June 27, 2026, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE): Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) candidates at Canadian University Dubai (CUD) gained first-hand experience presenting their research, receiving expert feedback, and preparing their work for publication during Qualitative Research Day, hosted by the School of Management at the CUD Incubator.
Organized for candidates enrolled in DBA 704 – Advanced Qualitative Research Methods, the event created a conference-style environment in which participants presented their projects, received scholarly feedback, and engaged with current standards of qualitative inquiry and academic publishing.
The program opened with welcoming remarks from Dr. Rima Bizri, Associate Professor of Management and DBA 704 course instructor, who introduced the event objectives and outlined the presentation sequence and evaluation process. Dr. Syed Zamberi Bin Ahmad, Professor and Director of the DBA program, then addressed participants on the role of qualitative research in DBA scholarship, professional practice, and doctoral-level inquiry.
Eight research projects were presented during the day, giving candidates the opportunity to discuss their work with an experienced academic panel. Each project was evaluated against criteria covering the clarity of the research problem, methodology and research design, data analysis and findings, theoretical and practical contribution, and presentation quality.
The panel comprised Dr. Syed Zamberi, Dr. Mohamed Yacine Haddoud, Associate Professor and journal editor, and Dr. Rima Bizri. Through the evaluation process, candidates received focused feedback on the design, execution, and communication of their research.
The event also addressed the next stage of the research journey: publication. Dr. Mohamed Haddoud delivered a guest speaker session drawing on his experience as Associate Editor of the International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research and the Journal of Research in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. He discussed methodological rigor, editorial evaluation criteria, and how DBA candidates can position their research for academic and practical contribution.
The course-level Best Paper Award was jointly presented to Qussay Abdul Wahab and the team of Fatima AlMazrouei, Amani Loubari, and Fatema Alhebsi. Both research projects were recognized for demonstrating exceptional research design, rigorous analysis, and professional presentation.
The day concluded with a networking lunch bringing together DBA candidates, invited guests, and panel experts. By combining research presentations, expert evaluation, and publishing guidance, the Qualitative Research Day offered DBA candidates practical experience of the standards and processes involved in presenting quality doctoral research with academic and professional relevance.
Reflecting on the event, Dr. Syed Zamberi Bin Ahmad said:
"Qualitative Research Day provides our DBA candidates with an authentic academic experience while strengthening the research skills needed to generate meaningful impact in industry and scholarship."
The initiative reflects the practice-oriented approach of CUD’s DBA program, which integrates rigorous research with practical expertise to help experienced professionals use advanced research methods to address complex business challenges.
Learn more about the Doctor of Business Administration program at Canadian University Dubai.
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