About this document
The March 2020 issue opens with a substantial editorial on the need to clarify the difference between the DBA and the PhD. Prompted by a conversation with a fellow professor, the president recalls points the institute considers obvious but which are not yet universally shared. The two degrees have distinct purposes, as reaffirmed by the document published by EQUAL: the PhD prepares future professors whose main activity will be teaching and research, whereas the DBA is designed for business professionals with proven managerial experience who, with the support of professors, undertake conceptual work grounded in their practice and leading to managerial recommendations. The motivations expressed by candidates during admission interviews are equally clear, as documented in the book How to successfully complete your DBA, and since its creation in 2012 the institute has stated on its website that the Executive DBA is not designed to allow someone to become a university professor. The issue continues with the Saper & Praxis survey, testimonies on the impact of the Executive DBA, alumni news, a new faculty member, the interview of the month, a doctoral award, the DBA managerial impact prize, videos, publications, admissions and the agenda. The editorial insists that recognising these distinct purposes protects both degrees and helps candidates choose the path that matches their professional project, rather than opposing academic rigour and managerial relevance.