The difference between a PhD and the IPE/PPA DBA
| PhD | The IPE DBA |
| Academic, theoretical | Relates academic study to practical application |
| 40,000+ words | At least three publications, plus a wrap-around thesis of 5000 words. |
| Attractive to academics | Attractive both to employers and aspirational employees |
| PhD is student-centred | The DBA adds value, not only to the individual, but also to the sponsoring organisation |
| The PhD opens doors into academia | The DBA opens doors into improved employment prospects, as well as academia |
| The PhD builds upon MSc methodology (e.g., randomised control trials). | The DBA builds upon MBA methodology (e.g., case studies, action research). |