Postgraduate Study in Commerce VICTORIA BUSINESS SCHOOL ORAUARIKI

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1 2015 Postgraduate Study in Commerce VICTORIA BUSINESS SCHOOL ORAUARIKI

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3 Contents Welcome from the Dean...3 Where can postgraduate study take me?...4 Why choose us?...5 Research that makes a difference Programme information...8 Qualifications...9 General information...14 Contacts Important notice: Victoria University uses all reasonable skill and care to ensure the information contained in this document is accurate at the time of being made available. However, matters covered by this document are subject to change due to a continuous process of review, and to unanticipated circumstances. The University therefore reserves the right to make any changes without notice. So far as the law permits, the University accepts no responsibility for any loss suffered by any person due to reliance (either whole or in part) on the information contained in this document, whether direct or indirect, and whether foreseeable or not. Postgraduate Study in Commerce

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5 Welcome from the Dean Welcome to Victoria Business School. We continually strive to provide the highest quality education that keeps pace with new research and ideas and the rapidly changing global society we live in. Victoria Business School is among just 60 business schools worldwide that hold the triple crown of international accreditations of EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. It has a reputation for academic excellence and the calibre of its research and postgraduate studies. We offer a wide variety of postgraduate programmes that can be tailored to meet your needs, as well as excellent facilities and top-level research supervision in a wide range of subjects. Our highly qualified staff bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Business School. Their dedication and enthusiasm will help you on your scholarly journey. Victoria University is a leading centre for business, finance and public policy research and many of our staff are pre-eminent in their fields of research both in New Zealand and internationally. Postgraduate study is an opportunity for you to extend your undergraduate experience and become an expert in your chosen field. It will challenge your ideas and satisfy your search for new knowledge. Our programmes are designed to provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for future careers in business and the public sector. They cover a broad range of subjects, and the curriculum continues to develop and change with new courses introduced to meet the requirements of a rapidly changing environment. In addition to passing on knowledge and ideas, we aim to develop your creative and critical thinking skills, as well as your capacity to lead and communicate effectively. There are many other advantages associated with being a student at Victoria. These include the central location of capital city campuses with access to theatre, music, cafés and other forms of entertainment, and superior recreation and childcare facilities. You will also meet and make friends with a wide range of people from differing backgrounds and cultures. Learning and teaching are informed by our close proximity to a vibrant business, financial and public policy centre. I hope you consider undertaking Commerce studies at Victoria Business School as it is an exciting, challenging and fulfilling study choice, which will provide you with a diverse range of knowledge and skills. I look forward to welcoming you personally. Professor Bob Buckle Pro Vice-Chancellor and Dean of Commerce Victoria Business School Postgraduate Study in Commerce

6 Where can postgraduate study take me? Some students go on to postgraduate study directly after they have completed their first degree. That makes sense if they intend to deepen the knowledge base obtained through their undergraduate major or subject area before entering (or re-entering) the job market, or to build research skills with a view to an academic career. Others join the workforce after completing their first degree and opt to return to study later to develop the skills needed for advancement within their chosen career, or perhaps to facilitate a lateral transfer into another area of employment. Qualifications that stipulate prior work experience are sometimes referred to as post-experience. Whichever category you belong in, our postgraduate qualifications add value in terms of skill development and financial return on your investment of time and money. Our degrees are designed to provide a broad educational foundation and creative and critical thinking skills, as well as specialist skills in your chosen field. Employers value this breadth and flexibility of skills in thinking, communication and the global perspective that our programmes provide. Commerce graduates have skills useful in many professions and may become managers, accountants, economists, analysts and entrepreneurs in businesses or the public sector, both in New Zealand and overseas. Other possible roles include financiers, marketers, researchers, econometricians, financial advisers, working with Māori enterprises, exporters and importers, human resource managers, tourism analysts and operators, information management, media professionals and policy analysts. Ming Xiao (Siu) Chan Master of Commerce in Accounting I had been drawn initially to the programme by my interest in accounting research and in learning about critical thinking, which for me was the idea of thinking outside the box. Ultimately, it was a combination of these interests and Victoria Business School s reputation for both excellence and quality in terms of accounting research and teaching that drew me to the programme. As an international student, Victoria University has offered me the opportunity to meet and work with a number of highly intelligent and outgoing people. It has provided me with the opportunity to experience its dynamic and inclusive learning environment where the lecturers I have been fortunate to work with have been exceptionally engaging and supportive. I have had the opportunity to learn that critical thinking means more than just thinking outside the box it is also about evaluating and challenging the structures in society. Coming from a strong culturally integrated Pacific environment, I can say that studying at Victoria University has personally been a transformative experience for me. Windy Wellington can be described as a city that combines warmth, personality, vibrancy and creativity with the cosmopolitan outlook of a distinctive capital city. I plan to return to my academic job in Samoa with the skills that I have learnt from my programme. I hope to make a contribution towards expanding research in the area of accounting. 4 - Victoria University of Wellington

7 Why choose us? Victoria Business School is proud of its long tradition of strong links with international academic and professional bodies. It is the first business school in New Zealand to have obtained accreditation in both Business and Accounting from AACSB (the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). AACSB International was founded in 1916 and is the largest global accrediting body for business schools that offer undergraduate, Master s and doctoral degrees in business and accounting. Victoria Business School is one of just 60 business schools worldwide to hold the triple crown of international accreditations of EQUIS ( AACSB (Business) ( and AMBA ( As well as being part of this elite group of 60 out of more than 13,000 business schools worldwide, we are the only triple crown holder to also hold AACSB accreditation in Accounting. Other area-specific accreditations are shown below. Master of Business Administration Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) was awarded international accreditation by the British-based Association of MBAs (AMBA) in 2008 and was given accreditation in October 2013 for a further five years. Accreditation from AMBA is an internationally recognised global standard for all MBA programmes and offers the only professional membership association for more than 9,000 MBA students and graduates, accredited business schools and MBA employers. Tourism Since 2006, Victoria s Bachelor of Tourism Management with Honours (BTM(Hons)), and Master of Tourism Management (MTM) programmes have been granted TedQual certification by the World Tourism Organisation. TedQual certification is awarded after independent external auditing of the University as a whole and its Tourism degrees. The most recent audit occurred in 2012, when these programmes were accredited for a further four years. The PhD in Tourism Management was also granted TedQual certification. The World Tourism Organisation developed the TedQual certification system to contribute to the quality of tourism education and training. TedQual certification provides assurance that our degrees meet worldwide standards. Information Studies Our Information Studies programmes include the Master of Information Studies (MIS) and the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Information Studies. They are accredited by the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIM Professionals Australasia), which represents over 3,000 records and information management professionals in Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia. Accounting Our Accounting programmes hold accreditations from four organisations: Chartered Accountants, Australia and New Zealand (previously the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA)), a professional accounting body that represents over 100,000 members in New Zealand, Australia and other countries. CPA Australia, one of the largest accounting bodies in the world with a membership of more than 132,000 finance, accounting and business professionals across the globe and a 25,000-strong student base. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a UK-based leading membership body that offers an internationally recognised professional qualification in management accounting, focusing on accounting for business. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the global body for professional accountants with nearly 500,000 members and students in 170 countries and 82 offices around the world. Postgraduate Study in Commerce

8 Research that makes a difference Research is at the heart of Victoria Business School. Research informs our teaching at all levels, and all academic staff are active researchers, contributing to knowledge both locally and internationally. In our capital city location we are proud of the impact of our research, informing government administration and policy; and the close connections between our researchers and the business community, helping New Zealand businesses to compete internationally. Victoria Business School was a strong contributor to the outstanding achievement of Victoria University, named as the leading research university in New Zealand in the 2013 Performance Based Research Funding quality evaluation report. Current research focus and leading projects in Victoria Business School: Volunteer management, visitor and destination management, tourism futures issues surrounding labour employment and work, creative strategy and activism in New Zealand are all areas in which School of Management researchers are engaged. Researchers in the School of Accounting and Commercial Law investigate traditional areas of management accounting and capital markets, as well as not-for-profit reporting; international public sector standards; historical, cultural and ethnic dimensions of accounting practices; dialogic accounting; and a range of projects in public finance and accounting taxation. Commercial law academics are involved in research on low wage workers; e-commerce and intellectual property; and corporate insolvency. Taxation academics research on a broad range of topics, from how taxation can impact on social justice, through to international taxation and GST. Environmental and resource economics, labour economics, the economics of disasters, behavioural economics, corporate governance, corporate finance, derivatives, real options and game theory are areas of focus in the School of Economics and Finance. The School of Government has an active research programme in government and governance; e-government; leadership and integrity; effectiveness, sustainability and wellbeing; politicalmanagement interactions; health systems and services; policy design and methodologies; and restorative justice. School of Information Management researchers investigate how information technology (IT) is developed (analysis, design, open source software) and how IT impacts individuals and organisations (influences on productivity, innovation and learning). They also investigate the value of information services. The School of Marketing and International Business has several research clusters, including Marketing Communications, Reputation Management, Business in Asia, and Global Strategy and Firm Performance. Our academic staff are all expected to publish in international journals, give presentations at international conferences and encourage their research students to do the same. Our staff attract research funding from a range of external sources and also receive internal support funds. Postgraduate research Victoria Business School has a group of around 150 Master s and PhD thesis students across all six Schools, who come from more than 20 countries and all continents. All research students in residence are given work space and access to research and conference funding, and participate fully in the life of their School. Many are also active members of the Postgraduate Students Association at Victoria. Research centres Internationally renowned research centres in the Business School include the Centre for Accounting, Governance and Taxation Research, the Industrial Relations Centre, the Institute for the Study of Competition and Regulation, the Health Services Research Centre and the Institute for Governance and Policy Studies. These institutes, along with the Chair of e-government, the Chair in Public Finance, the Chair of Restorative Justice and the Chair in the Economics of Disasters, all maximise their external funding to contribute substantially to the research outputs of Victoria Business School. The research they undertake is commissioned by both government agencies and the business community and contributes to Victoria s reputation as a capital city research institution. 6 - Victoria University of Wellington

9 Associate Professor Jane Bryson Associate Dean (Research) I loved my time as a postgraduate student, quite a few years ago now! It is a time of challenge, exploration, innovation, excitement, determination and, above all, great learning. Now I am an academic, involved in teaching and supervising postgraduate research students and continuing my research on human capability in the workplace. I am also Associate Dean (Research) in Victoria Business School, which means I have responsibility for facilitating the support of staff research and postgraduate student research. In particular, I administer the policies around postgraduate research degrees (Master s by thesis and doctorates) for Victoria Business School. Depending on your chosen discipline area, you will be supported, supervised and make connections in your home base in one of the six schools that comprise Victoria Business School/Faculty of Commerce. The Schools are: School of Accounting and Commercial Law; School of Economics and Finance; School of Government; School of Information Management; School of Management; and School of Marketing and International Business. Research seminar series are offered in all schools and by Victoria Business School. These enable you to engage fully in the life of a busy academic research community. I hope we can welcome you to the community of scholars at Victoria University of Wellington for this next phase of your life. Aiden McGillicuddy Master of Commerce in Information Systems One of the main reasons I chose the Master of Commerce (MCom) programme was the ability to get an internationally recognised qualification in a shorter timespan than a traditional Master s degree. Being able to contribute to academia without undertaking a full PhD has allowed me to learn more without dedicating the years required for a PhD. What I initially expected from university and what I have gained are two completely different things. The ability to think critically and to better communicate my ideas are two skills I value most. My Honours degree, and MCom especially, contributed to the skills I gained from university. While studying at Victoria I had the opportunity to work as a tutor, alongside a professor for a summer research scholarship, and I was awarded a graduate scholarship that assisted with my MCom fees. I have lived in Wellington for five years and am still discovering new things every week. I recently realised that it was not because I didn t get out enough, but rather because so much is always happening in the city. I get asked if I have any plans to move after graduating and my answer has always been, Why would I move? Everything is in Wellington. I have a job lined up to start early next year. I was hired near the start of my MCom by PWC Wellington as a consultant. I can attribute the success of my job application to both my Honours and MCom, as they gave me an advantage over other applicants who may have had only a Bachelor s degree. Postgraduate Study in Commerce

10 Programme information Victoria Business School has a wide variety of postgraduate programmes relating to accounting, business, economics, finance and government. There are four categories: General Bachelor s degree 1. programmes with an academic/research focus, possibly leading on to a PhD: BCom(Hons), MCom, BTM(Hons), MTM 2. programmes designed to take graduates (not necessarily in Commerce) into specific careers: MAF, MIS, MPA, MPE Some work experience useful Honours degree or work experience 3. programmes providing mid-career upskilling (usually referred to as post-experience programmes): MBA, MEGov, MIM, MPM, MPP 4. doctorates involving advanced research: DGov, PhD. MPE MAF MIS MPA Note: In general, these programmes require candidates to have completed a prior undergraduate degree, or in some cases a Bachelor s degree with Honours, but substantial relevant work experience may be accepted instead. All of the Master s degrees in categories 2 and 3 have a 60-point postgraduate certificate or 120-point postgraduate diploma nested within them for those who want to start (or finish) with a shorter qualification. Career in: Economics Career in: Applied finance Career in: Information studies Career in: Accounting Many of the Master s and nested programmes have classes in the evening. BCom (or GDipCom) BTM (or GDipCom in Tourism) Any degree + substantial work experience MBA MEGov MIM MPM MPP BCom(Hons) BTM(Hons) DGov MCom MTM PhD Business Administration Career in: Government, Public management Information Management Public Management Public Policy 8 - Victoria University of Wellington

11 Qualifications The following information shows completion times, if full time, and nested qualifications. Bachelor of Commerce with Honours (BCom(Hons)) A two-trimester (120-point) qualification involving advanced coursework in one of these subject areas: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations, Information Systems, International Business, Management, Marketing or Public Policy. Master of Commerce (MCom) Either a two-trimester (120-point) qualification involving research in one of the subject areas listed for the BCom(Hons) or a three-trimester (180-point) qualification involving both coursework and research in any of the subjects listed under the BCom(Hons). Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Commerce. Bachelor of Tourism Management with Honours (BTM(Hons)) A two-trimester (120-point) qualification involving advanced coursework and research in Tourism Management. Master of Tourism Management (MTM) Either a three-trimester (120-point) qualification involving research in Tourism Management (for those holding a BTM(Hons) or equivalent) or a five-trimester (240-point) qualification involving both coursework and research. Master of Applied Finance (MAF) A three-trimester (180-point) qualification involving advanced coursework and research in Applied Finance. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Analysis, Postgraduate Diploma in Treasury Management and Postgraduate Certificate in Financial Markets Analysis. Master of Professional Economics (MPE) A three-trimester (180-point) qualification involving advanced coursework and research in Professional Economics. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Professional Economics. Master of Information Studies (MIS) A 180-point qualification involving advanced coursework (most courses are offered by distance) and research in Information Studies, Library Science and Archives and Records Management. Usually taken part time over up to four years of study. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Information Studies. Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) A four-trimester (240-point) qualification involving advanced coursework in Accounting. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Professional Accounting and related areas. Master of Business Administration (MBA) A four-trimester (240-point) qualification involving courses in a wide range of business areas. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Certificate in Management Studies. Master of Information Management (MIM) A 180-point qualification involving coursework and some research in Information Management, normally taking three to four trimesters of full-time study to complete depending on course sequencing. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Management and the Certificate in Information Management. Postgraduate Study in Commerce

12 Master of Public Management (MPM) A three-trimester (180-point) qualification involving coursework and research in Public Management. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma and Certificate in Public Management. Master of Public Policy (MPP) A three-trimester (180-point) qualification involving coursework and research in Public Policy. Nested qualifications are the Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy and the Certificate in Public Policy. Master of Public Administration (Executive) (MPA(Exec)) A four-trimester (240-point) qualification involving coursework and advanced study in Public Administration. Master of e-government (MEGov) A three-trimester (180-point) qualification involving coursework and research in e-government. Doctor of Government (DGov) A three-year full-time or five/six-year part-time (360-point) qualification involving coursework and advanced research in areas relevant to government and the public sector. Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) A research qualification, possibly involving some coursework but mainly consisting of a substantial thesis based on independent supervised research. Paula Martin Ngati Kuia PhD in Public Policy Recent School of Government graduate Dr Paula Martin was awarded a 2013 Victoria Business School Dean s Award for Doctoral Achievement. The Award was in recognition of the quality of research and writing in a PhD thesis in an area of public policy. I had always intended to do a PhD at some stage. My professional background was working in public policy, most recently in health on issues of how to improve outcomes for patients and value for money in health expenditure. I combined this with a personal interest in living donor kidney transplantation to examine how to increase rates of living donor kidney transplantation in New Zealand. I ve always been interested in the link between research and policy so I chose a topic that would hopefully be of use in addressing a real health problem. The School of Government at Victoria University has a specialist Health Services Research Centre so I decided to go there and I had a lovely working environment and excellent supervisors. Having completed my PhD I returned to the Ministry of Health as Group Manager Sector and Services Policy. I plan to continue finding ways to use policy skills to improve health services and health outcomes for New Zealanders Victoria University of Wellington

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14 Tim Borren Master of Professional Economics I did my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury. Having worked for a couple of years at a consultancy and then as a design engineer, I found that my heart wasn t really in it. I was very fortunate that the Professional Economics Master s programme had just been created at Victoria, as the focus on real-world applications fits well with the type of work I hope to get into. The fact it can be completed in three trimesters of study is also a plus. It has been a lot of hard work, with lecturers pushing me to read widely and think critically. The small class sizes allow for quality group discussions as well as plenty of guidance and support from the lecturers. Applications in the New Zealand context are woven into the fabric of the course and this gives the theory real-world significance rather than being an abstract academic exercise. Studying at Victoria has given me the opportunity to meet lots of new people from various cultures and backgrounds. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the international students in my class and have met some great guys through my involvement in the University cricket club. I like the idea of becoming a policy analyst in government, where my work could make a difference to the lives of some New Zealanders. I also think there will be some good opportunities with a number of economic research consultancies located in Wellington. Katherine Findlay Bachelor of Tourism Management with Honours The Bachelor of Tourism Management with Honours (BTM(Hons)) combines both a tourism and business perspective into the programme, making it hugely relevant to tourism but also many other industries. Tourism is an industry that impacts on countries, but is also an industry that is hugely affected by the external environment politics, the economy and technology. The BTM(Hons) programme has allowed me to delve deeper into topics that interested me in undergraduate study. Through combining both practical and theoretical knowledge, I have been given the skills that I will be able to apply to the workforce. Through Vic OE, I spent a year at the University of Surrey in the United Kingdom. This allowed me to combine study and travel. In my year abroad I learnt so much about living in a different country and about myself. I was also given the opportunity to take part in a summer research project. This was a great opportunity, as I got to research different emerging tourism issues relating to the future of tourism. Studying in Wellington means that we get some of the best guest lecturers. I hope to keep researching, as this programme has driven my interest in research and I enjoy all the reading I do for my degree. I hope to one day contribute to the tourism industry through my research Victoria University of Wellington

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16 General information How to apply All students wishing to enrol for postgraduate programmes can complete an online enrolment application. If you are unable to apply online and would like a hard copy enrolment application sent to you, postgrad-enquiries@vuw.ac.nz You will also be invited to register on our database so you can receive further information about studying at Victoria. Students wishing to undertake thesis study will need to talk with staff first to ensure supervision capability. PhD students are encouraged to go to the Faculty of Graduate Research website first ( Applications are considered three times a year 1 March, 1 July and 1 November. All first-time international students need to apply through Victoria International (go to Closing dates for programmes There are two main trimesters March to July and July to November plus the summer trimester between November and February. Online enrolment opens on or about 1 October each year. See for standard closing dates. Many postgraduate programmes have early closing dates check these dates on faculty or school websites. For more information, go to International students Victoria International (VI) is the first point of contact for all international students coming to Victoria. The VI Services team takes care of enrolment procedures and admissions for all programmes. The team answers enquiries about airport pickup, orientation and insurance and provides support during your time at the University. The VI Services team runs an International Orientation programme for new international students, to introduce you to student and academic life at Victoria. During your time at Victoria, the VI Services team is available to provide support with any academic or personal concerns, or can refer you to the appropriate support service within the University. Scholarships and prizes Victoria has a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students. You can find information and application forms from the Scholarships Database, accessed from the Scholarships webpage. SCHOLARSHIPS OFFICE Phone scholarships-office@vuw.ac.nz Website For other university dates, go to Victoria University of Wellington