Doctor of Business Administration DBA

Dr. Christian Engelke

"The DBA study program appealed to me from the start. It was especially helpful for me to learn a basic theoretical structure in the modules, so that the actual doctoral thesis was wonderfully grounded from the beginning. Actually, it could not have gone better! Thus, I was able to submit my thesis after exactly 3 years. I'd recommended this course any time!"

Dr. Caroline Krause

"After the initial conversations with the Fachhochschule des Mittelstands and the University of Worcester, I knew that the course program format offered the opportunity to conduct a successful DBA while working as a CEO. Through a research-oriented and systematically structured teaching program, I was able to develop relevant key themes for my doctorate in a focused manner and advance my research topic at the same time.

During the on-site phase of the course, in England, I got to know my supervisors. In terms of content and people, the DBA programme was a good fit right from the start. Thanks to the structured approach of my supervisors, I was able to meet the deadline for completing my doctorate. Of course, it was important to develop a lot of discipline - in the research phase of the course and to maintain motivation for your work on the dissertation. My choice of topic really helped me to maintain my enthusiasm whilst studying."

Dr. Christian Klein

"Internationality has played an important role since the beginning of my professional and academic career. Doing a PhD at an English university was therefore the logical step for me. The modules at the beginning of this program were very helpful in structuring my work and provided a lot of flexibility in the further process. The on-site supervision and support was also important to me. A doctorate is certainly a challenge that I would take on again and again in such a well-designed framework."

Dr. Justin Tipke

When I was looking for a part-time doctoral program, I was convinced by the  DBA support program. The modules are spread over the first year, which enables you to structure your research goal and all related elements correctly. The monthly exchange with your supervisors during the writing phase of the thesis is also extremely helpful.

Looking back, I can say that the DBA has not only helped me to build up further expertise, but has enabled me to network with many exciting personalities and experts from other fields.

Dr. Inga Knoche

Dr Inga Knoche looked at how certain German companies can adjust to the changing world of digital technology as part of her studies. Now, after four years, she is graduating with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree.

“It is a feeling that fills me with pride to have successfully completed this journey,” said Inga, who lives in Germany and did distance learning. “What I have learnt about myself, what I can accomplish, will stay for the rest of my life.

Since completing her DBA, Inga, who continues to work at a digital strategy consultancy, has been leading the digital business competencies unit, which develops business advisory services and implements them in companies.

Read Inga’s full case study here.

Dr. Annica Lau

Dr Annica Lau, who explored retaining young talent in the workplace, is graduating with a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). Annica has already gone on to receive international acclaim at a recent conference for her degree research, but will be savouring the moment at graduation after four years of hard work.

Following the completion of her DBA, Annica has taken up a role as Deputy Head of Global Human Resources in the baking ingredients industry, a role which includes managing the international talent and succession programme for the organisation. She is also a part-time lecturer at two universities of applied sciences in Germany. She is attending conferences and is engaged in other research projects. She is also doing guest lectures around the world (so far the UK, Germany, Denmark and South Africa). She has also just been appointed Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Business Management at the University of Worcester’s Business School. “My time at Worcester has opened doors to new opportunities for research, teaching, and professional engagement,” she added.

Read Annica’s full case study here.

Allan Revill, MBA

Having recently completed an MBA at the University of Worcester, I have been inspired to continue my learning journey by enrolling for the DBA programme at Worcester.

The MBA experience meant that I continually challenged myself and also met some great like-minded individuals who share common goals. All the lectures have been enthusiastic and supportive in their approach and this, I believe, has improved my self-development going forward. Professionally, I have more confidence and empathy with all stakeholders in our family business - including better relationships with customers through my research work for the dissertation and the relevant modules studied leading up to the final year.

Having worked in the fresh produce sector over the last 27 years, I now run in partnership a family crop-growing business which has found success via its products and innovative growing techniques, such as using soil sterilants and plastic mulches to improve weed control and achieve earlier crops. This has enabled us to be one of the first to market with a number of UK fresh produce crops.

I now aim to focus on closer working relationships with our customers as a route to grow the business further. The DBA will enable me to continue my research into buyer-supplier relationships in the fresh produce industry from the specialist suppliers’ perspective.

I am looking forward to meeting my fellow DBA students and lecturers, to undertaking more research and meeting other specialist suppliers and buyers from my sector in the process. I am excited about the prospect of being able to make a recognisable contribution to knowledge and practice in the fresh produce industry and (who knows) even beyond.