The Diploma in Business Administration (DBA) provides a broad-based business education and develops communication skills, information technology skills, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving skills. In keeping with current trends, students will also be given a global perspective of business.
You will have a sufficient degree of specialisation in selected key growth sectors of Singapore’s economy. You can select from multiple options grouped into Business Function, Industry Sector, and Student Directed Programme.
The options available to you are:
Financial and Accounting Option
The demand for expertise in the field of accounting and finance in Singapore continues to be strong, and there is good potential for you to secure jobs in these areas upon graduation. The Finance and Accounting option will provide you with a more in-depth understanding in the areas of finance and accounting within the wider context of business and management. You will acquire valuable skills and knowledge in Audit and Assurance, Advanced Financial Management, Taxation and Company Law.
You may also be able to secure a significant number of modular exemptions from professional bodies such as The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), The Chartered Institute of Accountants (CIMA) and The Chartered Association of Certified Accountants (ACCA).
International Business and Trade
Many multinational corporations are attracted to Singapore to set up their regional headquarters through various government incentives. Local enterprises are also seeking new overseas markets and opportunities. Thus, firms constantly seek to employ business executives with a good understanding of global affairs and a sound knowledge of international business and trade. To meet this growing demand, the Diploma in Business Administration offers the International Business and Trade option.
The International Business and Trade option provides you with a solid grounding in the core business disciplines of Accounting, Human Resource Management and Finance. The specialised modules such as Principles of Import-Export Trade, Global Marketing, International Management, International Trade Documentation and Finance, International Economics and Law of International Trade equip you to excel in their international careers.
An Overseas Business Study Mission is an integral component of the course.option. You will witness and experience how international business and trade are being conducted, explore potential business opportunities and network with business people.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management
The global economy presents exciting logistics and supply chain management (LSCM) challenges for all companies. The Singapore government is committed to developing Singapore into a leading logistics hub in Asia, with the capabilities to provide advanced logistics and supply chain management expertise. This strategy will demand the development of well-trained professionals, capable of providing such expertise to global companies.
This option will equip you with knowledge and skills relevant to the logistics and supply chain arena. The option will provide a foundation in the use of software applications and technology such as ERP, Warehouse Management System, Tradenet, and other software that are currently used in the logistics industry. Field trips add realism and provide exposure for you.
Marketing Management
Marketing is an indispensable function in any business and organisation. Marketing helps organisations to position their products and/or services to create the desired image and attract and retain customers.
In this option, you will have a sound foundation in the fundamentals of marketing. You will conduct marketing research to help them understand the behaviour of buyers. You will also learn how to use advertising, public relations, direct marketing and sales promotions to market your products and/or services effectively. In addition, you will also propose a marketing plan to promote a product and/or service.
Retail Management
Retailing contributes to Singapore’s role as a “vibrant shopping lifestyle destination” by providing diverse merchandise offerings, brand image, competitive pricing, world class customer service, and high quality assurance in a safe, comfortable and convenient shopping environment. This option provides you with a set of practical skills that will enable them to join the retail industry by equipping you with both marketing and retail specialist knowledge and skills. This wider skill set will enhance the employability of graduates by allowing them to contribute in a range of retail and marketing businesses.
You will be given ample opportunities to acquire practical skills in the Store Management and Retail Communications modules in a Retail Studio. Activities at the Retail Place and Retail Studio include various aspects of retailing such as merchandising, receipt of goods, inventory management, personal selling, management of cash, visual merchandising, advertising and promotions, and customer service. Exposure to sophisticated software, used by retailers to enhance efficiency in their operations, will provide you with up-to-date functional capabilities.
Entrepreneurship
The School of Business has offered entrepreneurship training to its own students since the late 1980s. In support of the Government’s drive to promote entrepreneurship among the local population, particularly among the youth, the SP School of Business has expanded its these entrepreneurship training programmes by offering the Entrepreneurship Concentration Option in its bid to nurture and support potential entrepreneurs among students pursuing the Diploma in Business Administration.
One distinctive feature of the Entrepreneurship Option is the Entrepreneurship Practicum that commences in Semester 2, Year 3. During the practicum, you will be given hands-on training in starting and running your own businesses. You will source for funds from investors, negotiate with suppliers, meet and make presentations to prospective customers, and manage resources and funds effectively. You will also learn to manage uncertainty and risks. At the end of the practicum, students would have sharpened your business acumen and acquire risk-taking capabilities besides strengthening their marketing, management and financial skills to perform effectively in an increasingly dynamic business environment.
Overseas Immersion Programme
The Overseas Immersion Programme aims to immerse you into a foreign business and cultural environment. The Programme could include attending classes in an overseas institutes and placements in companies in the visiting countrythese countries. Ample scope will be provided for you under this programme to appreciate the cultural and business milieu of their host countries thus expanding their global vision.
