Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership

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Become contextually relevant and a globally functional leader.

About the Programme

The PhD in Leadership programme is designed to provide much-needed competencies, to learners, geared towards meeting the demands of the ever-changing complex environmental dynamics in the areas of church administration or strategic business. 

The foundations of the PhD programme are built on principles from Scripture and world-class sources on leadership, including studies in leadership philosophy, practice, and style. This will equip the reflective practitioner and ground his/her knowledge to African realities without neglecting the competencies needed for global leadership. The result is graduates who are contextually relevant and globally functional. Such graduates will give effective leadership on the local level in their communities and countries. At the same time, graduates will be comfortable and confident enough to occupy a position at the global level in order to enhance the synergy of the Church, community and society.

What You May Become?

  • a proactive organizational development expert
  • an effective change agent 
  • a strategic decision maker
  • an integral servant leader

Specializations

  • Organizational Leadership
  • Strategic Business Leadership

Duration of the Programme

Four (4) Years 

  1. A Master’s degree in Leadership or Master’s degree in any field with a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.33 on a 4-point scale or its equivalent.
  2. Applicants with a CGPA of 3.00-3.32 may be admitted on probation status and take classes in the Ph.D. Leadership program. After one session, if the student’s CGPA is 3.33 or above, they will be regularized; if the CGPA is less than 3.33, the student will have to discontinue the program due to academic deficiency.
  3. Have three Recommendations: One from a religious leader and one from your previous university and one from your employing organization. Submit the name, email address, and designation of your referees, and AUA admissions will email the link for completing the online recommendation form. The applicant should seek the consent of the referee before submitting their details.
  4. A statement of purpose, career goals, and commitment to academic excellence is required. It should be typed and submitted together with the application
  5. Successful completion of at least six credits of coursework in research and statistics at the postgraduate level. This requirement is in addition to the completed and accepted thesis/project done at the postgraduate level.
  6. Must demonstrate proficiency in English.

Curriculum

LEAD 704
Ethics and Integrity in Leadership
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to enlighten the students on the principles and practices which underlie selected biblical narratives and ethical standards to present Bible characters who demonstrate successful and unsuccessful leadership traits. Emphasis is placed on highlighting principles that inform good leadership to ground leadership on biblical foundations and ethical principles which are globally applicable.

 

LEAD 743
Leadership in Cross-Cultural Settings
3 credits
An in-depth exploration of global leadership paradigms with emphasis on the role of cultural dynamics. The student is challenged to think critically about how Christian ethos may be operational as a coordinating principle. Respect and understanding are encouraged as a way to strengthen unity in diversity, both in the church and community.

 

LEAD 763
Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Competencies
3 Credits
To integrate personal and theological reflection with leadership principles by delving into issues of emotional intelligence, organizational culture, human development theory, and ecclesiology. The context is a church and societal leadership formation based on sound biblical and theological principles to enhance competencies for effective servant leadership.

 

LEAD 714
Legal Framework and Organizational Policy
3 credits
This course is designed to expose students to key legal rules and principles that impact the legal environment of commerce, as well as the legal and policy framework in which business is conducted. The course focuses on selected aspects of the discipline which deal with business policy, structure, and the legal and organizational frameworks for organizational efficiency. The goal of the course is to facilitate the students to understand the meaning of the law, the legal environment of business, the classification of law as well as employment laws.

 

LEAD 740
Corporate Governance
3 Credits
The course presents an in-depth analysis of the policy and strategic challenges of leadership and governance issues. It is intended to develop the skills of leaders within the business as well as not-for-profit settings to allow them to efficiently lead their organizations, with an emphasis on internal corporate governance and its mechanisms. The essence is to address the three pillars of corporate governance: transparency, accountability, and security to successfully run a company and form solid professional relationships among its stakeholders which include board directors, managers, employees, and most importantly, shareholders. It has to embrace four bottom-line principles of people, purpose, processes, and performance.

BURM 790
RESEARCH METHODS AND STATISTICS
3 Credits
This course covers an overview of qualitative and quantitative research methods reminding students of the similarities and differences between the two research paradigms. Students learn the types of research questions that call for qualitative research designs and which ones require quantitative designs. In this course, students also learn about sampling techniques and how to determine optimal sample sizes for various study designs. The focus is on qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques, interpretation of qualitative data; reading, interpreting, and reporting quantitative univariate and bivariate statistics. Further, the learners acquire knowledge of research study processes. Special emphasis is placed on the processes employed to conduct interviews, observations, and questionnaire administration correctly to collect useful data. Students learn to employ appropriate research terms specific to qualitative or quantitative research and utilize appropriate methods of data analysis for the two different paradigms

BURM 791
Applied Qualitative Research
3 Credits
This course is a study of the principles of qualitative research designs within the context of qualitative methodologies, such as case studies, ethnographical studies, phenomenological interpretive studies, Grounded theory, and when to apply the different methods. The primary goal of this course is to assist students in preparing to collect qualitative data and apply appropriate qualitative research methods for the desired data, and be able to accurately code the data and accurately carry out thematic analysis as students develop their dissertations. The course should also introduce students to the use of relevant software for qualitative data analysis.

BURM 792
Applied Quantitative Research
3 Credits
This course is designed to broaden and enrich the students’ knowledge and understanding of statistical methodology as it pertains to the study of multivariate techniques used in the social and behavioral sciences. The goal is to develop skills with a range of procedures and programs for multivariate data analysis. The focus will be on practical issues such as selecting the appropriate analysis, preparing data for analysis, interpreting output data, and presenting results of a complex nature using statistical packages such as SPSS (PASW). The course assumes familiarity with basic concepts in statistics. Computer literacy is essential for using statistical software.

BURM 793
Research Seminar 1
3 Credits
Research seminars help students refine their skills in research, text processing, searching scholarly information, and presenting their work. Students also improve their understanding of study design, which includes defining the hypothesis, providing a rationale for it, and selecting a line of argument. The research seminars provide a forum that enables students to enrich their understanding between theory and practice before embarking on actual research writing and publications. Attending seminars has numerous benefits, including improving communication skills, gaining expert knowledge, networking with others, and renewing motivation and confidence in research activities. Research seminars help students refine their skills in research, text processing, searching scholarly information, and presenting their work. Students also improve their understanding of study design, which includes defining the hypothesis, providing a rationale for it, and selecting a line of argument.

BURM 794
Research Seminar 2 (Publications)
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide a broad-based approach to research writing and article publications in peer-reviewed and internationally recognized journals. The goal is to expose the students to hands-on application of the skills learned hitherto from different research courses undertaken and seminars attended to better do their research writing appropriately. The goal of this course is to: improve students’ research writing, provide the experience in the Scholarly Publication Process, allow the students to connect with professors and other researchers, as well as to display leadership and professionalism in their future career path

LEAD 899
Dissertation Writing
12 credits
A dissertation is intended to assist doctoral students in the preparation of a dissertation proposal and to facilitate the transition from coursework to the dissertation. This course will review proposal components, with particular emphasis on research design and developing the literature review, and will also focus on key issues such as dissertation format standards, psychological and time management demands, committee formation, and project management.

LEAD 754
Models of Leadership in the Christian Context
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to deepen the student’s understanding of models of leadership leading to enriching their personal and family life and a greater commitment to ministry. Students will learn relevant biblical models that they can apply and develop competencies contributing to the strengthening of their masterly in evangelism, mission, and ministry. The goal is to increase the scholarly focus on the phenomena of Christian leadership and also look at reasons why the 20th-century religious leadership has little to do with theoretical perspective to highlight some of the religious development in the scholarly efforts to define Christian leadership

BUAD 708
Business, Church, and Society
3 credits
This course is designed to help the participants to understand the basic philosophy of business in our contemporary society and to craft a philosophy of leadership that is rooted in sound ethical and biblical standards which may counteract the dehumanizing dynamics of doing business in our contemporary society. The goal is to expose the students to what is the most biblical way for church leaders to approach their task: relationally or functionally and how the churches can reclaim their roles as “communities of disciples” so that they become a counter-culture and a challenge to secular society.

BUAD 816
Applied Entrepreneurship and Creativity
3 Credits
The course in Entrepreneurship and creativity aims at enhancing the participants to acquire requisite skills in entrepreneurship for self-employment and creative works. The scope of the course covers a range of topics including identification of new business opportunities, establishment, and ownership of a business venture, developing and writing of business plans, legal and business environment, marketing plans, and record-keeping among other several key areas of entrepreneurship for systematic development of students’ skill for effective management of business ventures

BUAD 734
Issues in Organizational Leadership and Management
3 Credits
This course is designed to expose students to current and most significant issues facing leaders in Africa and beyond. These issues can be categorized broadly into religious issues, economic issues, health issues, and environmental issues. Selected challenges within these categories will be dealt with and analyzed to broaden the knowledge and critical thinking of the students. Speakers will include practitioners and industry players while students will also be required to make presentations on selected topics

LEAD 713
Systems Thinking and Corporate Strategic Leadership
3 Credits
Effective decision-making and learning in a world of growing dynamic complexity require strategic leaders to become systems thinkers. This course combines research, readings, and in-depth discussions with assignments designed to enable students to think strategically and lead effectively. The course enables the student to understand how to integrate organizational systems with corporate strategy. In general, systems thinking focuses on recognizing the interconnections among the parts of a whole entity (the system) and synthesizing the interconnections into a unified view of the whole entity (the system). The concepts present a holistic view of an organization - a system concept of patterned relationships among the components that hang together over time and operate toward a common purpose. The students need to appreciate that integrating all systems with strategy requires a great vision to see the firm as an organic whole.

LEAD 787
Advanced Topics in Organizational Leadership Research
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to facilitate the development of a high-impact attitude, skills, and character traits needed to become a spiritual leader. The course focuses on several topical issues central to theories of leadership that will examine areas such as Church and society, social media and its impact on church leadership, corporate social responsibility, and organizational behavior, among other topics.

BUAD 723
Advanced Strategic Management and Planned Change
3 Credits
This course is designed to develop the strategic competencies of students, by presenting and discussing advanced strategic practices and concepts in the business context. Drawing on varied theoretical traditions, contemporary research, and case study analysis, students will secure an advanced perspective of the strategic management discipline. To this end, the course utilizes several case studies and business simulation that incorporates the development of strategic plans.

BUAD 816
Applied Entrepreneurship and Creativity
3 Credits
The course in Entrepreneurship and creativity aims at enhancing the participants to acquire requisite skills in entrepreneurship for self-employment and creative works. The scope of the course covers a range of topics including identification of new business opportunities, establishment and ownership of a business venture, developing and writing of business plans, legal and business environment, marketing plans, and record-keeping among other several key areas of entrepreneurship for systematic development of students’ skill for effective management of business ventures.

LEAD 754
Models of Leadership in the Christian Context
3 Credits
The purpose of this course is to deepen the student’s understanding of models of leadership leading to enriching their personal and family life and a greater commitment to ministry. Students will learn a relevant biblical model that they can apply and develop competencies contributing to the strengthening of their masterly in evangelism, mission, and ministry. The goal is to increase the scholarly focus on the phenomena of Christian leadership and also look at reasons why the 20th-century religious leadership has little to do with theoretical perspective to highlight some of the religious development in the scholarly efforts to define Christian leadership.

BUAD 742
Financial Management for Leaders
3 Credits
This course focuses on the conceptual framework needed to understand and address problems faced by decision-makers from both the for-profit and not-for-profit settings, both in developed markets as well as emerging ones. It is an advanced course in financial management and the content ranges from basic principles to tactical and strategic issues. Special emphasis will be put on the challenges and opportunities arising from international linkages and continual innovation in financial products and practice

BUAD 776
Advanced Conflict and Crisis Management
3 Credits
This course focuses on how to manage conflicts and crises affecting organizations. The first part of the course analyzes the theoretical and practical treatment of conflict in interpersonal and work-related settings. The second part of the course details the thinking and planning that is essential to managing and communicating during an organizational crisis. This course will have a ‘practical applications’ bias. It will include case studies of organizations in crises and conflicts to expose students to a variety of leaders who have successfully, or unsuccessfully, led their organizations through crises and conflicts.

LEAD 714
Systems Thinking and Corporate Strategic Leadership
3 Credits
Effective decision-making and learning in a world of growing dynamic complexity require strategic leaders to become systems thinkers. This course combines research, readings, and in-depth discussions with assignments designed to enable students to think strategically and lead effectively. The course enables the student to understand how to integrate organizational systems with corporate strategy. In general, systems thinking focuses on recognizing the interconnections among the parts of a whole entity (the system) and synthesizing the interconnections into a unified view of the whole entity (the system). The concepts present a holistic view of an organization - a system concept of patterned relationships among the components that hang together over time and operate toward a common purpose. The students need to appreciate that integrating all systems with strategy requires a great vision to see the firm as an organic whole

Programme Coordinator

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Musa Nyakora, PhD

Professor

Education

  • Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development, 2004

Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic leadership
  • Organizational transformation

Biography
Prof. Musa has taught in several Universities within East Africa for over 20 years in the areas of strategic management, organizational leadership, HR among other courses/areas. He is currently the Head of Department, Social Sciences and Programme Coordinator for the Leadership programmes.

spsfacultymusa__

Musa Nyakora, PhD

Professor

Education

  • Doctoral Degree in Organizational Development, 2004

Areas of Expertise

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Organizational transformation

Biography
Prof. Musa has taught in several Universities within East Africa for over 20 years in the areas of strategic management, organizational leadership, HR among other courses/areas. He is currently the Head of Department, Social Sciences and Programme Coordinator for the Leadership programmes.

Featured Alumni

Pako E. Mokgwane

Pako E. Mokgwane

Botswana | Class of 2022 | PhD in Leadership

I thank the “Fathers” on whom the Spirit impressed them with the AUA idea. For several years we walked in AUA’s corridors exchanging social fibre, sharing progressive ministerial ideas, and breaking the kola nut. AUA brought together colleagues and professionals from the continent of Africa and beyond. The coming together of several nations under one roof provided a space for multicultural interaction, which precipitated a place of emotional intelligence development. The development of these two factors, emotional intelligence and multicultural interaction, has prepared me for leadership on the global stage. I am, therefore, truly grateful for the AUA experience.

At the time of this writing, Pako was the Associate Youth Director at the General Conference of SDA.

Pako E. Mokgwane

Pako E. Mokgwane

Botswana Class of 2022 / PhD Leadership

I thank the “Fathers” on whom the Spirit impressed them with the AUA idea. For several years we walked in AUA’s corridors exchanging social fiber, sharing progressive ministerial ideas, and breaking the kola nut. AUA brought together colleagues and professionals from the continent of Africa and beyond. The coming together of several nations under one roof provided a space for multi-cultural interaction, which precipitated a place of emotional intelligence development. The development of these two factors, emotional intelligence and multi-cultural interaction, has prepared me for leadership on the global stage. I am, therefore, truly grateful for the AUA experience.

At the time of this writing, Pako was the Associate Youth Director, General Conference of SDA

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