First student to complete the Doctor of Business Administration
Thu, 17 Jul 2014 14:43:00 BST
Jacqueline Hall has recently completed her Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), making her the first student to graduate with a DBA at the University of Huddersfield. The DBA is equivalent to a PhD but is centred on fusing high level academic knowledge and advanced professional practice, making it an ideal choice for those keen to combine professional expertise with business research.
We caught up with Jacqueline during graduation week to chat about her experiences on the DBA and her plans for the future.
Support for on-campus and distance learners
I started my DBA in 2010 following completion of my BA(Hons), Cert Ed and MBA at the University of Huddersfield. I have always found the University to be a friendly learning environment with outstanding facilities and exemplary academic support provided by dedicated tutors. The new Business School has excellent facilities and is a beautiful building to study in. Although the support on campus was great, it was very important to me that this was complemented by distance learning support as I lived 4,000 miles away for the first two years of my DBA, and 1.5 hours away for the final two years. Luckily, the online library services were comprehensive, well supported and easy to access.
Tying in research with practice
At the time of starting my DBA I was working as a Regional Director for a UK plc, responsible for business in the Middle East and North Africa. I found the course to be beneficial to my professional practice as it enabled me to demonstrate a contribution to knowledge but also to methods and practice within my thesis, providing a tangible, practical reality to the outcomes. The research process developed my understanding and approach to management issues with a focus on measurable impact and outcomes.
Unique action set learning
The action learning component of the DBA was critical, especially for the development of my research objectives. It provided an element of peer support and challenges which enabled us not only to maintain momentum, but also to prepare psychologically for the Viva. I found the use of a monthly learning agenda empowering as it enabled me to develop my ideas and apply methodology options beyond my own research. This versatile approach to doctoral study is unique to Huddersfield. Facilitated by Dr Annie-Yeadon-Lee, it has helped me to develop my critical learning and analysis skills whilst maintaining a focus on theory in practice.
Passing the Viva
As my academic supervisor, Annie was supportive and inspiring throughout the course, meaning I felt well prepared for my Viva in the final year. The moment the panel delivered the feedback with the opening words “Congratulations” was a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life! The hard work, commitment and effort were worth it. Thanks to the strong research community at Huddersfield I will continue to contribute to the action learning sets independently to support my colleagues, so they too can achieve their own DBA goal.
Taking the plunge
Samuel Johnson in 1759 said “Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must first be overcome", so if you are thinking about further study, then I would encourage you to talk to the tutors. The DBA is more than a University course. It doesn't just end with completion or graduation. It represents a gateway to enable you to make the changes you want to make in your life or professional career.
'Action learning is a unique feature of the professional doctoral programme here in the business school. Jacqueline has clearly articulated how important this has been in the successful completion of her research.'
