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The Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies (FCMS), University of Kelaniya had made a milestone in the Sri Lankan higher education sector by introducing the first ever DBA: Doctor of Business Administration program from a national university in Sri Lanka. The Daily FT brings you the special features of this program through a discussion carried out with Dr. D. M. Semasinghe, Dean, FCMS, University of Kelaniya and Dr. Sudath. Weerasiri, Coordinator to DBA, University of Kelaniya. What is DBA? A DBA is a ‘professional doctorate’ with a focus on business practice with the deep understanding of related theoretical underpinnings. According to Dr. Semasinghe, Dean, FCMS, this program is aimed for the people who are already successful in business and who envision for a new intellectual challenge.DBA program and its candidates pivot on making a seminal contribution to their chosen profession and industry. The program designed to equip professionals with practical, specialized knowledge which is critical in making high-level business & enhancing the knowledge frontier. Why a DBA? Dr. Semasinghe, Dean of the Faculty stated that “there is an accelerating demand for domestic PhD program due to the less number of educational programs in the area of Business Management and advanced research skills and qualifications. Though, the national Universities are offering master degree programs, a very few opportunities are available to continue studies to the next level. Further, none of the Sri Lankan national universities are offering DBA programs at present and we at FCMS, University of Kelaniya has initiated to fill the knowledge gap”. Benefits of Following a DBA According to Dr. Semasinghe, Dean of the Faculty, DBA is designed to cultivate the leadership necessary to tackle the challenges of senior management on an international level. The program itself allows top managers to deepen their expertise, contribute to the knowledge of their profession, and prepare themselves for the complex analysis and decision-making required of senior management. Dr. Semasinghe further stated that a DBA from University of Kelaniya will enhance professional capability and credibility, develop networks, and provide a firm foundation for further career development or a major career move of the candidate. Employers benefit from supporting candidates for the DBA by attracting, developing and retaining key talent and building knowledge for competitive advantage. Why you should select University of Kelaniya? As a pioneer in business education, University of Kelaniya is the very first in Sri Lanka to introduce a ‘professional doctorate’ (DBA), providing the academic rigor whilst providing the necessary autonomy in contributing to your profession and industry leading to the right credential to make a mark of yourself. To highlight a few, at University of Kelaniya has many years of experience in running number of very successful PhD programs, Master’s programs, postgraduate diplomas, and it has shown their quality via ISO accreditation to partnership with global alliances such as SAP University alliance. Teaching Faculty The teaching faculty at FCMS, University of Kelaniya are rich in their respective fields in teaching and research stated Dr. Weerasiri, Coordinator, DBA. This proficiency allows the faculty to better relate to the challenges the executives face, and provide them the practical tools and solutions they need to succeed. The teaching faculty will immerse candidates in relevant business topics and case studies that can serve as an immediate benefit for the candidates. Not only this diversified and qualified teaching faculty, the FCMS also benefits from an extended family of foreign academics, experienced business practitioners and sector consultants who work alongside the teaching faculty as an integral part of the academic community undertaking teaching, learning and assessment. The Program in Hindsight A c c o rding to Dr. Weerasiri, Coordinator of the program, DBA, University of Kelaniya is a three (03) year study program with an integrated coursework and research components. Candidates are expected to complete the coursework within the first year and they will be elevated to the research work followed by a Viva Voce examination. Equivalent in status and challenge to a PhD, this program encourages the development of doctoral- level thinking and research skills across key contemporary management areas through its distinctive teaching, learning and assessment methodologies. More