A Word from the Academic Director

The DBA journey is a life-changing and transforming experience. You will develop research, professional and personal skills that will allow you to make intellectual contributions to your field of research, and make a real managerial, organizational, and/or societal impact. You will learn from, and engage with our international research faculty members, in addition to developing long-lasting relationships with other students and members of our global alumni network. As a proud GEM DBA graduate myself, the DBA transformed my career and changed the way I approach both managerial and societal issues. I look forward to welcoming you to our DBA program, and to being part of your unique DBA journey”. – Prof. Dima Louis, Academic Director – DBA France

Program Schedule for 2025 Intake

Required coursework includes (3) On-Campus Research Seminars, (1) Online Research Seminars, (8) Online Workshops, (8) Specialization courses, and is marked by qualifying deliverables and milestones over three years.

Phase 1

Seminar 1: Welcome & Introduction

November 3 – 7, 2025 – GRENOBLE, FRANCE

Workshop 1: Implementing the Research Proposal

January 12, 2026 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Research Proposal Submission

February 27, 2026 – ONLINE SUBMISSION

Seminar 2: Research Design & Literature Review

March 17 – 20, 2026 – ONLINE

Literature Review Submission

September 11, 2026 – ONLINE SUBMISSION

Seminar 3: Research Methods (Qualitative or Quantitative)

October 5 – 9, 2026 – PARIS, FRANCE

Workshop 2: Prepare Dissertation Proposal

November 30, 2026 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Dissertation Proposal Submission

March 7, 2027 – ONLINE SUBMISSION

Workshop 3: Preparing Dissertation Proposal Defense

March 15, 2027 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Dissertation Proposal Defense

April 5, 2027 – ONLINE
 

Phase 2

Phase 2 includes (8) online Specialization courses. Dates to be announced.

Seminar 4: Advanced Research Methods (Qualitative or Quantitative)

April 6 – 8, 2027 – GRENOBLE, FRANCE

Workshop 4: The Road to Final Defense

May 10, 2027 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Workshop 5: Academic writing skills

June 21, 2027 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Workshop 6: Theoretical Contribution & Impact

October 4, 2027 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Workshop 7: Managerial Contribution & Impact

February 7, 2028 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Workshop 8: Communicating your Research

June 20, 2028 – ONLINE – 5pm-7pm (Paris-time) 

Thesis submission (green-light from supervisor)

October 31, 2028

Program content subject to change.

View the DBA USA Program Schedule