Testimonials:
"I decided to undertake a doctorate mainly because I was concerned that I’d stopped learning. I found myself naturally accumulating facts, ideas and concepts but in a random way, with no real structure, overarching theory or indeed anything to really link them together.
A doctorate felt like a good way to get a deeper understanding of a specific topic, which I was passionate about, and to use it as a method to actually learn how to do research, in a logical, practical way.
I chose the Grenoble DBA because of its emphasis on practical application, its managerial focus and because it seemed well-suited to someone with a real job.
The program has been good for me. The workload has been huge, but that's been my choice and, in fact, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve learnt a lot about my subject, but also about academia and research. If I’m honest, I have occasionally found myself feeling lost in this new world of academic research, but my advisor always manages to get me back on track with renewed momentum. My peers, those in my cohort, are a great group of people with whom I’ve enjoyed working and our mutual support has been invaluable. I have successfully completed Stage I."
- Jim Pulcrano, Executive Director, IMD-Lausanne
"When I came across an article on the Grenoble-Webster DBA program in Le Temps, I immediately realised that it was the right choice for me. After more than 30 years in the information and communication technology business, I knew it was time to pass my accumulated knowledge and experience on to the next generation of business practitioners.
By focusing research on practical business issues, the DBA offers a unique opportunity to earn academic recognition, as well as providing teaching opportunities, while serving the business community.
Living in the Geneva area, and being a Webster alumnus (MBA 1999), I knew the campus, the faculty and administration well. Engaging in the Grenoble-Webster DBA Cohort was therefore a comfortable choice. I knew I could benefit from both the Grenoble École de Management faculty and the quality and professionalism of the Webster University Geneva team.
The DBA is a long journey and a demanding one. However, solidarity and team spirit among DBA students is a tangible reality, which is invaluable. The DBA program pulls together experts in a variety of fields, who spend two years as a cohort, discussing, commenting, debating and helping one another. It was extremely rewarding to contribute to this high-level discussion among business professionals, united by the same willingness to pursue academic excellence. I am now in Stage 2 of the DBA program."
- Fernando Lagraña, Adjunct Professor of Management, Webster University, Geneva. Former Director of TELECOM, ITU-Geneva
"Having spent many years in senior management positions in multinational corporations, I decided to change my career path, moving into teaching and consultancy. With the credentials and depth of knowledge I’ve gained from the DBA program, I’m confident that I’ll be able to confidently manage the new challenges in my future professional life.
I chose the Grenoble Ecole de Management DBA, because GEM is one of the best business schools in Europe and the DBA program is both interesting and flexible. The affiliation with Webster University of Geneva was also an important criterion for my decision as the two business schools bring together a significant expertise and international reputation in research and business innovation.
I am 3 years into the program now and plan to submit my thesis this year. The experience has been very challenging but with highly qualified and helpful professors, it has also been incredibly rewarding. I would recommend the program to anyone who is interested in joining the academic community or enriching their knowledge in the field of management science. "
- Lila Malliari, Adjunct Professor of Marketing, Webster University, Geneva. Former Marketing Director & Member of Executive Board of Directors at Toyota-Hellas
"I found the Grenoble DBA program to have the right mix of schedule flexibility combined with rigorous and fully accredited instruction that I was unable to find elsewhere.
This intense but rewarding program has had the welcome side effect of expanding my professional network with leading researchers and global executives."
- John Jutila, Corporate Executive, Alcatel-Lucent
"There were two principal reasons for me to pursue a DBA. The first was to obtain a qualification that would enable me to teach in graduate schools of business. Teaching is my passion and a way to contribute to education, especially in developing countries. The second reason was to deepen my knowledge and understanding of Sales Competence, which is an area of specific professional interest.
What attracted me most to the Grenoble-Webster DBA was the real (business) world context of the program. The opportunity to connect with a culturally and professionally diverse group of fellow students was also an enriching expectation.
Stage I of the program was an important learning phase. Program faculty was extremely supportive and provided valuable guidance. Much of my literature research proved to be of immediate value in my day-to-day job at Caterpillar."
- Ruud Kronenburg, Dean, College of Marketing and Distribution, Caterpillar University. Regional Manager EAME, Caterpillar, Geneva
"I searched throughout the US and the EU for a prestigious doctorate program that offered both academic rigor and relevance to the real business world. A PhD would provide the rigor, but not the pragmatic. The DBA keeps you firmly grounded in the practical application of theory and research to solving real world problems.
The Grenoble-Webster DBA program fit my expectations for rigor, accreditation and real world relevance. The supervisors at GEM are incredible, the resources and classes are both interesting and relevant. Coming from Texas, I was looking for a genuinely international experience. With the Grenoble-Webster DBA program, my colleagues both think and act globally!
I moved into Stage II of the DBA in September 2010. I participate in academic conferences and engage in the community of people who are dedicated to my field, both in academia and industry. I've also begun lecturing at business schools, in international entrepreneurial programs and at industry conferences. The momentum coming out of Stage I is both exhilarating and motivating!"
- Donna Kidwell, Global Program Manager at IC2 Institute @ The University of Texas at Austin, USA. General Advisory Board Member, MANCEF
