Programme Specification

Transcription

1 Programme Specification MASTER IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION 1 Awarding body University of Cambridge 2 Teaching institution Judge Business School 3 Accreditation details EQUIS 4 Name of final award Master 5 Programme title Business Administration 6 JACS code(s) N200 7 Relevant QAA benchmark statement(s) Business and Management 8 Qualifications framework level 7 (Masters) 9 Date specification was produced 20 May 2015 Educational aims of the programme The Cambridge Masters of Business Administration (MBA) is a taught one-year full-time programme of Cambridge Judge Business School. The aim is to produce graduates who demonstrate intellectual rigour and who are skilled in the practice of management and core business principles in finance, strategy, marketing, operations, accounting, innovation and organisational behaviour within a global context. The skills and knowledge acquired on the MBA are achieved through a collaborative ethos the core value of the Cambridge MBA. Aimed at the leaders of tomorrow, the Cambridge MBA is an intensive and highly practical programme. Real-time team consulting projects for external business clients, and a core leadership speaker series provide experiences and shared knowledge that ensure that the Cambridge MBA is relevant and at the leading edge of business developments. While it has a general management focus, the School s international students, faculty members and speakers ensure that the programme equips students for the global business environment. A broad selection of elective courses and individual projects allow students to customise their programme to suit their needs, interests and future employment aims. Programme outcomes Knowledge and Understanding The overall learning objects of the Cambridge MBA involve transformational career and individual development through: 1) acquisition of core technical skills; 2) advanced skills and practical experience in areas of specialisation; 3) accelerated personal development; and 4) concentrated international and cross-sector business experience.

2 Programme Structure and Content The overall MBA is divided by three main organising principles: 1) Foundational Learning: problem framing, tools and methods of analysis 2) Business Modelling: understanding the organisation 3) Boardroom: understanding the broader context in which organisations operate The programme has a clear progression. It begins with a solid grounding in the core areas of economics, finance, marketing, statistics, management practice, general analytics, strategy and operations management to give a framework in which to understand the complexities of management, business and leadership. Students apply this learning in an organisational context and within the context of how the organisation operates within the larger global environment. Students are expected to undertake group work in their consulting projects, and to attend Leadership Seminars and Careers activities on a concurrent basis in order to get first-hand experience of the issues being faced by leaders today and to get an insight into themselves as managers and leaders, and their own career goals. Students complete a series of compulsory and elective modules, chosen from a selection announced each year. Additionally, students must complete a concentration scheme, summer activity, 2 group consulting projects, working in a team on a real business issue for an external client, and the Careers programme. Concentration Scheme The Concentration scheme includes eight areas of specialisation with the aim of providing students with a more in-depth and integrated way to explore a specific sector interest. The eight Concentrations are: Cultural, Arts & Media Energy and the Environment Entrepreneurship Finance Global Business Health Social Innovation Strategy and Marketing Each Concentration requires students to complete electives relevant to their chosen area of specialisation, attend coach nights held by their respective coaches, who are experts in the area, and complete a Capstone project. Summer Activities Summer Activities take place in the final months of the MBA and provide students with the opportunity to study a topic that excites their personal or professional interest; students must choose one of the options on offer. Summer activities vary each year but examples may include: Dissertation Research Paper (offering the opportunity to specialise in any area of business management)individual Project Work Placement Page 2 of 6

3 Within the larger University Located in the heart of Cambridge, Cambridge Judge Business School encourages students to take advantage of the larger knowledge-base in the University with such groups as the Cambridge University Entrepreneurs (CUE), Cambridge University Technology and Enterprise Club (CUTEC), Biotechnology Club and Cambridge Centre for Entrepreneurial Learning (CfEL). Teaching and Learning Teaching is done mostly through interactive classes, seminars, case study discussions and workshops. There is also individual and small group tutoring for projects and assignments. The amount of student time spent in various learning methods is given below: Case Studies 30% Lectures 40% Experiential Learning 13% Simulations 2% Projects/Dissertation Research 15% Assessment Scheme A combination of assessment methods is used to ensure a high academic standard and to enhance the collaborative nature of the programme. The formal examinations and individual work allow sufficient assessment and feedback to maintain intellectual rigour and provide opportunities for individual improvement. We also award termly Director awards for academic merit and a final Director s list of the top 10% of students overall at graduation. Additional awards are given for the best dissertation and the highest marks in management science, management practice and strategy. Requirements for the award of the degree The method of delivery of course material ranges from lectures and case studies to experiential learning and team projects. A combination of written examinations, coursework, elective assignments, group projects and class participation form the assessment for this programme. A student's final result is calculated as a weighted average over all assessed components. This is generally broken down as follows: Individual Assignment: 66%, Group Assignment: 21%, Class Participation: 2%, Attendance: 11% Given the collaborative ethos of the programme, the programme requires much teamwork where projects and presentations are carried out in groups of 4-5 students. The groups are internationally diverse with students from varied sector backgrounds. They are intended to apply their management skills learned in the core course, Management Practice, to these real live case studies of leading and working in groups. Such skills are now required in the global business world to which these students will return upon graduation. Page 3 of 6

4 Marking Standards for the Cambridge MBA Students must obtain an average grade of at least 50% to graduate with an MBA degree. In addition, students who obtain less than 40% in any of the formally examined subjects by written examinations will be re-examined in those subjects (although their initial mark from the first examination will stand and enter the calculation of the minimum 50% average grade for the MBA as a whole). Students who fail to demonstrate that they have attained at least the minimum 40% standard on re-examination will be required to complete additional work specified by the Examiner/Assessor, working in conjunction with a TA. Indicators of quality In 2007, Cambridge Judge Business School was awarded full EQUIS accreditation from the European Foundation for Management Development. The significant growth and enhanced reputation of the Cambridge MBA is reflected in the latest business school rankings which place Cambridge alongside the very best in the world. Learning Support Overall The MBA Programme offers many tools for students to learn about themselves better with such exercises as the Myers Brigg and Belbin test on team and work roles. We also offer a distinct Management Praxis course that requires students to reflect on themselves and to explore issues which might affect their management styles. The results of these exams are discussed in class and also in one-on-one sessions with Career advisors. For the Consulting Projects, students are given supervision sessions with faculty to go over any work related or personal problems related to their projects. In terms of classes, the MBA Office offers support classes in such areas as Finance, Accounting and Management Science. Students also receive support services through their specific Colleges and the wider University community. This is unique in Cambridge for they can find support services through their Faculties, their Colleges and their University. Personal Development The MBA programme provides many sessions on personal development through the MBA Careers Services including Presentation Skills, Interview Practice, Networking and Communication Skills. Students are also encouraged to take part in international business competitions and are offered some financial support to assist with travel; these are important personal and professional development opportunities. Page 4 of 6

5 Language Skills Students have access to the University Language Centre and the English for Academic Purposes Pre-professional Programme in August-September prior to the start of the course. Students can also join language and cultural college societies which are university-wide. They are also encouraged to explore language opportunities through the University Language Centre which runs intensive courses in June each year. School facilities The School s learning resources include a computer room, common room, and Information Centre housing business and management books, journals and electronic resources. There are also a number of other libraries in Cambridge which house business and management information. MBA students also have their own syndicate room and project meeting rooms. CJBS Student clubs MBA students are encouraged to participate in the Cambridge Business School Club and Student Interest Groups. These are student led activities to enrich the students experience while in Cambridge and to encourage additional learning and networking in sectors of interest to specific groups of students. The SIGs run networking events and visits, invite speakers and bring together alumni and students who share the same interests. Examples of SIGs include finance, healthcare, technology, women in leadership, and Cambridge China Business Network. Management of teaching quality and standards The MBA is the responsibility of Cambridge Judge Business School. Responsibility for the quality assurance of teaching and learning is delegated to the MBA Teaching Committee. The School participates in the University s quality assurance and enhancement system: 1 External Examining: the MBA has four External Examiners who submit reports to the Vice Chancellor, which are considered by the MBA Teaching Committee and the School s Teaching & Learning Committee Action in response to reports includes, where appropriate, revisions or adjustments to the programme and its delivery. 2 Course approval: the School is required to obtain the approval of the Board of Graduate Studies and the General Board s Education Committee before any significant changes to courses are made. 3 General Board Internal Review: all the School s activities, including the MBA, undergo a reflective, centrally co-ordinated review of teaching and learning every six years. In addition, MBA students complete online feedback on all courses, as well as an end of course survey on broader aspects of the programme. Three student representatives also attend the Teaching Committee meetings to voice any concerns of the class, and regularly meet with the Programme Head during the academic year. The results are analysed and acted upon by the MBA Programme Head and MBA Director. Graduate Employability and Career Destinations The Cambridge MBA Career Service takes a highly personalised approach to career development, providing guidance and support to enable students to achieve their career goals and connect with global employers. During the programme, we provide a range of resources: Page 5 of 6

6 Self-assessment tools Skill development workshops (CV and cover letter preparation, industry and company research, job search strategy, networking skills and interview practice) One-to-one advisory and feedback sessions with sector experts and professional career coaches Extensive online tools and resources Online job posting platform and online CVs On campus employer presentations and site visits, skill sessions and networking During the first term, our week-long Career Development Programme provides more concentrated assessment and skills development. The individualised focus of the programme enables students to clarify and refine their goals more effectively, and implement their Career Action Plan more efficiently. Our student-focused approach to career development, links with global recruiters and close relationships with our alumni network around the world helps students explore their futures and secure a successful outcome from the MBA. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this programme specification. At the time of publication, the programme specification has been approved by the relevant Faculty Board (or equivalent). Programme specifications are reviewed annually, however, during the course of the academical year, any approved changes to the programme will be communicated to enrolled students through notification or publication in the Reporter. The relevant faculty or department will endeavour to update the programme specification accordingly, and prior to the start of the next academical year. Further information about specifications and an archive of programme specifications for all awards of the University is available online at: Page 6 of 6