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Executive Doctorate in Management

  • Feb 17
  • 2 min read

The Executive Doctorate is a 100% research-based academic pathway designed for senior executives, board members, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and high-level professionals who seek to integrate advanced research with strategic leadership practice.

This doctorate study program is positioned at a level equivalent to EQF Level 8 and corresponds to the third European cycle of higher education. It is structured to cultivate independent research excellence, executive-level critical thinking, and the ability to generate original knowledge that directly impacts organizational strategy and long-term transformation.

The program consists of seven structured modules, carefully designed to guide candidates from advanced theoretical foundations to the development of original, practice-oriented scholarly contributions:

  • Four research-focused modules covering advanced research design, qualitative and quantitative methodologies, executive data analysis, applied research frameworks, academic writing, research ethics, and publication standards.

  • Two general modules that strengthen interdisciplinary understanding, global governance, strategic leadership, innovation management, sustainability, and organizational resilience.

  • One specialized module aligned with the candidate’s professional field, allowing executives to focus their research on a domain relevant to their industry, organization, or sector.

The program culminates in the preparation of an original doctoral thesis supported by structured research activities and academic supervision. Candidates are expected to produce meaningful contributions that bridge theory and executive practice, addressing real-world challenges in leadership, strategy, transformation, policy development, or industry innovation.

With a minimum duration of 18+ months, the program offers flexibility tailored to experienced professionals. While a defined minimum study period exists, candidates may extend their research timeline to ensure depth, rigor, and strategic impact.

This doctorate study program is designed for leaders who aim to move beyond executive experience toward research-driven thought leadership, shaping organizational strategy, influencing industry standards, and contributing to the advancement of applied executive knowledge at an international level.



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This program is also offered fully online.

We would like to highlight that 89% of students complete the program within the expected timeframe.

Language of Instruction: English

All our online executive postgraduate programs (Master’s and Doctorate levels) are fully research-based, allowing students to complete their studies through guided research.

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©This website serves as a centralized platform showcasing study programs and professional education opportunities offered by member institutions of the VBNN Smart Education Group. Programs may be delivered by different academic institutions within the network, including higher education providers and professional training academies located in cities such as Bishkek, Luzern, Zurich, Dubai, London, Osh, Ajman, and Riga. Each program is offered, administered, and certified by the respective institution in accordance with the regulations applicable in its jurisdiction.

SIU Swiss International University – Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. State-accredited campus delivering higher education and research programs (License No. LS240001853).

AAHES Autonomous Academy Zurich – Swiss Academy in Zurich, Switzerland. Registered with Swiss authorities since 2013 (Reg. No. CH-170.4.012.134-9).

ISBM Business School Luzern – Swiss Management School in Lucerne, Switzerland. Allowed by the Board of Education and Culture and registered with Swiss authorities (Reg. No. CH-100.3.802.225-0).

VBNN Smart Education Group – Ajman, United Arab Emirates. Regional administrative entity operating under commercial license (License No. 262425649888).

KUIPI Kyrgyz-Uzbek International Pedagogical Institute – Osh, Kyrgyz Republic. Teacher-training and pedagogical studies institution supporting regional educational development (License No. LS230000271).

ISB Academy Dubai – Swiss International Institute in Dubai, UAE. KHDA-permitted training and vocational institute (Permit No. 631419).

OUS Academy London – Swiss Academy in London, United Kingdom. British-registered institution offering executive and blended international programs (UKRLP No. 10099531).

Amber Academy Riga – Swiss Academy in Riga, Latvia. Operates through SIA Baltic Sea Amber under a permit from the Riga Education and Information Methodological Centre (RIIMC) for non-formal education programs (Ref. No. RIMCK-26-66-nd).

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Legal notices, policies (AGB), and imprint information are available on the official websites of the respective member institutions. Each institution operates in accordance with the regulations of its local authorities. When a study program is delivered, the policies and regulations of the responsible institution apply and are publicly available on its official website.

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OUS Academy London UK logo
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