How Do You Approach Applied Doctoral Research in a Self-Paced Environment?
How Do You Approach Applied Doctoral Research in a Self-Paced Environment?
When I began my Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) journey in Capella University’s FlexPath format, one of the most intimidating yet exciting aspects was the applied doctoral research process. Unlike traditional coursework where deadlines are fixed, FlexPath’s self-paced structure put me in complete control. That freedom meant I could move faster during productive bursts and slow down when my professional or personal life demanded more attention.
For applied doctoral research, my approach starts with clear, measurable milestones. I break the research process into phases—topic selection, literature review, methodology design, data collection, analysis, and final reporting. For each phase, I set my own deadlines based on the complexity of the work and the availability of resources. This prevents me from feeling overwhelmed while maintaining steady progress.
One major advantage of the FlexPath model is integrating research into my day-to-day leadership role. Since my research focused on organizational change in multinational corporations, I could collect data and observe leadership behaviors directly in my workplace. This real-time application gave my research a depth and authenticity I might not have achieved in a more rigid academic structure.
I also made use of Capella’s online library and faculty consultations at every stage. In a self-paced environment, it’s easy to feel isolated, but intentionally scheduling regular check-ins with my mentor kept me on track.
The most important lesson? Applied doctoral research in FlexPath requires self-discipline, proactive communication, and strategic time management. By aligning my research plan with my professional responsibilities, I turned my DBA studies into a continuous feedback loop—what I learned informed my leadership, and my leadership experience enriched my research.
32. Reflect on Balancing Executive Leadership Roles with DBA Coursework
Balancing the demands of executive leadership with the rigor of DBA coursework is a test of both time management and mental endurance. As a senior leader, my days are filled with strategic meetings, performance reviews, and operational problem-solving. Add to that the intellectual challenge of doctoral-level assignments, and it’s easy to feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day.
The FlexPath format made this balancing act possible. I could adjust my academic pace depending on quarterly business cycles. During intense budget planning seasons, I slowed down, focusing on literature reviews or readings that didn’t require heavy writing. In calmer months, I accelerated, sometimes completing multiple assessments in a few weeks.
One of my biggest strategies was integrating coursework into my leadership practice. For example, when studying organizational behavior theories, I applied them immediately to leadership development programs in my company. This not only reinforced my learning but also produced measurable business improvements—turning my coursework into a tangible return on investment for my organization.
I also established non-negotiable study hours early in the morning before the workday began. This habit ensured that I made daily progress, even on days when my leadership role was especially demanding.
In the end, the DBA journey taught me that balancing executive leadership with academic excellence isn’t about dividing time—it’s about merging responsibilities so that learning and leading become part of the same mission.
