Polytechnic University's Graduate School of Business is offering a doctorate in business administration.

Professor Ferdinand A. Gul, director of the programme, says the course provides managers with updated knowledge and innovative business views.

"The programme teaches students from an interdisciplinary point of view. It is very relevant to the real world and teaches students to solve problems in their respective business settings. Opportunities and challenges from emerging markets, such as Brazil, India and the mainland, will be discussed."

The course was accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the European Quality Improvement System and the Association of MBAs.

Students are high profile, with many holding important positions in their organisations and are from various industries. There are chairmen, directors, chief executives, finance controllers, general managers and managing directors from finance, education, health care and manufacturing. Many of the teachers have doctorates and write for top academic journals.

The programme consists of three years of part-time study. Applicants need to hold a master's degree, preferably in a business-related area, and have at least eight years of management experience at a senior level. Classes are scheduled for weekday evenings and on Saturdays and Sundays to fit the schedule of students who work.

Vincent Leung Kin-keung, a student in the programme, works as a consultant in the construction industry. He took the course to expand his knowledge and boost his career.

"I have been working in my job for many years and I feel the need to move forward - gaining new knowledge is a good way for me to achieve that. "After getting encouragement from a friend, who graduated from the course, I decided to apply," he says.