Integrated DBA (IDBA)
Program Duration
Future-Ready Skills
Study Anywhere
Recognized Doctorate
Selected Course
Integrated DBA (IDBA)
Most professionals view a master’s and a doctorate as sequential milestones. The Integrated Doctorate in Business Administration (IDBA) restructures that pathway into a single, cohesive academic journey. This program integrates MBA-level specialization with doctoral-level research progression, allowing learners to build from advanced business knowledge directly into applied research without duplication. Each pathway is structured around focused specialisations, with every module designed in such a way that it ensures a consistent, workload-based academic framework aligned with international standards.
The MBA stage is delivered through specialised tracks, including Human Resource Management, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Finance, Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Strategic Marketing. Each specialization comprises six modules, covering advanced, domain-specific areas such as strategic HR management, supply chain analytics, investment analysis, digital marketing, and international tourism policy, alongside a strong emphasis on business and research methods.
A consistent feature across all pathways is the integration of research capability early in the program—through modules such as Business Research Methods, Advanced Research Methods, or Marketing Research Project. This ensures that learners progressively develop the analytical and methodological foundation required for doctoral-level work while remaining grounded in real business contexts.
The program is designed to be applied, specialised, and research-oriented, combining domain expertise with structured research development. It supports professionals aiming to deepen subject-matter expertise while building the capability to engage in evidence-based analysis, strategic decision-making, and research-driven problem solving within their chosen field. If the ambition is to lead, innovate, and influence at the highest level — this program is where that journey starts.
Online IDBA from EIMT
An Accelerated Route to Both an MBA and a DBA Degree
Two Degrees in Four Years
Pursuing both separately takes more than five years, costs significantly more, and means repeating foundational work. The IDBA integrates both into a single four-year pathway where the MBA stage builds directly into the DBA — each module connecting to the next, nothing covered twice.
MBA and DBA on a Single Transcript
The IDBA degree is awarded by EIMT in Switzerland — accredited by ACBSP, QAHE, EURASHE, and USDLA. Upon completion, you will receive two internationally recognized swiss qualifications through one program.
Applied Research That Drives Solutions
The doctoral dissertation is a structured, supervised contribution to a real business challenge — chosen from HR, Finance, Logistic and Supply Chain Management, Tourism and Hospitality Management, Strategic Marketing. The research is original, evidence-based, and built to carry genuine professional and academic value.
For Professionals With Careers Already in Motion
Fully online, instructor-led, and structured around the demands of a working professional's schedule — the IDBA is designed for people who need the flexibility to study without stepping back from the roles, responsibilities, and careers they have already built. Unlimited access to an online library, collaborative academic forums, global networking, and personal program guidance run throughout.
IDBA Programme Delivery Track
MBA - Engage in rigorous coursework and a research project that links your MBA expertise with real-world applications.
DBA - Undertake extensive research at the doctoral level, broadening your knowledge and advancing the field's body of knowledge.
The IDBA will follow two segments with separate modules each.
Segment I—The first segment will consist of modules covering the MBA level and a mandatory project/assignment submission.
Segment II - The second segment is the next level after completing the mandatory coursework and projects. Students are required to produce an academic research thesis of a standard that is appropriate for the academic environment.
MBA Modules (Duration - 1.5 Years)
Year 1
Module Ref. | Module Title | Credit Hours |
MBA 701 | Leadership and Management Style | 5 |
MBA 702 | Organizational Development and Change | 5 |
Elective 1 | 10 | |
Elective 2 | 10 | |
Elective 3 | 10 | |
Elective 4 | 10 | |
Elective 5 | 10 | |
Total | 60 |
DBA Modules (Duration - 2.5 Years)
Year 2
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
Elective 6 | 10 | |
DBA734 | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | 10 |
DBA735 | Strategic Marketing | 10 |
DBA801 | Managing Strategic Change | 10 |
MBA703 | Business Research Project | 20 |
Total | 60 |
Year 3
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
DBA736 | Globalisation and Corporate Governance | 10 |
DBA802 | Project Development, Planning and Management | 10 |
DBA803 | Developing Strategic Management and Leadership Potential | 10 |
DBA804 | Developing Research Capability | 10 |
DBA805 | Advanced Research Design and Methodologies | 20 |
Total | 60 |
Year 4
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
DBA806 | Research and Dissertation | 60 |
Total | 60 |
Choose Electives 1–6 from any one specialization below
Specialization in HR
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
MBA 704 | Strategic Human Resource Management | 10 |
MBA 705 | Engagement of Employees and Organisational Learning | 10 |
MBA 706 | Leadership Development and Performance Management | 10 |
MBA 707 | Global Resourcing, Talent and Reward Management | 10 |
MBA 708 | Managing Employment Relations and Employment Law | 10 |
MBA 709 | Business Research Methods | 10 |
Specialization in Logistic and Supply Chain Management
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
MBA 710 | Logistics Management | 10 |
MBA 711 | Supply Chain Planning, Modelling and Analytics | 10 |
MBA 712 | Procurement and Supply Management | 10 |
MBA 713 | Supply Chain and Operations Strategy | 10 |
MBA 714 | Sustainable Operations Management | 10 |
MBA 715 | Business Research Methods | 10 |
Specialization in Finance
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
MBA 716 | Investment Analysis | 10 |
MBA 717 | Global Finance and Strategy | 10 |
MBA 718 | Strategic Audit | 10 |
MBA 719 | Corporate Reporting | 10 |
MBA 720 | Strategic Financial Management | 10 |
MBA 721 | Business Research Methods | 10 |
Specialization in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
MBA 722 | Strategic Management and Marketing | 10 |
MBA 723 | Destination Management | 10 |
MBA 724 | International Tourism Policy and Development | 10 |
MBA 725 | Digital Tourism and Hospitality | 10 |
MBA 726 | Organisational Behaviour in International Contexts | 10 |
MBA 727 | Advanced Research Methods | 10 |
Specialization in Strategic Marketing
Module Ref. | Module Title | ECTS |
MBA 728 | Contemporary Issues and Principles of Marketing | 10 |
MBA 729 | Consumer Behaviour and Market Communications | 10 |
MBA 730 | Digital and Social Media Marketing | 10 |
MBA 731 | Contemporary Challenges and Strategic Marketing | 10 |
MBA 732 | Strategic Brand Management | 10 |
MBA 733 | Marketing Research Project | 10 |
A bachelor's degree from an accredited or regionally recognized university or educational institution in any field is the minimum qualification required for admission
A master's degree or equivalent academic qualification recognized in the field of business and management is also an accepted entry qualification
All academic certificates supporting degree attainment must be submitted — non-English documents must be accompanied by certified official translations
Transcripts of all degree mark sheets and certificates, an updated CV, and a valid government-issued photo identification or passport are required as part of the application checklist
English language proficiency proof is required for non-native English speakers — relevant certificates must be submitted at the time of application
Work experience certificates, copies of any research publications, and relevant professional certifications should be submitted where applicable to support the application
Our 5-step admission process ensures a smooth journey from application to enrollment. Complete each step at your own pace.
Dual Credentials with Global Relevance
An MBA and a DBA from an ACBSP-accredited Swiss institution — both earned through one integrated program, both sitting on the same professional profile, and both recognized by employers, academic institutions, and organizations across the world.
Research That Defines the Next Chapter
The doctoral dissertation produced in Year Four is not the end of the academic journey — it is the beginning of the professional one. Original, evidence-based, and grounded in a real business challenge, it demonstrates the kind of thinking that opens doors to C-suite leadership, consulting, academia, and executive education that most qualifications alone cannot reach.
Career Support That Goes Beyond Graduation
Throughout the program and beyond, candidates have access to faculty guidance, research supervision, global academic forums, and a professional network of peers and industry leaders built across four years of collaborative, internationally connected learning.
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