Doctorate of Business Administration in Sustainability Management (DBA)
Enhance professional practice through research and generate new, actionable knowledge to implement in the workplace
Discover the program
A predominantly professionally-oriented education that addresses today’s sustainability challenges.
The Main Focus of Research is on the innovative integration of business knowledge with sustainable development issues. Specifically, economic growth, environmental management and social fairness are integral parts of all DBA projects.
The theoretical philosophy of this DBA program hinges upon a holistic approach to problem-solving and stresses the development of leadership skills in times of changing organizational settings due to crisis and scarcity of resources.
It places emphasis on the application of sound theory and rigorous research into real and complex issues in business and management. The students are expected to undertake an independent and systematic investigation selecting the appropriate methodology of research, methods and techniques. The aim is to address topics relevant to organizations and management, particularly with an emphasis on sustainability.
Dr. Elisa Matola, DBA in Sustainability Management, 2017
Program Outline
Academic Year 1
Module LS: Leadership & Sustainability
- Responsible Leadership, Change & Systems Thinking
- How to Create a Winning Culture in Multinational Companies
- Sustainable Innovation and Turning Sustainable Development (SD) into a Competitive Advantage
- Responsible Management Practices & Corporate Social Responsibility
Module RM: Research Methodology
- Philosophy of Science: Philosophical Bases of the Doctoral Thesis
- Practical Research Tools
- Research Design
- Embedding Sustainability Research for DBA
Academic Year 2
Module R1: Choosing Own Methodological Tools
- Financial Evaluation of Sustainability-related Projects
- Methods of Data Collection
- Quantitative Research Methods
- Qualitative Research Methods
Module R2: Final Phase of Research
- Big Data Analysis with Excel
- Data Elaboration and Interpretation
- Analysis and Interpretation of Qualitative Data
Academic Year 3
Module 5: Final Revision of Doctoral Dissertation with Careful Guidance of the Supervisor
- Revision of Literature Review. Drawing Conclusions and Action Plan for Further Applications
- Task – Drafting Doctoral Thesis
Module 6: Public Defence: Viva Voce Oral Examination
- Final Approval of Doctoral Thesis Due 3 Months Post Viva Voce Oral Examinations
- Task – Public Defense: Viva Voce Oral Examination
Entry Requirements
Our university welcomes applications from students who have successfully completed a Bachelor’s degree. Once you have applied, our admissions team will be in contact with you for any further requirements.
- Official certified University transcripts and diplomas, with certified translation if not originally in English
- CV / Resume indicating both complete education and any work experience in reverse chronological order
- Essay of 3000 words stating your research interests, chosen research topic and motivations, theoretical framework as well as expected outcomes of research results
- Photocopy of a valid passport or ID
- If you are not a native English speaker, or if you have not spent the last 3 years in an English-taught school: TOEFL (minimum score of 550 PBT or 80 IBT), or IELTS (minimum score of 6.0), or other Standardized English Placement Exams
- Application fee CHF 150
Useful links
DBA Academic Committee
DBA Candidates
”Sneha is investigating the impact of industrial production on climate change and how industrial distribution is contributing to climate change.
Sneha ChauhanDBA in Sustainability Management
DBA Testimonial 2023
Dr. Ashok Kumar, DBA in Sustainability Management, 2023
The DBA programme at Sumas has been an insightful journey for me.
It influenced how one thinks about issues of sustainability – avoiding getting caught up in advocacy of singular issues without taking into account the broader implications of change – particularly the un-intended side effects.
Fees & Funding
| First Year | CHF 16,000 |
| Second Year | CHF 13,000 |
| Third Year | CHF 11,000 |
Please note that the non-refundable application fee (CHF 150) is not included in these fees.
Kindly note that scholarships or financial aid are not offered for our DBA programs.
How to apply for your DBA
We operate a rolling admissions system for our DBA programs. Please submit your application using our online platform.
Why study at
SUMAS ?
With the knowledge of sustainability, your opportunities are endless.
Accredited by ACBSP
Accredited by the accreditation council for Business Schools and Programs
1st in the world
First university to offer BBA & MBA programs in Sustainability Management
Excellence award
5 star awarded for excellence in teaching, facilities and student quality by QS Stars
82% international students
We are proud to count more than 82% of international students
Why study at
SUMAS ?
With the knowledge of sustainability, your opportunities are endless.
Accredited by ACBSP
Accredited by the accreditation council for Business Schools and Programs
1st in the world
First university to offer BBA & MBA programs in Sustainability Management
Excellence award
5 star awarded for excellence in teaching, facilities and student quality by QS Stars
82% international students
We are proud to count more than 82% of international students
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