The DBA in Sustainable Innovation Management is delivered jointly by ICN Business School and the Business Science Institute (BSI), Luxembourg. BSI is an independent institution that brings together international scholars with the aim of developing doctoral-level executive education. The BSI DBA programme is AMBA accredited and ranked #4 in the prestigious DUBAI RANKING of DBA (October 2020).

Graduates will receive both a university degree (“diplôme d’université”) of Doctor in Business Administration from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the title of Executive Doctor in Business Administration from ICN & the Business Science Institute.

1. Ultimate learning flexibility designed for executives

Balance your high-level career with your academic ambitions. Our 100% online format allows you to study at your own pace from anywhere in the world. To ensure your success and eliminate isolation, you will benefit from individual mentoring by an international faculty member alongside personalized monthly feedback meetings.

2. A prestigious International dual degree

Maximize your recognition in the global marketplace. This program delivers top-tier international credibility, backed by AMBA accreditation and a #4 global ranking in the DUBAI RANKING. Upon graduation, you will receive a dual qualification: a British university degree from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) alongside the Executive DBA title from ICN & BSI.

3. Future-proof expertise with tangible managerial impact

Become a leader of organizational transition. Focused on Sustainable Innovation Management, this DBA transforms your hands-on professional experience into advanced strategic expertise. Unlike a traditional PhD, our “action-research” approach ensures that your thesis delivers concrete, immediate, and high-impact solutions to today’s real-world business challenges.

Our DBA is designed for senior executives, managers, consultants and management educators with at least five years of management experience and qualified at Master or MBA level (or equivalent). The Online DBA in Sustainable Innovation Management is organised in three different stages and is normally completed in four years. Learning resources are accessed on our virtual learning platform (videos, articles, books, data analysis software, participant forums), enabling students to work remotely at their own pace.

Throughout the programme, students are guided and mentored by an experienced faculty member. Monthly online feedback meetings guarantee close, regular monitoring of student progress up to graduation.

Stage 1

Stage 1 is devoted to the acquisition of the knowledge and methodological skills needed for the DBA research. In addition, students follow courses on a broad range of contemporary issues in sustainability innovation management by leading experts in the field. Examples include:`

• Driving sustainable strategic leadership in an international environment
• Sustainable marketing practices
• Green and sustainable finance
• New trends in sustainable supply chain management
• Sustainability in HR management
• Sustainable behaviour in business

Finally, under the guidance of an experienced faculty member, students identify the research problem they intend to address in their thesis and map out the path to successful completion of their doctoral studies.

Stage 2

Mentored by their supervisor, students focus on their research and prepare their thesis in stage 2 of the programme (data collection, development of conceptual framework, drafting of thesis, etc.).

A highlight of stage 2 is the International Week, an in-person event that brings together doctoral students, alumni and faculty members and offers DBA students a unique opportunity to discuss and present their research and connect with past and present graduates . Students will also be given the chance to participate in DBA thesis defences.

Stage 3

The DBA thesis is completed in stage 3 and students proceed to the defence of their thesis. After successful completion of stage 3 students will be awarded the Executive DBA by ICN Business School & the Business Science Institute and the Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU)

The degree

After successful defence of the thesis, graduates will receive both a university degree (“diplôme d’université”) of Doctor in Business Administration from Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) and the title of Executive Doctor in Business Administration from ICN & the Business Science Institute.

To be eligible for the programme you will need to have 5 years of management or equivalent professional experience and an MBA or Master’s degree from a recognised academic institution.

You will also have to prepare the following documents for your application:

• A curriculum vitae
• A research Proposal that is relevant and of demonstrable value (particularly in terms of potential impact on management practice)

A good standard of written and oral English is required for the programme. Applicants’ English skills will be evaluated at the admission interview (no formal test required).

As the dates are subject to change, we invite you to regularly consult the school’s website and the page dedicated to the DBA Programme