In today’s fast-moving business world, a standard MBA often isn’t enough to truly stand out at the highest levels of leadership. That’s where the Executive Doctor of Business Administration (Executive DBA) comes in — a powerful, practice-based doctoral degree designed for seasoned executives who want to advance their impact, not just their title.
Definition & Purpose
An Executive DBA is a terminal doctoral qualification tailored for working professionals. Unlike a traditional PhD that primarily generates new theory, the Executive DBA focuses on applied research — solving real-world business issues, influencing practice, and delivering measurable organisational impact.
Who it’s for
- Senior managers, executives or business leaders (typically 10+ years’ experience) seeking to elevate their strategic leadership and research capabilities.
- Professionals driven to bridge the gap between business practice and academic scholarship — not just to lead, but to lead with insight.
- Executives who want to influence their organisations (or their sector), contribute to thought leadership, and possibly transition into consulting, academia or board roles.
Core Features & Structure
- Applied Research & Practice Focus: Coursework and dissertation centre around current business challenges, evidence-based solutions and strategic change rather than purely theoretical inquiry.
- Flexible, Executive-Friendly Format: Many programs use hybrid formats (online + on-campus residencies) to accommodate busy professionals
- Terminal Degree Status: It is a doctoral level degree, placing graduates at the peak of the academic ladder for business leadership education.
What You Gain
- Advanced Strategic Insight: The Executive DBA sharpens your ability to diagnose complex organisational issues, create actionable solutions and lead change with authority.
- Research-Informed Decision-Making: You gain rigorous methodological tools, enabling you to ground decisions in evidence and deliver measurable outcomes
- Distinction & Credibility: Holding a doctoral degree gives you a unique edge — signaling to peers, boards, clients and academia that you’re operating at the highest level.
- Broader Career Pathways: Whether you stay in the boardroom, move into consulting, or teach in a business school, the Executive DBA opens doors.
Elevate your leadership. Transform your organisation. Shape business practice.
📌 Learn more about European School of Management and Leadership’s Executive DBA and how you can embark on this advanced academic and professional journey.
Learn more – http://www.esml.cz
