Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degrees are gaining popularity among working professionals in Canada who seek to acquire specialized knowledge in business administration and advance their careers. Currently, there is a growing demand for leaders who can navigate complex business challenges, implement effective solutions, and drive innovation in a rapidly changing business environment. It also helps that a DBA degree holder in Canada can earn around CAD 120,000 a year on average.
This blog will discuss the leading DBA research topics that have high demand in industries across Canada and also show students how to select the right topic for their DBA research.
Source: Payscale
Top DBA Research Topics Aligned with Industry Demand in Canada
For students who want to complete a DBA program, research is an inalienable part of the process. However, it is also ineffective to choose just any topic for research. Students must select an area that offers them the maximum opportunities.
Managing Technology and Innovation
Experts say that technology and innovation management are critical topics right now in the context of business administration, and this is why they are among the most prominent DBA thesis topics out there. The most essential issues in this context include questions on R&D, business models, strategy, and innovation. All of them are just as important from a managerial point of view as they are from a theoretical one. Continuing and rapid change are among the biggest drivers of demand in this context.
Sustainable Development and Resource Management
Experts have identified themes such as energy management, sustainable development, and water management as the most significant macroeconomic trends of the entire century, underscoring their importance in the broader context. They say that if these issues are not solved immediately, it might put life on Earth in serious jeopardy.
Also Read: How to Choose the Right Online DBA Program in Canada
Social Entrepreneurship
In recent years, an increasing number of MBA students have been specializing in social entrepreneurship, and this field also offers ample opportunities to students pursuing a DBA degree. These are some of the reasons why it is one of the top DBA research topics in leadership right now. The most in-demand topics in this context can be frugal innovations and business models that can help developing countries. The major drivers of change in this context are changes in society, attitude, and economy.
Corporate Responsibility, Accountability, and Ethics
Corporate social responsibility has been a significant topic for some time now, and leaders in this field say that it is an important priority area of research. Experts identify ethics as one of the most pressing issues in the context of business research today. Many top educational institutions are also prioritizing research excellence in sustainability, ethics, and responsibility these days.
Finance and Accounting
Accounting and finance are high-demand areas in the context of DBA studies, placing it among the premier DBA research topics. Experts predict that in the future, there will be an increasing demand for accounting models that can be employed in the case of intangible assets. One of the most prominent research topics in this context is the assessment of fair value accounting.
Also Read: Top 10 Universities in Canada (and Beyond) for DBA Aspirants
How to Choose the Right DBA Research Topic
Students seeking to select the right DBA dissertation ideas must identify gaps in existing business administration knowledge, align them with their expertise and interests, and ensure that the research is feasible and will have the desired impact.
| Core Area | Points to Consider |
| Identifying Interests and Expertise |
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| Conducting Literature Review |
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| Considering Scope and Feasibility |
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| Seeking Guidance and Feedback |
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| Ensuring Impact and Relevance |
|
Also Read: Using AI in DBA Research: Tools for Canadian Students
How upGrad Helps You Explore In-Demand DBA Research Areas
With the online DBA programs offered through upGrad, students can receive the best education, which also means they will have the opportunity to work on top-notch DBA research proposal topics. These programs enable students to attain the highest possible level of education in business administration within a span of 36 months or less.
- DBA, Golden Gate University
- DBA in Emerging Technologies with concentration in Generative AI, Golden Gate University
- DBA, Edgewood University
- Dual Degree MBA and DBA, Edgewood University
- DBA, ESGCI
- DBA, Rushford Business School
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FAQs On Research Areas for DBA Candidates in Canada
Q: Which research areas have the most career value in a DBA program?
Ans: The research areas with the most significant career value in DBA are:
- Strategic Management
- Innovation
- Leadership
- Organizational Behavior
- Practical Business Applications
Q: Which sectors in Canada actively seek DBA-qualified professionals?
Ans: The following sectors in Canada actively seek DBA-qualified professionals:
- Technology
- Finance
- Healthcare
- Engineering
- Management
- Consulting
- Academia
Q: Can I publish my DBA research internationally?
Ans: Yes, DBA students can publish their research internationally, as many publishing platforms and international journals accept such papers.
Q: Are there any industry-linked DBA topics I can pursue in Canada?
Ans: DBA students in Canada can research the following industry-linked areas:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Leadership
- Project Management
- Strategic Management
- Entrepreneurship
- International Business
Q: Does upGrad offer guidance on selecting a research topic?
Ans: Yes, upGrad does indeed offer guidance to DBA students when it comes to selecting research topics with its various learning resources.
