36 Months | Doctorate | Leadership & AI Strategy

ESGCI International School of Management Paris
Doctorate of Business Administration (Leadership & AI Strategy)

The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from ESGCI International School of Management Paris is a 36-month professional doctoral programme designed for senior executives, entrepreneurs, consultants and business leaders. The programme combines doctoral research with modern leadership development and an exclusive specialization in Leadership & AI Strategy. Learners complete foundational research coursework, leadership modules, AI strategy workshops, one-to-one thesis supervision, doctoral dissertation and a 5-day Global Immersion in Paris. The programme also offers interim research milestone certificates, optional PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification and extensive post-doctoral career development opportunities including publication support, patent assistance and entrepreneurship mentoring.

Get Your AI Counselling

ESGCI International School of Management Paris Doctorate of Business Administration (Leadership & AI Strategy)

Enquire Now

Rankings Highlights Curriculum Specializations Fees & EMI Careers Reviews FAQs

⚖️ Compare My Shortlisted Program

University Rankings & Accreditation

ESGCI International School of Management Paris — recognition that matters

ESGCI International School of Management Paris Doctorate Programme

French Ministry Recognition Higher Education Recognition

Qualiopi Certified French Quality Certification

ACBSP Member Business Education

IACBE Member International Accreditation

180 ECTS Credits European Credit System

Global Immersion Paris, France

Leadership & AI Strategy Exclusive Specialization

Program Highlights

Everything that matters — at a glance

⏱
Programme Duration
36 Months
📋
Programme Type
Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
💰
Specialization
Leadership & AI Strategy
💻
Learning Format
Live Online + 1:1 Thesis Supervision
🏦
Global Immersion
5-Day Paris Immersion
🤝
Weekly Commitment
12–15 Hours/Week
🌍
Research Support
Individual Thesis Supervision
📜
Interim Certifications
Research & Advanced Research Certificates
🎓
Optional Certification
PwC Directorship & Board Advisory
🏆
Degree Awarded
Doctorate of Business Administration

How You Learn Online

UGC-compliant 4-Quadrant learning model — structured for working professionals

Video & E-Tutorial

Animated video lectures, virtual labs, audio content and full transcriptions — available 24/7

E-Content & Resources

Digital study material, e-books, case studies, web references and reading material uploaded weekly

Live Discussion Forum

Weekly live sessions with course coordinators for doubt-clearing and peer interaction

Assessments

Weekly quizzes, assignments, MCQs and project evaluations — structured and timely feedback

Program Curriculum

Industry-aligned, application-based — built for career outcomes

Foundation Phase (4 Months)

Introduction to Doctoral Research
Decoding Research
Research Design Decisions
Research Strategies
Applying the Research Process
Business & Management Research Essentials
Formulating Research Questions
Research Proposal Writing
Literature Review
Descriptive Statistics
Difference in Means
Correlation Analysis
Linear Regression Models
Panel Data Models
Logit & Probit Models
Qualitative Research Fundamentals
Grounded Theory
Discourse Analysis
Historical Research
Qualitative Data Coding
Qualitative Comparative Analysis
Data Collection Techniques
Primary Data Collection
Secondary Data Sources
Research Ethics
Access to Data

Leadership Phase (2 Months)

Business Environment
Business Strategy Essentials
Portfolio Management
Market Leadership
Growth Strategy
Digital Business Models
Digital Platform Strategy
Leadership Skills
Leading Teams
Organizational Leadership
Group Decision Making
Change Management
Leadership & Entrepreneurship Masterclass

Leadership & AI Strategy Specialization

Leadership Judgment in an AI-Driven World
Understanding AI in Executive Decision Making
Leadership Judgment vs Automation
AI Risks & Bias
Executive AI Decision Frameworks
AI-Enabled Strategic Foresight
AI Opportunity Identification
Hypothesis Generation using AI
Strategic Opportunity Evaluation
AI-Augmented Executive Judgment
AI-Assisted Strategic Reasoning
AI for Executive Communication
Thought Leadership with AI
Leadership Communication
Strategic Influence using AI

Dissertation Phase (30 Months)

Research Proposal
Literature Review
Draft Methodology
Data Collection
Data Analysis
One-to-One Thesis Supervision
Research Progress Reviews
Dissertation Writing
Final Dissertation
Thesis Defence (Viva Voce)

Global Immersion - Paris

5-Day Academic Immersion
Faculty Interaction
Industry Visits
Networking Sessions
Research Discussions
International Learning Experience

Research Milestones & Academic Progress

Research Topic Selection
Research Gap Identification
Research Objectives
Research Questions
Conceptual Framework
Proposal Defence
Interim Research Presentation
Advanced Research Review
Final Dissertation Review
Viva Preparation

Doctoral Skills Development

Academic Writing
Critical Thinking
Research Communication
Scientific Publishing
Journal Publication
Conference Paper Writing
Reference Management
Research Ethics
Plagiarism Prevention
Intellectual Property
Patent Filing Support
Research Impact Assessment

Post-Doctoral Career Development

Thought Leadership
Executive Branding
Academic Career Guidance
Corporate Consulting
Research Commercialization
Entrepreneurship Mentoring
Innovation Strategy
Executive Networking
Global Research Collaboration
Publication Support

Optional PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification

Corporate Governance
Board Responsibilities
Board Strategy
Financial Oversight
Risk Governance
Digital Transformation
Cybersecurity Governance
ESG Governance
Stakeholder Management
Board Simulation

4 Specializations

Click any specialization to see fees and key modules

Leadership & AI Strategy ESGCI International School of Management Paris Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

AI Leadership
Executive Decision Making
Strategic AI
Responsible AI

Business Research ESGCI International School of Management Paris Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Research Methodology
Quantitative Research
Qualitative Research
Doctoral Dissertation

Strategic Leadership ESGCI International School of Management Paris Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Business Strategy
Leadership
Change Management
Corporate Transformation

Executive Management ESGCI International School of Management Paris Included ▼

Total FeeIncluded

Per SemesterIncluded

Zero Cost EMIIncluded

Key Modules:

Executive Leadership
Innovation Management
Corporate Governance
Global Business

Fee Structure

Transparent pricing — paid semester-wise with Zero Cost EMI available

Specialization	Per Semester	Total Fee	EMI / Month (6 mo)
Doctorate of Business Administration (Leadership & AI Strategy)	NA	₹7,15,000	Starting at ₹19,475/month

The total programme fee is ₹7,15,000 (no taxes applicable). Flexible financing options are available with EMIs starting from ₹19,475 per month for eligible learners.

Scholarships Available

Reviewed and approved on a case-by-case basis

Category	Who's Eligible	Scholarship
Flexible EMI	Eligible learners	Available
Education Loan	Available through financing partners	Available
Corporate Sponsorship	Senior Executives & Organizations	Available

Eligibility Criteria

Simple and transparent — no entrance exam required

🇮🇳 Students with Indian Education

Passed 10 + 2 from a recognised board
Completed undergraduate degree (minimum 3 years)
Aggregate minimum of 50% marks
Final year students can apply with last semester results
Work experience gives added advantage

🌍 Students with Foreign Education

Certificate of Equivalence from AIU (Association of Indian Universities) required
Visit aiu.ac.in for details

Career Opportunities

Roles our graduates step into after completing this program

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Lead enterprise strategy, innovation and organizational transformation using research-driven leadership.

Chief Strategy Officer

Develop AI-enabled business strategies, growth initiatives and long-term corporate planning.

Chief AI Transformation Officer

Lead enterprise AI adoption, governance and digital transformation across organizations.

Business Consultant

Provide executive advisory services in leadership, AI strategy, innovation and organizational change.

Management Consultant

Solve complex business challenges through applied research and evidence-based decision making.

Corporate Board Member

Contribute to corporate governance, strategic oversight and board-level decision making.

Entrepreneur

Build and scale innovative businesses using leadership, AI strategy and research-backed business models.

Business Researcher

Conduct applied business research, publish scholarly work and influence organizational practices.

University Faculty

Teach management, leadership and business research while supervising doctoral-level research.

Innovation & Transformation Leader

Drive enterprise innovation, AI transformation and executive leadership initiatives across industries.

Our Hiring Partners

Top companies that recruit our graduates

PwC Deloitte EY KPMG Accenture IBM Microsoft Google Amazon Oracle Infosys TCS Capgemini Cognizant HCLTech Wipro ESGCI Global Alumni Network upGrad Career Network

Student Testimonials

Real students. Real outcomes.

The DBA strengthened my strategic leadership capabilities and helped me apply AI-driven decision-making frameworks to real business challenges.

Programme Learner

Senior Executive

The one-to-one doctoral supervision and global immersion experience significantly enhanced my research and leadership skills.

DBA Graduate

Business Leader

The combination of doctoral research, AI strategy and executive leadership made the programme highly valuable for my professional growth.

Working Professional

Corporate Executive

The programme prepares experienced professionals to become globally competent leaders capable of driving AI-enabled organizational transformation.

Faculty Mentor

ESGCI International School of Management Paris

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before you apply — answered clearly

What is the Doctorate of Business Administration (Leadership & AI Strategy)? Program

Who should enroll in this programme? Eligibility

The programme is ideal for experienced professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, senior managers, consultants and executives who wish to combine doctoral research with leadership development and AI strategy.

What is the duration of the programme? Program

The programme is completed over 36 months and includes foundation coursework, leadership modules, AI strategy specialization, doctoral research and a dissertation.

How is the programme delivered? Learning

The DBA is delivered through live online learning, self-paced study, one-to-one thesis supervision, research mentoring, dissertation guidance and an international immersion experience in Paris.

What subjects are covered during the programme? Curriculum

The curriculum covers research methodology, business strategy, leadership, AI strategy, quantitative research, qualitative research, organizational transformation, academic writing, business statistics and doctoral dissertation development.

What is the Leadership & AI Strategy specialization? Curriculum

The specialization focuses on executive decision-making in an AI-driven world, AI-assisted strategic thinking, responsible AI, executive communication, AI opportunity identification and organizational AI transformation.

Does the programme include research methodology? Curriculum

Yes. Learners study research design, literature review, quantitative and qualitative research methods, business statistics, proposal development, research ethics, data collection and academic writing.

Will I receive one-to-one thesis supervision? Learning

Yes. Every learner receives personalized guidance from an academic supervisor throughout proposal development, research execution, dissertation writing and thesis defence.

What is the dissertation phase? Projects

The dissertation phase spans approximately 30 months and involves proposal development, literature review, methodology design, data collection, analysis, dissertation writing and viva voce examination.

Does the programme include an international immersion? Learning

Yes. Learners participate in a five-day Global Immersion in Paris featuring faculty interaction, networking sessions, research discussions and exposure to an international academic environment.

Does the programme support publications and research? Research

Yes. The programme provides support for academic writing, journal publications, conference papers, research communication, patent awareness and post-doctoral research development.

Is the PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification included? Certification

The programme offers an optional PwC Directorship & Board Advisory Certification covering corporate governance, board responsibilities, financial oversight, ESG governance, cybersecurity and board-level strategy.

Will I receive a doctoral degree after completion? Certification

Yes. Upon successfully completing the coursework, doctoral research, dissertation and viva requirements, learners receive the Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) from ESGCI International School of Management Paris.

What career opportunities are available after completing the DBA? Career

Graduates can pursue positions such as CEO, Chief Strategy Officer, Chief AI Transformation Officer, Business Consultant, Management Consultant, Corporate Board Member, Entrepreneur, Business Researcher, University Faculty and Innovation & Transformation Leader.

How much is the programme fee? Fees

The total programme fee is ₹7,15,000 (no taxes applicable). Flexible financing options are available with EMIs starting from ₹19,475 per month for eligible learners.

Can working professionals pursue this programme? Learning

Yes. The DBA is specifically designed for working professionals with a flexible online format, allowing learners to continue their careers while completing doctoral studies.

What are the interim certifications offered during the programme? Certification

Learners receive milestone-based recognitions, including interim certificates in research and advanced research, acknowledging progress before completing the final doctoral degree.

Why should I choose the ESGCI Doctorate of Business Administration? Program

The programme combines doctoral research, executive leadership and AI strategy with one-to-one thesis supervision, a five-day Paris immersion, publication support, optional PwC Board Advisory Certification and a globally recognized doctoral qualification. It is designed for experienced professionals seeking to lead AI-enabled business transformation while earning an internationally recognized DBA.

Become a Global Business Leader with a Doctorate

Develop expertise in executive leadership, business research, AI strategy, corporate governance, organizational transformation and doctoral research through ESGCI International School of Management Paris’s globally recognized Doctorate of Business Administration programme.

Get Connected With Certified Counsellors View Program Fee Structure