50 ready-to-use Latest DBA research topics
If you are stuck thinking, “I need DBA research topics fast” or “I cannot clearly frame my research problem,” you are not alone. Selecting the right DBA research topics is the hardest step for most doctoral candidates. A weak topic leads to confusion in your problem statement, difficulties in structuring your proposal, and eventual delays or rejections.This curated DBA topic list (2025 edition) is specifically created for doctoral candidates who want quick, practical, and trending research problems with real organisational relevance. These topics also work well as PhD topic ideas for applied management and business studies.
Table of Contents
- What are the best DBA research topics in leadership and management?
- Which DBA topic ideas focus on AI and digital transformation?
- What are the top DBA research problems in HR and people management?
- Which DBA research topics work best for strategy and performance?
- What are the fastest-growing DBA topic ideas in innovation and entrepreneurship?
50 Ready-to-Use DBA Research Topics
(Curated for fast decision-making & strong problem statement development)
1. What are the best DBA research topics in leadership and management?
- The impact of transformational leadership on employee performance
- Ethical leadership and organisational trust
- Executive decision-making under uncertainty
- Leadership challenges in virtual teams
- The role of authentic leadership in employee engagement
2. Which DBA topic ideas focus on AI and digital transformation?
- Strategic adoption of artificial intelligence in business
- Digital transformation and competitive advantage
- AI-driven decision systems and managerial accuracy
- Cybersecurity risks in AI-enabled organisations
- Big data analytics in strategic planning
3. What are the top DBA research problems in HR and people management?
- Remote work and employee productivity
- Talent analytics in workforce planning
- Employee engagement in post-pandemic organisations
- Psychological safety and high-performance work systems
- HR digitalisation and organisational agility
4. Which DBA research topics work best for strategy and performance?
- Corporate strategy alignment and firm performance
- Strategy failure in disruptive environments
- The role of dynamic capabilities in competitiveness
- Governance structure and organisational performance
- Strategic agility and market uncertainty
5. What are the fastest-growing DBA topic ideas in innovation and entrepreneurship?
- Innovation capability and startup growth
- Leadership and entrepreneurial resilience
- Open innovation and new product success
- Platform business models and technology entrepreneurship
- Failure patterns in startup ecosystems
👉 These topics are intentionally designed to help you quickly identify your DBA examples, clarify your research problem, and move directly into how to write a problem statement without confusion
FAQs
- How do I quickly choose a DBA research topic?
Select a topic that solves a real organisational problem, aligns with your experience, and is supported by peer-reviewed literature.
- Are these DBA topics suitable for PhD research as well?
Yes, many of them work as strong PhD topic ideas for applied business research.
- How do I convert a DBA topic into a problem statement?
Identify the gap between current practice and desired performance, then convert that gap into a focused research problem.
- Can I use these topics directly for my DBA proposal?
Yes — but refine them with your organisational context, variables, and industry relevance.
- What if I still cannot frame my research problem clearly?
A short strategy call can clarify your research problem, scope, and DBA proposal direction.
External Learning Resources
Google Scholar – Validate trending research problems
https://scholar.google.com
Harvard University – Research topic & problem development
https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/files/hilt/files/problem_statement_guidelines.pdf
Monash University – Identifying a research problem
https://www.monash.edu/library/skills/research-skills/research-problem
Elsevier Researcher Academy – Identifying research gaps
https://researcheracademy.elsevier.com/navigating-research/identifying-research-gaps
University of Manchester – Research proposal & topic guidance
https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-research/apply/research-proposal/
DBA Coach Learning Resources
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- DBA Research Proposal Support
- DBA Literature Review Coaching
- DBA Methodology & Research Design Guidance
- DBA Supervisor Matching Program
Conclusion
If you are struggling with DBA research topics, unclear research problems, or delays in developing your problem statement, this curated topic list gives you the clarity and direction needed to move from idea → problem → proposal → doctoral success.