Doctor of Business Administration Kerala
The online DBA course syllabus in Kerala structured across 2 years and 4 semesters in Kerela enables professionals to build foundational management skills in the first year before advancing to specialized disciplines like HR, operations, business analytics, IT, or marketing during the second year.
Syllabus/Curriculum
Introduction to Doctoral Research
Core Subjects
- Foundational Concepts in Academic Research
- The Nature and Types of Academic Research
- Key Terminologies in Doctoral Research
- Features of Business and Management Research
- Steps in the Doctoral Research Process
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Develop research skills to conduct and present doctoral-level research effectively.
Formulating a Research Topic
Core Subjects
- Formulating a Research Question
- Writing a Research Proposal
- Developing a Strong Research Design
- Literature Review: relevance, types, approaches, and methods
- Drafting the Literature Review
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Articulate a well-defined research topic and identify relevant sources and evaluate their credibility and conduct a comprehensive literature review.
Data Collection (Optional)
Core Subjects
- Fundamentals of Quantitative Data Collection
- Secondary Data Sources
- Collecting and Evaluating Primary Data
- Qualitative Data Collection Methods
- Data Validity and Reliability, Quality of Data
- Ethical Considerations in Data Collection
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Explore various data collection methods and techniques and ethical considerations necessary for effective and rigorous data collection.
Quantitative Methods
Core Subjects
- Fundamentals of Quantitative Methods and Descriptive Statistics
- Difference in Means and Correlation
- Simple Linear Regression Model
- Multiple Linear Regression Model
- Panel data Models
- Logit and Probit Models
- Endogeneity Issues
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Explore statistical techniques and data analysis methods essential for conducting robust quantitative research.
Qualitative Methods
Core Subjects
- What is Qualitative Research and Common Misconceptions
- Choosing Qualitative Research Method (Cases Study, Ethnography, Narrative, and Phenomenology)
- Qualitative Research Approaches (Grounded Theory, Discourse Analysis, Feminist and Post-colonial Studies, and Historical Research)
- Qualitative Data Interpretation and Coding
- Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Explore qualitative data collection and analysis techniques essential for conducting robust qualitative research.
Access to Data (Optional)
Core Subjects
- Gaining Access to Data - Physical and Virtual Access
- Strategies to Gain Access to Data
- Different Stages of Research Ethics
- Factors Affecting Research Conduct
- Data Processing and Storage
- Data Analysis and Reporting
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Develop the practical skills required to navigate the landscape of diverse data sources and gain access to them.
Leadership Judgment In An AI-Driven World
- Understanding how AI influences decisions and outcomes
- Identifying limits of automation and where leadership judgment matters
- Evaluating AI-driven insights, risks, and biases
- Framing the right executive questions for AI-led decisions
AI-Enabled Strategic Foresight And Opportunity Framing
- Using AI to expand strategic thinking and explore opportunities
- Generating and testing hypotheses using AI-supported analysis
- Evaluating opportunities through structured reasoning
- Framing high-quality strategic and business opportunities
AI-Augmented Executive Judgment And Influence
- Strengthening strategic reasoning and decision-making
- Using AI for synthesis, sense-making, and insight generation
- Enhancing executive communication and thought leadership
Dissertation Phase
Core Subjects
- Introduction to Research
- Identifying the Research Problem
- Conducting Literature Research and Review
- Structuring and Drafting a Literature Review
- Formulating a Research Question and Hypothesis
- Choosing a Research Method
- Collecting and Analyzing Data
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Apply research skills to conduct and present doctoral-level dissertation work.
Subjects/Syllabus FAQs
The curriculum covers advanced strategic management, global leadership, applied quantitative and qualitative research methods, business analytics, innovation management, and specialized elective tracks.
Yes. Every module is structured around applied business problem-solving, enabling executives to implement managerial frameworks directly into their current organizations.
Students can select from various high-demand specializations, including Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Healthcare Management, Strategic Management, Marketing, and Finance.
Research modules are integrated progressively from the initial semesters, guiding candidates through literature reviews, data collection, advanced analytical techniques, and final doctoral dissertation writing.
Yes. Course assessment heavily features applied capstone projects, case study evaluations, and executive research papers rather than traditional theoretical examinations.
Yes. The syllabus allows professional customization, enabling candidates to align their major research assignments and thesis topics with their specific industry sector or career goals.
Content is delivered via modular e-learning resources, interactive faculty-led masterclasses, recorded lecture archives, digital reading materials, and guided online peer discussion forums.
Yes. Depending on your chosen specialization track, practical modules often include training in enterprise analytics toolsets, research software, and data-driven strategic decision-making frameworks.