Study Fee: Click here to view the t(/study-fee)uition and subscription options.(/study-fee)(/study-fee) Monthly study plans start from €499 per month, depending on the program and level of academic support selected.

Study Method: This program is delivered 100% online, allowing students to study from anywhere in the world with flexible scheduling. Students may also have the option to attend the graduation ceremony in Switzerland, subject to visa approval and travel regulations.

Study Language: The program is delivered in English. Students are expected to have sufficient English language proficiency to complete the coursework and academic requirements.

Applications can be submitted online through our admission portal.(/apply)(/apply) Applicants may also contact or visit our offices in different regions, including: • Europe: Switzerland • GCC: Dubai (UAE) • Asia: Bishkek Our admissions team will guide you through the application and enrollment process.

Programs are offered through a flexible monthly subscription system, allowing students to progress at their own pace while maintaining access to academic resources and support services.

This program has a minimum study period depending on the academic level and program structure. Students may complete the program at their own pace while maintaining an active monthly subscription.

Admission Requirements

Applicants should meet the academic entry requirements for the respective program level. Typical requirements may include: • A previous academic qualification relevant to the program level • A copy of passport or national ID • Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume • Completed online application form Additional documents may be requested depending on the program and the institution delivering the program.

Certification / Degree Awarded

Upon successful completion of all academic requirements, students will receive the corresponding certificate or academic degree issued by the responsible institution within the VBNN Smart Education Group network.

Doctorate in Operations Excellence and Lean Strategy

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The Doctorate in Operations Excellence and Lean Strategy (International Focus) is a 100% research-based doctorate study program designed for professionals, senior managers, researchers, consultants, and decision-makers who seek advanced knowledge in operational performance, process improvement, lean systems, strategic efficiency, and sustainable organizational development in international environments. This program is intended for individuals who want to explore how organizations can improve quality, agility, productivity, and long-term value creation through research-driven analysis and advanced strategic thinking.

This doctorate study program is positioned at a level equivalent to ISCED / EQF Level 8 and is also considered equal to the 3rd European cycle. ISCED, the International Standard Classification of Education, is an international framework used to classify and compare education levels across countries. EQF, the European Qualifications Framework, is a European reference system that helps make qualifications easier to understand and compare across different national systems. Level 8 represents the highest stage of academic and professional learning, typically associated with advanced research, original contribution, and expert-level intellectual development.

The structure of the program is designed to combine rigorous research preparation with a strong specialist focus. It includes 7 modules, consisting of 4 research-related modules, 2 general modules, and 1 specialist module in Operations Excellence and Lean Strategy, followed by thesis development and research activities. This academic structure supports the development of strong research capability while enabling participants to investigate essential topics such as lean thinking, operational strategy, quality improvement, process optimization, performance measurement, resource efficiency, organizational effectiveness, continuous improvement, value stream analysis, and strategic alignment between operations and long-term institutional goals.

A key strength of this doctorate study program is its international relevance. In today’s global environment, organizations are expected to deliver greater efficiency, stronger quality standards, faster response times, and smarter use of resources while adapting to technological change and increasing complexity. Lean strategy and operational excellence are therefore no longer limited to manufacturing or traditional process environments; they are now central to service organizations, healthcare systems, education, logistics, digital enterprises, and multinational operations. This program encourages participants to examine these issues from a cross-border and multidisciplinary perspective, producing research that is both academically robust and practically valuable.

The minimum duration is 18 months, while offering flexibility for participants who may wish to extend their study period in line with their professional commitments, research goals, and personal schedules. This flexible structure makes the program suitable for experienced professionals who wish to undertake advanced academic research without interrupting their careers.

This doctorate study program is particularly relevant for those who are committed to improving systems, enhancing institutional performance, and generating evidence-based insights that can support better operational decisions. It promotes independent research, critical evaluation, and advanced strategic reflection in a field that plays a vital role in the resilience and competitiveness of modern organizations.

Through advanced research and analytical inquiry, participants may contribute to the improvement of organizational systems, the development of more efficient processes, and the advancement of lean and strategic thinking in diverse sectors. In a world where excellence increasingly depends on intelligent design, disciplined execution, and continuous adaptation, this program provides a strong academic pathway for studying operational transformation at the highest level.