Programs Director’s Message
Dr. Abdul Hamid Kwarteng
Programs Director, Professional Doctorate Degree Programs
There are extraordinary political and economic developments in Africa that are spawning new rules, incentives, and opportunities for development and fueling new sources of engagement within the global economy. These changes pose three new challenges to executives operating in Africa. The first challenge is the development of new practical models for understanding, evaluating, and affecting the efficient and fair practice of business in Africa. More than ever, Africa needs executives with advanced cognitive leadership skills to dis-cover the limitations of current management practices, develop deeper insights into what works and what does not work, develop and apply new knowledge and next practices based on rigorous and sound empirical evidence.Secondly, in the midst of an increasing number of business schools in Africa, there is a severe shortage of doctoral business practitioners and faculty. This situation adversely affects the quality of business school graduates. The third challenge is that, given the increasing dynamism and complexity in the African business, many executives have high intellectual ambition to advance an area of practice in the industry. They want to go beyond the learning of existing knowledge to a whole new level – creating and sharing new knowledge and practices.
The NiBS professional doctorate programs help executives develop the ‘practitioner-scholar’ ability, with applied research and analytical skills to navigate these new business challenges by making evidence-based decisions. The programs also respond to the doctoral business faculty shortage in Africa by developing applied research, publishing and teaching capacity of senior executives. Finally, they address the lifelong learning needs of intellectually active professionals who wish to continue their education at the highest level to become thought-leaders in their industries.
You will collaborate with other executive participants and leading professors in an enlightening learning journey that will bring the best in you to achieve your highest personal and professional goals. Many say this is a new dawn for Africa, but the dawn requires executive creativity and innovation in business practice to emerge and shine. Our program helps you to discover, lead and share the new business practices and knowledge that would nourish the new African dawn.
We look forward to seeing you in the program!
Best wishes.
Professional Doctorate Programs at a Glance
- Block Modular Course Delivery
- Research-oriented focused on real-world, practical issues
- Face-to-Face On-Campus Classes
- LIVE face to face Digital Channel Classes, where necessary
- 12-15 months completion period
- Enrolment – April/May and September/October
Locations : Accra and Lagos
Academic Programs
We offer the following graduate programs, including:
- PhD in Strategy and Innovation
- PhD in Organizational Leadership
- Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL)
- Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership (DPSIL)
- Master of Business Leadership (MBL)
- Master of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership (MPSIL)
List of Programs
Academic Doctorate Programs
PhD in Strategy and Innovation
Program Overview: This academic doctorate program is designed for those seeking to push the boundaries of innovation and strategic knowledge development and application in challenging traditional business models. It calls for revision and advancement based on dynamics in business, management, leadership, and technology.Â
Program Objectives: The specific objective of this program is to allow students to:
- Develop substantive knowledge in strategy and innovation.
- Master the analytical and methodological skills required to evaluate and conduct research in strategy and innovation.
- Design and conduct original research in strategy and innovation.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of their research clearly and effectively.
- Demonstrate an understanding and concern for the high ethical standards in strategy and innovation research, teaching, and service.
- Demonstrate the ability to teach tertiary-level courses in strategy and innovation.
PhD in Organizational Leadership
Program Overview: This academic doctorate program aims to cultivate the leadership needed to inspire teams, manage change, transform organizational culture, and command effective followership based on dynamics in organizational behaviour.Â
Program Objectives: The specific objective of this program is to allow students to:
- Develop substantive knowledge in leadership.
- Master the analytical and methodological skills required to evaluate and conduct research in leadership.
- Design and conduct original research in leadership.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of their research in a clear and effective manner.
- Demonstrate an understanding and concern for the high ethical standards in leadership research, teaching, and service.
- Demonstrate the ability to teach tertiary-level courses in leadership.
Admission Requirement
- Master or MPhil Degree in Management, Business, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Supply-Chain Management, Organizational Behaviour, Economics, Business Law, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Strategy, Project Management, Human Resource Management, Leadership, Management, Public Administration, and Information Systems management.
- Applicants must attain a minimum GPA of 2.75 to be admitted.
- Applicants with a professional accounting qualification, e.g., ICAG, ACCA, CIMA, etc., in addition to a non-research EMBA, a non-business-related MBA, MA, or MSc from an accredited university/college with a minimum 3.0 CGPA, will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
- Completed application form
- Pass an interview with the admission committee
- Full Resume
- 2 Passport pictures
- Application Fee
- Certified transcript
- International applicants may be admitted on the basis of qualifications from their home country universities for which equivalence shall be determined by the Ghana Tertiary Education Council (GTEC) and submitted to the university.
- Evidence of proficiency in English Language will be required from students from non-English speaking countries.
Duration:
Full Time: 3 – 4 years
Part-Time: 4 – 5 years
Duration and Courses:
Year 1
Semester 1
- Scientific Inquiry & Theory Development
- Managing Organizations
- Business Economics
- Marketing Management
- Managing Operations
Specialization Elective course:
- Innovation Management Theory (PhD Strategy and Innovation Specialization Only)
- Leadership Theory (PhD Organizational Leadership Specialization Only)
Semester 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Qualitative Research I
- Qualitative Research II
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Managerial Finance
Specialization Elective course:
- Strategic Management Research (PhD Strategy and Innovation Specialization Only)
- Corporate Governance & Ethics (PhD Organizational Leadership Specialization Only)
Year 2 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Semester 1
- Quantitative Research Methods I
- Quantitative Research Methods II
- Comprehensive Examination
- Research Proposal & Defense
Specialization Elective course:
- Special Topics in Strategy & Innovation (PhD Strategy and Innovation Specialization Only)
- Special Topics in Leadership (PhD Organizational Leadership Specialization Only)
Semester 2 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Academic Writing & Publishing
- D. Thesis Project
Year 3
- D. Thesis Project
- Teaching Seminar & Practicum
- Â
Professional Doctorate Programs
Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership (DPSIL)
Program Overview: The program is unique in its focus on educating senior public sector executives. It attracts professionals already working in the public sector who are looking to enhance their leadership and innovation capabilities while continuing to work. Participants can readily apply their new frameworks and models to impact their work decisions. Finally, the program combines the traditional doctoral studies rigor and academic excellence with the practical focus and real-world relevance of an applied managerial research program. This premier professional doctorate program in Africa is designed to help address the unique challenges of public sector governance. It provides a comprehensive understanding and focuses on innovative leadership. Knowledge gained in this program helps prepare graduates for driving public policy transformation, dealing with uncertainties in leading public sector institutions, and enhancing the delivery of services with impact and integrity.
Program Objectives: The objectives of the program are to equip students with the knowledge and skills to:Â
- Apply leadership principles and practices that foster innovation in public sector organizations
- Develop proficiency in analyzing, evaluating, and contributing to innovative public policies in the public sector that effectively address societal needs.
- Foster a global outlook on public sector challenges and apply international best practices.Â
- Lead organizational change, foster a culture of innovation, and align organizational objectives with public service goals.Â
- Develop advanced research skills to engage in scholarly inquiry and enhance evidence-based decision-making within the public sector.Â
- Demonstrate expertise in a specific topic area through designing, executing, and completing a doctoral thesis that contributes to knowledge and practice of the field by the third or fourth year.
- Demonstrate the ability to disseminate new knowledge through publications in practitioner journals, conferences, and, where possible, academic outlets.
Duration and Courses- Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership (DPSIL)
Year 1
Semester 1Â Â Â Â Â
- Philosophy of Business & Management Research
- Qualitative Research Methodology
- Quantitative Research Methodology
- Public Sector Innovation Theory and Practice
Semester 2Â Â Â Â Â
- Leadership, Governance, and Ethics
- Organizational Change and Innovation
- Public Service Management and Design
- Leading Digital Innovation and Transformation
Year 2
Semester 1Â Â Â Â Â
- Academic & Managerial Writing
- Teaching & Pedagogy
- Teaching Practicum
- Comprehensive Examination
- Research Proposal Defence
Semester 2Â Â Â Â Â
- Thesis Project 1: Problem Statement
- Thesis Project 2: Lit Review & Conceptualization
- Thesis Project 3: Research Methods, Field Research & Data Collection
Year 3
Semester 1Â Â Â Â Â
- Thesis Project 4: Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Completion
Semester 2Â Â Â Â Â
- Thesis Project 5: External examination, Mock and Public Defence
Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL)
Program Overview: This premier professional doctorate program in West Africa is designed for high-profile, accomplished professionals seeking to expand their leadership pursuits at the pinnacle of their administrative careers (often C-suite leaders) in organizations. Graduates under this program will be equipped with the capabilities to launch their long-term careers and successfully achieve their firm's strategic goals in a highly competitive and global environment.Â
Program Objectives: The specific objectives of this program include:
- Enable business leaders to develop their skills in understanding, evaluating and creating new knowledge within their profession, thereby making an individual and independent contribution to the development/ enhancement of professional practice in business leadership.
- To enable experienced business leaders, to develop a deeper understanding of leadership theory and research.
- To develop ‘practitioner-scholars’ who will conduct and publish the results of rigorous applied leadership research that advances an area of knowledge and practice, and
- To develop academically sound business leaders who will be able to teach/transfer their knowledge in the various fields of leadership and governance.
- Produce a thesis or portfolio based on high-quality original research of publishable standard (suitable for dissemination to their profession), demonstrating critical evaluation and synthesis in relation to current literature and professional leadership practice
Duration and Courses- Doctor of Business Leadership (DBL)
Year 1
Semester 1
- Management Research Perspectives
- Information Technologies for Business Research
- Qualitative Research Methods
- Quantitative Research Methods
Semester 2
- Leadership Theory and Practice
- Organizational Behavior Theory
- Leadership Ethics, Governance & Social Responsibility
Year 2
Semester 1Â Â Â Â Â
- Comprehensive Examination
- Research Proposal Defence
Semester 2Â Â Â Â Â
- Thesis Project 1: Problem Statement
- Thesis Project 2: Literature Review & Conceptualization
- Thesis Project 3: Research Methods, Field Research & Data Collection
Year 3
Semester 1Â Â Â Â Â
- Thesis Project 4: Data Analysis, Interpretation, Thesis Completion
- Thesis Project 5: External examination, Mock and Public Defence
Semester 2Â Â Â Â Â
- Academic & Managerial Writing
- Pedagogy of Teaching
- Teaching Practicum
Admission Requirement
Prospective applicants are required to have any of the following qualifications:
- Master's degree by research or coursework in a public administration, management, or business-related discipline (e.g., HRM, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Strategy, etc) and at least five years of relevant work experience.
Or
- Master's degree by research or coursework in non-management/business-related disciplines, a relevant professional qualification (ACCA, ICAG, CIM, CFA, etc), and at least five years of relevant work experience.
Foreign Applicants
- International applicants must have an equivalent master's degree in a public administration, management/business-related discipline (e.g., HRM, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Strategy, etc) and five years of relevant work experience. GTEC determines degree equivalence.
- Applicants from non-English-speaking Countries must provide evidence of English Language Proficiency.Â
Plus
- Completed Application Form
- Pass an Interview with the Admission Committee
- Full Resume
- 2 Passport Pictures
- Copy of Passport Page
- Application Fee
Duration:
Full Time: 3 – 4 years
Part-Time: 4 – 5 years
Duration and Courses:
Year 1Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Semester 1
- Scientific Inquiry & Theory Development
- Managing Organizations
- Business Economics
- Marketing Management
- Managing Operations
Specialization Elective course:
- Innovation Management Theory (PhD Strategy and Innovation Specialization Only)
- Leadership Theory (PhD Organizational Leadership Specialization Only)
Semester 2Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Qualitative Research I
- Qualitative Research II
- Accounting for Decision Making
- Managerial Finance
Specialization Elective course:
- Strategic Management Research (PhD Strategy and Innovation Specialization Only)
- Corporate Governance & Ethics (PhD Organizational Leadership Specialization Only)
Year 2 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Semester 1
- Quantitative Research Methods I
- Quantitative Research Methods II
- Comprehensive Examination
- Research Proposal & Defense
Specialization Elective course:
- Special Topics in Strategy & Innovation (PhD Strategy and Innovation Specialization Only)
- Special Topics in Leadership (PhD Organizational Leadership Specialization Only)
Semester 2 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
- Academic Writing & Publishing
- D. Thesis Project
Year 3
- D. Thesis Project
- Teaching Seminar & Practicum
- Â
Master Degree Programs
Master of Business Leadership
Program Overview: This one-year master's program is designed for emerging leaders seeking to advance their leadership and organizational development skills as they climb the corporate ladder. The Program is NEW – no University in Ghana offers this program underpinned by transformative leadership education at the master's level. It is the first in Ghana's tertiary education system to emphasize developing a deep understanding of how students can develop from followers to leaders. It provides specific knowledge, skills, and assignments for this purpose. Secondly, the strategic focus of the program is to help students develop a critical understanding of four key enablers of personal leadership: emotional, cultural, contextual intelligence, and ethics, which are rarely developed in tandem. Third, the unique blended delivery model leads to minimal time away from the workplace, including some weekend study periods and extensive support. Fourthly, several assignments allow students to apply their new knowledge to an organization or industry.Â
Program Objectives: Upon completing this program, participants should be able to:Â
- Critically appraise the abilities and skills supporting strategic leaders.
- Evaluate and use a range of variables influencing strategic leadership requirements.Â
- Assess strategies for building effective relationships with followers.Â
- Analyse and implement a personal strategic leadership learning ambition and development strategy.
- Evaluate the principles for leading and developing people on equality, diversity, and inclusion principles.
- Accurately formulate a leadership research problem, evaluate methodologies, acquire and analyze data, and present results orally and in writing.
Courses for Master of Business Leadership Program
- Leadership Theory and Practice in Africa
- Leading Digital Strategy & Transformation
- Talent Management & the Future of Work
- Managing Innovation and Organizational Change
- Sustainability Leadership, Ethics, and CSR
- Leadership Dynamics – From Follower to a Leader
- Strategic Risk Management
- Employment Law for Leaders
- Research Methods
- Applied Research Project
Master of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership
Program Overview: This one-year master's program is designed for leaders in the non-profit and public sectors, where leadership is in high demand in a constantly changing environment. Graduates in this program are empowered to think strategically and suggest innovative ways of driving and managing change in the public service. This program is NEW and unique in the tertiary education space. This program uniquely integrates Public Sector Innovation and Leadership. This program explores public sector leadership, innovation, and transformational change in its broadest sense. It examines the nature and extent of public sector reforms and developments and the underlying concepts and drivers of services design and delivery.Â
Program Objectives: Upon completing the program, students should be able to:
- Develop effective leadership skills tailored to the public sector to navigate complex structures for innovative solutions.
- Use tools and strategies for effective change management within public organizations, addressing resistance and facilitating innovative initiatives.
- Develop knowledge of trends and best practices in public sector innovation for a broader perspective on challenges and solutions.Â
- Develop a deep understanding of innovation theories, methodologies, and strategies for creative problem-solving to produce a master thesis.
- Build leadership skills in public sector innovation to lead teams in designing and implementing solutions to contemporary public challenges.
Courses for Master of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership Program
- Public Sector Innovation
- Public Services Design and Delivery
- Leading Digital Transformation
- Citizen and Employee Experience Management
- Performance Management in the Public Sector
- Digital Governance
- Leadership in the Public Sector
- Organizational Change and Innovation
- Research Methods
- Applied Research Project
Admission Requirement
- Bachelor's degree (minimum 3rd class) in any discipline, with at least 2 years of relevant work experience.
Or
- Professional Qualifications (e.g., ICAG, ACCA, CIM, CIMA, etc.), with at least two years of relevant work experience.
International Applicants
- International applicants must have an equivalent Bachelor's degree (minimum 3rd class) in any discipline with two years of relevant work experience. GTEC would determine degree equivalence.
- International applicants from non-English-speaking Countries must show evidence of English Language Proficiency.Â
Or
- Substantial business and entrepreneurial experience – NiBS will consider the application of candidates who have at least 15 years of relevant work experience. Such participants must not be more than 10% of any cohort.
- International applicants may be admitted based on qualifications from their home country universities with equivalence determined by GTEC and submitted to NiBS.
- Evidence of English Language Proficiency is required from students from non-English-speaking countries.Â
Plus
- Completed Application Form
- Pass an Interview with the Admission Committee
- Full Resume
- 2 Passport Pictures
- Copy of Passport Page
- Application Fee
Duration:
Full-time – 12 – 15 months
Delivery Mode
Blended format on-campus, face-to-face, or live online during weekends, evenings, or weekdays.
ACADEMIC DOCTORATE PROGRAMS
- Modular Block Intensive Delivery –We deliver each course with pre- and post-course assignments over several days. The block mode may include a blended format (face-to-face and Live Online, including full-day, evening, and weekend attendance requirements.
- Business Simulation – Students run a business in a simulated environment and manage all the critical aspects of the company r project. This process enables students to lead business strategies in a risk-free environment. Business simulation provides more meaningful and deeper learning and practical skill development than more traditional static case studies.
- Experienced Faculty – We blend experienced academics and doctoral-qualified practitioners as Executive Doctors in Residence. These senior executives have doctorate degrees and can shape and add value to students’ personal and professional development.
- Use of a blend of Local and Foreign Case Studies – Students use a blend of foreign and African case studies to evaluate business dilemmas and decisions. We use case studies to cultivate the capacity for critical analysis, judgment, decision-making, and action and to build that student’s meta-skills – those like preparation, discernment, bias recognition, judgment, curiosity, collaboration, and self-confidence that stay a lifetime and are helpful in all spheres of life.
- Industry Project – Industry projects help students bridge the gap between classroom learning and the real business world. Industry projects offer hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to make a difference with partner organizations. You’ll apply theory to practice to solve real-world business problems for various organizations. Students have one of three industry project options:
- Industry Pathway – The industry pathway provides the opportunity to obtain practical experience in planning and implementing a project with an industry partner and gain insight into the subject matter as a career. Students apply the knowledge gained in the Program to generate an innovative solution to a specific problem and report recommendations to a company.
- Startup Pathway – The Startup Pathway provides the opportunity to obtain practical experience planning and implementing a new idea and gain insight into entrepreneurship. Students provide managerially helpful and theoretically underpinned advice and recommendations.
- Applied Research Pathway – This pathway provides the opportunity to obtain practical experience in planning and implementing a subject-matter-related applied research project. Students develop an awareness of the appropriate use of theory, literature, methodology, and data in pursuing an original thesis.
- Experiential Activities – We complement the lectures and seminars with renowned professionals who present their experiences and case studies on leadership, change management, and emerging business management topics through workshops. Students may also visit companies where professional experts and leaders share their experiences and provide best practices in specific industry sectors.
- Optional Foreign Study Trip – Working with partner schools and organizations in other countries, we organize an 8-day study trip for each program cohort. The trip provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in an international subject-related hot spot to discuss and learn new subject matter practices from foreign executives.
Master Degree Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline, with at least five years of experience (EMBA program) and two years of relevant work experience for other Master’s programs
- Professional Qualifications (e.g., AIB, ICAG, ACCA, CIM, CIMA, etc.), with at least five years of experience for EMBA and two years of relevant work experience for other programs.
- Applicants with HND and other professional development certificates and at least five years of management experience are assessed case-by-case.
Credit transfer through recognition for prior learning (RPL)
- Applicants may be granted entry with advanced standing if they can demonstrate equivalence to the learning outcomes of a module.
- A student can gain credit for an award through prior certificated learning.
- Students may receive a maximum of 15 credits.
Master's Degree Program Duration
- Full-time – 12 – 15 months – Delivered in blended format on-campus, face-to-face, or live online during weekends, evenings, or weekdays.
Certification
-
All Master’s degree students graduate from NiBS with two certificates plus a certificate of international study trip, where applicable.
- Master’s degree certificate
- Professional Certificate in the specific subject area
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