Dual Qualifications Program:

The program is a collaboration with VERN University, one of the premier universities in Croatia, providing the opportunity to earn two distinct and independent degrees. Both BSS and VERN’ University achieve notable accreditations, underscoring a high standard of education and ensuring recognition for graduates with a doctorate.

SIMI SWISS is the pioneering higher education institution with accreditation at both the programmatic and institutional levels:

• Accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) at the highest level (Premier Institution);
• Accreditation of the management system compatible with the European Quality Assurance Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, awarded by the HEAD – Higher Education Accreditation Division;
• Programmatic accreditation by Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Bodies (OTHM, CTH);
• Learning outcomes are mapped to the UK national occupational standards by the Senior Leader Bureau United Kingdom;
• A Federal Member of SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning);
• Recognized by the United Kingdom Regulated Qualification Framework.

VERN’ University Croatia achieved: 

• One of the top universities in Croatia (QUDAL);
• Government-recognized university by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Croatia;
• University accredited by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE Croatia);
• Programs aligned with European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG);
• Internationally recognized university within the International Association of Universities (IAU) system;
• Member university recognized by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD);
• Recipient of the national education brand in Croatia (Superbrands Croatia);
• Recognized by the European Union under the Erasmus+ system.

Seminar, Colloquium, and Networking in the scientific community:

• The program is designed following a research-integrated model that combines live classes, mentor-guided instruction, seminars/colloquiums, and networking activities.
• Students engage in learning directly with international lecturers.
• The program mandates that doctoral candidates participate in at least one seminar organized by SIMI Swiss in collaboration with partner universities.

The distinctions in learning methods:

The learner can provide flexible learning opportunities with various learning methods:

• Full time
• Hybrid learning (Live class + the local tutor support in local workshop)

The distinctions in the student affairs system:

• The Learning Management System
• Institution Management System
• Original E-book in each module
• E-library
• Internship support system (for full-time)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Majors Dual Qualifications (By Research) program is jointly recognized and awards qualifications:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from VERN’ University.
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Majors from SIMI Swiss.

The learners can choose one of the following majors:

• Ph.D in International Business
• Ph.D in Hospitality Management
• Ph.D in Public Administration
• Ph.D in Hospital Management
• Ph.D in Pharmaceutical Management
• Ph.D in Healthcare Management
• Ph.D in Human Resources Management
• Ph.D in Finance & Banking
• Ph.D in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Ph.D in Tourism Management
• Ph.D in Luxury Management
• Ph.D in Engineer Management
• Ph.D in Technical Management
• Ph.D in Construction Management
• Ph.D in Design Management
• Ph.D in Information Technology Management
• And other majors based on the Doctoral dissertation.

Graduating from the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Majors Dual Qualifications (By Research) program, the learner could:

1. Develop research aligned with the context of the Management and Administration research major.

• Assess the importance, practicality, and research feasibility of the Management and Administration research topic.
• Develop and adjust the research purpose to align with the direction and research objectives and within the time constraints.
• Analyze and evaluate various research options, making appropriate choices.

2. Possess the ability to gather, organize, and select relevant theoretical foundations for doctoral research.

• Compile theoretical foundations related to business and management research.
• Categorize and form a theoretical structure to serve the scientific management research topic.

3. The ability to design comprehensive research.

• Review precedent studies and select relevant research to support the intended research.
• Design research in line with research objectives, research questions, and the research timeframe.
• Adjust the chosen research methods considering research ethics and feasibility.

4. The capability to formulate a research proposal and the completed research.

• Formulate research questions and review theoretical foundations and research models.
• Construct research following international standards by developing a complete Ph.D. thesis in the selected majors.
• Present research to the scientific council.
• Possess the ability to defend and persuade.

5. The capability to publish internationally.

• Format international journal articles according to the policies and requirements of the journal.
• Write a peer-review to review and refine research results.
• Defense or engage in discussions regarding the scientific nature of international publications when required.
• Ability to condense knowledge from comprehensive research into the format of an international journal article.
• Ability to connect with scientists to increase references after publication.

In addition to the entry requirements, candidates applying to the program are also assessed for their suitability by the admissions committee before joining the program to ensure that they can acquire and benefit from the program.

Entry requirements

To enroll in the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Majors Dual Qualifications program (By Research), the learner must possess one of the criteria below:

• Learners must be over 24 years old.
• A Master’s degree in Majors from accredited universities; or
• A Level 7 EQF diploma or equivalent. Level 7 Diploma degrees must be from organizations that are authorized to issue degrees and have been accredited.

English requirements

If a learner is not from a predominantly English-speaking country, proof of English language proficiency must be provided.

• Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2 or equivalent
• Or A minimum TOEFL score of 101 or IELTS 6.5; Reading and Writing must be at 6.5 or equivalent

Please note: SIMI and BSS reserve the right to make admissions decisions based on the requirements of recognized agencies and the global quotas of the program.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in Majors Dual Qualifications program (By Research) with VERN’ has a minimum duration of three years and a maximum of five years.

Mandatory modules:

• Course: Developing Research Capability (60 UK credits)
• Activity: Present Research Proposal in the Colloquium
• Course: Advanced Research Design and Methodologies (60 UK credits)

Doctor’s Dissertation Stage (120 UK credits): 

• Activity: Working with Research Supervisor for Dissertation
• Activity: Present the research result in Colloquium
• Activity: Defend the Dissertation

International Paper Submission Stage (60 UK credits):

• Course: How to Publish the Academic Paper
• Activity: Publish your research paper

• One of the top universities in Croatia (QUDAL);
• Government-recognized university by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Croatia;
• University accredited by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE Croatia);
• Programs aligned with European Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ESG);
• Internationally recognized university within the International Association of Universities (IAU) system;
• Member university recognized by the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD);
• Recipient of the national education brand in Croatia (Superbrands Croatia);
• Recognized by the European Union under the Erasmus+ system.

• Accredited by the Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) at the highest level (Premier Institution);
• Accreditation of the management system compatible with the European Quality Assurance Framework for Vocational Education and Training (EQAVET) and Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area, awarded by the HEAD – Higher Education Accreditation Division;
• Programmatic accreditation by Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Bodies (OTHM, CTH);
• Learning outcomes are mapped to the UK national occupational standards by the Senior Leader Bureau United;
• A Federal Member of SVEB (Swiss Federation for Adult Learning);
• Recognized by the United Kingdom Regulated Qualification Framework.

• Being a university that is officially recognized by the Croatian Ministry of Education and Culture and accredited by the Croatian Agency for Science and Higher Education (ASHE Croatia), the DBA degree from VERN (in collaboration with SIMI Swiss) holds international recognition within the labor market.

• The Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss) stands as a distinguished private higher education provider in Switzerland.
• Acknowledged globally, SIMI Swiss holds accreditation at institutional, school, and program levels, cementing its reputation as a respected Private Higher Education Institution.
• Operating as a private institution in Switzerland, SIMI Swiss issues private degrees, distinct from Switzerland's public higher education sector, and falls outside the regulations outlined in the Federal Act of 30 September 2011 on the Funding and Coordination of the Higher Education Sector (HEdA), SR 414.11.
• The PhD degree in majors, conferred by SIMI Swiss, is a private degree with international recognition in the job market.

The Business School of Switzerland, The Swiss Information and Management Institute, Partner Universities, and Ofqual Uk.Gov Awarding Bodies (collectively referred to as 'Parties' or 'We') hereby state and affirm that:

• The Parties expressly disclaim any guarantee of qualifications acceptance by a third party. The acceptance or rejection of a degree is contingent upon the discretion of the receiving entity.  Learners ought to fully understand the nature of our programs and are encouraged to proactively seek information before registering and commencing their studies with us.
• The Parties explicitly disavow any guarantee regarding salary increments, promotions, new employment opportunities, or employment acceptance subsequent to graduation.
• Despite existing regulations on the cross-recognition and equivalence of qualifications, it's important to understand that each country, organization, and entity has the autonomy to recognize its own degrees. The Parties involved do not guarantee automatic or equivalent recognition of qualifications and transcripts, either among themselves or with any partners. Additionally, the Parties do not support or endorse any processes for recognizing equivalent qualifications in other countries, where applicable.
• The Parties do not assure or commit to facilitating opportunities for immigration, employment abroad, acquisition of work permits, teaching permits, or professional licenses in the UK, Europe, or any other country.
• While the Parties extend maximum support, they do not guarantee 100% approval of student visas (in the case of full-time study in a foreign campus) or Schengen visas (for attendance at the graduation ceremony in Europe if applicable) if learners do not meet the requirements of the host country and the competent authority responsible for immigration, relocation, and settlement in other countries.