Master doctoral-level research methodology through seminars and workshops at GEM campuses and international hub locations:

• Research design and data collection techniques
• Quantitative and qualitative analysis methods
• Academic writing and literature review
• Research ethics and philosophy

Deliverables:

• Preliminary Research Proposal (±2,000 words)
• Literature Review (±10,000 words)
• Dissertation Proposal (±15,000 words)

Successfully defend your Pre-Dissertation Proposal to earn the Certificate in Research in Management Sciences and advance to Phase II.

Conduct original research under expert supervision:

• Individual research project with practical applications
• Data collection and rigorous analysis
• Dissertation writing (±60,000 words, publication-quality standards)
• Final oral defense before examination panel

Launch your doctoral journey at GEM’s Grenoble campus in the French Alps. Build foundations in research philosophy and design and connect with your international cohort.

Seminars are offered in Grenoble, France, or at one of our international partner hubs across Europe, America, Asia, or MENA. Experience different business contexts and regional perspectives. Available locations vary by intake year.

Advance your dissertation development at GEM’s Paris campus, working with faculty on methodology refinement and research design.

Complete your core seminar requirements at GEM’s Grenoble campus, preparing for dissertation completion and final defense. This seminar may also be held at a Global Hub (depending on cohort composition)

Workshop Series:

1. Implementing the Research Proposal
2. Preparing Dissertation Proposal
3. Preparing Dissertation Proposal Defense
4. Facing Criticism and Revision
5. Reporting Research Findings
6. Theoretical Contribution & Impact
7. Managerial Contribution & Impact
8. Communicating Your Research

Dates of seminars and webinars are tentative and may be subject to modifications.

Advanced Research Masterclasses

Throughout the program, students can opt to participate in a total of 6 advanced research masterclasses at any stage of their studies. These Masterclasses are designed to enrich their knowledge with frontier research in all management disciplines and expand their intellectual horizon. They are offered in-person at GEM or Global Hub locations and streamed online. A total of six masterclass participations will earn the student the Advanced Certificate in Research Frontiers and Global Perspectives.

Brooklyn College – California State University – Fresno Pacific University – IMD Business School– Louisiana State University – Ontario Tech University – Pennsylvania State University – Russell Sage Collage – Temple University – UNC Kenan-Flagler – University of Georgia – University of Southern California – Utah Valley University – Woodbury University – Yale University

Accenture – Amazon Web Services – Capgemini – Goldman Sachs – Google – L’Oréal – Meta – Microsoft – Nestlé – SAP – Shell – Siemens

World Bank – World Health Organization – Islamic Development Bank

• Senior managers and executives with 5+ years of experience
• Independent consultants seeking academic credibility
• Experienced professionals looking to work part-time in academia
• Global leaders addressing complex organizational challenges across regions

Master’s degree (MBA, MA, MSc) or equivalent from an accredited institution

Minimum 5 years managerial experience (pre- or post-master’s)

English proficiency (evaluated during interview – no GMAT required)

• Preliminary research proposal (download template on application platform)
• Motivational letter
• Updated CV
• Diploma copies and transcripts
• 2 professional references

Grenoble & Paris – Core doctoral seminars at GEM’s campuses in the French Alps and France’s capital

Three of the four required research seminars are delivered at GEM’s French campuses, ensuring consistent program delivery and accessibility for all students.

Access European business contexts and connect with our established network.

Poland – Kozminski University (Warsaw)

Offered in partnership with Kozminski University in Warsaw, one of Poland’s leading business schools, providing local access to a high-caliber DBA experience. Polish residents may join the Kozminski University cohort; Learn more

With 30% of our DBA community based in North America, you’ll join an established network of scholars and practitioners across the United States, Canada, and Latin America.

Los Angeles, California, USA – Woodbury University

Access our strong Asian alumni base and engage with dynamic business environments across the region.

China – GEM’s prestigious DBA China program in partnership with leading Chinese universities

Engage with the region’s vibrant business landscape and strategic global position.

Dubai – GEM’s newest campus connects you to Middle Eastern and North African business communities and international organizations​

The International Hubs offer a variety of activities such as:

• Advanced Research Master Classes (optional, in-person)
• Writing groups and peer collaboration opportunities
• Special guest speaker events and local networking
• Access to local business communities and research partnerships
• Regional alumni chapter activities

All hub activities are optional and designed to enhance your doctoral experience without creating barriers to participation.

Accessible to all students regardless of location:​

• Webinars covering research methodology, career development, and doctoral success strategies
• Alumni panels featuring graduates sharing their DBA journey and career transformations
• Research workshops on design, methods, and emerging techniques
• Online writing circles connecting you with peers working on similar research challenges

• Global DBA Conference rotating across hub locations, bringing together current students and alumni worldwide
• Graduation Ceremony celebrating your achievement and welcoming you into the alumni community
• Regional alumni gatherings across all hub regions

All hub activities are optional and designed to enhance your doctoral experience without creating barriers to participation.

The GEM DBA community is committed to translating research into impact. We provide multiple platforms for you to share your findings with academic and practitioner audiences.

Present your work at the annual Global DBA Conference and receive feedback from fellow researchers at different stages of their doctoral journey. Many students also present at international academic conferences, including those organized by EDBAC and other associations, with faculty support and, in some cases, financial contribution from GEM toward conference fees.

Every DBA thesis includes a dedicated chapter on managerial implications, ensuring your research offers actionable recommendations for organizations. Our 500+ intellectual contributions to business practice demonstrate the real-world impact of GEM doctoral research.

Share insights from your research journey, methodological reflections, and practical applications through our Doctoral Knowledge Community Blog. Connect with readers interested in your field, build your thought leadership profile, and participate in webinars to share your DBA experience with prospective and current students.