External Evaluation Committee

The External Evaluation Committee plays a central role in guaranteeing the credibility, transparency, and impartiality of the Executive DBA ranking process.
 
Mission
The Committee is responsible for overseeing the evaluation process, validating submitted data, and ensuring the impartial application of criteria across all participating institutions.
 
Composition
The Committee brings together a diverse panel of experts to ensure a balanced and rigorous approach :

• international faculty members with recognized expertise in doctoral education.

• academic quality assurance specialists, ensuring compliance with global standards.

• DBA alumni, providing practitioner perspectives and first-hand insights into the program’s impact.

 
Role and Functions
The Committee’s functions include the validation of evaluation criteria, the resolution of potential disputes (arbitration), and the production of annual reports that summarize findings and provide recommendations for continuous improvement.

 
Typology of Rankings

The Executive DBA ranking is presented through a multi-dimensional typology, allowing for both a global overview and more detailed regional and institutional perspectives. This structure ensures fair representation of programs worldwide and highlights the diversity of Executive DBA offerings.

• Global Ranking – Top 50 : A consolidated Global Top 50 ranking identifies the leading Executive DBA programs worldwide. It provides a benchmark for excellence and international visibility.

• Regional Rankings : To reflect the diversity of educational ecosystems and local contexts, regional rankings are also published. These cover : Europe, Americas, Asia-Pacific and Africa / MENA (Middle East & North Africa).

• Rankings by Type of Institution : In addition to geographical scope, the ranking highlights the specificities of different institutional models. Separate categories are established for : public universities, private business schools, research centers and specialized institutes.

 
This typology ensures that the ranking not only rewards global excellence but also acknowledges regional leadership and institutional diversity.

 
Eligibility Criteria
 
To ensure consistency, comparability, and relevance, the Executive DBA ranking applies strict eligibility criteria. Only programs that meet the following requirements are considered :

• Executive DBA Degree in Management Sciences : The program must formally award an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (EDBA/DBA) in the field of management sciences.

• Minimum Duration of Two Years : Programs are required to have a minimum length of two academic years, ensuring sufficient depth, research rigor, and doctoral-level engagement.

• Target Audience: Senior Executives : Eligible programs must be specifically designed for senior professionals with more than 10 years of managerial experience, reflecting the executive nature of the degree.

• Graduated Cohorts : Only programs that already have graduated cohorts of Executive DBA alumni are included, ensuring that outcomes and impacts can be properly evaluated.
  
   

Label and Dissemination
 
The Executive DBA ranking emphasizes transparency, recognition, and international visibility through a formal labeling and communication process.

• Official Badge : Institutions featured in the ranking receive the official badge “Ranked by EDBA Shanghai”, which can be displayed on websites, promotional materials, and communications to highlight their achievement.

• Personalized Report : Each participating institution receives a customized report detailing their results, strengths, and recommendations. This ensures actionable insights for program improvement and strategic positioning.

• International Visibility : The ranking and its outcomes are disseminated through a network of global partner institutions and media channels, maximizing international exposure and recognition for top-performing programs.

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Governance
 
The governance structure of the Executive DBA ranking ensures transparency, credibility, and editorial independence throughout the process.

• Organizer : The ranking is organized and managed by the International Academy Ranking – Shanghai Committee, which oversees methodology, data collection, and evaluation processes.

• Partners : The ranking collaborates with a network of universities, think tanks, and standardization institutions. These partnerships enhance methodological rigor, provide expert insights, and support global recognition.

• Guaranteed Editorial Independence : All decisions regarding ranking methodology, evaluation, and publication are made independently. The process is free from external influence, ensuring objective, unbiased, and credible outcomes.
  
   

Ranking Frequency
 
The International Executive DBA Program Ranking is designed to balance rigor, comparability, and institutional feasibility through a structured publication schedule.

• Biennial Publication : The ranking is published every two years, allowing sufficient time to measure meaningful changes in performance indicators while minimizing short-term pressure on participating institutions. This biennial cycle ensures that the ranking reflects sustained program quality and impact.

• Optional Annual Update : An interim annual update may be issued, without assigning formal ranks, to provide observational data, highlight trends, or report preliminary developments. This update supports transparency and keeps stakeholders informed of evolving patterns in Executive DBA programs.