GGU Gen-AI Online DBA Course Syllabus/Subjects
The online DBA course syllabus is bifurcated into 2 years or 4 semesters, which helps you in understanding that in the 1st year, you will acknowledge basic management or related information or skills, while in the 2nd year, you can grasp skills in particular specializations (HR, operations, business analytics, IT, or marketing) in management programs.
Syllabus/Curriculum
Foundations of Machine Learning and AI
Core Subjects
- Introduction to Statistics and Probability for decision modeling.
- Understanding Machine Learning (ML) and its different types.
- Exploring Data Visualization techniques and storytelling through data.
- Learning about Supervised Learning and Unsupervised Learning.
- Understanding Learning Theory and including bias-variance trade-offs.
- Exploring practical applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning.
- Learning how to build Machine Learning applications using statistics and data visualization.
- Using statistical analysis and visualization to identify meaningful insights and support better decision-making.
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Develop research skills to conduct and present doctoral-level research effectively.
Deep Learning and its Variants
- Introduction to advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) techniques.
- Understanding AI and ML applications for image and text processing.
- Learning about Autoencoders for data representation and feature extraction.
- Exploring Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for image-based applications.
- Understanding Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs) for sequential and text data.
- Learning about Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) for generating and processing data.
- Exploring Seq2Seq models for sequence-based AI applications.
- Understanding Transformers and their role in modern AI and language processing.
- Exploring state-of-the-art AI and ML techniques for real-world applications.
Generative AI Using Pre-Trained Models
Core Subjects
- Understand the shift from in-house model training to using pre-trained models based on public data.
- Learn how to differentiate between custom-trained and pre-trained AI models.
- Develop an understanding of how to select the right AI approach based on specific business requirements.
- Gain hands-on exposure to AI tools and model-building applications.
- Explore the concepts and applications of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as GPT and other advanced models.
- Understand AI image generation and its practical applications.
- Explore frameworks and tools such as LangChain, AgentGPT, and enterprise-focused GPT solutions.
- Get introduced to latest AI models and emerging techniques in the field.
- Apply course concepts through practical experimentation and existing AI tools.
- Develop a research proposal as part of the final course outcome.
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Explore various data collection methods and techniques and ethical considerations necessary for effective and rigorous data collection.
AI Project Design and Execution
Core Subjects
- Understand the shift from in-house AI model training to using pre-trained models built on public data.
- Learn how to differentiate between custom-trained and pre-trained models.
- Understand how to choose the right AI approach based on business requirements and objectives.
- Gain hands-on exposure to AI model development and existing AI tools.
- Explore the fundamentals and applications of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as GPT and other models.
- Understand the concepts and applications of AI-powered image generators.
- Develop practical insights into applying AI and ML techniques to real-world business problems.
Electives / Specialization Subjects:
1 elective subject available:
- Explore statistical techniques and data analysis methods essential for conducting robust quantitative research.
Responsible AI
- Understand the ethical and social implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
- Explore how AI can create both business opportunities and potential risks.
- Learn the importance of AI explainability, fairness, transparency, and accountability.
- Understand how to design and deploy responsible and trustworthy AI systems.
- Examine the impact of AI on society, businesses, and decision-making.
- Explore the future of work, including changes in the workforce and workplace driven by AI.
- Understand how organizations can adopt and use AI responsibly.
- Analyze key challenges related to responsible AI governance and implementation.
- Conduct research on ethical, social, or business aspects of AI as part of the course.
Doctoral Research Methods and Analysis
- Develop advanced research skills and ethical techniques for doctoral-level writing and action research.
- Learn quantitative research methods, including survey design and experimental design.
- Apply statistical analysis to survey and experimental data.
- Explore regression analysis and time series analysis for research and decision-making.
- Learn qualitative research techniques, including open-ended interviews, focus groups, and case studies.
- Understand how to integrate quantitative and qualitative research methods into academic research.
- Strengthen academic writing and research skills aligned with doctoral-level standards.
- Develop the ability to conduct and present rigorous, ethical, and well-structured research.
Dissertation, Practice-Based Book and Business Plan Development
- Develop advanced practitioner-scholar skills required for doctoral-level research and academic work.
- Learn how to research, analyze, and present complex business and management topics.
- Understand the structure and requirements of a traditional doctoral dissertation.
- Explore the development of a Practice-Based Book as an alternative doctoral research format.
- Learn how to develop a DBA business plan as a doctoral-level applied research project.
- Understand the key differences between a DBA business plan and an MBA business plan.
- Develop skills to write, structure, and defend different types of doctoral-level research projects.
- Apply advanced research and analytical methods to produce a rigorous, practice-oriented doctoral outcome.
Emerging Digital Technologies
- Explore emerging technologies shaping modern business transformation.
- Understand the applications of Internet of Things (IoT) and High-Performance Computing (HPC).
- Learn about Quantum Computing and Neuromorphic Computing and their business potential.
- Explore Cybersecurity and Blockchain technologies for secure and trusted business operations.
- Understand the applications of AR/VR, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Digital Twins.
- Analyze the strategic importance and business applications of emerging technologies.
- Develop actionable strategies for integrating emerging technologies into business operations.
- Apply technology concepts to real-world business transformation challenges.
- Complete a final project demonstrating the practical application and business impact of these technologies for relevant stakeholders.
Subjects/Syllabus FAQs
The major coursework focuses on cutting-edge AI technologies and their strategic implementation. Core subjects include Foundations of Machine Learning and AI, Deep Learning and its Variants, Generative and Agentic AI, AI Project Design and Execution, and Responsible AI.
The 56-unit curriculum is divided into three primary phases: Major Requirements (20 units) which cover specialized AI concepts, Dissertation Foundation Courses (8 to 12 units) focusing on doctoral research methods, and the extensive Dissertation Phase (28 units) dedicated to your final applied research project.
Yes, the curriculum dives into the technical mechanics of AI. Courses cover Convolutional and Recurrent Neural Networks (CNNs/RNNs), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Large Language Models (LLMs), and RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) frameworks to solve real-world enterprise challenges.
It is uniquely designed to bridge both. While you will learn the foundational algorithms and structures of AI, the ultimate focus is on evidence-based management, strategic business applications, operationalizing AI, and leading digital transformations within your organization.
Before beginning your thesis, you will take foundation courses such as Doctoral Research Methods and Analysis. These modules train you in qualitative and quantitative techniques, data collection, and structuring a dissertation, practice-based book, or comprehensive business plan.
Yes, students must pass a Qualifying Examination after completing their core concentration and foundation courses. This integrative exam tests your mastery of foundational AI skills and strategic concepts before you are cleared to begin formal dissertation research.
The Responsible AI course addresses the critical ethical, legal, and societal implications of deploying AI. You will study algorithmic bias, data governance, compliance, privacy, and how to build and orchestrate AI systems ethically within a corporate environment.
Absolutely. Through subjects like "AI Project Design and Execution," you will engage in applied exercises. The syllabus emphasizes data visualization, no-code AI tools, and building actual GenAI applications, ensuring you can operationalize what you learn.
The capstone of your DBA journey involves defending a dissertation proposal and then conducting systematic, original applied research. Your final deliverable—whether a traditional dissertation, a published book, or an innovative business model—must address a contemporary business challenge using Generative AI.
While the primary coursework is delivered online to accommodate executive schedules, the curriculum integrates optional thesis workshops and week-long global immersion sessions. These sessions, hosted in tech hubs like San Francisco, provide direct networking with thought leaders and peer groups to exchange high-level AI strategies.
