Dual-Horizon Quality Assurance for MBA and Doctoral Management Education: A Quality 5.0 Framework
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: This paper develops a quality-assurance architecture for comparing the added value of Master of Business Administration (MBA) and doctoral management education when application-oriented and research-oriented capabilities create organisational value through different mechanisms and time horizons. Methodology/Approach: A targeted, mechanism-based conceptual synthesis integrates human-capital theory, educational-quality and assurance literature, workplace-transfer research, doctoral-education scholarship, and Quality 5.0. Sources are selected for direct construct relevance and integrated through a transparent six-layer mapping process. Findings: The framework links programme purpose, capability formation, transfer context, near-term application, long-term capability, and organisational value. Its maturity levels and propositions show that apparent pathway superiority depends on outcome, context, and observation horizon. Research Limitation/Implication: The framework requires empirical validation. A balanced initial target of 60 MBA and 60 doctoral management graduates is proposed for exploratory matched comparison; an a priori power analysis must confirm or increase the sample before fieldwork. Originality/Value of paper: The model replaces credential ranking with human-centred, auditable, and time-sensitive quality assurance for programme design, employer dialogue, and continuous improvement.
Source: Quality Innovation Prosperity
Author: Róbert Czakó
Institution: DTI University
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204774133