Aussie Doctorate in Business Admin

Good day.

I posted a few weeks back re: U of Bradford, in UK, as a possible choice for a DBA or PhD in Management. My investigations were exhaustive. But, no matter how the curriculum is sliced, I would still have to make at least five distinct week-long trips to Bradford during the first year, to get the indoctrination and some modules out of the way. Then a couple of weeks, minimum, per year, until finished with the dissertation. (I don't find fault with the structure...just can't fit it in.)

Some of the first year weeklongs are only a few weeks apart (eg: Oct indoctrination week, Nov, March, April, June). Many of the other universities have similar programs. For example, U of Newcastle on Tyne offers three seminars first year; one in Newcastle, two in Grenoble, France, or vice versa, depending on your start date.
I digress...

The Bradford option is simply out of the question... the airfare alone from Vancouver Canada, plus finding lodging for five distinct visits, plus the 2.5 times tuition for non-UK, makes this untenable. (Though I could have swung time off for one-continuous month, and purchased an excursion air ticket!)
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Re: USQ DBA:
So, I've decided to go further afield, so to speak. I'm strongly contemplating this distance doctorate from Australia.

I've seen previous mention of this on this board, but after searching deja.com and this board, I don't recall any anecdotes from anyone actually enrolled.

I've reviewed the web-site, to exhaustion, and have received e-mail from USQ. But what I'm waiting on in a follow-up e-mail,is to find out how they will handle the 2-hour exams that are mentioned in all the DBA marketing courses (my likely discipline choice).

Re: Charles Sturt DBA (also Australian):
This one also looks good, and as mentioned on this board, it is very reasonable.
However, they now require some f2f... and getting to Oz is not easily nor cheaply done.

The following is a snippet from the answer to an enquiry I sent yesterday:
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In addition the following points apply to the DBA:

1. Students will normally by required to attend an induction program
organised by the Centre for Graduate Studies or an approved alternative.

2. Coursework is to be completed in one year (full-time) or two years
(part time).

3. Presentation of Seminar: For students undertaking a full-time load,
the seminar is to be presented at the end of the first year, whereas
part-time students are expected to present at the end of the second year.
The seminar will normally be presented within the host School however, for
students for whom this is not possible, seminars may be presented at the
workplace or other appropriate venue. The seminar will cover an outline of
the literature review, the research objectives and a description of the
research program. The Seminar will normally be for about one hour
(including time for questions).

4. The Research Proposal must be submitted and approved by the Board of
Graduate Studies during the first year (full-time) or second year
(part-time).

The Faculty of Commerce does have some flexibility concerning timing and
location of the induction program and the research seminar, but it is no
longer possible to complete the DBA without some face-to-face contact with
your supervisors.

The next intake into the course will be February 2002, applications for
which close on 30 October 2001. If you complete the Internet application,
please forward certified supporting documentation to me.

The tuition fee for the Doctor of Business Administration is:

4 x 16 credit point subjects @ AUD$2200 per subject = A$8800
Thesis: 64 credit points @ AUD$2200 per 16 credit points = A$8800

TOTAL COST: A$17,600. Fees are payable per subject or session.

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I wouldn't mind going to Australia (been there on two vacations in the late 90s).... but...this note is kinda, sorta, maybe... confusing re: the face-to-face.

Comments from anyone 'in the know' would be appreciated.

With thanks

Michael in Vancouver, Canada

 

I don't know anything about business programs but I specifically remember seeing a 100% non-residential DBA program at the University of the Sunshine Coast http://www.usc.edu.au
Who knows, if you can stand the name then maybe it could be a good choice. Good luck.
Jack

 

Hi Michael,

There have been number of thread on these. I'm an American just starting my second semester in the CSU DBA. If you have questions you can e-mail me at [email protected].

Thanks
BAH

 

All else equal, I would lean towards USQ... the seem to have their act together a bit more, they a better reputation, etc. I contacted USQ regarding exam centers and they seem to have exams centers established at major universities in many cities. I think this is a great DL program... makes my short-list.

 

Michael:

I'm a DBA student at USQ, I'm also in Canada and I'm satisfied with their service. It is a good program but not an easy one, the school is very helpful and the service is pretty good. The bad news is that you have to write some exams, if you are not fan of writing exams you should consider the Charles Sturt DBA that has no written exams. As for reputation, USQ has a bit higher reputation than CSU. The CSU is a general DBA and USQ a more specialized DBA.

I hope this helps

I forgot, USQ has an examination center in Vancouver