Decision of the FIBAA Accreditation Committee for Programmes

Transcription

1 Decision of the FIBAA Accreditation Committee for Programmes 94 rd Meeting on January 29 st, 2015 Project Number: 13/058 Higher Education Institution: Jan Amos Komenský University Prague Study Programme: MBA (Focus: Human Resources Management and the EU) (MBA) The FIBAA Accreditation Committee for Programmes has taken the following decisions: According to 7 (2) in conjunction with 10 (1) in conjunction with 10 (2) of the Special Conditions for awarding the FIBAA Quality Seal for Programmes, the study programme is accredited with three conditions. Period of Accreditation: October 1 st, 2013 until the end of summer semester 2020 Conditions: 1. The HEI has to implement reliable and adequate rules of grading pointed out in the diploma supplement - in respect to the ECTS based on a relative reference group, in the study and eamination regulations for the programme. (chapter 3.1) 2. The HEI has to implement a quality management system regarding the programme, which helps to underpin the good practice. This could be shown in a quality handbook for the programme, which contains the main processes, the quality assurance instruments and their use, the main development targets and the parties involved in the development process. (chapter 5.2) 3. The questionnaire for course evaluation has to provide a question related to the workload of a particular course, in order to be able to check, whether the actual workload of the whole course corresponds with, is lower or higher than the estimated workload. (chapter 5.3) The conditions are fulfilled. FIBAA-Accreditation-Commission at February 26th, The FIBAA Quality Seal is awarded. Decision of the FIBAA Accreditation Committee for Programmes FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 1

2 FOUNDATION FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION ACCREDITATION FIBAA BERLINER FREIHEIT D BONN Assessment Report Higher Education Institution (HEI): Jan Amos Komenský University Prague Master programme: MBA (Focus: Human Resources Management and the EU) Qualification awarded on completion: Master of Business Administration (MBA) Assessment Report FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 2

3 Brief description of the study programme: The basic objectives of the MBA (Focus: Human Resources Management and the EU) programme are to educate individuals as managers and business specialists who are able to orientate themselves in the economic and administrative environment of the European Union both from an internal perspective as well as from an eternal perspective. Date of opening of the procedure: April 25 th, 2013 Date of filing the self-documentation: May 30 th, 2014 Date of the site visit: September 9 th /10 th, 2014 Type of accreditation: Re-accreditation Type of Programme: further education Intended length of programme: 18 months Mode of study: part-time Initial Start of the programme: September 2009 Student intake: Programme cycle starts in: Winter semester Speed (planned number of parallel years): 1 Number of ECTS point assigned to programme: 60 Hours (workload) per ECTS point: 25 For re-accreditation: Statistical data is to be found on the pages 7 and 8 Date of the Meeting of FIBAA-Accreditation Commission: November 21th, 2014 Assessment Report FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 3

4 Resolution: Recommendation of the panel members: The re-accreditation of the programme is under conditions and is valid for seven years. Duration of Accreditation period: October 1 st, 2013 until the end of summer semester 2020 Conditions: 1. The HEI has to implement reliable and adequate rules of grading pointed out in the diploma supplement - in respect to the ECTS based on a relative reference group, in the study and eamination regulations for the programme. (chapter 3.1) 2. The HEI has to implement a quality management system regarding the programme, which helps to underpin the good practice. This could be shown in a quality handbook for the programme, which contains the main processes, the quality assurance instruments and their use, the main development targets and the parties involved in the development process. (chapter 5.2) 3. The questionnaire for course evaluation has to provide a question related to the workload of a particular course, in order to be able to check, whether the actual workload of the whole course corresponds with, is lower or higher than the estimated workload. (chapter 5.3) Proof of meeting these is to be supplied by October 29 th, Project Manager: Ass.jur. Nora Winckel Panel members: Prof. Dr. Hans-Hubertus Bleuel University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf Professor for International Business Administration (International Business Administration, Corporate Finance, Controlling) Ass. Prof. Ph.D. Pavel Zufan Mendel University in Brno Associate Professor at the Department of Management (Operations Management, Quality Management, Strategic Management) Tim Ackermann PAREXEL International Senior Director Talent Acquisition (Pharmaceutical Industry, Human Resource Management) Stefanie Henriette Fecher University of Erlangen-Nurnberg Student of Organisation and HR Development (M.A.) Completed: Business Administration (B.A.) at the University of Applied Sciences RheinMain Assessment Report FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 4

5 Summary The panels assessment takes into account the self-assessment report, and the results of the on-site visit and the statement of the HEI to the assessment report. The MBA programme MBA (Focus: Human Resources Management and the EU) of the HEI Jan Amos Komenský University fulfils the FIBAA quality for Master programmes with three eceptions. This includes also the fulfilment of the European MBA- Guidelines. The programme can be re-accredited by the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) under three conditions. It is in accordance with the National and the European Qualifications Framework in their applicable version valid at the time of opening of the procedure. It has a modular structure, has been assigned ECTS points and leads to the academic degree of Master of Business Administration. The degree is awarded by the higher education institution. The panel members identify need for action regarding the study and eamination regulations, the quality assurance and development of programme content, processes and outcomes and the evaluation by students. Therefore they recommend the accreditation on condition of meeting the following : 1. The HEI has to implement reliable and adequate rules of grading pointed out in the diploma supplement - in respect to the ECTS based on a relative reference group, in the study and eamination regulations for the programme. (chapter 3.1) 2. The HEI has to implement a quality management system regarding the programme, which helps to underpin the good practice. This could be shown in a quality handbook for the programme, which contains the main processes, the quality assurance instruments and their use, the main development targets and the parties involved in the development process. (chapter 5.2) 3. The questionnaire for course evaluation has to provide a question related to the workload of a particular course, in order to be able to check, whether the actual workload of the whole course corresponds with, is lower or higher than the estimated workload. (chapter 5.3) Proof of meeting these is to be supplied by October 29 th, The further not fulfilled quality requirement (Advisory Body, see chapter 4.2) is not an asterisk criterion, so further condition is not necessary and the measures the HEI takes to solve the identified problems are to be considered in the contet of the re-accreditation. The panel members identify furthermore development potential for the programme in: Logic and conceptual coherence (s. chapter 3.2.1) Reasons given for programme description (s. chapter 3.2.3), Methodological competence and academic work (s. chapter 3.2.6) The measures the HEI eventually takes in order to implement the recommendations of the panel members are to be considered in the contet of the re-accreditation. Furthermore a set of criteria eists, which eceed the quality : Teaching staff`s academic qualifications (s. chapter 4.1.2), Provision of students support (s. chapter 4.1.6) For the overall assessment please refer to the quality profile at the end of this report. Summary FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 5

6 Institutions Details The Jan Amos Komenský University in Prague, established 2001 with the State Permit as the Jan Amos Komenský College of Higher Education, is the first and the largest Czech private institution of Higher Education with full university status granted from 2006 by the Accreditation Commission of the Czech Republic (member of INQAAHE, CEEN, and ENQA). Today with about students UJAK offers the following fully accredited study programmes: All diploma (Bachelor, Master s, PhD.) courses have been accredited by the Accreditation Commission of the Czech Republic in both, the attendance (daily, face-to-face) and the combined (blended) forms. The distance learning form of some of the courses (Adult Education, Special Education, and Social and Media Communication, in particular) have been developed and piloted through the European Social Fund grant projects. Institutions Details FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 6

7 Furthermore, UJAK offers life-long learning courses, cooperates on several research, development and innovation projects as well as numerous main research and development projects presently carried out under the umbrella of the EU body. From the viewpoint of the internal university s structure, the MBA programme is placed alongside the European Economic and Public Administration Studies in the Department of Economic Studies. The focus of the MBA programme (i.e., Human Resources Management and the EU) derives also from the UJAK epertise in adult education, andragogy, personal management, and managerial studies with all the areas mentioned being also accredited as tertiary education diploma studies. Further development of the programme, implementation of the recommendations from previous accreditation, statistical data and evaluation results The study programme is offered by the HEI since 2009 and was accredited by FIBAA for the period 29 th July 2008 until the end of summer semester 2013 under two conditions, the accreditation period was provisionally etended until end of summer semester The HEI had to ensure that a reference library with adequate endowment is available and literature and newspapers are geared to the programme contents and are up to date, especially internationally oriented and English references. Furthermore, the HEI had to implement ECTSgrades. Both conditions were fulfilled within the prescribed time. The University took among others the following measures to develop the programme: UJAK was recommended to raise the number of foreign teachers. To meet this requirement, two new teachers from Slovakia and Australia have been involved in Study Area 1. On the initiative of the last two intakes of students the structure of the course Crisis Management has been changed. In order to secure appropriate education within this subject UJAK appointed a new teacher who has eperiences with crisis management in the business companies as well as public agencies. With respect to the desirable stability of the curriculum the Programme Content has changed only in a minimal way like changing the content of the subject crisis management in the public sphere to corporate crisis management. Instead of the elective subject Transition Economics and the EU, the new subject The United States and European Economic Integration was incorporated into the curriculum. The following table shows statistical data of the MBA programme: The Jan Amos Komenský University in Prague, established 2001 with the State Permit as the Jan Amos Komenský College of Higher Education, is the first and the largest Czech private institution of Higher Education with full university status granted from 20 FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 7

8 Regarding the low enrolment numbers in the last few years the HEI points out that the financial crisis negatively affected not only the Czech industry but also the education sector. Even students that are interested in studying an MBA programme often are no longer supported by their companies. Appraisal The panel considers the measures taken as reasonable. The difficult economic situation of many companies in the Czech Republic in the last few years is reflected in the low enrolment numbers. Further information on the promotion strategy of the programme is provided in chapter 1.2. The panel appreciates that the HEI took results of the student evaluation into account. Yet the panel members state that the development of the content of the programme could increase during the following accreditation period. Appraisal FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 8

9 1. Strategy and Objectives 1.1 Logic and transparency of programme objectives (Asterisk Criterion) Aims of the MBA (Focus: Human Resources Management and the EU) programme are to educate individuals as managers and business specialists who are able to orient themselves in the economic and administrative environment of the European Union both from an internal perspective as well as from an eternal perspective. The MBA programme, properly integrated into the Jan Amos Komenský University s portfolio of degree and life-long learning programmes should also improve the quality of management as a profession. Basic objectives of the programme are: general knowledge and skills in business administration. additional knowledge and skills in human resources development and management. additional knowledge and skills in business administration with a focus on business administration in the European Union countries. knowledge of economics, human resources management, structures of the European Union and legal aspects of economics, management and administrative activities. competence in interpreting economic phenomena and processes while making use of the most up-to-date terminology and making decisions in the real-world situations Furthermore, the HEI wants to introduce students to the current theoretical and practical research methods, which should help them to deal with problems they may encounter as a manager of the public sector. They will also be capable to apply ethical standards when taking their strategic or daily business decisions. After the first five years of the accreditation of the programme at UJAK, the HEI monitors further development of its graduates through feedback from both the employers and the alumni. The feedback is secured by periodical questionnaires and/or direct contact with employers/alumni representatives as well as the international or national surveys. Appraisal: The objectives of the programme are eplained in an intelligible manner and set out consistently in relation to the occupational area of management. They are based on subject-specific and generic learning outcomes, which are in line with the academic state of the art and the level of the qualification to be awarded on completion. The panel also comes to the conclusion that the areas empowerment, employability, academic ability and personality/personal development are taken into account by the objectives of the programme. The University analyses the findings of alumni tracking studies. The findings of the studies are considered within the development process of the programme. FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 9

10 Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 1. STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES 1.1* Logic and Transparency of Programme Objectives 1.2 Positioning of the programme In the Czech Republic, the MBA studies have a rather short history. That is the main reason why the MBA title has not yet been recognized as a full-fledged academic degree. The Czech educational institutions offering the MBA programmes have various statuses. The position of the studies is at odds with a great demand for the programme, especially from the part of adult students who have already been active in business administration but due to past ideological restrictions on economic and business administration studies, as well as due to the character of the Czech economy itself, they did not have chance to pursue such a study. The very eistence and functioning of the Czech Association of MBA Schools (CAMBAS) and newly (in 2013) established Association of Institutions in Managerial Education (AIMV the Jan Amos Komenský University Prague joined it in 2013) clearly indicates that there is a market for the studies in the area. The competitors of the UJAK s MBA Programme within the Czech educational contet and the local MBA market are as follows: the MBA schools associated in the abovementioned Czech Association of MBA Schools (CAMBAS), the MBA Programme at the University of Economics, Prague (public university), and the MBA programmes at the foreign educational institutions that are active in the Czech Republic. The promotion of the programme is rather difficult due to various low-quality MBA programmes. The HEI clarifies that these programmes use all kinds of sales promotion measures and are omnipresent in the higher education market, particularly in the area of MBA programs. By contrast, the key benefits of the UJAK s MBA Programme in comparison to the competitors are as follows: the integration of the programme in the university profile including the permeability between the MBA programme and the related university study programmes; the cost of the programme which is moderate given the FIBAA accreditation; the membership of UJAK in the Association of Institutions in Managerial Education (AIMV) which aims at associating prestige and quality MBA schools in the Czech Republic; the permanent demand for the UJAK s MBA Programme particularly from the part of CEOs and middle to senior management of Czech and international institutions (educational institutions including universities, large companies, health care institutions, state administration, public service, etc.); the teaching staff who has valuable eperiences in work with the civil officers, employees of large companies as well as eperiences in public administration, business, and also academic environment. The placement of the graduates on the job market is determined by the fact that all students already work in good positions. The main objective of the programme is to increase the chances of its graduates have to take the net step in their already started careers. After the Czech Republic s joining the European Union Czech managers have greater opportunity to assert themselves at the (non-)european job market. FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 10

11 The MBA programme fits with the overall (educational) strategy of the HEI which is focused upon education of mainly adult students. Up to 60 per cent of the overall student population of UJAK are part-time students already having jobs. The MBA programme is complementary to several academic programmes of the HEI as a post-eperience and broadening programme which partly shares the theoretical component with the accredited academic programmes, but has a clear content on its own and carries itself with strong emphasis on practical knowledge and skills in business administration. The further development of the MBA constitutes one out of 27 main strategic goals. Appraisal: The panel was informed about the difficult situation of MBA programmes in the Czech Republic. The HEI analysed its competition in the MBA market and eplained the situation of the UJAK programme in an intelligible manner. The panel came to the conclusion that the programme can compete on the educational market because of the maintained international quality standards. These standards appear as the reason why students choose to study the MBA programme of UJAK. This was confirmed by both students and alumni during an interview on-site. With regard to the low numbers of students and alumni (see chapter Further development of the programme ) the panel recommends to review the promotion strategy to ensure that the number of applicants and students is always high enough to safeguard programme cost recovery of the current and the start of the net cohort. Regarding the placement of the graduates on the job market the panel agrees with the HEI that the students increase their attractiveness to employers through studying the programme. By reference to a list of the graduates and their actual positions in companies and organisations the panel acknowledges the programme s good positioning as warranted. In the largest Czech private of HEI the MBA programme only forms a small part of the whole academic offer. Nevertheless, the HEI cares for the programme as a representative of the HEI regarding internationalisation, mobility of students and teachers, co-operation with practice and life long learning based on international standards. The classical MBA programme enriches the portfolio of the UJAK without question. Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 1. STRATEGY AND OBJECTIVES 1.2 Positioning of Programme Positioning of the Programme on Education Market Positioning of the Programme on Job Market (Employability of Graduates) Positioning within HEI's overall Strategy 1.3 International orientation of the programme (Asterisk Criterion) The MBA programme as focused upon the EU institutional and economic environment has an important international dimension from the point of view of the HEI. Great majority of the teaching staff are fluent in English and/or other international languages. The programme concept presupposes international comparative studies in economics, law, human resources FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 11

12 management, and other disciplines. Lectures, seminars, and assignments in foreign languages, in particular English, are indispensable part of the programme. The international content of the programme is apparent from the programme s orientation to business administration in the EU countries, international economics and human resources management (alongside the general business administration subjects globally). At least 15% of the lectures and 25% of student workload are in English. Appraisal: The programme objectives and strategy are geared to ensure internationality in teaching and graduate employability. This can be seen in international components of certain modules, the international orientation of the teaching staff and modules partially taught in English. Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 1.3* International Dimension of the Programme X 1.4 Gender equality and equality of opportunity The Jan Amos Komenský University Prague puts emphasis on the equality and equal opportunity issues throughout its academic activities as well as throughout its staffing policy. The following aspects that are present in all university s activities carry over to the MBA Programme: The HEI observes all European and national rules for equality and equal opportunities in respect to both students and teachers and other staff. The concept equally applies to the MBA Programme. realizes specialized study programmes focused upon disabled and socially ecluded, e.g., Special Education or Adult Education. runs Academic Advisory Centre to help students with special needs. allows so-called individual study plans available to students who find themselves in non-standard life situations. Appraisal: The panel members came to the conclusion that gender equality and the implementation of general bans on discrimination are promoted by the faculty. A claim for overcoming disadvantages for disabled students with regard to time and formal on the programme as well as for evidence of performance at the end of the course or during the latter (e.g. through alternative forms of eamination and events) and as part of procedures to determine suitability are ensured. Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 1.4 Gender equality and equality of opportunity FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 12

13 2. ADMISSION (ADMISSION PROCESS AND PROCEDURE) Specific admission for the MBA programme at the Jan Amos Komenský University are as follows: A state accredited Bachelor degree. A minimum of two years of employment in a managerial position. A structured interview including a motivation statement passed. A standard general university admission test passed. A language interview passed or an internationally recognized language certificate supplied (level TELC B2 Certificate in English or higher). Application documents required: 1. Official application form filled. 2. Certified copies of university degree. 3. CV and proof of work eperience. 4. Letters of recommendation. 5. Foreign language certificate (if any). After the verification of the above mentioned documents and in case that all documents are accepted, the applicant is invited to an interview. The interview is based upon topics like Character of the present managerial position held by the applicant, debate based upon the motivation statement, the letters of recommendation and the language interview. In accordance with the Czech Higher Education Act, the Rector of the university decides over the admission of an applicant. The decision is based on the applicant s educational background and his/her overall personal profile (as given in the documents supplied and the results of the interviews). The decision on admission is communicated to the applicant by a Letter of Admission. The letter is signed by the Rector and includes the decision on admission based on the applicant`s meeting the admission. The conditions of admission are declared in the Eamination Rules of the programme and published at the UJAK s website. Appraisal: The admission are well defined and transparent. The required professional eperience of two years is adequate for an MBA programme. The selection procedure contains an interview, which serves to approve the motivation and qualification for the programme. The admission are documented for and accessible to internal and eternal communities. The admission decision is based on transparent criteria and is communicated in written form. In addition, the admission decision contains detailed information regarding the results of the admission procedure. FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 13

14 Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 2. ADMISSION (REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURE) AND OBJECTIVES 2.1* Admission Requirements 2.2 Selection Procedure (if available) 2.3 Professional Eperience (* for Master Programmes of the "further Education" Type) 2.4* Ensuring Foreign Language Competence 2.5* Transparency of Admission Procedure 2.6* Transparency of Admission Decision 3. Implementation 3.1 Structure The MBA programme provides a three semester part-time education with a total of 60 ECTS- Points, each semester consists of 20 ECTS-credits. The Master Thesis is written in the third semester during four months and comprehends 12 ECTS-Points. Each credit is based on a notional 25 hours of student study time. The module structure is shown in the following illustration: Semester 1 / Study Area 1 European Union Compulsory Subjects Guarantees ECTS Hours 1) Genesis, Actual Problems and Future of the EU Comparison of Political and Economic Systems of the EU Countries Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. Martin Kovář, Ph.D., Ryan Scott, BA ) Legal Systems in the EU Countries (including the Czech Republic) 3) Company Law and Contract Law in the EU Countries 4) Labour Law and Problems of Welfare State in the EU Countries Electives* A) Thatcherism and New Labour : Case Study Key Aspects of Economic Development of Contemporary Great Britain B) Mied Economy : Case Study Development of West Germany and its Economic Mira- Prof. JUDr. Jan Kuklík, DrSc. (Ph.D.) Doc. (Ass. Prof.) Jozef Kudla, Ph.D Mgr. Lukáš Zahrádka 2 50 Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. & JUDr. Jakub Rákosník, Ph.D., PhDr. Jaromír Soukup, Ph.D.; Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. Martin Kovář, Ph.D. Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. Václav Horčička, Ph.D FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 14

15 cle C) The United States and European Economic Integration PhDr. Jan Koura 1 25 Semester 1 / Study Area 2 Economics and Finance Compulsory Subjects Guarantees ECTS Hours 5) Macro- and Microeconomic 2 50 Analysis Ing. Jindřich Nový, Ph.D. 6) International Economics 2 50 Ing. Michal Vacenovský 7) Finance and Financial Instruments Prof. Ing. Václav Skurovec, CSc (Ph.D.) 8) International Finance and the Ing. Michal Vacenovský 2 50 EU Fiscal Policy Electives* E) Change Management Prof. PhDr. Jan Barták, DrSc (Ph.D.) F) Operations Management RNDr. Martin Ohlídal, MBA; 1 25 Ing. Jaroslava Hocká G) Decision Making RNDr. Martin Ohlídal, MBA; Ing. Jaroslava Hocká 1 25 Semester 2 / Study Area 3 Management Compulsory Subjects Guarantees ECTS Hours 9) Strategic Management RNDr. Martin Ohlídal, MBA; 3 75 Ing. Jaroslava Hocká 10) Crisis Management Mgr. Daniel Lattner 3 75 and Problem-Solving 11) Risk Management Prof. Ing. Václav Skurovec, CSc (Ph.D.) 12) ICT and Information Systems RNDr. Martin Ohlídal, MBA; 1 25 Management Ing. Jaroslava Hocká Electives** H) Research Methods Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. Martin 1 25 Kovář, Ph.D. Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. et JUDr. Jakub Rákosník, Ph.D. I) Soft Skills (Rhetorics, Presentation Skills and Organization Communications) Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. Martin Kovář, Ph.D. PhDr. Jan Koura 1 25 Semester 2 / Study Area 4 Industrial Management Compulsory Subjects Guarantees ECTS Hours 13) Marketing and Sales Ing. Lenka Hanáčková ) Production and Logistics Ing. Jiří Zmatlík, Ph.D ) Controlling Ing. Štefan Toth ) Accounting Ing. Jana Veselá 1 25 Electives** J) Business Ethics in the EU Countries K) Economy versus Ecology? Problems of the Ecology Focused Market Economy Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. Martin Kovář, Ph.D.; PhDr. Jaromír Soukup, Ph.D. Doc. (Ass. Prof.) PhDr. Martin Kovář, Ph.D.; PhDr. Jaromír Soukup, Ph.D Semester 3 / Study Area Human Resource FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 15

16 Management Compulsory subjects Guarantees ECTS Hours 17) Human Resource Management Prof. PhDr. Jan Barták, DrSc (Ph.D.) 18) Human Resource Development PhDr. Michaela Tureckiová, 2 50 CSc. (Ph.D.) 19) Organisational Behaviour PhDr. Michaela Tureckiová, 2 50 CSc. (Ph.D.) 20) Personnel Functions Mgr. Lenka Pešková 1 25 Semester 3 / Study Area 6 Thesis Compulsory subjects Guarantees ECTS Hours Thesis All guarantees / lecturers * Students choose two subjects from three electives. ** Students choose one subject from two electives. Most of the modules are compulsory, the students choose electives as offered in the particular study areas. All courses last one semester (four months) followed by an eamination period of two months. Module assessments include written tests, essays, project papers, or case studies. All modules are concluded by a cross-module eamination. The module descriptions contain information, among others, about the number of ECTSpoints, the names of lecturers of the modules, the time schedule, the eamination and the evaluation criteria. Furthermore they inform about the aim, the prerequisites and the content of the module and give recommendations of literature. Due to the integration of ECTS-Points, the MBA programme offers also international comparison and compatibility. Requirements for the duration and structure, admission and -procedure, the assessment system in general, the master thesis as well as the period to complete the thesis are described in the Study and Eamination Regulations for the Master of Business Administration Programme. There is also defined the grade point average of the eamination results with respect to the ECTS System which is also pointed out in the Diploma Supplement. Eaminations and credits completed in the MBA programme are recognized for students of accredited study programmes realized by UJAK, the decision has to be taken by the rector. Furthermore, if the HEI possesses nationally/intemationally recognized accreditation, and if the leaming outcomes are not substantially different from the ones at the UlAK MBA programme, credit transfer may be allowed. In practice, the student applies for recognition and provides relevant information on the learning outcomes. The rector entitles the head of the UJAK departments in charge to compare the learning outcomes and if they are not substantially different the head of department gives the rector a recommendation to recognize the credits. There are also reliable rules for an entitlement to compensation for disabled students in terms of time and form of the eams. The programme is designed in a way that students can successfully complete their studies besides working full-time. The amount of student s workload throughout the programme reaches 24 hours a week. The study workload includes all kinds of classroom and etracurricular (independent) activities. The following measures support the students in mastering the workload : Lectures are scheduled on weekends twice a month so that the students have always two weeks to repeat previous lectures and to prepare for the net one using given in- FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 16

17 struction or literature. Students are engaged in direct teaching (lectures) about si days a month during a semester. Eaminations are organized partly during the semester and partly after the end of each semester in order to achieve the most effective distribution of time. In case of absence from a module or permitted partial absence, the module can be repeated or done by self-study or in collaboration with the instructor. In case of unsuccessful completion of a module, students have the opportunity to retake the test twice. Test results are announced immediately after evaluation and eplained. Students can complain about their results. All courses are evaluated regularly to obtain feedback about the quality of the teaching and to recognize and overcome possible difficulties for students in the programme. Appraisal: The structure of the programme with its mainly compulsory modules helps the students to acquire the skills related to the objectives of the MBA programme. ECTS elements, especially the principle of modularisation and the ECTS-System have been implemented in the programme. The module descriptions contain sufficient information for the students. Additional documents were handed over to the panel with more detailed information, like the composition of the workload during contact and self-study time. Regarding the module eamination the modules conclude with a cross-module eamination without eception. The process as well as criteria of credit transfer from programmes offered by the same or another institution with respect to the Lisbon Convention, are sufficiently laid down in the study and eamination rules. The panel members recognize that the master thesis is written besides the student`s fulltime work commitments and the additional workload of modules. Therefore four months appear adequate, as are laid down in the regulations. The study and eamination regulations derive from and are fully compatible with the national rules and regulations in the Czech Republic and have been verified by the Czech Ministry of Education, they regulate the structural for the programme. Nevertheless, the panel members miss one necessary rule: The eemplary diploma supplement that was presented to the panel contains a grading but the regulation is missing the relative reference group and therefore does not comply with the ECTS. Paragraph 13, Art. VIII of the Regulations defines the ECTS grade A as the study average 1.0 to 1.4, which means the arithmetic average of final marks in all the eaminations of one student. This study average has to be set in relation to a reference group like, for eample, the last five groups of graduates and their study average. A study average 1.4 could then be graded with an A, if 1.4 is part of the best 10 % of the reference group. Consequently, the panel advises the accreditation under the condition that the HEI implements reliable and adequate rules of grading pointed out in the diploma supplement in respect to the ECTS based on a relative reference group in the above mentioned study and eamination regulations. The workload during the semesters doesn`t change and the students and alumni who were interviewed during the site visit confirmed the workload as manageable throughout the whole programme. The same applies to the organisation and number of eams in the programme. Regarding the eamination burden the panel members refer to the recommendation in chapter 3.2. Its implementation will further develop the given feasibility of the study programme due to a bigger size of modules concentrating on the crucial contents of an MBA. In addition, the well organised admission procedure contributes that the students are able to complete their studies successfully. This is also proved throughout the very personal contact between the HEI and the very small group of students. Yet it appears problematic that the HEI evalu- FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 17

18 ates all courses, but the question regarding the workload isn`t put epressively. There s only left a blank field in the questionnaire for other comments of students. Altogether the panel comes to the conclusion that the student workload is feasible but that the workload evaluation has to be more formalized (c.5.3). Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 3. PROGRAMME DESIGN 3.1 Structure Structure of the Programme (Core Subjects / or Specialisations (Compulsory Electives) / optional Electives/ practical Components) 3.1.2* Application of the "European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS)" and the Modularisation 3.1.3* Study and Eamination Regulations condition 3.1.4* Student workload 3.2 Content According to UJAK the curriculum is conceptually coherent and its capacity has a deep internal logic. The methodology of the MBA programme leads from general problems to specific ones and from theoretical (academic) knowledge to the applications of managerial skills, separate study areas at the same time create logical units ( mini-specializations ). Following this principle, study area 1 (European Union) is more general and focused upon theoretical foundations of political, economic, and legal aspects business administration with the focus upon the EU countries. The content should give partial justification to the EU focus of the programme. Study Area 2 focuses upon field-specific economic and managerial subjects like economic analysis, international economics, finance, change/operations management, and decision making, while study area 3 leads to field-specific managerial knowledge and skills and ICT. These skills are followed by modules about Industrial Management (study area 4) and Human Resources Management (study area 5). Study Area 6 is devoted to the final written thesis. Basic modules cover the necessary skills for effective work in the management of today's enterprises and institutions. According to the focus of their job or professional interests, students may choose other module specialisations in each study area. The final graduate degree corresponds with those of practice-oriented master's programme, which runs through lifelong management training. The programme combines insights of general and international management. Therefore the HEI considers the programme description and the qualification title Master of Business Administration as appropriate. At least, the additional programme description focus on is due to the fact that the HR component of the programme is broadened and the European dimension (EU political and legal systems, EU structures) is added to the programme content. In order to meet target of integration of theory and practice there are employed various educational techniques. Firstly, in managerial and economic subjects students get the assignment of fictional company with concrete entries and they are supposed to solve particular problems connected to conducting its business in compliance with the theoretical knowledge FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 18

19 gained by lectures and self-study. Secondly, vast majority of subjects in the MBA programme that are connected to managerial practice are taught by professionals with outstanding practical eperiences. Thirdly, students encounter also eperts that are not ordinary teachers in order to embrace their eperience in mutual discussions. The composition of subjects prepares the students for interdisciplinarity: theoretical subjects (economics, EU economies, law, business ethics, etc.) combine with the practical fieldspecific subjects (economic analysis, various areas of management, ICT, HR management and development, marketing and sales, accounting, etc.) and with the managerial skills (eg., soft skills, research methods, decision making, etc.). Interdisciplinarity in the programme s design is secured not only by the content of the particular study areas but also by composition of the subjects within the study areas. The integral part of each subject is theoretical (methodological) introduction, in which the lecturers introduce the students to their own research proceedings and offer them a possibility to confront them with proceedings of other colleagues. For a particular focus upon methodological competence and academic work, the following subjects have been integrated into the programme s curriculum: Research Methods, Soft Skills, and HR Development. During their studies the students are instructed to work with literature, using quotations and references. They are confronted with rational, scientific, empirically verifiable and understandable of research in essays, term papers, business projects and the master thesis. The aim of the final eam is to determine the proficiency level of the graduate to perform professional tasks and the compliance with the of educational standards. Through a variety of assessments, tests and eaminations the students are tested on whether or not they achieved the required learning outcomes of the programme. Appraisal: The curriculum correlates with the programme objectives of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills for management tasks. There is a basically balanced miture of modules in terms of content and they are arranged in a logical sequence. They are aligned with the qualification and competence goals.the programme particularly corresponds to the outcome-based approach. The programme is in line with the of the European MBA Guidelines. Yet the panel members state that subjects like Accounting, Operations Management and Information Systems Management could be deepened to ensure that the necessary contents are taught in a balanced manner. Set against the management background, the programme description and the qualification title are in line with the focus of the programme content. Regarding the additive Focus: Human Resources Management and the EU the panel states that it is obviously not false but that these contents only make 25 % of the whole programme. Therefore, they recommend to review the modules of study area 1 (European Union) in terms of deepening the above mentioned subjects and to remove the additive. Theoretical questions are geared towards application fields to promote employability on the programme. The programme s content also promotes interdisciplinary thinking. The panel has seen a variety of assessments, e.g. written tests, papers and master theses. Assessment techniques comply with the subject matter to be tested. Regarding the master theses the panel came to the conclusion that the academic level varies when comparing different theses. Even if most theses showed that graduates have good methodological competence, in some theses techniques of academic work (e.g. citation, work with sources) were not well-handled. The panel learned that the University provides the students with information about scientific standards and that the curriculum offers the module Research methods in study area 3 as an elective. The panel members, regarding the small number of unsufficient theses, recommend to change this module in a compulsory one to ensure the uniform compliance with the scientific standards in the study programme. FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 19

20 The panel studied a number of tests and found these to be sufficiently substantive and adequate to check the achievement of the particular intended course competencies. In the view of the panel, the methods of the programme assessment generally correspond with the learning outcomes of the respective courses. Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 3. PROGRAMME DESIGN 3.2 Content 3.2.1* Logic and conceptual Coherence of Programme / Curriculum 3.2.2* Rationale for the Qualification Title 3.2.3* Reasons given for programme description 3.2.4* Integration of Theory and Practice Interdisciplinarity 3.2.6* Methodological Competence and Academic Work 3.2.7* Performance in Eaminations and Thesis 3.3 Internationality The international focus of the programme reflects in various international and intercultural aspects. This includes among others: International Economics International Finance and the EU Fiscal Policy Human Resource Management Human Resource Development Finance and Financial Instruments Soft Skills Company Law and Contract Law in the EU Countries Genesis, Actual Problems and Future of the EU Legal Systems in the EU Countries Economic Development of Great Britain, West Germany, or Russia Business Ethics in the EU Countries; Ecology Focused Market Economy The current students of the programme are from the Czech Republic and two from Ukraine. The faculty of the programme is composed of local UJAK lecturers and eternal eperts with valuable eperience as lecturers in foreign universities (in the EU countries); some of them are involved in international research projects. FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 20

21 The graduates from the MBA programme must be able to communicate in English which is a result of several factors: the international character of the university and its position within the EU and various European structures, the of the MBA programme as well as the of the international companies in the Czech Republic as the graduates employers. Therefore, at least 15% of the lectures and 25% of student workload are in English. It`s also possible to write the thesis in English. Appraisal: The amount of international content is clearly shown in the curriculum. The panel came to the conclusion that the international orientation of the programme equips graduates with the skills they need to perform the tasks required in an international and intercultural environment. Internationality in the programme is supported by the international teaching/working background of the lecturers who incorporate their eperiences into the courses. The number of international students is very small. This results from the part-time character of the programme which is addressed to professionals who work in Prague and the surrounding areas. Another obstacle for international students may be the teaching in mainly Czech language. The courses taught in English (contact hours, accompanying materials) as well as English literature used in modules with international content are sufficient to foster the employability of graduates on a continuous basis. The intended communicative competence for the vocational field of managers complements the achievable skills of the international content of the programme. Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 3. PROGRAMME DESIGN 3.3 Internationality 3.3.1* International and intercultural aspects Internationality of Student Community Internationality of Teaching Community Foreign language content 3.4 Additional acquisition of knowledge and skills The content of the curriculum is aimed to cover the entire width of the field of economics and management in both its professional and above professional level. There are several additional competencies that go beyond a narrow sectoral approach and border. The following aspects are integral part of the programme objectives and reflect in different modules: Economics as a discipline is not only pursuing profit maimisation, but the creation of social values, sustainable social responsibility with regard to the needs of society and the protection of nature (environmental concerns). Economics as a social science takes into account the behaviour of managers, employees, partners and customers, and their mutual interpersonal relationships. FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 21

22 The aim of management is to create long-term value for business and society, and environmental conditions, to control and create healthy conditions for a free and open market and competition and also to follow ethical principles of thinking and practice. Research skills connected to searching and analyzing legal sources and documents originated in the European Union bodies. Research skills oriented toward identification marketing opportunities through the quantitative and qualitative methods of proper data collection in order to identify and assess how changing elements of the marketing mi impacts customer behaviour. Knowledge about people and processes involved in the management of work organisations, stress on social behaviour and ethic aspects and conducts is present in all lectured subjects. Communication skills and rhetoric as part of management education is supported in the programme in several ways: In each module there is active conversation between teacher and students; also the students have to work in teams on a regular basis. In many disciplines students are asked to present their solutions, to a task and lead a debate about it. In particular, the etended HR study in Study Area 5 together with the Business Ethics and Soft Skills subjects secures strong accent of the programme upon social behaviour, ethical aspects and conduct. To improve spoken language skills, students receive assistance with their seminar work and the final defence of the project work and master thesis. The theoretical grounding in managerial practice is specifically checked in several presentations of projects, tasks, solutions, workshops and labour dispute simulations. Appraisal: As the panel states, the development of generic skills such as social aspects, sustainability, or responsible handling of colleagues and employees are provided in the programme on a consistent basis. Among others, the course Business Ethics is included in the curriculum. Also, in a number of modules, students are required to present the results of their studies and practice teamwork, whereby the ability to communicate publicly is convincingly fostered. Communication skills and public-speaking skills as well as team-work and conflict resolution are strongly nurtured by means of knowledge and skills development in the programme and students practice the techniques individually in several activities. Quality Ratings Eceptional Eceeds quality Does not meet quality not relevant 3. PROGRAMME DESIGN 3.4 Additional Acquisition of Knowledge and Skills 3.4.1* Acquisition of application and / or research-oriented skills (only for Master programmes) 3.4.2* Generic Skills 3.4.3* Communication skills and public speaking skills / team-work and conflict handling FIBAA-Assessment Report Seite 22