Curriculum Structure

Foundation courses

This 2-credit foundation course establishes the essential foundations for doctoral research by focusing on the principles of rigorous academic inquiry and evidence-based business research. Students will develop an understanding of research philosophies, critical thinking, and systematic approaches to designing and conducting high-quality research. The course emphasizes building strong analytical and methodological competencies, enabling students to formulate meaningful research questions, evaluate appropriate research approaches, and lay a solid foundation for addressing complex business and management challenges through scholarly research.

基础课程

本课程为 2 学分基础课程，旨在为博士阶段的研究奠定坚实基础，重点培养严谨的学术研究思维与循证商学研究能力。课程将帮助学生理解科学研究的基本理念、研究哲学及系统化的研究设计方法，培养批判性思维与分析能力。通过课程学习，学生能够掌握提出具有学术价值的研究问题、评估合适研究方法的能力，并为开展高质量、具有实践意义的商学研究奠定扎实基础。

Core Course

This 6-credit core course equips students with advanced knowledge and analytical skills in accounting, finance, governance, and risk management within a global business environment. The course focuses on developing a comprehensive understanding of financial decision-making, corporate governance, capital markets, and institutional frameworks, while strengthening students' ability to evaluate complex business issues through rigorous research and evidence-based analysis. Emphasizing both academic rigor and practical relevance, the course prepares students to conduct impactful research and address strategic financial and governance challenges in organizations.

核心课程

本课程为 6 学分核心课程，旨在培养学生在会计、金融、公司治理及风险管理等领域的高级知识与分析能力，并建立全球商业环境下的综合视野。课程聚焦于财务决策、公司治理、资本市场及金融体系等核心议题，提升学生运用严谨研究方法分析复杂商业问题的能力。课程兼顾学术严谨性与实践应用价值，帮助学生开展具有影响力的研究，并应对组织在财务管理与公司治理方面的战略挑战。

Compulsory Course

This 4-credit compulsory course focuses on developing strategic and leadership capabilities for driving innovation, organizational growth, and sustainable business success. Students will explore contemporary approaches to business strategy, innovation management, organizational leadership, and enterprise development while strengthening their ability to analyze complex organizational challenges from a research-informed perspective. The course emphasizes strategic thinking, effective leadership, and evidence-based decision-making, preparing students to lead transformational initiatives and contribute to both academic research and managerial practice.

必修课程

本课程为 4 学分必修课程，旨在培养学生推动创新、促进组织成长及实现企业可持续发展的战略思维与领导能力。课程围绕商业战略、创新管理、组织领导力及企业成长等关键领域展开，帮助学生从研究视角分析复杂的组织与管理问题。课程强调战略思维、卓越领导力及循证决策能力，培养学生领导组织变革、推动创新实践，并在学术研究与管理实践中创造价值的能力。

Competency Workshops
能力培训

Competency workshops are typically 1-day or half-day short courses to provide training on research, teaching, presentation and practice-oriented skills to DBA (Accounting and Finance) students.

通常是1天或半天的短期课程，旨在为DBA（财务与金融）学生提供有关研究，教学，报告和实践技能的培训。

Competency Workshops

This 1-credit competency workshop is designed to strengthen the essential academic and research skills required for doctoral study. The workshop focuses on developing proficiency in data analysis, scholarly writing, and the effective communication of research findings. Through practical application and guided learning, students will enhance their analytical capabilities, academic writing standards, and confidence in producing high-quality research that meets doctoral-level expectations.

能力工作坊

本 1 学分能力工作坊 旨在强化博士研究所需的核心学术与研究技能。课程重点提升学生在数据分析、学术写作及研究成果表达方面的能力，并通过实践训练与指导，帮助学生提升分析能力、规范学术写作技巧，以及高质量呈现研究成果的能力，为完成博士阶段的研究工作奠定坚实基础。

Introductory Research Project
独立研究

In the second year, students will spend approximately 12 weeks on the introductory research project, which provides them with the opportunity to design a research study and write a short paper. The project can include a literature review and an empirical analysis.

在第二年，学生将在独立研究项目上花费大约12周的时间，这使他们有机会设计研究报告并撰写简短的论文。 该项目可以包括文献综述和实证分析。

Qualifying Examination
资格考试

Upon completing the coursework segment (14 credit units), students will take the Qualifying Examination (QE), and it will be a take-home written exam and SMU will take responsibility for its assessment. For students who fail the QE, they can apply for a second choice within six months. If they fail again, their study shall be terminated.

成课程部分（14个学分）后，学生将参加资格考试（QE），这将是一次可以在家完成的开卷笔试，SMU项目委员会将负责评估。 对于未通过QE的学生，他们可以在六个月内申请第二次考试。如果他们再次失败，他们的学习将被终止。