MBA HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 SCHOOL OF BUSINESS MBA HANDBOOK Committed to Excellence in Europe

2 Committed to Excellence in Europe

3 CONTENTS Welcome Why in Cyprus University of Nicosia Introduction MBA Programme Philosophy MBA Programme Structure The MBA Courses of Instruction Academic Policies and Regulations Admission Requirements The MBA Graduates The MBA Faculty

4 4 A WARM WELCOME TO ALL MBA STUDENTS

5 Dear MBA students: To become an exceptional business leader in a rapidly changing world, you need an exceptional MBA. The University of Nicosia MBA offers a unique lifetime experience to those who seek to be accomplished and authentic business leaders. The University of Nicosia MBA provides all the academic rigour you should expect from a top-tier programme. Committed to excellence, our MBA is one of the best offered in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region, with state of the art facilities and technological support. Our relationship with the business and educational communities in Cyprus, the European Union, the United States and other parts of the world, projects another challenging endeavour for you. Through our MBA programme at The University of Nicosia you will be exposed to a plethora of challenges and great opportunities to enhance your personal and career horizons. Our programme is taught by faculty who have a wealth of teaching, research, and real business world experience, and who will provide the necessary tools for an all-round educational experience. The University of Nicosia MBA aims to develop competent, entrepreneurial, internationally oriented, and socially responsible managers who can master tomorrow s challenges. We believe that companies and societies need managers and leaders who can think beyond the logic of a single department or unit, and take into consideration broader corporate and societal interests. In today s world, people like you will play a significant role in shaping the global business environment with all its idiosyncrasies and peculiarities. You will need to possess leadership, and international business, technical, managerial, crosscultural, and organisational skills. These qualities will make a difference not only in Cyprus and Europe, but the rest of the world as well. We will ensure that upon the completion of your studies you will be well equipped to face the aforementioned issues. Our philosophy towards teaching has enabled us to create an effective and stimulating learning environment. We think that a combination of solid theory, practical case studies and close interaction with industry set The University of Nicosia MBA apart from all other business schools. Overall, it is a programme designed for business people with the determination to be skilled and knowledgeable leaders who can influence people, offer strategic direction, and make good use of financial, marketing, human and technological resources. Our mission is to create graduates who can out-think and out-smart the competition. Prof. Dr. Demetris Vrontis Director, MBA Programme Dean, School of Business 5

6 6 WHY IN CYPRUS?

7 Cyprus is situated in the northeastern corner of the Mediterranean, at the meeting point of Europe, Asia and Africa. Since the dawn of history, Cyprus has been one of the most interesting areas of the region and has a rich and visible cultural history. Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Romans along with Crusaders, Byzantines, Franks and Ottomans have all left a powerful legacy for the modern visitor to see and admire. Cyprus is endowed with golden beaches, virgin green forests and other natural wonders. The environment remains free from pollution and other ill-effects common to industrialised countries. Cyprus enjoys a wonderful Mediterranean climate. Apart from the light rainy season between November and March, Cyprus is sunny most of the time. Mean temperatures range from 8 0 C (42 0 F), during the coldest month of December to 35 0 C (96 0 F) during the hottest month of August. The weather however is not the only attractive feature of the island - Cypriots are equally famous for the warm and friendly welcome they extend to visitors. The Cyprus economy is booming and political stability is firmly established. In May 2004, Cyprus officially became a member of the European Union and thus bridged Europe to the Middle East and the rest of the world. Having emerged as one of the region s leading business and financial centres, the island enjoys competitive advantages in areas such as tourism, consultancy, shipping, telecommunications, banking and insurance services. Because Cyprus provides an ideal setting for higher learning, it is no wonder that it has become a major international education centre, attracting scholars and students from all over the region. This cultural diversity makes it a forum for international understanding and peace, thus providing a firm foundation for the educational philosophy of The University of Nicosia. 7

8 WHY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA? Founded in 1980, The University of Nicosia has an established reputation for quality higher education. The University of Nicosia is the largest and most prestigious University in Cyprus. Indeed, a relevant opinion survey conducted by an independent research firm showed The University of Nicosia to be the most reputable University in Cyprus. As a modern, progressive institution, The University of Nicosia offers unique educational opportunities to students of varied backgrounds. At The University of Nicosia, students benefit from: - The opportunity to earn the University s reputable qualification. - Its international character and diverse academic and professional expertise. - Its extensive links with the industry. - The experience of being a member of an international student body. The University of Nicosia students come from many nations to prepare for leadership positions in the professions, the arts, government, industry and commerce. 8

9 The University of Nicosia is situated in the outskirts of Nicosia. Nicosia has been the capital city of Cyprus since the 12th century AD. It is the seat of Government and the principal diplomatic, administrative and commercial centre of the island. The city is rich in cultural and historical heritage with museums, theatres, art galleries and libraries. Foreign embassies and consulates are also located in Nicosia. The capital is an ideal centre for both business and leisure, with easy access to the island s other cities, beaches and mountain resorts. A recognized centre for global business, Nicosia is also a popular venue for many international seminars and conferences, with an excellent infrastructure including the International Conference Centre. Clearly, this overall environment is ideal for students interested in business, computing and related fields. The University of Nicosia is housed in new purposed-built premises on a 30-donum site and provides ample room for lecturing purposes, 45 classrooms, specialised teaching labs and studios. These include 12 Computer Labs [including a Multimedia and a Design Lab], a Radio-TV Production room, a large Computer Engineering Lab, an Art Room, a Digital Processing Lab, 2 Biology and Chemistry Labs, 2 Aesthetics Labs, Catering Labs and a Studio for Graphic and Interior Design. The campus also accommodates 13 amphitheaters, a cinema theater [Cine Studio], a gym, a games room, a cafeteria and a restaurant as well as a separate library building. 9

10 10 INTRODUCTION

11 The University of Nicosia is international in philosophy, development and outlook. Conscious of its unique location at the crossroads of three continents, the University strives to enhance opportunities for education and understanding between people of different cultures. The University of Nicosia aims to promote both high academic standards and high principles of character. Students are encouraged to acquire facts and competencies in various skills, as well as to develop cultural awareness, social responsibility, and personal integrity. The University of Nicosia is Cyprus leading University with its MBA Programme dedicated to excellence in management education and performance. The University s policies and strategies emphasise the key role that good management plays in competition, growth and productivity. Its activities translate that into specific efforts in executive and student education, degree granting, business consulting and management research. The University of Nicosia s MBA Programme is dynamic and intensive, and it reflects a policy that stresses flexible specialisation, experiential learning and optimum use of study time. The content and structure of The University of Nicosia s MBA Programme is constantly adjusted, incorporating the latest approaches to Management education and Executive training. Our primary mission is to prepare the students to become effective managers in today s globally competitive environment in order to meet the needs of industry and governments throughout the world. 11

12 MBA PROGRAMME GENERAL PHILOSOPHY Gaining a competitive advantage is the key to our world today. Rapid contemporary change in economic policies and structures, including the globalisation of industries and markets, is driving countries, organisations and individuals to continuously search for a competitive edge. Managerial ability is proving to be the most critical building stone of tomorrow s Firm Specific Advantages. Those fulfilling a managerial task, or performing a managerial role in our business structures today, will most likely require a vast mix of skills that will certainly differ considerably from traditional wisdom. Without these skills they may not be able to either gain or maintain the competitive advantage essential for survival and growth. Geographical boundaries and stage of economic growth may not have as significant an impact as we have witnessed so far. The essence will be the demonstration of excellence and a striving for comparative advantage. These are the underlying principles that influenced The University of Nicosia in the design and operating philosophy of its MBA programme. The Master s in Business Administration programme is designed to offer an insight into professional possibilities and modern organisations functioning in the context of today s competitive world. The pace of the programme is vigorous. It aims to provide participating students with the skills necessary to guide both their short and long term decisions. The curriculum aims at integrating theory with practice. Each of the core and specialisation modules involves lectures, discussions, project assignments, role-playing, case studies and applied class work. The participants consistently deal with realistic managerial and professional problems. The curriculum also includes visits by Executive guests from business and industrial corporations. The University of Nicosia MBA programme offers the possibility of five concentrations, namely: - Management - Marketing - Finance - Management Information Systems (MIS) - Human Resource Management (HRM) 12

13 MBA Programme Accreditation The University of Nicosia MBA Programme is locally accredited by CEEA (ΣΕΚΑΠ), the Ministry of Education of Cyprus and KYSATS The University of Nicosia School of Business is a member of AACSB - International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - U.S.A. The University of Nicosia has received recognition by the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) as Committed to Excellence! The University of Nicosia School of Business is a member of EFMD - European Foundation for Management Development - Europe. 13

14 THE MBA PROGRAMME STRUCTURE The University of Nicosia MBA Programme requires students to complete 46 credit hours/120 ECTS, in order to obtain the MBA Degree. In addition, our MBA Programme offers free foundation courses. These foundations are scheduled twice a year and are offered to students with no business qualifications or background, free of charge. MBA Foundation Courses MBA 510 MBA 520 MBA 530 Foundations in Economics Foundations in Accounting Foundations in Statistics and Research * Students with a business related degree or background may be exempted from the Foundation Courses The University of Nicosia MBA Core Programme consists of 8 Core Courses. These Core Courses are designed to provide the student with an integrated education in all the fundamental areas of business. CORE COURSES (24 credits / 60 ECTS) CREDITS ECTS MBA-603 Decision Making Methods & Tools MBA-609 Organisations and HR Management MBA-611 Business Economics MBA-612 Financial & Managerial Accounting MBA-622 Financial Management MBA-667 Strategic Marketing MBA-670 Operations & Quality Management MBA-685 Corporate Strategy

15 SPECIALISATION ELECTIVES (12 Credits/30 ECTS)* *Students get to choose four out of seven courses from one of the five specialisations offered: Management, Marketing, Finance, MIS (Management Information Systems), HRM (Human Resource Management) OPTION A - MANAGEMENT CONCENTRATION CREDITS ECTS MBA-701 Organisational Behaviour MBA-703 Business Ethics MBA-705 Consultancy Process MBA-706 Managing Corporate Change ΜΒΑ-707 Entrepreneurship and SME s MBA-708 Supply Chain Management MBA-709 Management Science OPTION B - MARKETING CONCENTRATION MBA-711 Relationship Marketing MBA-712 Market Research MBA-713 Consumer Behaviour MBA-716 Marketing of Services MBA-717 Corporate Social Responsibility MBA-718 Marketing Communications MBA-719 Global Marketing OPTION C - FINANCE CONCENTRATION MBA-721 Portfolio Analysis MBA-722 Financial Markets & Institutions MBA-723 Financial Risk Management MBA-724 Global Financial Strategies MBA-726 Working Capital Management MBA-727 Corporate Governance MBA-728 Advance Corporate Finance OPTION D - MIS CONCENTRATION MBA-730 E-Business MBA-733 Web Design & Development MBA-735 Business Data Communication and Security MBA-736 Enterprise Information Systems MBA-737 Knowledge Management MBA-738 IT Project Management MBA-739 Business Intelligence OPTION E - HRM CONCENTRATION MBA-741 HR and Organisational Development 3 MBA-742 Managing Performance 3 MBA-743 Employee Resourcing 3 MBA-744 Leadership and Innovation 3 MBA-745 Employment Law 3 MBA-746 Managing Diversity in Organisations 3 MBA-747 Employee Relations INTERGRATION MBA-890 Research Methodology 4 10 MBA-899 Thesis 6 20 TOTAL * Each concentration is offered subject to sufficient demand. 15

16 MBA FOUNDATION COURSES The MBA courses of instruction are briefly described below in a code numeric sequence. They are not and should not be considered as the detailed syllabuses of the courses offered at The University of Nicosia. The complete and detailed syllabi (course description) can be obtained from the Office of the MBA Programme at The University of Nicosia. MBA-510 FOUNDATIONS IN ECONOMICS This course is designed for students with no previous background in economics. It examines the fundamental economic principles such as scarcity and choice, opportunity cost, demand and supply, elasticity, cost of production and market structures. MBA 520 FOUNDATIONS IN ACCOUNTING This course covers basic topics of knowledge from accounting. The objective is to familiarise students whose undergraduate studies are not in business to the discipline of accounting. The course examines the basic principles of accounting, and the ways in which accounting statements and financial information can be used to improve the quality of decision making. The main topics covered in this course include the double entry system, the accounting cycle, preparation of the basic financial statements, and partnerships. MBA 530 FOUNDATIONS IN STATISTICS The objective of this course is to prepare students for the course MBA-603 (Decision Making Methods & Tools) and it is designed for those students who did not have undergraduate statistics or who had it long time ago. It covers basic descriptive statistics and Calculus including Organisation of Data, Graphical Data Analysis, Descriptive Measures, Probability Theory and Applications, Probability Distributions, and Calculus Concepts used in Decision Theory. An introduction to Statistical Software will also be included in the course. 16

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18 CORE COURSES MBA 603 DECISION MAKING METHODS & TOOLS The objective of this course is to introduce the students to decision making methods and tools, as they are applied in business and management. The course is divided in three parts, the first part introduces students to inferential statistics as they are applied in business and management decision making, the second part introduces students to the principles of regression and forecasting methods as applied in business and management and the third part introduces students to the principles of optimisation and decision theory. A number of applications and case studies will be discussed with the students in order to provide them with virtual hands-on experience in decision making. MBA 609 ORGANISATIONS & HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Introduces MBA students, to a comprehensive review of essential personnel management concepts and techniques focusing on practical applications that all managers need to deal with their HR related responsibilities. The course focuses with specific explanations and illustrations on essential HR management topics like job analysis, selection and recruitment, testing, training and development, compensation and performance appraisal. MBA 611 BUSINESS ECONOMICS This course examines economic and strategic managerial decisions under various economic and market conditions. It also adopts an international comparative perspective in order to highlight how different economic systems and structures, influence economic and business performance, market environment and thus corporate strategies. MBA 612 FINANCIAL & MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING This course aims to give students a general overview of financial and management accounting theory and practice. It assumes that students have a basic knowledge of the techniques covering financial accounting and in particular the following topics: double entry, the accounting cycle, main financial statements and preparation of the Financial Statements. Therefore, the topics that will be covered will be Cash flow statements, analysis of financial statements, issues related to contributed capital (legal capital, preferred stock, treasury stock, stock splits, etc.), and income and changes in retained earnings (earnings per share, dividends, and statement of changes in stockholders equity). In the second half of the course, students will address Management Accounting covering Planning and Control, Short-term Decision Making, Strategic Management Accounting and the Management of Working Capital and Sources of Finance. MBA 622 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT This course addresses the principles, concepts and practices of corporate financial management, and the theories and applications underlying the financial decision making process. Topics covered include the agency theory, valuation, capital structure and cost, capital budgeting, corporate bankruptcy, working capital management, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions. 18

19 MBA 667 STRATEGIC MARKETING This core course aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge basis in the field of marketing, including its philosophy, application and strategic context. The course describes the leading theories and models that are used to explain key concepts in strategic marketing and identifies the external and internal forces that impact upon the choices involved in the development, production and distribution of goods and services. The course additionally cultivates the skills and competencies required towards strategic marketing planning, with various tools and processes being presented both as a theoretical basis and in their practical application framework. The students are finally taught how to practically integrate theory with practice towards the development of a strategic marketing plan. MBA 685 CORPORATE STRATEGY Managers face no greater challenge than that of strategic planning and strategic management. Guiding a complex organisation through a dynamic, rapidly changing environment requires the best of judgment. Strategic planning issues are invariably ambiguous and unstructured, and the way in which management responds to them, determines whether an organisation will succeed or fail. In this capstone course students will be asked to face the aforementioned challenges. They will become familiar with the strategic planning process in the for-profit, nonprofit sectors, within the context of the global aspects of strategy. MBA 670 OPERATIONS AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT The course examines the basic elements of operations management with particular focus on inputs and suppliers, process and capacity planning, forecasting, inventory management, product and project management, implications of globalisation, and the issue of quality and competitiveness. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating how the operations function can support business strategy. 19

20 SPECIALISATION PATHS MANAGEMENT MBA 701 ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR Introduces MBA students to the importance of effective design and management of organisations through, the thoughtful application of knowledge concerning the behaviour of people in the workplace. The emphasis is on the human actor who is central to organisational effectiveness and success. The course focuses on developing professional competencies related to topics such as motivation, communication, leadership, group and team work, organisational change design, culture and change and occupational stress. MBA 703 BUSINESS ETHICS How do people live their lives according to a standard of right or wrong behaviour? The concepts of business ethics are examined, where employees face the dilemma of balancing their own moral standards with those of the company they work at. Should the business world be viewed as an artificial environment, where the rules by which you choose to live your own life don t necessarily apply? MBA 705 CONSULTANCY PROCESS The course is designed to make students reflect on the process of working as a consultant and develop a personal vision on the role of a process consultant. Furthermore, this course aims at developing understanding and skills in handling sensitive issues in consultancy, such as building trust, ethical problems, ensuring implementation and overcoming resistance to change, as well as developing skills in acting as a facilitator in team-building. Furthermore, this course aims to develop understanding and skills in the various 20 aspects of managing a consultancy firm and consultancy assignments. MBA 706 MANAGING CORPORATE CHANGE This course s focus is on the management of change in contemporary organisations. The information presented will cover the theories, models, methods and techniques used by change agents to bring about positive change within organisations. Here, the primary emphasis will be on: (1) an open systems model of organisation; (2) an action research framework for change agent (consultant) engagement, (3) the interrelated methods and associated techniques of organisational development, total quality management, and business process re-engineering, and (4) complementary tools, techniques and future trends. MBA 707 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SME S The course aims at demystifying the process of starting a business by presenting difficult business concepts in a manner that can be assimilated by the small business entrepreneur. Students will learn how to start a small business, operate a small business and turn their ideas into viable business opportunities. MBA 708 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT This course examines all issues related to Supply Chain Management. Topics include purchasing, vendor relations, inventory strategies and control, warehousing, material handling, layout planning, packaging, and transportation, combined under supply chain management general aspects. Students will gain applied experience through lectures, problem sets and case studies.

21 MBA 709 MANAGEMENT SCIENCE This course aims to introduce students to Management Science - a scientific approach that uses rational analysis and objective reasoning to help managers make better and faster decisions. The course covers a range of management science methods and explains how managers can put their problem solving and decision making on a scientific, logical and rational basis. The course concentrates on applications rather than theory and its topics are described by examples, with complex theoretical argument having been kept to a minimum. In today s complex business environment, firms are required to process ever-increasing amounts of information and operate under fierce competition. These challenges create a growing demand for managers who possess the technical and analytical skills required to exploit the available resources and to improve business performance. 21

22 SPECIALISATION PATHS MARKETING MBA 711 RELATIONSHIP MARKETING Students develop skills in planning, constructing and organising one-to-one client marketing activities as part of organisational strategic marketing. Included in these activities are collaborative relationships between consumers and sellers that can be applied by both small and large organisations. New technologies in interactive marketing and in database creation and implementation are studied through case analysis and application. MBA 712 MARKET RESEARCH Students are taught theories and techniques of planning, conducting and presenting market analyses, sales and market potential, sales forecasts, distribution options, marketing cost and profit projections, and major market product and advertising studies. The course helps the MBA student develop and practice through appropriate case studies an understanding of how to apply theory to specific marketing problems. MBA 713 CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR The course promotes an understanding of consumer decision processes developed through appropriate applications of behavioural sciences. Consumer decision making processes are further considered in the context of environmental and cultural dimensions. The implications of these processes are also considered in relation to product position planning, marketing organisational strategies, and decisionmaking in strategic market planning. MBA 716 MARKETING OF SERVICES The course is designed to deepen the conceptual and practical understanding of the broad range of issues challenging the marketing manager of a service organisation; to sharpen the understanding of the strategic differences, both of theory and application, of service marketing; to broaden the appreciation of initiatives and experiences in the service sector; to encourage critical evaluation of these experiences and initiatives in the light of conceptual issues in both home-country and global conditions; and to appreciate and utilise the considerable relative weight of people as a primary factor of success in the majority of service organisations. MBA 717 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The course aims to provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of the Societal Concept of Marketing. Major emphasis is placed on corporations stakeholders, ethics and public policy. Strategies like Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Citizenship, Green Marketing and Corporate Philanthropy are analysed through a critical theoretical approach, case studies and other means of developing the required knowledge and understanding of the subject. Students will understand the need for Marketing Managers to create marketing strategies which can integrate stakeholder interests, respect personal values, support community development and at the same time to be economically successful. 22

23 MBA 718 MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS The course deals with both the theoretical background and the practical skills necessary for the management of an organisation, its need to communicate strategically and effectively in the contemporary media context, which is part of the corporate world today. It focuses on the tasks of the specific communication subjects of Public Relations, Promotion & Advertising. The student is taught how to practically apply methods and communication skills in ways which enhance the dynamic functioning of a corporation in a competitive market, while creating and maintaining a strong image internally and externally, within the general organisational marketing strategy. MBA 719 GLOBAL MARKETING The course teaches the general principles of marketing as related to global markets, including foreign market entry, local marketing and its contribution to global business management. Furthermore, it is designed to develop the students theoretical understanding of strategic market planning through the process of case study and simulation of company decision-making processes. 23

24 SPECIALISATION PATHS FINANCE MBA 721 PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS Management of an investment portfolio under conditions of uncertainty, and choice of strategies to balance performance and risk. Portfolio objectives of individuals, corporations and funds, and practical and theoretical problems associated with the techniques of optimal portfolio selection, construction and revision. Measurement of portfolio performance and related empirical evidence. Role of computers in portfolio management. MBA 722 FINANCIAL MARKETS & INSTITUTIONS Understanding the function of financial markets, the flow funds, levels of interest rates and interest rate differentials, and analysis of the institutional framework. Characteristics and efficiency of the money markets and capital markets and types of instruments issued. International integration of financial markets and institutions and policy implications. MBA 723 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT Identification of financial risk and design of optimal risk management programme. Financial instruments used for financial risk management, including forwards, futures, options and swaps. Topic areas covered include interest rate futures, stock index futures, currency futures, international financial futures, commodity futures, stock and stock index options, options on futures, swaps, and financial engineering products. MBA 724 GLOBAL FINANCIAL STRATEGIES The Global Financial Strategies course deals with the theoretical and empirical aspects of the strategic financial environment and management of firms that operate in a global business arena. Multi- National Enterprises (MNEs) and TransNational Corporations (TNCs) are the prime concern of this course. The course aims at developing a body of knowledge, practices, attitudes, and skills, needed to make financial decisions for topics where Corporate Finance leaves off. MBA 726 WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT Analysis of long- and short-term resource allocation strategies used by corporations. The course covers working capital management, including but not limited to cash management and inventory management models, and combines theory and application. Furthermore, it analyses intermediate theories and techniques of cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable management. MBA 727 CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The MBA students will be exposed to the concept of corporate governance as a new approach for enhancing the return on capital through increased accountability and transparency of the Board and Management of a corporation. The course will address not only the history and evolution of corporate governance but also such contemporary issues like executive pay and Board composition. 24