PhD Business Administration | Assessment of Learning

Program Learning Goals & Objectives

Program Goal #1 – Knowledge of business literature and theories: To have a comprehensive understanding of literature and theories in the field of business.

  1. Explain key concepts and hypotheses tested in the literature.
  2. Demonstrate advanced content knowledge in technology-oriented business course.
  3. Analyze the effect of technology on various aspects of the discipline with the intention of articulating research hypotheses.

Program Goal #2 – Research design and methodological skills: To have a sound understanding of research design issues and methodological approaches.

  1. Articulate research design issues.
  2. Select and/or apply appropriate research methodologies.

Program Goal #3 – Create specialized knowledge by conducting original research: To have the ability to conduct original, publishable research in their focus areas.

  1. Demonstrate the ability to identify and articulate original research questions.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to design and execute various components of a research project.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to produce research paper that is publishable in highly-regarded journals in their fields

Outcomes Data

We have compiled data to assess competency objectives through our PhD courses, These course serves as a comprehensive tool for evaluating progress toward our key objectives and AACSB accreditation standards, as it is a mandatory requirement for all undergraduate students. We have outlined various assessment methods across different areas of the course, which allow us to collect data and measure performance against established benchmarks.

Expected Assessment Data 2024-2025

Closing the Loop & Continuous Improvement

When program objective assessments are submitted, the submission form includes a section for a "closing the loop" discussion. This allows for reflection on potential adjustments that could be made to enhance the ongoing improvement of the PhD. These discussions, along with other efforts, have highlighted areas where changes could be implemented.

Student performance

  • Assessment Schedule: Office of Assessment has created a multi-year assessment schedule.

Potential changes to assessment methods

  • Learning Goal Creation: The Graduate Curriculum Committee approved three program goals, with eight objectives.
  • Rubric Creation: program faculty designed three rubrics.
  • Curriculum Mapping: Learning goals were mapped to the program curriculum.
  • University Assessment Plan: Created Program Learning Outcomes Assessment Plan (PLOAP)which was approved the Office of Educational Effectiveness Assurance
  • Survey Creation: 1) Created a Graduate Exit Survey, mapped to program goals. 2) Created a DEI survey.
  • First assessment of Program Goal #1 objectives a, b is scheduled for Spring 2025.