Program Overview
Positioned at the forefront of governance transformation, the Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership (DPSIL) is a premier executive doctoral programme designed for senior public sector professionals committed to advancing institutional excellence across Ghana and emerging economies. In an era defined by complexity, digital disruption, and rising public expectations, effective leadership requires more than experience. It demands strategic foresight, innovation capability, and rigorous evidence-based thinking. DPSIL equips leaders with the intellectual depth and practical tools to drive measurable public value.
Why DPSIL?
Public institutions today face multidimensional challenges — service delivery gaps, governance reform pressures, digital transformation demands, and accountability expectations. DPSIL prepares executives to lead confidently within this environment.
Participants gain:
- Advanced expertise in public sector innovation and transformation.
- Executive-level leadership capability.
- Mastery of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Strategic insight grounded in global best practice and local context.
- The ability to design and implement sustainable institutional change
This is not a conventional doctoral programme. It is an executive platform for thought leadership and national impact.
Program Distinction
DPSIL stands apart through its unique integration of:
- Innovation strategy for public institutions.
- Governance, ethics, and institutional reform.
- Digital transformation leadership.
- Applied doctoral research addressing real public sector challenges
Designed specifically for mid- to senior-level executives, the programme aligns scholarly rigor with practical leadership application.
Global Public Sector Leaders Immersion Program
The program fosters a global outlook on public sector challenges and the application of international best practices. During the program, participants will attend at least one optional one-week study tour overseas. The study tour allows participants to understand global public sector innovation and leadership practices, acquire direct international experience, and network with other public sector leaders. By merging the academic knowledge from the doctorate program and the practical knowledge and insights from the study tours, participants develop a command of relevant issues of concern for the public sector, putting them in a unique position to innovate and rejuvenate their organizations.
Who should attend? – Executives in the public sector, including:
- Government and its ministries, agencies, and departments.
- Parliamentarians, legislative staff, and other staff involved in legislative processes and public governance.
- Education – Educational administrators and leaders in public universities, colleges, and other educational institutions are involved in public sector capacity building.
- CEOs and senior management of state-owned organizations and enterprises in various industries
- Leaders and managers in NGOs
Entry Requirements
Prospective applicants must have any of the following qualifications:
- Master’s degree by research or coursework in a public administration, management, or business-related discipline with a minimum CGPA of 2.50 and at least five years of relevant work experience.
Or - Master’s degree by research or coursework in non management or business-related disciplines with a minimum CGPA of 2.50, a relevant professional qualification (ACCA, ICAG, CIM, CFA, etc), and at least five years of relevant work experience.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Students may apply for recognition of prior credit for courses completed at accredited Universities or business schools. Students may be granted a maximum of 15 credits.
Graduation Requirements
- To graduate from the program, students must achieve a passing mark in each taught course, seminar, and comprehensive examination and obtain a CGPA of 3.0.
- Students must also pass the thesis examination and oral defense.
- Obtain a total of 74 credits.
Delivery Mode: Hybrid
- Block format (On-campus and Live Online) and Fully Online
- We deliver the program modularly and in block format. This structure means each course is completed in a workshop format for several days
every few weeks.
Program Duration and Time Limits
- Duration: Minimum 2.5 years, Maximum 4 years.
- The minimum time for submitting a completed thesis is typically two years
- An extension of not more than one year may be granted on application.
- A candidate who completes the coursework but does not complete a thesis and has paid the entire program fees may exit the program with a Master of Public Sector Innovation & Leadership degree.
Degree Program Structure
Module 1 – Management Research in the Public Sector: The module covers the philosophical and theoretical foundations and practices for public sector research. This seminar will review fundamental doctoral research issues in conducting empirical doctoral research and for research publication in scholarly management journals. These issues include framing and developing a problem statement related to a theoretical gap and associated practical problem, new theory development, associated research questions, and research design. This seminar requires theory readings in the candidate”s chosen topic, types of research models, strategies for theory development, hypothesis-driven versus question-driven research approaches, replication and extension research, modes of empirical research (including survey and qualitative research), and study plan development. At the end of this module, you should understand how to conduct social science research in the public sector. The module provides opportunities to develop your research ideas and abilities and engage productively with the current literature. The two courses in this module are:
- Philosophy of Business & Management Research
- Public Sector Innovation Theory and Practice.
Module 2 – Public Sector Innovation: This module discusses research and practices in public sector innovation. These include public sector innovation theory, organizational change and innovation, and public sector service design and management. This module helps participants reflect on their current innovation practices in the light of current research to uncover significant problem areas that need solutions. The two courses in this module are:
- Organizational Change and Innovation
- Public Service Management and Design
Module 3 – Public Sector Leadership – This module discusses research and practices of public sector leadership, governance, ethics, and digital transformation. We develop a complete understanding of leadership theory and its implications for leadership practice. Participants develop the ability to analyze leadership issues likely to emerge and impact the future performance of public sector organizations. The two courses in this module are:
- Leadership, Governance, and Ethics
- Leading Digital Innovation and Transformation
Module 4: Research Methods – This module prepares students to do and evaluate social science research using various research methods. The module addresses fundamental research design, data collection, and analysis issues. The course material encompasses quantitative and qualitative methods in discussing the essential components of the research process: conceptualization and measurement, sample selection, and causal modeling. In addition to teaching techniques and conventions of research, the course also acquaints the student with critical issues in the survey research, ethical questions, and how to write a research proposal.
- Qualitative Research Methodology
- Quantitative Research Methodology
Module 5 – Comprehensive Assessment: You will develop a list of articles related to your thesis research domain and topic for approval by the program director and Dean. You will read and write answers to several questions about the content of the articles and how they help and support your thesis. The objective is to ensure you have mastered the area’s foundational knowledge
and research practices.
Module 6 – Research Proposal & Defense – The Ph.D. Proposal Defense consists of a written part and an oral presentation to an examination panel.
The presentation comprises an introduction, a problem statement, the objectives of the research and approach, a concise literature review, research methods, the expected results, a timeline of the work, and a bibliography of the essential literature. The proposal must be between 15 to 20 pages (12pt font). The proposal must presented to the panel during a one-hour defense. The student should plan a 30-minute presentation of the research plan and expected results.
Module 7 – Doctoral Project –This module comprises doctoral project design and execution. It provides an opportunity for the doctoral student to demonstrate their ability to conduct doctoral research and solve problems in
the real world. Each CEO works with a supervisor to complete a unique applied research project that contributes to advancing knowledge and understanding of practice in the public sector. This project can take the form of a thesis. Candidates complete this project under the guidance of their thesis supervisor. The dissertation should advance practice in your chosen discipline, business and management scholarship. Alternatively, participants can present a leadership project critical concern to them as public sector leaders. The project involves an analysis and critique of personal leadership experiences and a supporting portfolio of evidence. Participants will work with a real-world organization to solve a real world problem that represents a significant challenge to the organization.
- Thesis Project 1: Chapters 1 and 2
- Thesis Project 2: Chapters 3 and 4 and data collection
- Thesis Project 3: Chapter 5 and thesis completion
Module 8 – Teaching & Publishing: This module will familiarize participants with the teaching pedagogy, culture, and environment. Participants understand what makes great University teachers and develop practical teaching skills. Participants understand the fundamentals of course development and delivery, gain valuable insight into the student learning process, understand the implications of assurance of learning in the classroom, and how to teach effectively at the tertiary level.
- Academic & Managerial Writing
- Pedagogy of Teaching
- Teaching Practicum
Program Certifications
- Doctor of Public Sector Innovation & Leadership (DPSIL)
- Global Public Sector Leaders Immersion Program Certificate
- Master of Public Sector Innovation & Leadership (optional)
Program Fees
- Program Application fee: $150.00
- Doctorate Degree Program Fees – TBC
This fee covers tuition, course materials, supervisor fees, faculty amenities, research fellow support, thesis writing workshops, catering during on-campus lectures, and faculty amenities. - Thesis proofreading and formatting fee (optional)
- Thesis External Examination and Public Defence by at least two external examiners fee.
Global Public Sector Leaders Immersion Program Fee (TBC)
- At least one study tour to Europe or the USA during the program involves in-class seminars and workshops by public sector leaders and local faculty, site visits, networking and group activities, and in program meals. The fee excludes accommodation, airfare, and visa fees.
Programme Structure
Total Credits: 74
Recognition of Prior Learning
Up to 15 credits may be transferred from accredited institutions, subject to approval.
Phase I: Pre-Thesis (Year 1)
The first year establishes advanced foundations in innovation, leadership, and research methodology.
- Core Areas Include: Public Sector Innovation Theory and Practice.
- Organizational Change and Innovation.
- Leadership, Governance and Ethics.
- Public Service Design and Management.
- Leading Digital Innovation and Transformation.
- Academic & Managerial Writing
.Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Comprehensive Examination
- Research Proposal Defence
Delivery combines on-campus engagement and live online sessions, emphasizing scholarly critique, executive dialogue, and applied learning.
Phase II: Thesis Stage (Years 2–3)
The thesis stage enables candidates to synthesize theory and practice to address a significant public sector challenge.
Candidates will:
- Develop and defend a research problem of strategic importance.
- Conduct field research using rigorous methodologies.
- Produce a minimum 40,000-word doctoral thesis.
- Complete external examination and public defence.
- Undertake teaching practicum and pedagogy training
Close faculty supervision ensures academic excellence and professional growth throughout the research journey.
Graduate Profile
- Upon completion, DPSIL graduates will:
Lead institutional transformation initiatives. - Design innovative, evidence-based public policies.
- Conduct and publish original research.
- Inspire high-performing teams.
- Strengthen governance systems and public accountability
Graduates are prepared for senior leadership roles across ministries, regulatory authorities, state-owned enterprises, multilateral institutions, and policy think tanks.
Duration
- Full-Time: Minimum 3 years
- Part-Time: 4 years
- One-year extension subject to Academic Board approval
Admission Requirements
Applicants must possess:
Option A
- Master’s degree in public administration, Management, or related business discipline.
- Minimum CGPA of 2.50.
- At least five years of relevant professional experience
OR
Option B
- Master’s degree in a non-business discipline (minimum CGPA 2.50)
- Recognized professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, ICAG, CIM, CFA).
- Minimum five years of relevant experience
- International applicants must meet equivalent academic.
- standards and demonstrate English proficiency where required.
Designed for Impact
DPSIL is built for leaders who recognize that the future of public governance demands innovation, ethical leadership, and research-driven decision-making.
It is a doctoral programme with purpose — advancing leadership excellence and strengthening public institutions for sustainable national development.
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Course Brochure
Department Contact Info
2026 Admissions In Progress
Doctor of Public Sector Innovation & Leadership (DPSIL)
- NiBS University
Course Brochure
Department Contact Info
2025 Admissions In Progress
Doctor of Public Sector Innovation and Leadership
- NiBS University