Award of Research Degrees | A Fast-Track Purpose-Driven Executive Dual Doctoral Program | Launching Your Unique Thought-Leadership.

The Swiss Executive DBA | EDBA

Degree Title

  • Swiss Executive Doctorate of Business Administration | EDBA
  • Earn Degrees and Certificates
    • One: < Executive Masters of Business Administration | EMBA > with a Specialization in Management Research degree.
    • Two: < A Certificate of Research in Business Administration > with a Specialization.
    • Three: < Swiss Executive DBA | EDBA > Degree Diploma with a Specialization.

Learning Period

  • 12 Months. 1 Year.
  • 3 Semesters

Start Dates

  • Fall semester – October,
  • Spring semester – February,
  • Summer semester – June.

Language

  • SGSB’s Executive DBA (EDBA) Programmes are offered in English.
  • Business-level English proficiency is required.

Who Can Apply

Required Professional Experiences and Careers
  • A gold card to executive positions across a wide spectrum of global business fields.
  • Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, and significant managerial experience.
  • Candidates who experienced 15 years, CEOs, GMs or more careers will be preserved/well-looked-after exceptional cases as highly qualified applicants for the Swiss EDBA.
  • Managers, Professionals with successful careers and Senior executives; looking to make a significant contribution to the advancement of knowledge in their area of expertise and transmission of experience. Upper level professionals eager to take a step back from their ongoing professional activities and do research on a specific managerial situation.

Required Two-Category of Higher Educational Background

BBA, EBBA, Bachelor and/or MBA, EMBA, or Master’s degree holders

  • In this Swiss EDBA program is right for you who holds only BBA or Bachelor level education with over 10 years professional experiences, and high motivation to obtain higher degree – level of education.
  • See the *Structure (*Accelerated participants for Bachelor, BBA, Executive BBA level degree diploma holders.)
  • General EDBA program for applicants who have a Master, MBA, Executive MBA level education with over 10 years professional experiences, and high motivation to obtain higher degree – level of education.
  • See the *Structure (*Accelerated participants for Master, MBA, EMBA level degree diploma holders.)

Structure

  • The Swiss Executive DBA program combines academic research and a hands-on approach in business to create scholar-practitioners who provide meaningful contributions to the business world.
  • The Swiss Executive DBA program is 12 months, 3 semesters by part-time executive doctoral level degree program, with a dissertation presentation at the end of the semester.

Accelerated participants for Bachelor, BBA, EBBA level degree diploma holders.

    • Duration: One Year, Three Stages, 12 Months = 3 Semesters
    • Semester: 3 Semesters/Terms
    • Earn Degrees and Certificates:

First, EMBA Degree Diploma in Research Management

Second, Executive Certificates, and then

Third, (The Swiss) Executive DBA Degree Diploma with a specialization of ~.

STAGE 1.

  • 1-Semester, General Management Coursework, Coursework-Introduction to Research Methods and Field Research Paper.
    • Following STAGE 1, successful completion of required course work, you must take examinations before the end of Stage 1.
    • After the completion of STAGE 1, participants can choose and confirm to take next stage to Swiss Executive Doctorate degree, EDBA.
    • At the end of the first semester of training and Coursework-Introduction to Research Methods

You will be qualified to be awarded;     

#1. Executive Masters of Business Administration in Management Research degree

STAGE 2.

  • 1-Semester : Coursework-Research Methods, Qualitative Research Methods. (Specialization Modules, Field Area Expertise Development)
  • Research Methods and Advanced specialization Modules
    • Following STAGE 2, and successful completion of EDBA Coursework, you will take an evaluation test for each course.
    • After the completion of STAGE 2, participants can choose and confirm to take next stage to Field Research Paper.
    • At the end of the first semester of training and coursework-Introduction to Research Methods

You will be qualified to be awarded;

#2. A Certificate of Research in Business Administration

STAGE 3. 

  • 1-Semester : Field Research Case Development (Research Methods Modules, Quantitative Research Methods, Methodological and Theoretical Skills Development) 
    • Following STAGE 3 and successful completion of required research paper, you must submit to the postgraduate department.
    • Participants are required to write and present an EDBA dissertation. Typically, the EDBA dissertation defense is oral and open to the public.
    • Following STAGE 3 and successful completion of EDBA dissertation.

You will be qualified to be awarded;

#3. Executive Doctorate of Business Administration Degree Diploma

  • The Swiss Executive DBA aimed for professionals, effectively minimizing the time required away from your working place to accomplish a professional executive doctorate.
  • The Swiss EDBA can be finished in twelve months, within one year.
  • The Swiss EDBA is a doctoral level for executives, research-based qualification, designed to make a contribution to the   improvement of interdisciplinary professional practice in management as well as a contribution to knowledge via the formalization of knowledge, methods and information gathered via the practice of one’s career.

Overview

The Swiss Executive DBA | EDBA

The Swiss Executive DBA | EDBA is an exclusive and unique professional doctoral degree for experienced executives who wish to pursue a degree beyond the Executive MBA | EMBA, DBA, Ph.D. or other advanced professional degree.

In principle, typical Swiss Executive DBA | EDBA candidates seek to:

  • Attract professional speaking opportunities in the area of expertise;
  • Be widely recognized as an expert.
  • Establish a well-defined area of expertise based on a mix of practice and theory;
  • Ensure credibility as an Executives of Master, MBA, EMBA graduate degree holders; Exception for an Executives of Bachelor, BBA, EBBA graduate degree holders as well.
  • Fill executive management, consulting and governance roles;
  • Formalize, structure, and share their expertise;
  • Gain teaching opportunities after having successfully completed with honor awards.
  • Learn to conduct high-level research to ground their practice in theory;
  • Move into a senior consulting role that requires recognized expertise;
  • Speak and write with increased authority and confidence in both professional and academic settings:
  • Work in areas that require a doctoral level of mastery based on direct experience rather than   theory.

Number of Credits

  • Innovative Executive Doctorate! Totally 90 ECTS:
  • They comprise 90 ECTS credits, are organized into modules and lead to an academic degree with;
    • Course work and Research work: 75 ECTS
    • Thesis: 15 ECTS

DBA Thesis

  • Thesis: 15 ECTS Credits.
    • Thesis length: Min. 45,000~Max. 60,000 words
    • Cannot exceed over than 60,000 words.
      • 50~60 pages
      • Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of work demonstrating innovation in the application of knowledge in business and management contexts.
      • Candidates demonstrate innovation in the application of knowledge in business and management contexts in order to satisfy the requirement for the award of the degree the portfolio of work.
      • Candidates attend oral presentation, examinations, QAs which cover the portfolio for the field of written research.
      • The examiners require the candidates to take a written and practical examination. Candidates complete satisfactorily the oral examination and the written and practical examination in order to satisfy the requirements for the higher degree.
  • Examiners will be appointed in line with the Regulation on Research Degrees.

Qualification

  • Designed for working professionals in senior management positions who have at least Ten (10) years of work experience (Mandatory, no optional)
  • Holding a Bachelor, BBA, EBBA or Master, MBA, EMBA degree diploma or the same educational qualification.
  • Today’s business leaders’ educational opportunities that expand career options and foster professional growth.
  • Age of minimum 30 years old and above.
  • Available to current and future executives, Directors, General Managers, CEOs.

Benefits & Advantage

Participant benefits include opportunities for:

  • Knowledge update
  • Career differentiation and advancement
  • Career change

Benefits to Firms

  • Addressing business problems
  • Building skills and developing the organization
  • Recruiting, retaining and advancing talent
  • Candidates who want to earn their next higher degree Executive Master of Business Administration, EMBA and Executive DBA. This is the most suitable for the students who have not completed a Master’s degree or equivalent.
  • The program is only Three-semester, 1 year intensive component that has been specifically developed to prepare students to upgrade your higher degree program.
  • Exclusive bridging program which builds on practical knowledge acquired through professional experience and provides the business and academic frameworks necessary for successfully completing higher degree EMBA studies.
  • The Swiss EDBA helps prepare participants for the challenges of modern business managerial leadership.
  • Through the Swiss EDBA, candidates focus on the most pressing issues facing business and industry in a dynamic learning environment with no need to attend in-person classes.
  • The Swiss EDBA focuses on and their application to real business-world problems with tangible interaction and learning.
  • Through this approach, candidates learn to connect business concepts to the larger global society, with preparation for a clear career path within the field of business.
  • The Swiss EDBA is provided a solid preparation to continue to graduate studies in business administration for their related fields.
  • You can work, keep your job and live your life with your family while studying.
  • With this outcome, your future career will open to earn continuously higher educational degree for DBA, EDBA or Ph.D. programs.
  • Executive education means more than simply winning a promotion. Upon completion of the Executive DBA program, candidates will be prepared to excel in any professional setting, gaining an advanced understanding of the following essential concepts:
  • From improved problem-solving techniques, goal-setting, planning, and productivity tactics to communication, graduates will be well-prepared to offer confident, informed business leadership.

Admission Requirements

  • Previous study: Associate Diploma, Higher Diploma or 10 years Management experience + At least Bachelor, BBA, EBBA Diploma or equivalent.
  • English level: Candidates must provide other evidence of English language ability; any English level test or equivalent for those who don’t speak English as a first language (Required only for candidates from non-English speaking countries or candidates who did not study at English speaking school)
    • *Exemption: Not Required if your higher degree of Bachelor and Master obtained at English speaking school, and candidates come from English mother-tongue country.
  • Information: Study Tuition fee does not include application, graduation ceremony fee, a Swiss notary seal and signature fee, reservation fee to guarantee you a study place, onetime payment and non-refundable.

Required Documents

  • Resume / Curriculum Vitae (CV) (Incl. Academic Career & Professional Background – relevant working experience if any activities)
  • Motivation Letter (Emphasizing your viewpoint on your career future, what makes you desire to study business and your targets and proficiency)
  • ID and Passport copy.
  • Passport size color Portrait photograph
  • Higher degree diploma(s)
  • Degree Transcript(s)
  • Any References
  • 1 or 2 Recommendation letters
  • International candidates who studied at a non-English speaking school – Required an English Proficiency Test (Attach your Proof)
    • If English is not your first language, you need to provide the results of an English proficiency test such as an internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Objectives

  • Develop lifelong tools to achieve your ambitions and dreams.
  • Attempt deeper into fundamentals acquired in management science, Marketing and train executives according to the market expectations.
  • Stretch you the ability to take your career to the next level and gain more expertise in Business Administration. 

Scholarships

Your application for applying the SGSB Scholarship Program will be valid and seriously accepted only written confirmation with your parents – full name, e-mail, telephone number and signatures for their son or daughter.

You may contact and ask the Scholarship application form to;

postgraduate@sgsb.swiss

or

executives@sgsb.swiss

SGSB Is More Than Just A Business School; A Great Place for Education, A Great Place To Be, A Great Place to Learn, Choose The Right School for Your Scholarships.

  • SGSB Academic Excellence Scholarships
  • Research Scholarships
  • Distance Learning Scholarships
  • Tuition Free Research Degree Scholarships
  • International Exchange Scholarships
  • International Research Cooperation Scholarships
  • Alumni Scholarships
  • Family Scholarships
  • International Project Scholarships
  • Academic Merit Scholarships
  • Community Role-Model Scholarships
  • Scholarships for Extracurriculars
  • Need-Based Scholarships
  • New Transfer Scholarships

Once you applied, the most suitable and qualified scholarship will be evaluated and examined by our organizations and following departments:

  • CED – Continuing Education Department
  • DEAN – SGSB Academic Program Dean
  • HEAD – Higher Edification Ability Development
  • ICES – International Center of Economics in Society
  • GED – Global Education Development

Structure

  • OPTION 1: 100% Researching by Distance Learning Program
    • Distance Studies: Assessments, Case-Development Studies. Exams
    • Mostly distance work, you can continue to work while studying.
    • You will receive an inside look into the most recent research topics and leading supervisor and practitioners’ methods.
    • The practical relevance and applicability of the curriculum are the focal point of this Executive DBA program.
    • During your researching development studies, you will gain knowledge and guide to productive practice-based projects and learn to apply the curriculum directly to real life.
  • OPTION 2: Part-time Program / Bi-Monthly In-Class Learning Module
    • In-class Studies: Assessment, Seminars, Case-Development Studies, Presentations, Tests and Exams.   
    • Executive Doctoral modules will be offered in SGSB campus in Switzerland.
    • Courses are scheduled one weekend per bi-month to allow you to study and work at the same time.
    • Class hours: In-Class Learning Bi-Monthly
      • On Fridays to Saturdays: 9am to 7pm.
      • On Sundays: 9am to 1pm to give international participants sufficient time to travel back home-countries.
    • 60% Coursework, 25% Final (Assignment, Case-Studies and Project oral presentation), and 10% Thesis (Business Plan project).

Specializations

  • For those interested in extending their program to earn an Executive DBA degree with an area of specialized emphasis, we offer the following specific industries, functions, concentrations/specializations:
  • Choosing a major

Leadership & Innovation (LI)

International Relations & Diplomacy (IRD)

International Business & Global Management (IBGM)

International Tourism Management (ITM)

Tuition Fees

  • CHF. 10,000 Per Semester x 3 Semesters
  • CHF. 30,000 Total Tuition Fee
  • Note: Tuition fee does not include Application, Thesis fee for coaching, supervising and oral-presenting, graduation ceremony fee, a Swiss notary seal and signature fee, reservation fee to guarantee you a study place, one-time payment and non-refundable.

Extra-Costs

Fees for Application, Enrollment, Graduation Ceremony & Costumes, Notary Apostille Seals
  • Application Fee : CHF.   100
  • Apostille – Notary Seal Fee : CHF.   150 (1-Set of an original degree diploma and a transcript, Notary Apostille Seals: On your Degree diploma)
  • Registration Fee : CHF.   100 (Generate your unique matriculation number. Non-Refundable, paid upon accepted)
  • General Administration Fee : CHF. 2,000 (will be deducted from your First semester tuition fee)
  • Thesis Fee: : Sfr.       500 (Coaching, supervising and oral-presenting)
  • Graduation Ceremony Fee : Sfr.      150 (Wearing costumes, Invitation family and friends. 100% Refundable if you are not obtaining a degree diploma, paid upon application)

Executive Doctorate of Business Administration

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What Are Executive Doctoral Degrees?

  • Executive doctoral degrees are terminal, doctoral degrees that are designed for working professionals. The research approach for an executive doctoral program that focuses on topics at the intersection of theory and contemporary business issues.
  • A doctoral program that specifically designed for executives. Executives are senior managers, who already are successful in their business jobs and who are interested in doing research and earning a doctoral degree.

Q. Why develop an EDBA program?

The establishment of our exclusive and unique Swiss Executive DBA within a year program is the result of three key observations:

  • There is an unmet international demand for executives with an BBA,EBBA or equivalent qualification and significant professional experience, who wish to build on their experience through the preparation of high-level piece of written work, recognized in the form of an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration.
  • Secondly, Universities and Business Schools find it difficult to satisfy this demand because of the standards they have to meet.
  • Finally, high-level international professors are very interested in supervising the work of executives, CEOs, GMs, Directors with significant professional expertise and experience.

Q. What is the difference between the Swiss Executive DBA run by the SGSB Business School and an Executive DBA run by another doctoral Business school?

The SGSB Business School’s EDBA program has three distinguishing features:

    • The SGSB Business School exclusively systematized and structured to support participants who are motivated with executive-level professional position, more than 10 years working experiences to earn their EMBA degree, executive certificates and at last EDBA degree, even though they are holding their last educational background of Bachelor, BBA degree only.
    • Participants enroll to submit a high-quality thesis defended before an international panel of examiners, and not only to attend research seminars or obtain an award.
    • The high number of outstanding professors on our Faculty team guarantees that the student will find a thesis supervisor who has expertise in their research topic and who is able to commit sufficient time to accompanying the process.

Q. What are Motivations of Executive DBA applicants?

Executive DBA applicants are generally driven by two kinds of motivation:

  • A personal motivation. They want to take a step back from their professional practice and experience, to achieve both intellectual and personal fulfilment by accomplishing a high-level piece of doctoral level work with a view to it being published.
  • A professional motivation. They want to use the Executive DBA as a way to stand out.  At a time when MBAs are becoming commonplace, particularly in the North American context, having an Executive DBA qualification enables you to stand out one’s own company or organization and more generally in the employment market. The Executive DBA can thus make an important contribution to the professional development of managers.

These two types of motivation are not incompatible and each individual applicant combines them according to their profile, career ambitions and professional situation. The interviews carried out to select candidates for the Executive DBA show that there is a balance between personal and professional motivations, only professional motivations dominate.

Q. Who is the Executive DBA for?

  • Executives with an MBA and equivalent, or at least educational level of Bachelor, BBA, EBBA with significant experience (more than 10 years) in a company or organization, who wish to take a step back from their experience, enhance this experience through self-reflection based on the reading of academic books and articles, produce a high-level piece of academic work (thesis) that is of publishable quality.

Q. What are the differences between a PhD, a DBA and an Executive DBA?

  • A university PhD is an academically-oriented qualification recognized by the State in which the institution is located, and which qualifies the holder for an academic career. The traditional PhD focuses on conceptual aspects and little on the managerial dimension.
  • A DBA is a program delivered by universities for practicing managers who wish to take a step back from their business or management practice and submit a thesis that also has managerial impact.
  • The Executive DBA, as designed by the professors at Business Science Institute, is a course designed for managers who continue working and wish to write a thesis based on two key elements: their managerial experience and academic research-based thinking. The managerial orientation is fundamental in this case.

Q. What title will I be able to add to my business card if I successfully complete my thesis?

  • Executive Doctorate in Business Administration – EDBA.
  • And you also will earn Executive Master of Business Administration – EMBA degree diploma from the SGSB Business School through this exclusive program.

Q. What happens if I haven’t finished writing up my thesis by the end of the third semester?

  • You can extend the enrolment period, although you will then be required to re-enroll and pay the associated fees as the Re-enrolment fee: CHF. 2,000.
  • If you do not re-enroll, you will receive a Certificate of EDBA, and a Certificate of EMBA without transcripts, instead of EMBA and EDBA degree diplomas with a Swiss notary seals and signature on your degree diplomas.

Degree Guide | Educational Consultation

We can help you find the program that is right for you
Time to follow for your Admission Process
  • Should you have any questions regarding specific programmes, or majors, we will gladly refer you to the relevant program manager or advisory service.
  • Our experts will help you pinpoint the best way to pursue your educational needs.
How To Get In Contact:
  • There is a simple way to get into contact with us. For your consultation, simply contact your department by email. Within 24~48 hours, you will receive the most detailed and customized answer by the specialist at your degree department.
  • You can always write us an email at;

postgraduate@sgsb.swiss

or

executives@sgsb.swiss

The Swiss Executive DBA | EDBA and EMBA Program Tuition Fees | Costs

THE SWISS EXECUTIVE DOCTORATE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION | EDBA WITH A SPECIALIZATION | EMBA DEGREE PROGRAM

Unique Swiss 1+1+1 Degrees
CHF.10,000per Semester
  • Total Tuition Fee: CHF. 30,000
  • 3 Semesters = 12 Months = 1 Year
  • Classes begin from October, February and June.
  • Included < Swiss Executive DBA | EDBA> Degree Diploma with a Specialization will be awarded from the SGSB Business School, Switzerland.
  • Included < Executive Masters of Business Administration | EMBA > will be awarded from the SGSB Business School, Switzerland.
  • Included < A Certificate of Research in Business Administration > will be awarded from the SGSB Business School, Switzerland.
  • Plus, Mandatory Extracurricular Activities for Asia Study Tours - 10 days (Supplement Charge)
  • Plus, Mandatory Extracurricular Activities for Europe Culture Tours – 5 days (Supplement Charge)
Learn More