Overview - Year-by-Year Breakdown - Course Description
Today, globalisation is an integral part of our way of life. The emergence of regional trade agreements, communication technologies and international mobility has paved the way for an unprecedented number of opportunities in fields such as international management, marketing and finance. This phenomenal growth has also created a need for leaders equipped with the skills required to devise solutions in an increasingly multicultural world, where effective corporate communication is essential. Horizons University provides the answer to this need.
Horizons University’s DBA is designed to help students realise their potential as experts in the field of international business communication. The programme trains future researchers and professionals capable of successfully reconciling the technical aspects of business with the complexities of an increasingly diverse global environment.
| Duration | 3 years |
| Credit Value | 180 ECTS |
| Admission Requirements | Bachelor’s degree in Business or equivalent; Master’s degree in Business or equivalent; 3+ years working experience - Options available for those without business-focused degrees or work experience |
| Languages | English (online) or French (on-campus) |
| Study Options | Online or On-Campus |
| Tuition | 3550€ yearly |
| Registration & Technology Fees | 140€ yearly |
| Peregrine Tests - Learning Curve Assessment | 150€ |
Accreditation
The DBA programme at Horizons University is accredited by the US and European accreditation bodies ACBSP and ECBE. Both organisations recognise Horizons University’s commitment to continuous improvement and the importance it places on students’ learning outcomes. This accreditation sets Horizons University apart thanks to its high-calibre academic staff, who meet exacting standards and are renowned for their teaching excellence. It also ensures that students acquire valuable skills for the job market.
What our doctorate students say about the Horizons University DBA program
“Very challenging and inspiring”
“Interactive and practical”
“This program will help me in my long term plan of setting up my own consultancy, specialised in the field of Supply Chain Management”
“I chose this program because it will enhance my career development in International Business, General Management, and Entrepreneurship”
“I choose this program because I aim to share my knowledge, and to teach at a high level”
“I chose the program because of its flexibility, and because it gives me the opportunity to do research in my area of interest”

| Year 1 | |
| DBA658 - 10 ECTS | International Business Strategy |
| DBA674 - 10 ECTS | Quantitative and Qualitative Methods |
| DBA673 - 10 ECTS | Business Research Methods |
| DBA792 - 10 ECTS | Dissertation Proposal |
| Year 2 | |
| DBA650 - 10 ECTS |
International Business Communication |
| DBA660 - 10 ECTS |
Global Economy |
| DBA661 - 10 ECTS | Multicultural Management |
| DBA802 - 40 ECTS | Dissertation Writing |
| Year 3 | |
| DBA670 - 10 ECTS | Global Communication |
| DBA782 - 20 ECTS | Journal Writing |
| DBA810 - 40 ECTS |
Dissertation writing up and Defense |
DBA658 - International Business Strategy (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
The International business strategy course is grounded on the fundamental principles of strategic management and focuses on strategy making in business corporations. Emphasis is on corporate and business level strategic analysis, strategy formulation and implementation. Strategic management emphasizes the determination and evaluation of environmental opportunities and threats in light of strengths and weaknesses in the organization’s value chain in order to enhance its core competencies and craft a sustainable competitive advantage.
DBA650 - International Business Communication (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
The course is an exploration of the cultural, social, political, historical, religious, legal, and communication influences that impact international business negotiations, consultations, transactions, and conflicts. Emphases will be placed on major world business cultures, including those in Latin America, Asia/Pacific, Eastern and Western Europe, Africa and the Middle East. The aim is to develop skills in applied international business communication, which is essential for participation in an increasingly globalized business world.
DBA670 - Global Communication (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
This course is part of our DBA in International Business. Its aim is to show students the various aspects of global communication and how it is influenced by history, language and culture. The course also focuses on the issues, challenges and obstacles raised by Global Communication, especially in the context of politics, journalism, science and business.
DBA674 - Quantitative and Qualitative Methods (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
An introduction to a range of quantitative and qualitative data collection and methods of data analysis. Students will learn about and be able to distinguish between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods research. Qualitative methods include including Action Research, Appreciative Inquiry, Focus Groups, Interviews and Narrative Data Analysis. Quantitative methods include Descriptive Research Designs, Experimental and Ex Post Facto Designs, and Descriptive Statistics.
DBA673: Business Research Methods (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
This course focuses on the development of research skills and the design of research used for business. Students will be introduced to various research approaches and learn what strategies, methods, and techniques are in use. Students will be expected to design a business research proposal, formulate basic and secondary research questions, develop a strategy for data collection, develop a literature review, create a model of the expected results or outcomes and finally to formulate ways to operationalize their study with stakeholder involvement.
DBA782 - Journal Writing (20 ECTS / 8 US credits)
This course facilitates the student’s ability to write, review, edit, and format an original paper to meet the publication standards of an academic journal. When completed, the course results in a published article in Horizons University Business Journal.
DBA792 - Dissertation Proposal (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
This course focuses on the development of the Dissertation Proposal under the supervision of a Doctoral Faculty member. During the course students will be guided through the completion of the Dissertation Proposal, and by the end of it will have a Research Proposal that is to be submitted to Horizons University.
DBA660 - Global Economy (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
This course examines the world’s economy from a global as well as various local perspectives. Globalization has increased the interdependence of the economies of nations around the world, but this interdependence does not imply all differences in economies have vanished. The Global economy is made up of many different actors, some international such as the World Bank, IMF, WTO and large multinational firms, others national such as national governments and some local. The course is designed to exam both the overall global economy and some of its individual components.
DBA661 - Multicultural Management (10 ECTS / 4 US credits)
This course seeks to provide students with an understanding of effective cross-cultural management and the challenges that are likely to be faced while working internationally. The course focuses on international organizational behavior and human resource issues and practices in transnational organizations.
DBA802 - Dissertation writing (40 ECTS / 16 US credits)
After completing this course, students will be able to:
DBA802 - Dissertation writing up and Defense (40 ECTS / 16 US credits)
After completing this course, students will be able to: