LoadingLoadingLoadingLoadingA practitioner doctorate for senior leaders — applied research that changes practice.
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A professional doctorate for senior executives — applied research on diversification, family business, government-linked companies and workforce strategy, culminating in a practitioner dissertation. Arab Leadership University delivers this award fully online across the Arab region. There is no campus. English is the administrative language of the award; Arabic-medium tracks require additional language evidence. Assessment is identity-checked. This is an academic professional doctorate award; where a field has a licensing or registration route, that remains a matter for your professional body or regulator. You will work through the material as a practitioner-researcher: applied methods, real or anonymised cases, and a supervised capstone or dissertation as the final component. Faculty mark whether you noticed the constraints a slide deck usually hides. Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise) is taught as one award, not a list of unrelated modules. The published length is 3–4 years, and the credit total is 54. Students move from Principles of Management & Leadership through Principles of Management & Leadership; Managerial Economics; Financial & Managerial Accounting; Business Statistics & Analytics; Marketing Management; Corporate Finance & Financial Management, and finish on Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship. Each course has a question, a method, and a submission. In this field, students diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation. Reading is a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. The artefact a marker expects is a consulting brief a manager could use. The award is built so that a graduate can do the following in practice: Set direction with a defensible strategy and connect it to an operating plan Read the numbers — accounting, finance, unit economics — well enough to challenge them Lead people and change through ambiguity Teaching assumes the student can read a source, attempt a problem before the seminar, and revise after feedback. Attendance at live seminars is part of the design. The capstone or final course must use the methods of the earlier courses; a project that ignores them does not pass. The pages for each course name the topics that are examined. Those topics are the syllabus. A brochure line is not a substitute for them.
The programme carries 54 credits, structured as doctoral coursework followed by supervised research. Delivery is tuition-free aside from the examination fee. Transcripts use letter grades and a GPA scale consistent with Arab Leadership University awards. No professional-body logo is used in marketing to imply endorsement.
Study online
Tuition is free. Examinations are free. There is no exam fee. Study from anywhere in the world.
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| ALX71001 | Principles of Management & Leadership Principles of Management & Leadership (ALX71001) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation, using Principles of Management & Leadership as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a consulting brief a manager could use. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71002 | Managerial Economics Managerial Economics (ALX71002) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation, using Managerial Economics as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a consulting brief a manager could use. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71003 | Financial & Managerial Accounting Financial & Managerial Accounting (ALX71003) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can read a set of figures, build a small case, and state which assumption moves the result, using Financial & Managerial Accounting as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses financial statements, a recognition note, and a risk report. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a recommendation that separates the decision, the numbers, and the risk. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course does not confer an accounting, audit, or financial-services licence.
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71004 | Business Statistics & Analytics Business Statistics & Analytics (ALX71004) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can define a measurable question, fit a method that can be checked, and report where it fails, using Business Statistics & Analytics as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a dataset description, a methods note, and one published evaluation. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a project note with the question, the method, the result, and the limitation. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| ALX71005 | Marketing Management Marketing Management (ALX71005) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can justify a marketing decision with evidence rather than a slogan, using Marketing Management as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a brief, a channel note, and a measurement plan. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a campaign or content recommendation with audience, channel, and measure. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
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| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| ALX71009 | Strategic Management Strategic Management (ALX71009) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation, using Strategic Management as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a consulting brief a manager could use. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
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| Code | Course | Credits · hours |
|---|---|---|
| ALX71013 | Leadership Communication & Executive Negotiation Leadership Communication & Executive Negotiation (ALX71013) is a 9-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 90 notional learning hours. By the end, students can justify a marketing decision with evidence rather than a slogan, using Leadership Communication & Executive Negotiation as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a brief, a channel note, and a measurement plan. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a campaign or content recommendation with audience, channel, and measure. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
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Modules are assessed through a published mix of coursework, applied projects, and examinations. Exam windows are announced in advance so students in other time zones are not forced into overnight sittings. Alternative arrangements are available where documented.
The published duration is 3–4 years. Teaching language: English and Arabic (bilingual assessment; academic Arabic required for AR-medium tracks). Actual time-to-complete depends on mode and any recognised prior learning.
This is a fully online award. You study from your country. No student visa and no campus relocation are required.
Degree tuition for this award is published as £0 / tuition-free on the online pathway. All online degree examinations and certificates are 100% free and sponsored — the only cost for online study is the application fee. Campus tuition and campus examinations are charged separately. Check the Fees page for details.
Requirements are grouped on this page (academic, English, documents, research). Equivalent qualifications are considered. English may be waived after prior English-medium study.
Assessment is typically a mix of coursework, projects, and examinations. Doctoral awards include a thesis or dissertation and an oral examination. Details sit in the programme specification and module outlines.
Recognition of the award for local employment, professional licence, or ministry attestation is decided by your employer or regulator. Arab Leadership University publishes verification pages for certificates. We do not claim automatic equivalence in every country.
Start an application on this website. Progress is saved from the first step. Admissions: admissions@aleaderuni.com.
Recognised & Accredited
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71006 | Corporate Finance & Financial Management Corporate Finance & Financial Management (ALX71006) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can read a set of figures, build a small case, and state which assumption moves the result, using Corporate Finance & Financial Management as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses financial statements, a recognition note, and a risk report. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a recommendation that separates the decision, the numbers, and the risk. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course does not confer an accounting, audit, or financial-services licence.
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71007 | Organisational Behaviour & HR Management Organisational Behaviour & HR Management (ALX71007) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation, using Organisational Behaviour & HR Management as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a consulting brief a manager could use. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71008 | Operations & Supply Chain Management Operations & Supply Chain Management (ALX71008) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can find where time or cost is lost and recommend one operational change, using Operations & Supply Chain Management as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a process map, a capacity note, and a disruption case. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a recommendation for one lane, site, or service with the cost and the risk. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71010 | Business Ethics, Law & Corporate Governance Business Ethics, Law & Corporate Governance (ALX71010) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can say who decides, under which rule, and draft a note a professional could read, using Business Ethics, Law & Corporate Governance as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a statute or instrument, a case or policy paper, and a commentary. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a memo or draft clause with sources and a revision note. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone. This course is academic. It does not admit the student to practise law and it is not a qualifying law degree.
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71011 | International Business & Global Economics International Business & Global Economics (ALX71011) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation, using International Business & Global Economics as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a consulting brief a manager could use. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| ALX71012 | Data-Driven Decision Making Data-Driven Decision Making (ALX71012) is a 3-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 30 notional learning hours. By the end, students can define a measurable question, fit a method that can be checked, and report where it fails, using Data-Driven Decision Making as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a dataset description, a methods note, and one published evaluation. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a project note with the question, the method, the result, and the limitation. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 3 · 30 h |
| 9 · 90 h |
| ALX71014 | Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship (ALX71014) is a 9-credit course on Doctor of Business Administration (Gulf Enterprise), with 90 notional learning hours. By the end, students can diagnose one organisation and carry a decision through to a recommendation, using Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship as the working context rather than a generic management example. The course is taught in three movements. First, students establish the terms and the decision the course is about. Second, they apply the method to a case, dataset, text, or design and compare it with a weaker alternative. Third, they revise the work after feedback and state what the conclusion cannot support. Preparation uses a case, a short financial extract, and a stakeholder note. Seminar time is for the decision, not for reading the materials aloud. Assessment is a consulting brief a manager could use. A pass requires a clear method, evidence a marker can check, and an explicit limit. Credit is not awarded for summary alone.
| 9 · 90 h |