Research projects in the domain of DBA aim to address real-world problems, enhance professional practice, or develop new knowledge. These projects aim to contribute to the theoretical knowledge and its practical application in the domain of business administration. Choosing the right project topic can, in fact, drive tangible results for the organization where they work. Such high-quality output is a significant reason these professionals receive a monthly average base pay of SGD 11,576.
This blog will demonstrate how learners in Singapore can select the best DBA research topics and highlight the most trending areas to choose from in 2026.
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DBA Research Topics: How to Choose One That Drives Business Outcomes
The first step in selecting the right DBA research topic is to align your professional and personal interests with the present research gaps and industry trends. It must address a significant problem, be practically relevant, and offer novel insights.
Identifying Expertise and Interests
DBA candidates need to understand that their research will require a significant time and effort. Therefore, they must select a topic they genuinely care about. They must reflect on their work experience and identify areas where they possess expertise. They can also examine areas where they have encountered challenges and would like to explore further through a project. In these cases, it is always better to align the topic with their long-term career aspirations.
Reviewing Existing Literature and Identifying Gaps
Candidates must stay current with the latest research in their field, follow key scholars, and regularly read academic journals to remain informed and up-to-date. They must conduct a detailed review to assess the current state of knowledge and identify areas that require further research. Candidates can also emphasise areas where existing research has failed to address the problem entirely or offer any new points of view.
Also Read: Best Online DBA Programs in Singapore: A Complete 2026 Guide
Considering Industry Trends and Relevance
Practical relevance is an essential factor when it comes to choosing the right DBA research topics. This necessity is the reason why candidates need to stay aware of emerging trends, challenges, and technologies that are currently affecting businesses. In this context, candidates can focus on issues that companies are presently encountering, such as digital transformation, the impact of AI, and sustainability. Candidates must ensure that they address a significant problem through their research or offer fresh insights that can make a substantial contribution to the field of business administration.
Seeking Feedback and Refining the Topic
They must seek advice from professors, industry experts, and mentors to refine their topic and ensure it is both feasible and viable. They should work closely with their supervisors to ensure that their topic aligns with their research goals and the program’s expectations.
Defining Practicality and Scope
Candidates should always choose a topic that they can complete comfortably within the resources and time frame available to them. They must always consider the data and resources they need to conduct their research, which includes access to relevant databases, research grants, and specialized software.
Also Read: DBA Research vs. PhD Research: What’s the Difference?
Stepwise Topic Selection Framework
Choosing a Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) research topic in Singapore needs a systematic approach that bridges real-world and practical business challenges specific to the Southeast Asian country with academic rigor.
The process focuses on aligning professional and personal interests with academic gaps and market trends, followed by topic refinement for viability and expert consultation.
Step 1: Interest Exploration and Self-Assessment
- Reflecting on your career.
- Aligning it with your career goals.
- Identifying areas of expertise.
Step 2: Industry and Market Trend Alignment
- Researching emerging trends.
- Addressing specific local issues.
- Looking for interdisciplinary opportunities.
Step 3: Reviewing the Existing Literature in Detail
- Reading academic journals.
- Identifying unresolved issues.
- Finding a niche.
Step 4: Refining the Topic and Consulting Other Academics
- Engaging with your supervisors.
- Seeking feedback from industry experts.
- Preparing a research proposal.
Step 5: Defining Scope and Feasibility
- Evaluating resource availability.
- Assessing data accessibility.
- Defining a clear scope.
- Staying flexible.
Top Trending DBA Research Areas in 2026
In 2026, the most popular topics for DBA research include digital transformation, leadership, sustainability, and the integration of AI into business decision-making. The most prominent DBA research topics examples right now are:
| Core Area | Prominent Example/Topic |
| Digital Transformation and Business Model Innovation. | Integration of AI, IoT, and Blockchain in Business Operations. |
| Sustainability Business Practices and Corporate Social Responsibility. | Impact of CSR on Customer Loyalty and Brand Reputation. |
| Leadership Strategies in Remote and Hybrid Work Environments. | The Impact of Remote Work on Employee Engagement and Productivity. |
| Artificial Intelligence in Strategic Decision-Making. | AI-Driven Decision-Making Processes and Their Accuracy. |
Also Read: Career Paths in Singapore After Your DBA Degree
Real-World Examples and Case Studies
| Core Area | Prominent Example |
| Digital Transformation and AI Integration. | Adoption of AI in the Financial Sector of Singapore. |
| Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Sustainability. | Sustainable Supply Chain Management in the Manufacturing Sector of Singapore. |
| Hybrid Leadership and Future of Work. | Managing Employee Engagement in Hybrid Work Environments. |
| Innovation in Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) and Technology Sectors. | Scaling a Singaporean Tech Startup in Southeast Asian Markets. |
| Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Governance. | Cybersecurity Governance for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore. |
All these topics are essential for different reasons.
- For example, Singapore is a Smart Nation that is strongly pushing for digital adoption, making it a highly relevant domain for applied research.
- Singapore is also focusing strongly on the Green Plan 2030, which puts businesses under growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. This offers a rich area of research possibilities for DBA students.
- Many companies in Singapore employ hybrid work arrangements, which have led to the emergence of new organizational behavior and leadership-related challenges, providing another area for DBA students to explore in their research.
DBA Career and ROI Insights
Having a DBA equips you with the skills to work in a wide variety of prestigious and lucrative roles, such as the following:
- C-Suite and Executive Leadership
- Management Consulting
- Research and Academic Roles
- Government and Public Policy
- Entrepreneurship
Having a DBA in Singapore helps you earn between SGD 96,000 and SGD 105,000 a year with 1-3 years’ experience. Overall, this amount can reach SGD 120,000 per year with more experience.
Your job designation also plays a significant role in how much money you earn as a DBA graduate in Singapore. For example, as a director of strategy in Singapore, you can earn between SGD 132,000 and SGD 192,000 a year.
Source: Glassdoor, as of January 6, 2025
Singapore-Specific Trends and Companies
Hiring trends in Singapore indicate that the market is strong for DBA graduates. This is especially true for sectors such as finance, consulting, and technology. Companies seek DBAs for high-level roles due to their advanced research capabilities and strategic skills.
The following are the top companies hiring DBA graduates in different sectors:
Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) and Technology
- Amazon
- Microsoft
- TikTok
- Tencent
- National Computer Systems (NCS)
- Shopee
- ByteDance
Finance and Banking
- Development Bank of Singapore (DBS)
- Citi
- Goldman Sachs
- Morgan Stanley
- JPMorgan
Consulting
- McKinsey & Company
- Bain & Company
- Deloitte
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Capgemini
Healthcare
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital
- SingHealth Group
- Medpace
- National University Health System (NUHS)
Education and Public Sector
- Nanyang Technological University (NTU)
- Singapore Economic Development Board (SEDB)
How upGrad Helps You Craft Impactful DBA Research Aligned With Business Goals
The online DBA programs offered through upGrad enable candidates to earn the highest degree in the field of business administration, equivalent to a PhD, in just 36 months. These accredited doctoral degree programs are entirely online, with the option of on-campus immersion as well.
- 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
For complete information on these programs, email query@upgrad.com or call +65-6232-6730.
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FAQs on How to Choose a DBA Research Topic
Q: Are there specific industries better suited for DBA research?
Ans: The most suitable industries for DBA research are:
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Manufacturing
DBA research is beneficial for nearly all industries, but the sectors mentioned above are commonly associated with such advanced business research.
Q: How do I find the right research supervisor for my DBA?
Ans: To find the right research supervisor for their project, DBA candidates need to carefully consider their expertise, along with their mentoring style, how they align with their research interests, and their communication skills.
Q: Does my employer need to be involved in my research?
Ans: The involvement of a student’s employer in their research depends on the terms of the latter’s employment and the nature of their research.
Q: What are some recent examples of DBA research projects?
Ans: Candidates seeking contemporary topics for their DBA research project can focus on real-world challenges and emerging business trends, such as digital transformation and sustainable business practices.
Q: Does upGrad help with DBA research design and support?
Ans: Yes, the DBA programs available through upGrad offer candidates research design and other such support services. These programs provide candidates with the skills to conduct rigorous research.
