Hello,

I would like to seek guidance on shortlisting the right DBA schools for my endeavors.

About myself -

40 years old, 18+ years of industry experience, based in Atlanta, US. Product Leader for notable publicly traded companies with focus on strategy, digital engineering and product management. Currently working as VP of Digital Engineering in a Fortune 100 industrial company. I am passionate about building multi-million-dollar business solutions by applying technology to Digital business solutioning. Currently, my primary focus is designing and deploying contemporary IoT/emerging technologies and business models. I have a BS in Computers Science and a PGDBA in Operations (distance learning, equivalent to MBA), both degrees are from India.

My criteria for looking for a DBA -

1. Challenge myself to the next level. EMBA is ruled out for my level of experience, so I am interested in a good DBA school and program.
2. Currently, I am thinking about the following research topic - "Transformation of industrial companies to stay relevant in the connected software era".
3. Gain recognition in the industry realm through blending my experience with research and be able to advise/strategically consult with top industrial companies who are struggling with digital transformations. I am not looking to take up any full-time teaching / academic roles post completion, industry relevance is my primary focus.
4. The school should be a good recognizable brand globally, accredited / certified - it should look good on my resume.
5. The program should allow me to continue my full-time job. I would be able to handle about one week of any onsite school travel globally per quarter if the program demands so.

Thanks for your advice in advance.

Regards,
Shamik

[Edited by shamik on Jun 17, 2018]

Sound like you need a good EMBA

Indeed, you need an EMBA. If you don't want to be an academic don't take a doctorate. Doctorates are not about the data you gather, but about the theoretical development the analysis of the data allows. Your topic is a master's dissertation not a doctorate.

Or just write a book.

Thanks Duncan. I think I need to pick a better relevant research topic. Since I already have an MBA and would like to challenge myself to the next level, DBA would be better suited. My understanding is that DBA is for executives who would like to stay in the professional path while blending their work experience with a higher doctorate degree, not all DBAs enter academics, though the path does stay open for them in future if they wish to explore it. I am on the same mental model. I definitely know that I would like to stay working in the industry for the next 10 years and maybe do pro-bono/part-time management teaching. After 10 years, who knows? Writing a book is a great idea. I have no idea on how to go about publishing it, but hopefully can figure it out. Considering the above, any recommendations on schools to pursue?

[Edited by shamik on Jun 17, 2018]

I invite you to consider the difference between your online diploma and the sort of faculty supervised research you could do in an EMBA at a great school. My EMBA research paper project was supervised by a Nobel prize winner, for example.

If after the discussion you are still interested in DBA, manchester and warwick are the best I can think of. At the $75-80000 range

You could also see what GeorgiaTech offers in terms of EMBA or PhD since you are in Atlanta

Thanks George, really appreciate your response. For DBA, what would be your Top 5 recommendations? I did think about GeorgiaTech in Atlanta, but it is recognized and respected as a Engineering school, not so much as a management school, from a brand perspective.

Thanks for your guidance.

I am really not very knowledgeable in the doctorates. That's all I know I am afraid.
Duncan is more qualified and knows much more about UK research.
But I would aim for an EMBA! or at least a cross-field PhD in the Management/IT fields from a highly respected school
The value of a DBA and an online one at that... is questionable. But you can check out those two I know of :)

I did think about GeorgiaTech in Atlanta, but it is recognized and respected as a Engineering school, not so much as a management school, from a brand perspective.