DBA Programme in Project Management

Core DBA Learning Outcomes applicable to all SSBM DBA programs

1. Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge of the functional areas of research
2. Students will demonstrate effective research skills including formulation of research problem, building of an appropriate literature review, using and designing a research study, ability to conduct data analysis and summarize and present the results
3. Students will understand the importance of ethical obligations and responsibilities
4. Students will be able to apply different frameworks into business context
5. Students will acquire academic mindset and be able to scientifically analyse, approach and implement solutions to business problems

Program-specific Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the IPMA-certified DBA program will be able to:

1. Produce research that critically examines governance, compliance, and stakeholder dynamics, contributing new insights into strategy and organizational alignment in project, program, and portfolio contexts.
2. Conduct research into ethical, cultural, and value-based dimensions of project management, generating frameworks that enhance responsible and sustainable leadership.
3. Investigate advanced leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement practices, providing evidence-based recommendations for managing complexity, diversity, and crisis situations.
4. Develop and apply research to extend methodologies in project, program, and portfolio management (scope, time, cost, risk, quality), adapting them to contemporary and future business challenges.
5. Research emerging approaches, such as agile, sustainability-driven, and technology-enabled practices, assessing their impact on organizational performance and value creation.

Design and execute original, rigorous, and impactful research that advances both academic theory and IPMA’s global body of project management knowledge.

Student achievement key metrics can be found here.

– None

The DBA curriculum is composed of several core courses. We organize elective courses in collaboration with our business and industry partners on specific topics relevant to global business and management challenges as well as several events that can be found here.

YEAR 1
Research Methodology I (mandatory)
Research Methodology II (mandatory)
Research Proposal (mandatory)

Publishing Your Paper (optional seminar)*
Writing Research Proposal (optional  seminar)*
Software Citation Tools (optional seminar)*

YEAR 2
Applied Research Project in Project Management (mandatory)
Thesis

*Seminars are non-graded components and do not carry ECTS credits. As there is no final assignment, once the online course has been completed, the mentor will enter a grade of 100 in the e-learning platform to confirm completion.

Research areas

The research component of the DBA program is grounded in the IPMA Individual Competence Baseline (ICB4), ensuring that all doctoral work contributes meaningfully to the advancement of project, program, and portfolio management. While the program does not prescribe specific topics, students are encouraged to pursue research that addresses challenges and opportunities within IPMA’s three competence domains: Perspective (strategy and governance), People (leadership and engagement), and Practice (methods and technical approaches).

The following broad areas illustrate potential directions for doctoral inquiry and serve as a framework to guide students in defining their research agenda:

1. Governance, Strategy, and Compliance

• Project governance and strategic alignment in global organizations
• Regulatory compliance, standards, and ethical governance in projects
• Power, interest, and stakeholder ecosystems

2. Ethics, Culture, and Values

• Cultural intelligence in global project management
• Ethical leadership frameworks and responsible project decision-making
• Value-based approaches to sustainability and corporate responsibility

3. Leadership, Negotiation, and Stakeholder Engagement

• Leadership in times of disruption, uncertainty, or crisis
• Negotiation strategies in multi-stakeholder and cross-cultural settings
• Building resilient, inclusive, and innovative project teams

4. Methodological Advancement in Practice

• Evolution of project, program, and portfolio methodologies
• Quantitative and qualitative approaches to risk, cost, time, and quality management
• Hybrid, agile, and systems approaches in complex initiatives

5. Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Sustainability

• Artificial intelligence, big data, and analytics in project decision-making
• Blockchain, digital twins, and emerging technologies in portfolio governance
• Sustainability, ESG integration, and circular economy models through projectization

6. Contribution to IPMA Knowledge Base

• Comparative research on IPMA competences across regions and industries
• The evolution of professional competences for the future of work

New frameworks linking IPMA’s competence elements with organizational performance

SSBM Geneva’s international faculty bring together academic rigor and executive-level experience, providing DBA candidates with mentorship that bridges research and practice. Their expertise aligns with the IPMA competence domains, governance and strategy, ethics and culture, leadership and engagement, methodological advancement, and innovation, ensuring that students receive guidance directly connected to the program’s research framework. Faculty mentors work closely with candidates to refine research questions, apply rigorous methodologies, and contribute to both scholarly publications and the advancement of IPMA’s global knowledge base.

The four mentors highlighted below illustrate the calibre and diversity of expertise within SSBM’s faculty. They are part of a broader pool of scholars and practitioners available to guide DBA candidates in their research journey.

This program is delivered entirely online.

You also have the opportunity to increase your learning by attending our webinars.

Our interactive, supportive teaching model is designed for busy professionals and is delivered through our best-in-class learning management system.

All materials for this course will be made accessible to you through the SSBM Online Learning Portal. Notes for each module are often downloadable, and you are able to save your current learning status and continue whenever you like. 

In addition to SSBM platforms, students will also receive access to the MY IPMA platform and IPMA Library with more than 350 titles on the subject of project management.  

TOP Frequently Asked Questions by Students

1. When does the program start, and when is the next intake?
   Our programs are fully online, self-paced, and delivered in a pre-recorded format, so you can apply and start at any time throughout the year.
2. What payment plans are available, and can I pay in installments?
   We offer flexible payment options, including bank transfers, credit card payments, and Flywire. Additionally, you can pay in installments, with the number of payments tailored to your needs. If further flexibility is required, we can arrange additional installments. The payment schedule is entirely customizable based on your preferences.
3. How many hours per week do I need to dedicate to complete the program on time?
   As the program is fully online and self-paced, the required time commitment will vary based on your individual schedule and background knowledge.
4. What accreditations does the program hold, and will it be internationally recognized?
   SSBM Geneva is accredited by ACBSP and certified by EduQua. We are registered in Geneva, Switzerland, providing superior Swiss education. For details on our accreditation and membership, please visit this link. If you want to check the national recognition in your residing company, we recommend checking the acceptance of the degree with your local NARIC office.
5. Are there networking and career opportunities for online students?
   Yes, online students can engage in networking through our dedicated online platform “SSBM Connect” and attend weekly webinars hosted by professors and industry professionals. For additional career support, we offer more extensive services, such as company visits and internships, to our on-campus students.
6. Can I extend the duration of my studies?
   While the program is designed to be completed within a certain time, you can extend it to accommodate your schedule. If you exceed the contractual program duration, extension fees will apply:
   • Up to 3 months: 30% of the full tuition
   • Up to 6 months: 50% of the full tuition
   • Up to 12 months: 100% of the full tuition
7. What do the exams look like?
   Exams typically include case studies, projects, and open-ended questions. If a student does not pass an exam, they may retake it up to three more times. After the fourth attempt, re-enrollment in the course is required, which will incur additional fees.
8. Are scholarships or discounts available?
   We offer scholarships and discounts during specific campaigns, which are announced on our website and newsletter. Scholarships generally cover 50% to 100% of tuition fees and are awarded based on academic achievements, motivation, English proficiency, and professional experience. You can also apply for an admissions fee discount by submitting a motivational essay to admissions@ssbm.ch. Our admissions team will review your application based on various factors, such as your academic achievements and career goals.
9. How can I apply?
   You can apply online through this link. Once your application is submitted, our admissions team will review your documents, including your degree, transcript, CV, ID, and other relevant materials. If you meet the requirements, we will provide you with the next steps, which include signing a student contract, receiving an admission letter, making payments, and accessing our student information system and portal.
10. Is coming to Geneva required during online studies?
    No, coming to Geneva is not mandatory during your online studies. However, students will be invited to attend the graduation ceremony, which will take place in Geneva. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate your achievements in person, but participation is entirely optional.

Upon successful completion of the DBA program you will be awarded with a DBA / Doctor of Business Administration degree in Project Management delivered by SSBM Geneva and certified by IPMA