Objectives
The MBA in Management aims to build on our long-established expertise in the area of postgraduate training by offering a one-year modular MBA programme which focuses on developing participants’ academic and managerial skills in areas such as organisational behaviour, marketing strategy, e-business and new venture creation. An important objective is to provide relevant analytical training to familiarise participants with the latest strategic, managerial and industrial developments in both the public and private sectors. The course provides a coherent analytical framework for the study of business and enterprise from a management perspective. The emphasis throughout the programme is on the application of contemporary, financial, managerial and strategic developments that affect real-world decision-making in the global market place. We recognise that a thorough understanding of recent developments in management, entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing and finance are essential requirements for all those involved in a management role (or those who wish to gain a deeper understanding of these important business and management areas).
Course description
An MBA is now the globally recognised qualification for senior personnel and executives within both the private and public sectors. As the impact of change, the importance of strategy and intensification of competition increases, organisations are demanding managers who can contribute a depth of understanding in the business community as a whole. The growing economic importance of entrepreneurship has also re-emphasised the need for a clearer understanding of the theory and practice relating to business and management in both new and existing organisations.
Course structure
All participants take six modules in Semester 1 and six modules in Semester 2. The modules run for 12 weeks. The basic module delivery method will centre around a two-hour lecture slot and one-hour tutorial every fortnight. Total contact hours will be approximately 27 per module and together with private study and preparation for tutorials, seminars and assessment, each student is expected to dedicate approximately 100 hours to each module. Teaching methods will include lectures, seminars, tutorials involving the discussion of concepts or directed to problem solving, case study sessions and workshops (including computer-based sessions).
What will you study?
Compulsory modules:
* Management and Organisational Behaviour
This module provides an integrated analysis of management both as an academic discipline, drawing on the work of classical and contemporary writers in the field, and as a practical strategic activity in a dynamic environment of continual change.
* Marketing Strategy
This module critically evaluates the contributions of various schools of thought in marketing, and examines the relevant analytical models and management practices, with emphasis on the strategic importance of marketing to all organisations.
* Finance for Non-Financial Managers
This module is designed for those who aim to achieve a basic understanding of financial management and control, and who require an understanding of finance in order to manage an organisation effectively.
* Human Resource Management
This module develops a critical awareness of the key human resourcing issues and challenges that managers face within contemporary organisations.
* Corporate Strategy
This module analyses strategic decision-making within organisations, and develops a critical understanding of the diverse and interrelated strategic processes of business management.
* e-Business Value Chain
This module examines electronic business in the context of the changing global environment. It builds on the traditional prescription that organisations can create value for customers.
* Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis
This module analyses the philosophical basis for research in the management sciences, and examines a number of key methodological issues and approaches.
* International Business
This module analyses the conditions in the international environment that drive trade between nations.
* New Venture Creation
This module examines the advantages and disadvantages of the various routes to business start-up, including new venture creation, or establishing a business based on your own expertise, experience and ideas; buying an established business; purchasing a franchise; and succession through a family firm, an increasingly common way of becoming involved in entrepreneurial activity.
Optional modules (choose 3):
* Business Planning
This module explores the process of establishing a business venture, from the initial idea generation through to the formulation and completion of the business plan.
* Financial Analysis
This module analyses the techniques that are used to evaluate a company’s financial position and performance.
* International Financial Management
This module examines the financial management of multinational companies, and the influence of the macroeconomic, fiscal, currency and political environments on business and financial decision-making in an international and global context.
* Knowledge Management
This module examines the processes whereby organisations and individuals develop and utilise their knowledge bases.
* European Business
This module examines the opportunities and constraints faced by businesses that operate on a pan-European basis.
MBA Dissertation - equivalent to 6 modules
