What’s One Advanced Business Strategy You’ve Implemented as a Result of DBA Studies?

One of the most transformative strategies I’ve implemented as a direct result of my DBA studies is evidence-based strategic decision-making. Before the program, many of my business strategies were shaped by industry experience, intuition, and market trends. While those factors are valuable, my doctoral coursework pushed me to ground decisions in data-driven analysis and scholarly research.

For instance, during a unit on strategic innovation and global competitiveness, I developed a predictive analytics model for forecasting market shifts in our industry. This model leveraged both historical performance data and emerging market indicators, allowing our leadership team to identify opportunities months before competitors.

The strategy worked. Within the first year of implementation, we expanded into two new regional markets, increasing our market share by 12%. This wasn’t just a business win—it was validation that the rigor of doctoral research can directly fuel competitive advantage.

FlexPath’s flexibility allowed me to pilot-test this strategy while still in the program, refining it based on real-world results before presenting it as part of my DBA assessments. The integration of academia and executive practice proved to be one of the most valuable aspects of my doctoral journey.

34. How Has the FlexPath Format Helped You Manage Dissertation Progress?

The dissertation is the defining milestone of the DBA program—and for many, it’s the point where momentum can stall. For me, the FlexPath format was a lifeline in keeping dissertation progress steady.

In a traditional setting, missed deadlines can mean an entire term lost. In FlexPath, I had the freedom to adjust timelines without losing enrollment momentum. This meant that if I hit a roadblock—such as delays in data collection or needing additional IRB clarifications—I could reallocate my time to other sections of the dissertation without penalty.

I also adopted a modular writing approach. Instead of trying to write chapters in sequential order, I worked on whichever section was most achievable at the moment. Some weeks I focused on refining my methodology, other weeks on expanding my literature review. This kept my productivity high even when certain parts of the project were temporarily stalled.

The other key benefit was access to faculty feedback without time restrictions. I could submit a draft as soon as it was ready, regardless of the academic calendar, and receive targeted guidance that I could apply immediately.

FlexPath didn’t just make dissertation management easier—it made it more adaptable, resilient, and aligned with the realities of professional life.

35. Describe a Challenge You Faced During Your DBA Capstone and How You Overcame It

One of the biggest challenges I faced during my DBA capstone was aligning stakeholder expectations. My project involved developing a strategic change initiative for a global organization, and while the academic requirements were clear, my stakeholders had business objectives that didn’t always align with the research scope.

Early on, I realized that without careful communication, I risked producing a capstone that satisfied neither the academic nor the business side. The solution came through structured stakeholder mapping and regular update meetings. By identifying key decision-makers and clearly explaining the research boundaries, I was able to set realistic expectations and secure buy-in.

Another hurdle was managing scope creep. As I gathered data, new opportunities emerged that could have expanded the project far beyond the original plan. I overcame this by keeping a strict focus on my research questions and intended outcomes, documenting additional ideas for future projects rather than letting them derail the capstone timeline.

In the end, the project not only met academic standards but also delivered a practical, implementable strategy that my organization adopted—proving that with the right approach, the DBA capstone can be both a scholarly achievement and a catalyst for real-world impact.