New Director for the Southampton Doctorate of Business Administration
Dr Melanie Ashleigh has been named the new Director of the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) programme at the University of Southampton.
“I am delighted to lead this exciting programme that challenges senior executives to analyse a complex business problem in their own workplace, develop their managerial and academic skills and knowledge and apply them within their own companies and organisations,” she says.
The Associate Professor of Human Resource Management and Organisational Behaviour has taught at Southampton Business School for 20 years and also researches trust within teams, especially within technology, entrepreneurial start-ups and healthcare companies. A qualified psychotherapist with her own practice, Melanie has been supervising students on the DBA programme for several years and knows how advanced study can change lives.
“Business people who want to solve problems within their companies, while working full-time, will find the DBA very worthwhile. While we expect our students to work hard, they are supported by expert supervisors who guide them through the process. As a single Mum, a part-time PhD student and a full-time researcher, I remember what it was like to combine work with study.”
Managers and consultants with significant experience at a senior level are invited to study for a DBA. The flexible research degree is designed to be studied through an initial induction programme and through distance learning, together with hands on supervision from academic experts in their own field of study. Students are also encouraged to meet up for a colloquium to share their research at least once a term to discuss their progress with their supervisors and fellow learners.
Outgoing DBA Director Professor Malcolm Higgs adds: “The DBA is a very special programme that I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with and develop. Mel is very committed to its aims and has already worked as a supervisor to a number of DBA students. This combination will ensure that she does a great job.”