The compulsory subject provides students with a solid foundation in research skills.

Business Research Analysis and Design (MM602)

Students will learn about the processes of business research – theory and hypothesis development, research methods and design, data collection and analyses. A major aim of the subject is to provide students with the skills required to conduct the DBA Thesis.

The core subjects provide students with an in-depth evaluation of qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methods as well as statistical applications. Students are required to complete any two of the following:

Econometrics Methods (AF6208)

This subject enhances students’ understanding of key concepts underlying quantitative research. Issues to be explored include focusing on the practical use of quantitative research methods, using computer software to estimate the models, interpreting and reporting computer results, and conducting empirical research projects.

Qualitative Research and Experimental Design (MM6011)

The subject provides students with a fundamental philosophy and framework on both qualitative and experimental approaches to research. Practical examples on research design will be elaborated and discussed so that students can enhance their understanding and ability in conducting similar projects on their own.

Statistical Analysis for Management Research (MM604)

This subject enables students to employ statistical analysis techniques. Emphasis is placed on learning business statistics and understanding analytical procedures used in academic papers.

The elective subjects allow students to pursue particular areas of interest. There is generally more emphasis on academic readings to prepare students for the DBA Thesis. Students are required to complete any five of the following:

Advanced Business Strategy (MM631)

A key role of corporate and senior business leaders is that of strategist. Students will explore the strategic management process at both corporate and business levels within the context of both internal and external environments. The organisational competencies needed to attain corporate and strategic objectives and goals will also be examined.

Advanced Financial Management (AF6301)

The focus of this subject is on the relationship between financial issues and the organization’s corporate and strategic objectives and goals. Students will learn how to effectively develop and implement corporate financial policies.

Advanced Topics in Economics for Managers (AF6601)

This subject contributes to the achievement of the PolyU DBA outcomes by broadening, updating, and deepening students’ knowledge of current issues in domestic and global economy where firms operate and enabling students to acquire in-depth knowledge in key business strategies such as pricing, advertising and firm productivity issues.

Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting and Corporate Disclosures (AF6106)

This subject exposes students to contemporary issues in financial reporting and corporate disclosures, with particular emphasis on cross-country comparisons of regulatory frameworks, the role of information intermediation, external monitoring by investors, and disclosure regulations.

Current Issues in Organizational Behaviour (MM612)

This subject enhances students' knowledge of organizations at the individual, group and company levels. Emphasis is on integrating theories of behaviour and the practice of management. Critical assessment of recent research in organisational behaviour will facilitate the development of analytical and conceptual competencies required for corporate and senior executives.

Frontier of Leadership Research (MM614)

This subject exposes students to major leadership theories and helps students grasp the “state of science” regarding leadership research. Issues to be explored include cross-cultural differences in effective leadership, participative leadership and empowerment, transformational and charismatic leadership, paternalistic and abusive leadership.

Incentives and Monitoring in Accounting (AF6107)

The subject aims to enhance students’ understanding of accounting/auditing in the context of agency and contracting theory. Issues to be explored include the role of incentives, R&D expenditure, cost of auditing, audit quality, opinion shopping, and other corporate governance mechanisms.

Independent Studies in Business (AF6932 / LGT6932 / MM603)

This subject gives students a chance to work on a specialised area of study with a supervising faculty member. As a result, students acquire an in-depth understanding of the theories and research methods associated with a particular business-related topic of interest.

Independent Studies in Business – International Collaborations Experience (AF6933 / LGT6933 / MM6032)

Orchestrating Winning Performance (OWP) at IMD is a 5-day programme on latest management thinking. Students find practical innovative solutions to complex business challenges and 'globalize' their contact files with senior executives from every continent.

LSE Executive Education offers intensive courses taught by the LSE faculty and augmented by practitioners from industry and business.

Services Marketing Management (MM672)

With the emerging dominance of the service industry in Hong Kong, this subject is especially topical. Students evaluate various services marketing forces, such as increasing competition, delivery breakthroughs, and rising customer expectations, which challenge organisations to create and sustain competitive edges.

Strategic Management of Information & Organization in Digital Economy (MM6412)

The subject will deliver practitioners with information technologies (IT) related theories and research at an advanced level. Knowledge gained in this subject will enhance managers' effectiveness in identifying and solving IT related management issues.

Strategic Marketing (MM675)

This subject aims at developing knowledge and analytical skills on new-product markets and related positioning strategies using theoretical and empirical approach. Upon completion of this subject, students will be able to understand and evaluate various competitive forces that interact with firms' strategy-making processes.

Strategic Quality Management (LGT6005)

This subject provides students with an overview on strategic quality management covering quality management systems and dimensions, Six Sigma and Quality Management Tools and Techniques, and Quality Management Standards – ISO: 9000 etc. Upon completion of this subject, students will be qualified to apply for a Registered Six Sigma Champion (RSSC) from the Six Sigma Institute – the highest professional qualification of Six Sigma. They will also have a broad understanding on the business excellence models.

Strategic Supply Chain and Logistics Management (LGT6004)

This subject enhances students' understanding of the key concepts and methodologies in supply chain management. Basic quantitative models and innovative approaches are introduced to build students' ability to analyze complex supply chain processes and relations.

Attendance at the 2 DBA Residentials is compulsory.

DBA Residential 1 (MM691) is a mandatory orientation workshop scheduled for the beginning of the programme in August/September.

DBA Residential 2 (MM692) is a research workshop held normally after students have completed all the required subjects. The main purpose of this workshop is to give students an opportunity to present their thesis proposals and to prepare them for writing the theses.

Students must pass the compulsory subject, 2 core subjects and at least 3 elective subjects before beginning their theses. They integrate and apply what they have learned to critically and rigorously examine topics of interest in the field of business or management. They are challenged to make an important contribution and/or provide innovative insights into the practice of management.

DBA Thesis I (AF6930 / LGT6930 / MM6994)

DBA Thesis II (AF6931 / LGT6931 / MM6995)