PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION: FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME MBA

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1 PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION: FULL-TIME AND PART-TIME MBA 1 Awarding Institution: University of Exeter 2 School(s)/Teaching Institution: Business School 3 Programme to be Association of MBAs accredited/validated by: 4 Final Award(s): MBA 5 Programme Title: Master of Business Administration 6 UCAS Code (if relevant): Not relevant 7 FHEQ Level of Final Award(s): M 8 QAA Subject Benchmarking Group: General Business and Management, PG 9 Date of Production: December 2008 Revision: 10 Programme Structures and Requirements, Levels, Modules, Credits and Awards The Exeter Full-time MBA is offered as a general management programme with an emphasis on management capability. The full-time programme is 12 months in length. The part-time programme may be taken over 36 months, fast track in 24 months. Part-time students attend lectures with fulltime students. The programme consists of 13 taught modules (12 credits each) plus a dissertation or business project giving a total of 180 credits (24 credits). Of the taught modules 10 are core, 3 are options chosen from a number of pathways. 12 of the modules are taught in the first and second terms of each academic year; one module is exceptional in its delivery: BEMM731 Developing Management Capabilities. This module runs throughout the academic year (for part-time students over 2 years) and will form the underpinning personal development framework against which to develop managerial effectiveness. Students can choose either to take a generalist pathway (3 options from the full list available) or a named Management specialism: Financial Management, Marketing Management, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Leadership. Modules for the Full-Time/Part-Time MBA are organised into three stages: Stage 1: Business Fundamentals BEMM 732 The Marketing Imagination (Core) BEMM 733 Managing Strategic Resources and Operations (Core) BEMM 734 Business Economics (Core) BEMM 735 Accounting for Management (Core) BEMM 736 Finance for Managers (Core) BEMM 737 People in Organisations (Core) BEMM 738 Global Strategic Analysis and Management (Core) BEMM731 Managerial Effectiveness: Creating Personal and Professional Impact (Core) Stage 2: Integrated Management Students will choose 2 out of the 3 core options : BEMM 741 From Medici to Microsoft: The Integration of Management in Theory (Core-option) BEMM 742 Roundtables for Practising Managers (Core-option) BEMM 748 Strategic Innovation Management (Core-option) Stage 3: Management Specialisms Financial Management (students chose 3 from the 5 available) BEMM 743 Advanced Investment Analysis (Option) BEMM 744 International Financial Management (Option) BEMM 745 Derivative Pricing (Option) BEMM 747 Banking & Financial Services (Option) BEMM 750 Corporate Finance (Option) Marketing Management (Students must take all 3) 1

2 BEMM 754 Internet Marketing and the Information Society (Option) BEMM 755 Managing & Communicating Brands (Option) BEMM 739 Understanding Consumer Behaviour (Option) Entrepreneurship and Innovation (Students must take 2 + BEMM 748(core-option) and one other) BEMM 752 Entrepreneurship: the managerial challenge of new enterprise (Option) BEMM 746 Process Information Management (Option) Leadership (Students must take the following 2 plus any other option) BEMM 757 The Five Minds of a Manager (Option) BEMM 758 Critical Perspectives on Leadership (Option) BEMM 759 One Planet Leaders (Draft only) General Options BEMM 740 Management in the 21 st Century (Option) BEMM 751 Crisis, Change and Creativity in Organizations (Option) BEMM 756 Business Law (Option) BEMM 730 Dissertation/Business Project (Core) 11 Educational Aims of the Programme The aim of the Exeter Full-time and Part-time MBA programmes is to provide a distinctive, interdisciplinary and integrative educational programme for individuals seeking to consolidate their managerial achievements to date and prepare for a career in senior management, ultimately at the highest strategic levels. The programme is designed to expose programme participants to the latest thinking and practice across a wide range of management disciplines. Teaching materials are derived from leading-edge academic research in order to develop critical powers of analysis and reflection, and practical and inter-personal skills in preparation for key positions in industry, commerce and the public sector. The Full-time and Part-time MBA programmes equip students with an understanding of organizations, their management, and the changing global environment in which they operate. Students build on their existing understanding of management and organization within a framework that enables them to relate their business experience to contemporary management ideas and practice. This is achieved through critical thinking, teamwork, creativity and personal development in a highly interactive and stimulating environment that encourages rigorous, relevant and innovative learning and research. It should be emphasised that the programme is an innovative three stage process in professional development with a strong international content. Coaching in personal effectiveness in the Developing Management Capabilities module supports the learning process and the development of new management and personal skills. 2

3 12 & 13 Programme Outcomes and Teaching, Learning & Assessment Methods On successfully completing the programme, a graduate should be able to demonstrate: A Subject knowledge and Skills A.1 Engagement with extant theoretical and practical management literatures and ideas that underpin management thought and practice. A.2 A critical understanding of debates within key areas of research in management and business studies. A.3 The means to think creatively, develop visionary ideas, present pragmatic solutions, and evaluate these in the organisational context. A.4 An ability to understand how global economic and technological influences shape the modern business world. A.5 An understanding of the importance of key personal skills in management and their application in areas such as leadership, communication, presentation, and decision making. A. Teaching/learning methods and strategies Each of the 13 modules provides students with an understanding of key theoretical and practical management issues, debates and literatures within the particular subject being taught. Teaching/learning methods are specific to each module as specified in the module descriptors, and will include, variously, lectures and discussions, exercises/case studies, group discussions, presentations from management practitioners, DVD materials, student presentations, field visits, and Roundtables on Managing. A.1, A.2 and A.3 are addressed in all modules. A.4 is addressed in each module but more specifically in Business Economics, Management Knowledge in the 21st Century. Examples and international comparisons are also addressed in other modules, e.g. Global Strategic Analysis and Management, The Marketing Imagination. A.5 is specifically addressed in Developing Management Capabilities where students will be coached in personal skills. This module adds unique value to the programme. 3

4 A. Assessment A.1 is assessed in all modules with the exception of Developing Management Capabilities. A.2 is assessed in all modules with the exception of Developing Management Capabilities. A.3 is assessed in all modules. A.4 is assessed in several modules where international examples are used. A.4 will specifically be assessed in Global strategic Analysis and Management, Business Economics, Management Knowledge in the 21st Century. A.5 is assessed in the Developing Management Capabilities module Assessments vary by subject but most are assessed by an individual piece of coursework or an examination or both. There is one exception: Developing Management Capabilities, which will be assessed by how successful the students have been in identifying personal issues to be resolved and how well they understand and act on those issues. Summative assessment methods are published for each module in module handbooks. All summative written and non-written work attracts verbal or written structured feedback from tutors that is intended to enable the students to plan future improvements. This is undertaken at the end of each semester. For stage 1 modules assessed by written work, students may submit a draft for formative feedback before formal submission. Students may further discuss their progress with academic or personal tutors during scheduled office hours. B Core Academic Skills B.1. The ability to use theories and concepts from the management literature and related disciplines to address managerial issues and problems. B.2. The ability to analyze and diagnose managerial problems and issues. B.3. The ability to offer considered opinion on the solutions to specific managerial problems. B.4. The ability to synthesise ethical, economic and behavioural perspectives, and engage intelligently in arguments over what constitutes best B. Teaching/learning methods and strategies B.1 is fostered through the teaching of the range of managerial disciplines and recommended reading. B.2 is achieved through the use of case studies and other forms of interactive materials. B.3 is also achieved through use of case materials. It is additionally expected that students will draw from their personal experience and from their own organizations for discussion in class. B.4 is achieved through ensuring that students are able to put together a coherent and convincing argument as to what constitutes best practice in Marketing, HRM, Accounting, etc., and in management generally. 4

5 management practice. B. Assessment B.1 is assessed through coursework and/or examinations in all modules. B.2 is assessed through coursework and/or examinations in all modules B.3 is assessed through coursework and/or examinations in all modules B.4 is assessed through coursework and/or examinations in all modules C Personal and Key Skills C.1. The ability to communicate management ideas, principles, theories and research findings effectively to academic and practitioner audiences. C.2. The ability to analyse, present and communicate information effectively. C.3. The ability to locate, digest and analyse critically management concepts and management issues. C.4. The ability to manage time effectively throughout the duration of the programme. C.5. The capacity to work effectively and efficiently as a member or leader of a group towards the achievement of specific objectives. The programme has Group Guidelines in place to support group work. C.6. A reflexive approach to learning and the self-evaluation of personal strengths and weaknesses. C. Teaching/learning methods and strategies C.1 is achieved through sharing ideas and opinions with colleagues and academic staff, and by making presentations (in particular of case studies and experiences in the student s employing organization). C.2 is achieved in class through case study presentations. It is also an important part of the Developing Management Capabilities module. C.3 is achieved through appropriate use of the library and the internet, and through discussion of materials with student colleagues and tutors. C.4 is achieved through the student s own time management. C.5 is achieved through extensive group work, inclass participation in exercises and case studies, and in leading presentations. C.6 is achieved through identification of personal strengths and weaknesses and learning styles, and from the Developing Management Capabilities module. Students should be able to learn from each other in order to become more self-critical in a non-threatening environment. D Relevant subject benchmark statement. The programme conforms to the QAA Benchmark Statement for general business and management at Master s level. The success of the Full-time and Part-time Exeter MBA relies on close and effective interaction between staff and students, and also between student and student. MBA modules are taught in a variety of ways with an emphasis on the development of personal and learning skills as well as subject knowledge. Tutorials and discussion sessions allow students to develop knowledge and skills through small group learning with the Exeter MBA team of lecturers. Academic support will be provided during the delivery of the modules to help students deal with any study difficulties. If required, the student will be referred to the Student Skills Learning Service. 5

6 14 Support for Students and Student Learning The University of Exeter Library maintains its principal collections in the main library buildings on the Streatham and St Luke s campuses, together with a number of specialist collections in certain Schools. The total Library collection comprises over a million volumes and 3000 current periodical subscriptions. Information Technology (IT) Services provide a wide range of services throughout the Exeter campuses including open access computer rooms, many of which are available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Additionally, some Schools have their own dedicated facilities. Helpdesks are maintained on the Streatham and St Luke s campuses, while most study bedrooms in halls and flats are linked to the University s campus network. It is University policy that all schools should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors for their students. A University-wide statement on such provision is included in the University s TQA Manual. Additionally, the following units at Exeter between them provide a wide range of student support services: - Student Counselling Service - Student Health Centre - Study Skills Service - Family Centre (Streatham campus) - Student Advice Centre (Guild of Students) - Chaplaincy - International Office - Foreign Language Centre - Disability Resource Centre - INTO - International Student Exchange and Support Office The University Careers Advisory service provides expert advice to all students to enable them to plan their futures, through guidance interviews, psychometric testing, employer presentations, skills events, practice job interviews and CV preparation. The School also provides this service through an Employability Officer. All Schools are required to establish Student/Staff Liaison Committees, which allow students to contribute directly to the enhancement of educational and other provision at discipline level. The School also supports the MBA Programme by subscribing to TopMBA which provides information weekly, on global positions available. Head-hunter agencies are invited to present to the cohort on CV and interview techniques. MBA students further benefit from the services of an external career advisor. Through the MBA Alumni website, current and past MBA students are able to establish networks and maintain contacts. Personal tutors provide academic monitoring and advice. The MBA Manager provides advice and pastoral care for non-academic problems such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness, and issues that impede a student s performance or learning experience. Each student is allocated a personal tutor drawn from the MBA teaching team. In addition, support for postgraduate MBA students University Exeter Business School includes: A dedicated programme director A dedicated programme manager A programme-dedicated student handbook (c.50 pages) includes inter alia registration and induction, general information on School and University facilities and services (e.g. library, IT, fax, photocopying), health and safety, communicating with School staff, illness and absence, special needs, details of the degree programme and its modules (module templates, examinations, assessment methods etc.), School Code of Good Practice in Teaching and Learning, University postgraduate assessment procedures (examination conventions), complaints and appeals procedures, and guidance on examination preparation, group work, essay writing, referencing, cheating and plagiarism. IT Support Two postgraduate and MBA exclusive computing suites with standard and specialised software (e.g. RATS, PCGive, SPSS, Maple) and access to specialised databases (e.g. Datastream, Thomson Analytics, Bloomberg, Business Insights, Datamonitor, London Share Price Database, Center for Research Security Prices) Students have access to the Reuters Thomson Data Suite MBA 24 hour coded suite including study rooms and computer room School-dedicated English Language Centre classes 6

7 Disability officer and referral service to the Disability Resource Centre Departmental staff-postgraduate seminar programme (visiting speakers) Postgraduate student representation on the School s Postgraduate Student-Staff Liaison Committee (one representative from each taught postgraduate programme) Postgraduate student representation on School Teaching Committee (one representative from each taught postgraduate programme) MBA dedicated Career Coach: CV workshops Interview techniques Dedicated WebCT for career guidance Information on job vacancies, global and UK via TopMBA, Employment Agencies Seminars with guest speakers 15 Admission Criteria The following admissions criteria apply: A good first degree (second class honours or GPA 3.0 and above) or an equivalent level professional qualification and a minimum of three years relevant work experience at supervisory or management level. Alternative entry through extensive work experience (6 years or more in a middle to senior management position) and/or professional qualifications. Overseas students: Overseas students must show proficiency in the English language and have an appropriate qualification: Certificate of Proficiency in English of the Cambridge Local Examinations Grade B or above IELTS 7.00 TOEFL 250 ibt TOEFL Widening participation The programme is committed to widening participation and welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications who have relevant job experience. 16 Regulation of Assessment and Academic Standards Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed School assessment marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures. Condonement may be applied for modules to a maximum of 36 credits where the overall credit weighted mean is at least 50% (including the marks for any failed modules) and the failed modules to be condoned have not been listed in the programme specification as being excluded from the condonement process. The maintenance of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the external examiners appointed for each module. Their responsibilities are described in the University s code for external examiners and include approving draft examination papers, course work and examination scripts. Attendance at the Board of Examiners and the provision of an annual report are both required. Clear procedures are also in place for the monitoring of these annual reports at both School and University level. See the University s TQA Manual for details of these processes: ( 7

8 17 Indicators of Quality and Standards The University and its constituent Schools draw on a range of data in their regular review of the quality of provision. The annually published Performance Indicator Dataset details admission, progression, completion and first career destination data, including comparisons over a five-year time span. The programme is accredited by the Association of MBAs on a four year cycle. 18 Methods for Evaluating and Improving Quality and Standards The University has procedures in place for the regular review of its educational provision, including the annual review of both modules and programmes which draws on feedback from such sources as external examiners' reports, student evaluation, student achievement and progression data. In addition, subject areas are reviewed every three years through a subject and programme quality review scheme that includes external input. These procedures are recorded in codes of practice contained in the TQA Manual. Certain programmes are also subject to review and/or accreditation by professional and statutory bodies, while nearly all subject areas are reviewed from time to time by the national Quality Assurance Agency for HE; see the QAA web site for review reports on subjects at Exeter. In order to maintain our AMBA accreditation we need to submit a Self-audit document together with a panel visit consisting of Academics from other accredited MBA programmes throughout the UK on a four year cycle. Revised 12/1/09 8