To fulfill the demand from candidates based in Switzerland, we open a special location in Geneva in collaboration with Haute Ecole de Gestion (HEG) from 2025. The cohort will be comprised of Switzerland-based senior managers, consultants, and academics, all seeking to excel in applied research. This program offers participants the support necessary to publish scholarship that impacts business and society. Students will have opportunities to meet and socialize with other global cohorts when taking seminars in Paris and Grenoble.
The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) program offered by GEM in collaboration with HEG-Genève is specially designed for seasoned professionals based in Switzerland. It will be a transformational journey to sharpen your intellectual precision and help you evolve into scholarly managers—leaders and visionaries who actively innovate and disseminate knowledge to solve complex business challenges. With GEM’s globally renowned research faculty serving as your mentors, you will have the opportunity to delve deep into the topics that matter most to you, from advancing sustainable business models to fostering ethical practices in rapidly evolving industries. Through rigorous scholarly research, you will transform your experience into actionable insights and groundbreaking frameworks that drive meaningful changes.
With HEG-Genève serving as your homebase, you will have convenient access to local academic infrastructures in Geneva. You will also have opportunities to socialize with DBA students from other global cohorts when during in-person seminar weeks in Paris and Grenoble.
As the academic director, I invite you to embark on this intellectual adventure. This is your chance to immerse yourself in lifelong learning, translate your expertise into research that shapes both practice and policy, and inspire the next generation of business leaders with vision, knowledge, and purpose. - Prof. Charis Li, DBA Academic Director, GEM & HEG-Genève
A doctoral level program such as the DBA GEM-HEG-Genève is designed to bridge your real-world professional experience with cutting-edge research, to drive impactful change in the business world! Through the partnership with Grenoble Ecole de management, HEG-Genève is offering you the perfect access point in the region to transform your career, expand your professional network, and deepen your real-world experience with innovative research ideas!
- Prof. Alexandre Caboussati, DBA Academic Director, GEM & HEG-Genève
Admissions
Pre-selection will be conducted by HEG Genève.
Program Schedule for 2025 Intake
Required coursework includes (4) On-Campus 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 9 - 13, 2026 - HEG GENEVA CAMPUS
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.
Updated 3/26/2025