and a thesis that provides a contribution to knowledge. UK-type PhD programs: As above, but with either no coursework, or coursework covering research methodolgoeis etc only. DBA Type one: structured as per US PhD programs (i.e. with business-related courses in addition to research courses), but with the thesis focused on a more "practical" issue. (examples: Henley, EBS, Manchester) DBA Type two: structured as per UK PhD program (i.e. very few courses), but with the thesis focused on a more "practical" issue. (eg. Surrey, Glasgow). If this is roughly, the business doctorate decision is quite complicated, and may be driven by the type of thesis one wishes to do and/or the type and number of courses one is required to do. The first decision may not necessarily be PhD versus DBA! In fact, if the choice is between a UK-style PhD and a DBA type 2, there is a strong argument to go for the PhD based purely on it being seen as a academically "superior" product. Phewy to thos who say "not better, just different". Tell that to those who have to explain the difference constantly.... Is this roughly correct? Obviously the different directions DBA programs are going reflects different phiiosophies regarding the qualification, but there may not be a credibility issue since the PhD program difference has been there for quite a while. It also serves no point to debate which is the "best" approach. Comments would be most appreciated! Thanks, Walter
Others The options you have mentioned are at either ends of the scale for business studies, but pretty much sum up the situation. Of course the terms PhD and DBA are not the only ones used (see the discussions re D Comm etc). You seem more inclined to the DBA, but like the academic prestige of the PhD. My opinion is that the added prestige must be significant to keep you focused on a degree that is less appropriate for your needs. In other words, do the degree that meets your needs rather than one that appeals to vanity.
Frankly, there are a number of other issues to consider. The first is, what do you plan on doing with the degree? If you plan on being in academia and you want to teach at a top tier university (and you do not have a lengthy professional background or publication background) then the Ph.D. may be the answer. However, if you have some kind of credible business backgound, publications, teaching experience, etc. the DBA will meet your needs. Additionally, what kind of time are you willing to put in? What kind of writing skills do you have? All of these issues become an important consideration.
Decision Process I agree that it comes down to what you want, or need. However I find some of your comments regarding the questions I should be asking myself, in deciding between a PhD and a DBA, quite confusing: surely the amount of time, and my writing skills, don't change the situation? Or does one need more time and better writing skills for a PhD?
Difference In the UK, the PhD is still seen (rightly or wrongly) as the 'superior' doctorate over and above, for example, the DBA or EdD. The latter two take different formats when it comes to the thesis. For example, most professional doctoral theses (EdD, DBA, etc) require a 50,000 words thesis (plus course work) but some universities are now allowing students to submit two 25,000 words (approximately) dissertations instead of the one 50,000 words document. This stated, the Henley DBA requires an 80,000 words thesis (at the very top end and not typical of UK DBA programmes) plus all the course work! Yet, typically, in the UK, a traditional PhD thesis is 80,000 words! Thus, people ask why someone would do a Henley DBA when they could be doing a traditional PhD and not have to do all the residential sessions and course work as well! You'll have to decide for yourself which suits. At the end of the day, it is the quality of the work that matters and on which you'll be judged! AJJ
Thesis 80,000 words? Yikes! Henley sounds like they're over-compensating for something! I had some friends who did their MBA a few years ago, and the case material wasn't amazing at all, so I'm not that impressed by their DBA requirement. I'm interested in why some places opted for requiring MBA courses in their DBA (e.g. EBS). Is it really necessary, particualry since the courses are only MBA electives anyhow, nothing amazing and "doctoral". Perhaps Professor Kennedy could explain...
A matter of degree! Henley was one of the very first places in the UK to offer a DBA, many years befofre EBS (and many other schools) thought about a similar programme. Because Henley was one of the first and didn't want any criticism that it was a watered down PhD they perhaps 'went over the top' in trying to make their programme the Oxbridge of the UK DBA world. In many ways they have been successful. The calibre of the students, the general quality of the final doctoral theses are good and are externally examined by very well qualified and well-known people in their respective fields. I used the word 'students' above. In actual fact, the programme candidates or participants are highly qualified senior executives from both public and private sector organizations. Henley does not have course work per se as you imagine it to be in the US. The course work and residential sessions revolve around personal development, competence and research methods. So, much of the preparatory work is new since most people already have an MBA or equivalent degree. AJJ
In most cases the length requirements are guidelines. A brilliant dissertation is usually allowed to "miss" the word requirement, just as overly long, "padded", dissertations are often rejected if they have nothing else going for them. I know that the discussion here is generally on business theses, but many other disciplines don't impose a word limit. There have been many first rate math dissertations at under 20, and sometimes even 10 pages. The point in any of this is whether you really have something to say and how well you say it.
