Full Course Description List:

DBAX Courses

0 credits

A background in the basics of business is often a key to making the most of a graduate business or management program. In this foundational course, students can build their business acumen in major functional areas that are essential to business success including business leadership and management, business ethics, the legal environment of business, accounting, finance, economics, quantitative methods and statistics, information systems management, global business, marketing, and strategic management.

5 credits

Students are provided with a foundation for academic and professional success at Walden University and with the requirements for successful participation in the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree program. They begin by exploring the process of becoming doctoral-level students who pursue individual academic research while engaging in the supportive learning community that Walden offers. Topics covered in this course include communities of care; data analytics; hybrid work; social determinants of health; and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Students engage in discussion and analyze scholarly literature related to course topics, their personal and professional experiences, and areas of academic interest from a scholar-practitioner approach and from the viewpoint of a global change agent. The focus of the course assignments is on the practical application of APA-compliant scholarly writing and critical-thinking skills and the promotion of professional business practice and academic excellence. Through their assignments, students become familiar with the Walden University landscape where support resources and tools are offered. In addition, they focus on their personal and professional development.  

1 quarter credit

The purpose of this course is to assist doctoral students in making steady progress toward the DBA degree. DBA students use this course as a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback with peers and their Chair/Mentor. They engage in a variety of activities, providing the tools needed to complete the Research Project successfully. They gain practice with various research methods and data-gathering techniques; determine best practices; explore the various academic support resources; and prepare a draft and final version of their initial project plan, which is required to proceed with the final Research Project. 

Note: The Instructor of record for a section of the course is the student’s Chair/Mentor.

Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303 (may be concurrent)

1 quarter credit

The purpose of this course is to assist doctoral students in making steady progress toward the DBA degree. DBA students use this course as a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback with peers and their Chair/Mentor. They engage in a variety of activities, providing the tools needed to complete the Consulting Research Project successfully. They gain practice with various research methods and data-gathering techniques; determine best practices; explore the various academic support resources; and prepare a draft and final version of their initial project plan, which is required to proceed with the final Consulting Research Project. Note: The Instructor of record for a section of the course is the student’s Chair/Mentor.

Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303 (may be concurrent)

1 credit

The purpose of this course is to assist doctoral independent scholars in making steady progress toward the DBA degree. Independent scholars use this course as a forum for ongoing exchange of ideas, input, and feedback with peers and their portfolio chair. They engage in a variety of activities, providing the tools needed to complete the portfolio capstone successfully. They gain practice with various research methods and data-gathering techniques; determine best practices; explore the various resources, including the Walden Library, Writing Center, and Research Center; and prepare a draft and final version of their portfolio prospectus, which is required to proceed with the final portfolio research (program evaluation or quantitative secondary data analysis). Note: The instructor of record for a section of the course is the chair of the independent scholar’s portfolio committee. Section participants are independent scholars who work with faculty members at various stages of their portfolio project.

Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303 (may be concurrent)

5 credits

Successful business leaders create a positive organizational culture based on personal ethical behavior, ethical expectations, training, and transparency. Business leaders use a range of leadership styles, including transformational, transactional, and servant leadership, based on the organizational situation. Regardless of leadership style, one thing that business leaders have in common is the ability to identify and develop leadership strategies that lend to the success and sustainability of their businesses. In this course, independent scholars cover a wide range of different business leadership topics. Additionally, they focus on the practical application of APA writing, critical thinking, and the integration of professional leadership practice at the doctoral level as they develop sustainable solutions from the global change-agent perspective. Independent scholars examine the relationship between leadership and management, evaluate the impact and utility of the assessment of leadership styles, and analyze different leadership styles. Additionally, they evaluate and investigate various leadership theories, sources of power, and motivation theories to gain a better understanding of the nature and practice of leadership. Independent scholars evaluate organizational stress, analyze ethical dilemmas, and construct an organizational strategy to shape a successful business culture. They assess current articles, engage in online discussions, and complete application assignments based on organizational culture, ethics, strategy, stress, and leadership theories.

Prerequisites

• DBAX 8006 (may be concurrent)
• DBAX 4990 (may be concurrent)

5 credits

Students in this DBA strategy course concentrate on the creation and implementation of business strategies that maximize competitive advantage in the marketplace. Students develop an understanding of why and how individuals and business organizations work together creating sustainable businesses in the global marketplace. They apply models for assessing the strengths and weaknesses of business organizations and identify opportunities and threats resulting from forces shaping the marketplace. Students focus on practical business applications of writing, critical thinking, and classroom engagement in a combination of essay discussions, research assignments, and writing papers to analyze, develop, and defend ideas for strategic and innovative business solutions for sustainability.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8300

5 credits

In this course, independent scholars are introduced to quantitative and qualitative frameworks for inquiry. Quantitative designs covered include correlation, experimental and quasi-experimental, survey, and causal-comparative designs; qualitative designs include case study, phenomenology, grounded theory, and ethnography. Independent scholars work toward acquiring substantive, foundational knowledge of the philosophy of science as they construct, use, and critique concepts and theories. They learn to produce knowledge for practice as they examine ethical, social, and political aspects of conducting research. Demonstrating knowledge and the ability to solve problems, independent scholars engage in course assignments that emphasize the practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and the integration of professional practice at the doctoral level.

Prerequisites

• DBAX 8006
• DBAX 4990

5 credits

In this course, independent scholars have the opportunity to extend their research and general analysis skills as they further explore qualitative research methodology and design types—with emphasis on case-study, pragmatic inquiry, and program evaluation research designs—that they may incorporate into their own doctoral study. Independent scholars learn to focus their analysis on efforts to improve the quality of business practice. They also focus on how to think in an action-oriented manner, as if they were business consultants, so that their own doctoral study work could be applied in action. Finally, they engage in an iterative process of writing their own prospectus application, incorporating feedback from peers and the course instructor.

Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8300

5 credits

In this course, independent scholars develop skills in descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and quantitative techniques, including t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, multiple linear regression, discriminant analysis, and nonparametric methods (i.e., two-way contingency table analysis). They use quantitative data analysis and data-management techniques, and they learn to utilize SPSS software for data analysis. This course is not intended for independent scholars to become fully grounded in statistical methods; rather, they learn appropriate questions to ask about data analysis as well as how to defend their use of specific techniques in professional practice.

Prerequisites

• RESI 8302 (Residency 2) (may be concurrent)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

In the final doctoral study, independent scholars demonstrate their ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge, theory, and experience so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, independent scholars engage in rigorous inquiry that results in new knowledge, insight, or practice, demonstrating efficacy in the world of business and management. Through this course, independent scholars gain assistance in working through the process of the doctoral study. They design personal best practices for completing their study within a designated context. They also select their committee members, with whom they establish and maintain strong working relationships and on whom they rely to mentor and approve their proposal and final study. Ultimately, independent scholars completing the doctoral study make a fresh contribution to the field of practice in the professional business environment.

Prerequisites

• All required core and specialization courses

5 credits

In the final doctoral study, independent scholars demonstrate their ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge, theory, and experience so that new ideas can be tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, independent scholars engage in rigorous inquiry that results in new knowledge, insight, or practice, demonstrating efficacy in the world of business and management. Through this course, independent scholars gain assistance in working through the process of the doctoral study. They design personal best practices for completing their study within a designated context. They also select their committee members, with whom they establish and maintain strong working relationships and on whom they rely to mentor and approve their proposal and final study. Ultimately, independent scholars completing the doctoral study make a fresh contribution to the field of practice in the professional business environment.

Prerequisites

• All required core and specialization courses

5 credits

In the final doctoral portfolio capstone, independent scholars demonstrate their ability to examine, critique, and synthesize knowledge, theory, and experience. Through the capstone they provide evidence of new ideas tested; best practices identified, established, and verified; and theoretical, practice, or policy constructs evaluated and advanced. In all cases, independent scholars engage in rigorous inquiry that results in new knowledge, insight, or practice, demonstrating efficacy in the world of business and management. Through this course, independent scholars gain assistance in working through the process of the doctoral portfolio capstone. They design personal best practices for completing their portfolio capstone within a designated context. They also select their committee members, with whom they establish and maintain strong working relationships and on whom they rely to mentor and approve their proposal and final study. Ultimately, independent scholars completing the portfolio make a fresh contribution to the field of practice in the professional business environment.

Prerequisites

• All required core and specialization courses

5 credits

In this Business Research Project course, students will demonstrate their expertise by proposing a solution to a real-world business practitioner problem. Throughout the program, students have studied and researched their topic that will serve as the basis of their Research Project. Using their previous course work and knowledge, students will review current industry evidence and propose a solution to a single business practitioner problem. Students will work with a Project Mentor to complete an advanced doctoral-level project that can be used to solve current and future practical business problems and promote positive social change.

Students will take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled in the course until they receive final approval from their Project Mentor and a Program Project Reviewer. The Program Project Reviewer will review the final project draft once it has received Project Mentor approval. 

Prerequisites

• RESI 8302
• DBAX 8307B

5 credits

In this Business Research Project course, students will demonstrate their expertise by proposing a solution to a real-world business practitioner problem. Throughout the program, students have studied and researched their topic that will serve as the basis of their Consulting Research Project. Using their previous course work and knowledge, students will review current industry evidence and work with a Project Mentor to provide a solution for a specific organizational problem that also promotes positive social change.

Students will take this course for a minimum of four quarters and are continuously enrolled in the course until they receive final approval from their Project Mentor and a Program Project Reviewer. The Program Project Reviewer will review the final project draft once it has received Project Mentor approval.

Prerequisites

• RESI 8302
• DBAX 8307B

5 credits

An essential aspect of today's organizational environment is innovation. In this seminar course, independent scholars have the opportunity to position themselves for professional success in management through the study of concepts, processes, and tools needed to accelerate the rate, breadth, and depth of innovation within any organization. They examine what innovation is and is not, as well as how to establish the organizational policies, processes, and employee-support infrastructure required to facilitate successful innovation throughout organizations. Independent scholars assess current information through extensive use of topical journal articles and papers as well as classic articles and papers related to the field of study. They also disseminate their findings to their peers through class discussions.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

Business-to-business (B2B) marketing has emerged as its own discipline to meet the needs of other businesses. The challenge is to find new methods of enhancing marketability and value while maintaining important relationships with consumers. Independent scholars in this seminar course focus on B2B marketing techniques, strategies, customer acquisition, and relationship building. They explore the theory and conceptual challenges facing today’s B2B marketing manager. Primarily, independent scholars learn aspects of online promotion and advertising, communications strategies to promote online initiatives, and creative ways of developing the B2B channel. They fine-tune critical-thinking skills by formulating an original research topic and discussing it with peers. Independent scholars accomplish course objectives by examining foundational literature and theories, seminal works, and established models in the field of B2B marketing.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

Entrepreneurial finance is designed to help managers make accurate investments and business decisions in entrepreneurial settings. In this seminar course, independent scholars explore the development of a small business from startup to financial security. They examine the process and various sources of funding, including partnerships with venture capitalists, conventional sources, and initial public offerings. Most importantly, independent scholars explore how to construct funding as well as the trade-offs and benefits for each model. They analyze entrepreneurial equity and how to negotiate any agreement with funding sources. Independent scholars accomplish course objectives by examining foundational literature and theories, seminal works, and established models in the field of entrepreneurial finance. They also identify additional resources and disseminate research conclusions to their peers.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

In this seminar, independent scholars examine the application of healthcare policy and economic principles to managerial decision making, including policy development and implementation processes as well as how health policy changes over time. They also explore key policy initiatives related to cost, quality, ethics, and access, and investigate stakeholders and interest groups involved in the health policy process. Independent scholars devote special attention to how economic principles, such as supply, demand, and market price determination, relate to the structure of the healthcare industry and the distribution of resources and services.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

Healthcare delivery is one of the largest industries in the United States. Independent scholars in this seminar course focus on the components of the health services delivery system, including patients, organizations, professionals, public and private third-party payers, regulators, reimbursement and reimbursement methods, and technology. They explore the nature of population illness and disease, and they examine the continuum of health services, such as hospitals and hospital systems, ambulatory care services, long-term care services, wellness/prevention services, and community/public health services. In addition, independent scholars analyze contextual factors and challenges that are linked to healthcare delivery system management; they also explore the impact of these challenges on the delivery of services and healthcare management

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

Independent scholars in this seminar course engage in an examination of the key laws, regulations, and court decisions related to healthcare operations, oversight of organizations and practitioners, and the rights and responsibilities of healthcare providers and patients. They study laws and regulations governing healthcare providers, the identification of organizational governance issues, fraud and enforcement, and the development of risk management processes and controls. Independent scholars also explore key ethical issues underpinning healthcare delivery and management, including patient rights and advocacy.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

The role of the human resources (HR) department as a strategic partner entails new and different functions that enable organizations to function as high-performing and cost-cognizant entities. To recognize the best way for organizations to grow in capability and capacity, independent scholars in this course detail the potential for involvement of HR in evaluating buy-build alternatives and B2B partnerships. They explore a range of alternatives, including service agreements, contract negotiations, and management of fully outsourced services. At the completion of this course, independent scholars will be able to analyze the impact of such decisions on the quality of the deliverables and the risk impact on both the HR department and the organization.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

To succeed in competitive environments, organizations must begin succession planning at the beginning of every initial interface—when an employee is added to the talent pool, when a leader is added to the knowledge capital, when the organization reviews its successes and its challenges, and when corporations plan “to plan.” The only sure way to do this well is to know where the gaps are in present-day resources and cast them repeatedly against future and emerging needs and trends facing the organization, then craft the strategies that will map the path for getting there. In this course, independent scholars are drawn into defining organizational capability using career mapping, opportunistic development, and technology to fulfill future strategic human and knowledge capital essential in optimizing organizational success.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

Independent scholars who complete this new human resources (HR) strategic partner course will be able to integrate several key HR concepts with organization-wide strategic planning to develop an evidence-based annual HR department/division operating plan critical to the for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. New HR professionals must be able to direct individual and organizational performance to deliver on value proposition, build sustainability, and impact positive social change.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

The only constant in today’s business environment is change. However, implementing change alone is not sufficient. It is also necessary to identify and prioritize the key organizational issues requiring change and to successfully implement the necessary changes. Furthermore, change defined and aligned at the organizational, process, and employee levels is critically important. In this seminar course, independent scholars identify and focus on the key areas of an organization that they prioritize for change initiatives and for the development and implementation of strategies that will increase the success rate of the key change initiatives. Independent scholars formulate an original research topic related to the course literature and present and discuss their findings with peers. They accomplish course objectives by examining foundational literature and theories, seminal works, and established models in the field of change management.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

The various environmental crises facing the planet threaten the human race. Therefore, a primary challenge for business is to conduct itself in a responsible manner through sustainable decisions. That means more than anticipating continuous profitability. Independent scholars in this seminar course explore what it means to be sustainable from an environmental perspective and examine the implications for business regarding resource consumption, materials processing and disposal, and the impacts of how the products are made and distributed. Independent scholars analyze natural systems and how their condition influences doing business in a global economy. They also examine the long-term implications for conducting business globally and fine-tune critical-thinking skills by formulating an original research topic, which they discuss with their peers. Independent scholars accomplish course objectives by examining current information through extensive use of recent journal articles and papers as well as classic articles and papers related to the field of study.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303

5 credits

Growing cultural diversity within countries and expansion of organizations’ international initiatives has brought about the need to recognize, lead, and manage a broader cultural spectrum of workers, managers, and performance improvement teams. In this seminar course, independent scholars define the key organizational techniques and the potential benefits stemming from managing multicultural workforces. They contextualize their study through the examination and development of case studies of successful and unsuccessful attempts to realize the potential that can be derived from multicultural workforces and teams. Independent scholars accomplish course objectives by examining current information through extensive use of recent journal articles and papers, as well as classic articles and papers related to the field of study. They also disseminate their findings to their peers through class discussions.

DBA program Prerequisites

• RESI 8301 (Residency 1)
• DBAX 8303