Courses Leadership

PhD in Business Management

PhD in Business Management, Leadership

School of Business, Technology, and Health Care Administration

The PhD Leadership specialization emphasizes multi-disciplinary scholarly literature and emerging trends in the leadership field, advancing the theory or practice of leadership to meet the challenges of leading in a dynamic global business environment. The specialization helps learners develop leadership qualities that support integrating multiple perspectives by building the skills in systems thinking, critical thinking, creative thinking, reflective thinking, and statistical thinking that enable leaders to build productive relationships and strengthen an organization’s viability. The specialization focuses on helping leaders become aware of and shift their beliefs and behaviors as leaders enabling them to more effectively influence and impact the organization and its external environment.

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Core courses:

BMGT8002
Research Processes, Theory and Practice in Global Business

Learners in this course explore business theories, research, and practice. In particular, learners study the challenges of conducting scholarly research and the practice of leading and managing a business enterprise. Learners explore the depth and breadth of business research, the research methodologies used to conduct it, and potential business research topic areas. Learners are also immersed in a culture of inquiry to focus on strengthening critical thinking and scholarly writing skills. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

6 quarter credits
BMGT8006
Business Principles and Practices

Learners in this course apply theories of organization to critically analyze the organization as an arrangement of systems to develop a holistic understanding of its interrelated, interdependent functions. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT-V8925 *
Doctoral Project Development – Topic Ideation

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8019, BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. 

3 quarter credits
BMGT-V8926 *
Doctoral Project Development – Topic Development

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply writing, research, and critical thinking skills by identifying a problem, developing project questions, and finalizing a project topic that is appropriate for the program. Learners use evidence to support the selection of theories, problems, and questions to guide further refinement of their topic. Learners establish an appropriate topic area, preliminary project design, and begin development of a literature review. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a project topic framework. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or BMGT8040; BMGT-V8925. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits
BMGT-V8927 *
Doctoral Project Development – Framework Development

In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Business Management and PhD in Information Technology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or BMGT8043 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.  

3 quarter credits
BMGT8008
Ethics and Leadership in Global Environments

In this course, learners examine ethics theory and practice, ethical decision making, and the leader’s role in creating an ethical environment in global business. Learners also explore the ways cultural intelligence fosters multicultural and ethical thinking.  

4 quarter credits
BMGT8012
Marketing Principles and Practice

This course presents marketing principles and best practices. Learners analyze the factors influencing marketing strategy and explore ways to use marketing theory to identify market opportunities and segments. Learners then formulate appropriate marketing strategies to pursue those opportunities and markets from cultural, virtual, and global perspectives.

4 quarter credits
-or-
BMGT8016
Strategic Management and Practice

Learners in this course examine theories associated with effective strategy development, integration, and implementation across all functional areas of business operations. Learners study the skills required of strategic thinkers and leaders in today’s complex global business environment and practice applying them to solve contemporary business issues.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8019 *
Business Dissertation Specialization Literature

This course provides a guided review of the literature in the learner's specialization for the purpose of identifying a study topic. Learners research and evaluate associated major threads of research and theory in the literature. The course prepares learners for the development of an appropriate topic during Residency Track 1. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8028. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8028
Foundations of Research, Scholarly Literature, and Theory in Management

Learners in this course examine the structure and process of the scholarly literature in peer reviewed journals and explore the role of the scholar as social and behavioral scientist. Learners critically evaluate scholarly literature, including seminal work, relevant theory, and data-based research studies from both the qualitative and quantitative traditions. Learners also explore the meaning of content and process gaps, problems, and research opportunities uncovered during the literature review. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8055 *
Business Special Topics: Literature Review

This course guides learners in the development of a comprehensive literature review. Learners build on their approved Dissertation Research Plan from residency tracks 2 or 3 as the foundation for drafting Chapter 2 of their dissertation. Learners document and synthesize key seminal theoretical works, conceptual studies, and methodologies underpinning the gap in the scholarly knowledge that their proposed study addresses. While developing Chapter 2 of their dissertation, learners review and apply PhD dissertation guidelines. Prerequisite(s): BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7860
Survey of Research Methods

Learners in this course critically evaluate research in order to gain an understanding of the scientific methods of inquiry and the ethical considerations of research. Learners develop and apply skills needed to become educated consumers and creators of research. Learners also use their research design skills to analyze and apply research methodologies, validity, reliability and other components of scientific research related to their field of interest. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7860 or RSCH7860. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

In addition, choose one of the following two categories:

For quantitative research:

BMGT8035 *
Tests, Measurements, and Business Research Design

This course is an introduction to tests and measurement instruments commonly used in business studies. Learners in this course examine instrument development, factor analysis, validity testing and review the ethical, professional, and legal aspects of the use of these instruments. Learners also develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating appropriate instruments and corresponding validity data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8034 or RSCH7864; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8043 *
Quantitative Research Techniques 2

In this course, learners define a quantitative research question by demonstrating the understanding of the relationship between hypothesis and theory. Learners develop a research design using research questions and the appropriate sample, control variables, and statistical technique, and identify the logical connection between the hypothesis and theory. Other course topics include sample design, exploratory data analysis, multiple regression, logistic regression, factorial ANOVA, and multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). This course requires the use of analytical software. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8035. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Quantitative Design and Analysis

In this course, learners investigate the fundamental concepts needed to conduct quantitative research. Learners examine and apply quantitative research techniques; appropriate applications of quantitative research; research design, measurement, and analysis, and their associated interdependencies; variable types and levels of measurement; sampling; descriptive and inferential statistics; and hypothesis testing. Learners define the strengths and limitations of descriptive statistics, analyze the quantitative scales of measurement, review the logic of probability and null hypothesis testing, and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7864 or RSCH7864. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

For qualitative research:

BMGT8044 *
Qualitative Research Design and Data Analysis

This course extends the topics covered in BMGT8040 and is designed to prepare learners to develop and conduct their own qualitative study for a dissertation. Learners further analyze the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and inquiry, emphasizing effective execution of school-approved dissertation research methodologies. These methodologies include case study, phenomenology, Delphi, and generic qualitative research. Learners assess the design, sampling, and data collection strategies associated with each of the four methodologies. Learners also examine the data analysis processes associated with each methodology, as well as the role of the researcher in documenting personal reflections in the collection and analysis of data. Prerequisite(s): BMGT8040 or RSCH7868; BMGT-V8926. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8046 *
Qualitative Data Collection Strategies, Data Collection Guides, and Field Testing

This course is an in-depth review of qualitative data collection strategies, data collection guides, and data collection techniques commonly used in business research. Learners use their approved dissertation research plans to develop a data collection guide and conduct an expert review and mock data collection. Learners also assess the ethical issues involved in qualitative data collection associated with their study method and design and propose mitigation strategies for participant and data protection and to ensure credibility, dependability, transferability, and trustworthiness. Finally, learners develop key sections of the dissertation methodology and design, incorporating the data collection strategy, and field-tested data collection guide.Prerequisite(s): BMGT8044. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
RSCH7868
Qualitative Design and Analysis

Learners in this course assess the fundamental concepts needed to conduct qualitative research. Learners practice qualitative research techniques; appropriate applications of qualitative research; the strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research design, sampling, and analysis and their associated interdependencies; and leverage technology when applicable. Learners also determine the steps necessary to ensure human subjects protection, and consider methodological adaptations when conducting research with vulnerable and diverse populations. Learners may only earn credit for PSY7868 or RSCH7868. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

Specialization courses:

BMGT8610
Leadership Theory and Practice in a Global Environment

Learners in this course evaluate leadership theories and practices in diverse cultures from a historical and theoretical basis using a multi-disciplinary lens. Learners also develop expanded leadership perspectives and practices, enabling them to assure the viability of their organizations in a dynamic global business environment. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8612
Leadership as Personal Practice

Learners in this course focus on analyzing scholarly literature and emerging research trends in relational leadership. The course also emphasizes theories and models of leadership, which support a shift from hierarchical leadership to inclusive and collaborative leadership. Finally, learners assess personal barriers and facilitators to inclusionary leadership and apply theories and models to personal practice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8614
Leading the Organizational System

In this course, learners explore leadership practice in complex and dynamic environments. Learners use systems thinking and organizational theory to analyze leadership practice within the framework of organizational systems and evaluate the role of systems thinking in organizations to develop innovation in complex environments. Finally, learners apply these concepts to leadership practice. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits
BMGT8616
Leading Dynamic Systems with Multi-Dimensional Thinking

Learners in this course synthesize multiple ways of thinking to support effective leadership decision making. By integrating critical, creative, reflective, systems, and statistical thinking, learners develop leadership qualities that allow them to apply their insights to current models and perspectives in order to envision a future with improved organizational patterns and outcomes. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

4 quarter credits

Upon completion of all required coursework:

GBUS9919 *
Doctoral Comprehensive Examination

This course includes an overview of the comprehensive examination process, the university’s expectations of academic honesty and integrity, the three core themes of the examination, and the evaluation criteria. The courseroom mentor provides three questions addressing the core themes. Learners write answers to the comprehensive examination questions. Answers are evaluated by faculty readers using point-scale scoring rubrics. Upon passing the comprehensive examination, learners are eligible to register for the first dissertation course. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Prerequisite(s): Completion of all required and elective coursework with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. Completion of practicum courses, if applicable. Fulfillment of all residency requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits

Learners must register for GBUS9960 a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements.

GBUS9960 *
Dissertation Courseroom

This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Department consent is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Prerequisite(s): BMGT9919 or OM9919 or GBUS9919. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.

3 quarter credits each

 

 

One Elective Course

 

 

At least 4 quarter credits

Choose any business management (BMGT) course(s).

 

 

Total

 

 

At least 90 quarter credits

* Denotes courses that have prerequisite(s). Refer to the descriptions for further details.

Learners who do not complete all program requirements within quarter credit/program point minimums will be required to accrue such additional quarter credits/program points as are associated with any additional or repeat coursework necessary for successful completion of program requirements.

PhD in Leadership | Online Doctoral Degree Program | Course Information | Capella University
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What Can I Expect?

Each unit consists of readings, discussions, and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Assignments are due on Sundays, though not every course requires an assignment each week.

In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.

Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.

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PhD in Leadership | Online Doctoral Degree Program | Course Information | Capella University
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