TiasNimbas Business School, Utrecht

Transcription

1 TiasNimbas Business School, Utrecht Study Programme: International MSc in Business Administration, WO-Master Croho: 60061/60372 Type of education: full-time, part-time Date of audit visit: September 11 th 2009 Netherlands Quality Agency (NQA) Utrecht, October 2009

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3 Contents Contents 3 Part A: Topics 5 1. Preface 7 2. Introduction 7 3. Method Process to Final Assessment Conclusions by Topic Conclusions and Assessments at Aspect and Topic Level Overall conclusion 15 Part B: Aspects 17 Topic 1 Aims and objectives of the degree course 19 Topic 2 Programme 23 Topic 3 Deployment of staff 34 Topic 4 Facilities 37 Topic 5 Internal quality assurance 40 Topic 6 Results 43 Topic 7 Planningsneutrale Conversie Part C: Annexes 49 Annex 1: Declarations of Independence by the Audit Panel Members 50 Annex 2: Expertise of the Audit Panel Members 55 Annex 3: Audit Visit Programme 59 Annex 4: Overview of documents made available 60 Annex 5: Overview of documents regarding the professional profile and domain objectives of the programme 61 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 3/69

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7 1. Preface This is the assessment report of the International MSc in Business Administration study programme offered by TiasNimbas Business School. In this report NQA gives account of its findings and conclusions, as well as of its working method. The audit was undertaken within the framework of the accreditation of study programmes of higher education. The audit process started in July 2009 when NQA received the Self Evaluation Report from TiasNimbas. The site visit by the NQA panel took place on September 11 th The audit panel consisted of the following experts: Prof. dr. H.F.D. Hassink RA (chairperson, work field representative Financial Management); Prof. dr. P.F. Zwart (work field representative Marketing Management); Dhr. J. Schueler (student member); Ir. M. Dekker-Joziasse (NQA-auditor). The audit panel complies with the requirements set down in the NVAO ** document entitled Protocol ter beoordeling van de werkwijze van visiterende en beoordelende instanties (October 2007). This document contains the protocol of the method organisations need to adhere to when reviewing and assessing study programmes. The audit panel included members with domain-specific expertise, and teaching and assessing expertise (Annex 2). The report consists of three parts: Part A. The Topics Report. It contains the conclusions of the audit panel concerning the basic quality of the study programme at the level of the topics. It provides the considerations on which the panel based its conclusions. The conclusions are either positive or negative. The final conclusion is also formulated in the Topics Report. Part B. The Detailed Report. It contains the assessments of the audit panel concerning the basic quality of the study programme at the level of the aspects. It states the findings that underpin the assessments. The assessments are awarded a mark on a four-point scale as prescribed by NVAO: unsatisfactory [onvoldoende], satisfactory [voldoende], good [goed] and excellent [uitstekend]. An exception is the marking of Duration, Aspect 2.6. Additional instructions by NVAO resulted in an adaptation for marking this Aspect: complied / not complied [voldaan / niet voldaan]. Part C: Annexes. 2. Introduction TiasNimbas is the business school of Tilburg University (UvT) and Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). The school originated in 2006 after the merger between Tias Business School and Nimbas University with a view to creating an international, all-round management school. Tias Business School was established in In April 2001, the school became a private company with limited liability in which Tilburg University owned a hundred percent of the shares. ** NVAO = Nederlands - Vlaamse Accreditatie Organisatie (Netherlands Flemish Accreditation Organisation) NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 7/69

8 Since April 2004, Tilburg University owns eighty percent of the shares while the remaining twenty percent are owned by Eindhoven University of Technology. At the same time that Tias gained its independence, it also achieved the faculty status at Tilburg University. This enabled the school to appoint professors within the university system. In order to guarantee continuity there is union of staff [personele unie] between the Dean of the business school and the Dean of the faculty. Nimbas Graduate School of Management was established in 1988 with a view to introducing a British MBA programme in the Netherlands. In 1988, a partnership was formed between Nimbas and Bradford University School of Management. To acknowledge the bond between these two institutions Nimbas became an official partner in In August 2005, Nimbas obtained university status as an aangewezen instelling [i.e. an educational institution that is not subsidized by the government but that may nevertheless award diplomas and titles that are officially recognized]. The combination led to the coming into being of an all-round business school with branches in Bonn, Eindhoven, Taipei, Tilburg and Utrecht. TiasNimbas vision is: to belong to the first division of European business schools. TiasNimbas strives to create added value for managers and their organizations: TiasNimbas Business School strives to create added value for managers and their organizations by offering first-class post-experience management education through projectbased learning at the frontiers of knowledge in a state-of-the-art learning environment. TiasNimbas pay roll counts nineteen faculty members with an appointment of 0.5 fte or more and all together, including the faculty members, there are 130 members of staff. In 2009, the number of incoming students was 1,623 and the total student population numbers 2,112. TiasNimbas offers a wide range of study programmes aimed at managers and professionals in business, government and NGOs. The programmes are designed for individuals with a number of years of relevant working experience and who are looking to develop their expertise in one specific subject or field. The programmes can be divided into degree programmes and non-degree programmes. Degree programmes are the Master in Business Administration Programmes (MBA), Doctor in Business Administration (DBA), Executive Master Programmes (14 programmes), MSc/MA Programmes (two programmes) and in some cases the Company Specific Programmes (CSP). The Executive Programmes and most Company Specific Programmes offered are non-degree. The International MSc Business Administration, the study programme in question, belongs to the MSc/MA division and has an annual intake of on average 60 full time and part-time participants. The total number of student enrolled is around 120. The average student - staff ratio is 1:39 for full-time (1 year) and 1:33 for part-time (2 years). The programme is offered at the location in Utrecht. The study programme in question is a combination of two original, accredited programmes: the master in International Business and Marketing Management (MA) and the master in Financial Management (MSc) of TiasNimbas Business School. Both programmes have a similar structure. They share six foundation modules and two general electives out of twelve taught modules. Admission standards and assessment requirements are the same for both 8/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration

9 programmes. TiasNimbas plans to position the programmes in the future as one programme with two specialisation tracks: Marketing Management and Financial Management. Upon successful completion the title International MSc in Business Administration shall be awarded. This process is describe in topic 7: Plannings Neutrale Conversie In the NAO-accreditation in 2004 the Business School received positive judgements regarding the high quality of part-time faculty, the great flexibility, professional student selection and high quality of student intake. The balance of the curricula was judged good and the teaching and assessment approach was mentioned as conventional with a standard mix of examinations and assessed coursework. The programme carries 60 ECTS; the full-time programme has an additional 3 ECTS for the Professional Development Programme (PDP). Modules are taught by international faculty, using the system of block teaching (4 days in a row for full-time programme; 3 longer days once a month for the part-time programme). The full-time programme started in September The part-time programme started in January Currently the full-time programme has 60 participants and the part-time programme counts 33 students. In the full-time programme about half of the students are international; in the part-time programme this is about one third of the students. The master programmes are designed to prepare students who seek a more specialised role in business, management and related professions. Students will be able to function as managers. Up to now students could change their original specialisation without delay, because of the high level of commonalities (joint foundation courses and general electives, joint admission and assessment criteria) of the two original programmes. The goal of the Int. MSc BA programme is to educate future managers and professionals based on the standards defined in the Dublin Descriptors. Students gain knowledge and insights in the field of Business Administration and they learn to apply this knowledge as well as to communicate with specialists as well as non-specialists. A strong focus on personal and group learning complements the subject related learning. The Divisional Structure of TiasNimbas Supervisory Board Executive Board Staff Departments Executive Masters MSc / MA MBA DBA CSP Executive Programmes NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 9/69

10 Each division has a comparable structure of its responsibilities: The Academic Dean is responsible for the academic quality of the entire range of study programmes, the academic staff, and for the research carried out by them. The Academic Council assists the Academic Dean with regards to guaranteeing academic quality. When Tias became independent in 2001, the Academic Council was set up by Tilburg University to provide a structural base for guaranteeing the academic quality of the study programmes. The Academic Council consists of five professors of note of Tilburg University, Eindhoven University of Technology, and TiasNimbas. The Council is chaired by the Academic Dean. The Academic Dean submits existing degree courses for review to the Academic Council every three years. They are assessed on the basis of various criteria (compare 5.1). The Director of the MSc/MA degree courses manages the division MSc/MA Master s. He is concerned with the entire range of products. These include guaranteeing quality, financial policy, marketing, and product innovation. The Director works together closely with the Academic Dean of TiasNimbas and the Academic Director of the study programmes, and is supported by the Programme Managers. The Academic Director is responsible for one study programme and is a senior faculty member of TiasNimbas or of one of its parent universities. The main responsibilities of the Academic Director are: 1. Taking care of the leitmotiv and that the curriculum is structurally consistent; 2. Monitoring the academic quality of the study programme in terms of its contents and the way it is put across (lecturers performance); 3. Taking care that the curriculum connects to the needs in the market and to developments in the field; 4. Briefing lecturers and senior lecturers; 5. Selecting qualified and well-motivated participants; 6. Keeping in touch with the participants; 7. Putting the study programme in a strategic position within the range of TiasNimbas products. These responsibilities find their expression in various tasks. Thus the Academic Director s prime task is to take care of the academic integration of the curriculum and the entire learning process of the participants. The Admissions Officer conducts intake interviews prior to participation. During the course of this interview he determines whether the prospective participant has the necessary profile of requirements and is motivated to make a success of the course. He also takes care of the selection, screening, instruction, and coaching of the lecturers. The assessment of assignments, papers and exams also fall under the responsibility of the Academic Director, although they do not necessarily belong to his actual tasks. Finally, the fact that the Academic Director himself is a lecturer connected to the study programme contributes to the quality of the educational level. The Academic Director reports to the Academic Dean once a year. During these annual evaluations the study programme is evaluated (on the basis of evaluations by the participants), problems are addressed and suggestions are made to improve the programme. 10/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration

11 In most cases the Academic Director is assisted by a team of senior lecturers, each of whom is responsible for coordinating the contents of a number of modules of study programmes. TiasNimbas states that the full-time MSc course does not have senior lecturers because it is structured along more classic lines and therewith needs less management of its contents. The senior lecturers at TiasNimbas are experts of Executive Education and of the field of study itself and have much experience in the professional field. In study programmes without senior lecturers these tasks are carried out by the Academic Director. TiasNimbas intends to have a marketing and a finance faculty coordinator for the specialisation tracks. Apart from the Academic Director and, in some cases senior lecturers, the lectures are held by lecturers from universities and businesses from at home and abroad. They are prominent professors and lecturers in their field who are in touch with day-to-day practice. The team of lecturers is supplemented with inspiring visiting lecturers from day-to-day practice. The Programme Manager is the central contact person for participants and lecturers. Service and personal attention are important values at TiasNimbas. Therefore each study programme has a dedicated Programme Manager, who is solely responsible for the administrative and the logistic route of the study programme. This route stretches from the first contact with the prospective participant up to and including his or her finalizing the course (as well as feedback). The Programme Manager draws up the schedules, collects and distributes study material, collects papers, the evaluations of the study programme, lists of marks, organizes the examinations and interim examinations, graduation, etc. The Programme Manager reports to the Director and the Academic Director of the study programme. 3. Method The audit of the study programme followed the procedures set down in the assessment protocol of NQA as described below. The audit panel considered the Self Evaluation Report and the Annexes that had been submitted for evaluation a solid basis for the audit. The audit took into account the domain-specific frame of reference applicable to the study programme (Aspect 1.1). NQA distinguishes three audit phases: the preparatory phase, the site visit and the reporting phase. A brief elaboration by phase is given below. The Preparatory Phase The NQA auditor first screened the Self Evaluation Report for quality and comprehensiveness and determined its usefulness for the audit (the screening). After the Self Evaluation Report and the Annexes were found to be in order (March 2009), the panel members started preparing for the site visit that was to be held on September 11 th They read the Self Evaluation Report and the Annexes. The panel members passed their questions on to the NQA auditor, who drafted an inventory of main points and listed priorities for scrutiny of the documents and for conducting the interviews. The site visit was prepared in a preparatory meeting. The main topics for review and the agenda for the site visit were drawn up. This enabled both the institution and the panel to prepare adequately for the visit. NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 11/69

12 In its Self Evaluation Report the institution had indicated what domain-specific frame of reference it had chosen. Together the field expert on the audit panel and the NQA auditor established whether the specific aims and objectives for the field of study were adequate, or whether detailed supplementation or specification was needed (cf. Aspect 1.1). Generic audit Within the framework of the audit or assessment of the study programmes at TiasNimbas Business School that are to be accredited, a so-called generic study programme audit was undertaken on 7 April During this generic audit the topics staff, facilities, quality assurance and conditions for continuity were assessed. At the time the study programme was assessed, answers were collected to additional questions that related specifically to the programmes of study under review. The generic audit was performed by two NQA auditors: E.V. Schalkwijk, PhD. and L.S. van der Veen. The Audit Visit The NQA protocol prescribes a standard timetable for an audit site visit. This timetable was adjusted to suit the specific situation at the institution (Annex 3). Interviews were held with the Executive Board, the Management Team, teachers and students. Joint interviews were held with recent graduates and representatives of the professional field. At the beginning of the site visit and later in the day, time was allocated to study the documents requested for scrutiny. In between the interviews the audit panel discussed their findings to arrive at joint and definite assessments. The panel members substantiated their findings in writing. At the end of the site visit, during the interview with the management team, the chairperson gave oral feedback on a few impressions and experiences of the panel without yielding an explicit conclusion. The Reporting Phase On the basis of the findings of the panel NQA drafted a two-part report consisting of a Detailed Report and a Topic Report. With this report in hand an institution applies for accreditation with NVAO. In the Detailed Report NQA reports at the level of the aspects. In the Topic Report NQA states its conclusions on the Topics and the study. The institution received a draft of the combined Detailed Report and Topic Report in October 2009 and checked it for factual errors. The definite audit report was presented to the institution in October The institution could before 1 November 2009 submit it to the NVAO together with an application for accreditation. 4. Process to Final Assessment In this Chapter a conclusion is formulated on each topic by weighing the aspects of that topic. The Decision-Making Rules set by NQA in the review protocol [Beoordelingsprotocol] and elaborated on in the NQA memorandum Guidelines for the Formation of Assessment [Handreiking voor oordeelsvorming], play a major role in this decision-making process. Moreover, any special emphasis the institution might have placed on the programme, the 12/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration

13 domain-specific framework and a comparison with other relevant study programmes on a number of aspects, were taken into account during assessment. The final conclusion is supplemented in case of: weighing of assessment at aspect level; benchmarking; generic findings that surpass the aspect level; a special emphasis or best practices. In the conclusion on the separate topics the assessment of the aspects is repeated each time and followed by a weighing that leads to the final conclusion. Extensive substantiation is to be found in the Detailed Report. Where the line of reasoning and/or the assessment for part-time study deviates from that for full-time, this was mentioned explicitly. If no mention is made to this effect, then the same line of reasoning and/or assessment applies to part-time study programmes as for full-time study programmes, because the contents of part-time study programmes are based mainly on the same modules as are the full-time study programmes. Sequence and teaching methods, however, may differ. NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 13/69

14 5. Conclusions by Topic Topic 1: Aims and Objectives of the Programme The aspects Domain-specific requirements and Academic orientation are assessed Satisfactory. The aspect Master s level is assessed Good. The conclusion on this topic for the programme is therefore positive. Topic 2: Programme Contents and Structure A Satisfactory is given for the aspects Requirements for academic orientation, Relations aims and programme, Coherence and Assessment and validation. Good is given to the aspects Study Load and Alignment of structures and contents. Complied is issued for the aspect Duration. An Unsatisfactory is given for the aspect Incoming Students. As mentioned in several aspects of the programme the panel is of the opinion that the assurance of the intake procedures and enrolment should be more strict and aimed at a distinctive starting level. TiasNimbas has the potential to fulfil this and a first step is taken with the introduction of a mandatory preparatory course. The panel has the confidence that this will contribute to the level of students coming in and a more and earlier deepening on the necessary skills. The staff has the capabilities to continue this process. The conclusion on this topic for the programme is therefore positive. Topic 3: Deployment of Staff All three aspects are judged as Good. The conclusion on this topic for the programme is therefore positive. Topic 4: Facilities Both aspects are judged with Good. The conclusion on this topic for the programme is therefore positive. Topic 5: Internal Quality Assurance The aspect Evaluation of results is judges as Good. The other two aspects are judged with Satisfactory. The conclusion on this topic for the programme is therefore positive. Topic 6: Results The aspect Level achieved is judged with Satisfactory. The aspect Educational success rate is judged with Good. The conclusion on this topic for the programme is therefore positive. 14/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration

15 6. Conclusions and Assessments at Aspect and Topic Level Topic/Aspect Full-time Part-time 1. Aims and Objectives of the Programme Aspect 1.1 Domain-specific requirements Satisfactory Satisfactory Aspect 1.2 Master s degree level Good Good Aspect 1.3 Academic Orientation (WO ) Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall conclusion Positive 2. Programme Contents and Structure Aspect 2.1 Requirements for academic orientation Satisfactory Satisfactory Aspect 2.2 Relationship between aims and objectives and contents Satisfactory Satisfactory of the study programme Aspect 2.3 Coherence of the programme and structure Satisfactory Satisfactory Aspect 2.4 Study load Good Good Aspect 2.5 Incoming students Unsatisfactory Unsatisfactory Aspect 2.6 Duration Complied Complied Aspect 2.7 Alignment of structures and contents Good Good Aspect 2.8 Assessment and validation Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall conclusion Positive 3. Deployment of Staff Aspect 3.1 Requirements academic orientation (WO) Good Good Aspect 3.2 Quantity of staff Good Good Aspect 3.3 Quality of staff Good Good Overall conclusion Positive 4. Facilities Aspect 4.1 Material facilities Good Good Aspect 4.2 Student support and guidance Good Good Overall conclusion Positive 5. Internal Quality Assurance Aspect 5.1 Evaluation of results Good Good Aspect 5.2 Measures for improvement Satisfactory Satisfactory Aspect 5.3 Involving staff, students, graduates and the professional Satisfactory Satisfactory field Overall conclusion Positive 6. Results Aspect 6.1 Level achieved Satisfactory Satisfactory Aspect 6.2 Educational success rate Good Good Overall conclusion Positive 7. Overall conclusion The above table provides a summary of assessments expressed in Section 5 and in the Detailed Report. In conclusion, the panel finds the programme positive on all but one aspect and on all topics resulting in a positive conclusion concerning the entire study programme. NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 15/69

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19 Topic 1 Aims and objectives of the degree course Aspect 1.1 Domain specific requirements Full-time Satisfactory Part-time Satisfactory Criteria: - The final qualifications of the degree course correspond to the requirements set for a degree course in the relevant domain (field of study/discipline and/or professional practice) by colleagues in the Netherlands and abroad, and the professional practice. The judgement is based on the following arguments: The International MSc in Business Administration is set up as a management degree with a moderate degree of specialisation through a Marketing Management track as well as a Financial Management track. The programme is intended to provide students with managerial and leadership skills that allow them to pursue a successful career in business management and contribute to the development of organisations. Students receive academic grounding in several fundamental business functions, such as: Accounting & Finance, Marketing Management, Organisational Behaviour & Leadership, Business Economics and Strategic Management. In the Marketing Management track students must be able to deal with international marketing issues, to develop integrated marketing communication strategies, to develop concepts to exploit the rapidly developing IT and communication trends in the marketing arena as well as to manage marketing functions in Services industries. In the Financial Management track students must obtain sound knowledge about important finance concepts, such as the portfolio theory, international finance issues, capital markets and investments decisions, as well more in depth knowledge of accounting. The academic orientation at the master s level is necessary to provide state-of-the-art theory knowledge and train its application. This includes an overview and insight into current theory and research developments. Students are expected to develop analytical and critical thinking to make sound judgements when applying instruments and tools to solve practical problems. After completion students should be able to understand and assess environmental changes and develop appropriate solutions in their field. Students should develop strong learning capabilities to understand new and complex situations and should develop innovative approaches and solutions. TiasNimbas compares the International MSc BA programme with the specifications in the AMBA 1 standards for the MBM (Master of Business Management), a postgraduate, preexperience degree: MBM degrees do not require the same level of work experience as an MBA, but they are still designed to equip students with managerial and leadership skills that will improve their practice and establish a successful career in business management. 1 AMBA: Association of MBA s NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 19/69

20 Based on the AMBA definition the International MSc BA aims at the following final qualifications: - the development of theoretical as well as a practical perspective to solve complex business and management problems in a systematic, critical and innovative manner; - the integration of learning from different subjects to a holistic view of the business organisation; - the understanding of professional development and life-long learning as well as the utilisation of related concepts and tools. These qualifications are translated into ten learning outcomes (appendix 5), which are the central focus for the development of the programme. TiasNimbas states that the goals go beyond those of the MBM degree of AMBA, due to the focus on cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to solve problems in an international context. The goals and learning outcomes apply for the full-time and the part-time programme. Furthermore the programme offers two strong focus points for student s career development: a. working in teams in a multicultural setting and b. professional (personal) development. The programme is validated externally by means of NVAO-accreditation and MBMaccreditation (Masters in Business and Management by the Association of MBAs). The current MA International Business and Marketing Management is accredited with MBM. The International MSc in Business Administration is listed for accreditation with MBM in summer TiasNimbas applies for a ranking in the listing of the Financial Times Master programmes in Management for the current programme for Internally the aims and objectives of the programme are validated by means of student s assessment of the whole programme. TiasNimbas plans to use alumni gatherings and Advisory Board meetings to survey how the attractiveness of the programme and the way it contributes to career development TiasNimbas presents an overview of a benchmark with three programmes that are also characterised as pre-experience Masters offered in English and with a structure consisting of foundation modules in business and management followed by a number of specialisation modules. These are: the RSM 2 Erasmus University International Management degree, EADA 3 Barcelona Spain with four international pre-experience Business Administration programmes and the School of Management s master courses of Bradford University, UK. These programmes are accredited with AMBA, Equis 4 or AACSB 5. There are comparisons in a broad foundation in business and management modules. TiasNimbas offers limited specialisation and strong international focus. TiasNimbas offers exchange possibilities with Asian universities to deepen international management knowledge and cross-cultural competencies. There are relations with the University of Peking, Guanghua School of Management in China, the National Chiao Tung University and the College of Management in Taiwan and the Graduate School of Business at Assumption University in Thailand. A few students per year join in the exchange programme. 2 RSM: Rotterdam School of Management 3 EADA: Escuela de Alto Dirección y Administración 4 Equis: European Quality Improvement System 5 AACSB: The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business 20/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration

21 From scrutiny of the materials offered and discussion with management and staff the panel concludes that the goals and aims of the International MSc BA programme are clearly defined and endorsed within TiasNimbas organisation. The panel finds the goals and learning outcomes comparable with the standards set for Business Schools in general. The panel has missed a solid comparison of the goals and learning outcomes with f.e. AMBA and AACSB standards, in a way that the panel could verify the coverage between the programme goals and the standards. To verify the positioning of the programme (inter)nationally TiasNimbas presents a brief benchmark with three international renowned Business Schools. The comparison is basically made on the structure and duration of the programme. The panel misses a direct comparison of the contents of the programme and the attained level. Comparisons are indicated more indirectly. The panel concludes that TiasNimbas has a right set of aims and objectives that suites for the relevant domain. The positioning and benchmark could gain in relevance with a direct comparison with other BA standards and the contents of other programmes. Therefore the panel marks this aspect as Satisfactory. Aspect 1.2 Master s degree level Full-time Good Part-time Good Critieria: - The final qualifications of the degree course correspond to general, internationally accepted descriptions of the qualifications of a Master. The judgement is based on the following arguments: In the self-evaluation report the connection between the learning outcomes and the Dublin Descriptors is presented in several tables and formulated per Dublin Descriptor. Dublin Descriptor Knowledge and Understanding is linked to the first four learning outcomes. In modules theories, models, principles and tools are taught and applied to case studies to support the development of solutions for real-life problems. Modules convey state-of-the-art knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and models based on the latest research findings. Students should be able to understand and assess theory-based knowledge. Dublin Descriptor Applying Knowledge and Understanding is linked with learning outcomes 1 till 5. Theory-based knowledge is applied to practical situations through case study work. Solutions are presented in class or submitted as an assignment. Students must make written assignments with critical review and work with specific theories and concepts. Especially part-time students can apply knowledge quickly in a practical context. The Research module prepares students to conduct independent research. The Master s thesis is intended as an independent piece of research that concludes the study programme with emphasis on the ability to solve complex managerial problems in a multidisciplinary context in a changing international environment. NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 21/69

22 The case studies support the development of analytical skills and encourage critical thinking. Essay assignments and the master thesis provide opportunities to develop or apply an original idea within a research context. This supports Dublin Descriptor Making Judgements. In case studies students learn to make decisions based on incomplete and uncertain information. Students have to develop their own perspective. Emphasis is given to the student s ability to conduct independent scientific research within their field and contribute towards academic thinking This is coupled to learning outcomes 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. Dublin Descriptor Communication is coupled to learning outcomes 6, 7 and 8. Through assignments and presentation of results, individual and in groups, students train their oral and written communication skills. Lecturers feedback address the development of communication skills. The development of Learning Skills is supported by the blended learning style consisting of pre-assigned reading, class room teaching and group work. The diverse background of students provides a platform to learn from each other and deal with cross-cultural and group management issues. The Professional Development Programme (PDP) is designed for this purpose. Learning skills are coupled to learning outcomes 6, 7, 9 and 10. Aspect 1.3 Academic Orientation (WO) Full-time Satisfactory Part-time Satisfactory Criteria: - The intended learning outcomes are derived from requirements set by the scientific discipline, the international scientific practice and, for programmes to which this applies, the practice in the relevant professional field; - An academic master (WO-master) has the qualifications to conduct independent research or to solve multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary questions in a professional field for which academic higher education is required of useful. The judgement is based on the following arguments: As mentioned in aspect 1.1 the intended learning outcomes are derived from and indirectly compared to international standards for master programmes in Business Administration. Relevant input from the business world is obtained from discussions with the Advisory Board, lecturers and alumni. In the programme students build up their understanding and insights into the relevant field and they develop their own critical perspective on key issues. Central modules for research qualifications are: Research I and II and the Thesis. There students learn to undertake individual and independent research in their chosen field of interest. They should be able to understand and assess theory-based knowledge and to apply this knowledge to deal with complex managerial problems in a changing international environment. The programme ensures that students have the abilities to conduct 22/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration

23 independent scientific research within their field and contribute towards academic thinking. Students choosing the Marketing Management track are expected to work as future professionals and managers in the International Business and Marketing field. Alumni have entry positions as Business Development Manager, Consultant, Direct Marketing Coordinator, Head Merchandiser, Junior Marketing Manager, Sales and Operations Manager, Project Manager or as management trainee. Students choosing the Financial Management track are expected to work in a managerial/professional capacity in the financial field. Alumni have entry jobs as Commodity Trader, Corporate Controller, Financial Analyst and in trainee programmes. The programme is positioned between the classical MBA with a very limited specialisation and the classical MSc. e.g. in Finance, with a very high degree of specialisation. The programme has a strong focus on multicultural setting of students as well as lecturers and on the professional (personal) development of the students to prepare them for a successful managerial career. The panel concludes that the goals and learning outcomes are comparable to international standards for international master programmes in Business Administration. Students are intended to conduct independent research or to solve multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary questions in a professional field for which academic higher education is required or useful. The panel found that students have the tendency to turn to applied science rather quickly and is of the opinion that the definition of independent research could be defined more specifically in a way that the academic research level becomes more explicit. Looking at the definitions the NVAO uses for specifying the character of WO-master programmes, the panel finds that the International MSc BA programme fits in with the defined framework for the civil oriented WO-master: preparation for a career in business or other civil duties/functions. Taking all of the above into account the panel gives the judgement Satisfactory for this aspect. Topic 2 Programme Aspect 2.1 Requirements for academic orientation Full-time Satisfactory Part-time Satisfactory Criteria: The programme meets the following criteria for an academic orientation: - The students develop their knowledge through the interaction between education and research within the relevant disciplines; - The programme corresponds with current developments in the relevant disciplines by verifiable links with current scientific theories; - The programme ensures the development of competencies in the field of research; - Where appropriate the programme has verifiable links with the current relevant professional practice. NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 23/69

24 The judgement is based on the following arguments: In the courses theories, models, principles and tools are applied to case studies to support the development of solutions for real-life business administration problems. Lecturers play a key role in bringing up-to-date thinking about theories and models into the classroom and programme. They incorporate their own scientific research and publications when teaching and thus create a link between current scientific theories and the application in business administration practice. Faculty has a good record in teaching experience internationally and as researchers in their respective fields of specialisation (see aspect 3.1). Lecturers incorporate research findings and publications into teaching and use international literature. In the courses the theory is linked to practice using case studies. Students must present case solutions and other group work, which will be discussed in class to develop academic reasoning and presentation skills. Reading assignments and class discussions together with detailed feedback from the lecturers will help students to develop their judgements skills on master s level. Students mention that they are encouraged by teachers to look at business topics from many different perspectives. This gives the distinction with a bachelor degree which is more straight forward problem solving with known tools. In the master s programme students are encouraged to combine theory and practice and underpin their approach with theory based strategies. Especially part-time students can apply knowledge quickly in a practical context. The part-time students also bring application issues from their jobs into the classroom. This is also used in the combined classes where part-time and full-time students join. The panel concludes that the basic literature used is suitable. The finance/marketing books used in the advanced courses are appropriate and comparable to those used in other business schools. The reading lists in the syllabi could specify on the scientific articles that are used. Students and lecturers state that these basic reading lists/readers are supplemented during class with the lecturers experiences and preferred literature. This is presented in extra slides, scientific articles and an extended reading list per lecturer/course. Students mention that for every assignment they are obliged to do a literature research using scientific literature databases. Lecturers direct students to understand scientific research and apply this to real life complex problems in business administration settings. Lecturers state that they focus on student s abilities to explore and use different approaches to solve practical problems. Innovation of products and business processes is one of the focus points. This attunes with de civil character of the WO-master (compare aspect 1.3). Competencies in the field of research are incorporated in the Courses Research and Methods I and II. These courses prepare students to conduct independent academic research, develop sound judgements skills using scientific tools and theories. Research I focuses on the abilities to analyse and evaluate published research, to understand appropriate quantitative and qualitative research designs and a systematic understanding of data collection and analysis methods. Research II prepares students for the preparation of their thesis project, an independent piece of research that combines theory with practical application. The objectives are to provide awareness and understanding of different approaches to management research and to apply knowledge and experience gained in the taught modules to a topic within the field of specialisation. 24/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration

25 After scrutiny of the syllabi and literature the panel found that the syllabi and literature are not always clear regarding the statistical basics and the variety of research methods and analysis that are being covered. In discussion with lecturers and students it appears that the theories and scientific approaches are covered during classes and students must apply what they have learned in project assignments to train the application aspects. In class students receive more specific indications for the content and topics per course. From scrutiny of course material the panel has the impression that Research module I starts at a very basic level during the foundation courses. This could be a consequence of student s background at intake (see aspect 2.5). Lecturers influence on the depth of the Research Courses is very important and not always clearly assured in the syllabi and documentation. The content of these courses could be more documented so that it is clear what the starting level is which specific topics are dealt with and which (scientifical) methods are used and what the end level should be. In that way it is more secured that all students learn the appropriate scientific research tools and that there is ample opportunity to practice the research skills in the project assignments. The panel welcomes the initiative of TiasNimbas to offer students preparatory courses per 2010 (compare aspect 2.5), aimed at the starting principles of research and statistics. In that way the differentiation among students at intake can be tackled earlier and more attention can be given to the reflection to scientific methods used. The panel has missed a distinctive attention towards the hardcore finance aspects, the mathematics and modelling to underpin the problem solving. There is attention for different tools but the attention to the follow up, how to apply these in real management settings is not always clear. The panel sometimes missed student s reflections in project assignments and papers, whereas alumni and representatives from the working field specifically mention the soft skills as a unique selling point of the TiasNimbas programmes. The panel concludes that TiasNimbas aims at a good balance between a scientific and a practical approach. Both aspects can be found in the programme in such a way that students learn the right tools and approaches. However, it is not always clearly defined how deep, fast and wide the necessary subjects will be covered. This depends for a great deal on the input of the lecturers (compare aspect ) and the way the students fulfil their group assignments. The panel finds that these focus points could be more clearly laid out in the blueprint of the programme and the course descriptions. Then lecturers can make more use of a common basis. In that way it becomes clearer where and how students are guided towards the desired master s level, also in the foundation courses. The Academic Director can incorporate this in the annual review of the programme and courses. The programme management plans to introduce a preparation course to deepen the academic level of the foundation courses, in a way that all the students can start on the desired intake level and track. This gives lecturers more time to handle research aspects and to let students practice with and reflect on their research skills more. On this reasoning the panel s discussion results in a judgement Satisfactory. NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration 25/69

26 Aspect 2.2 Relationship between aims and objectives and Full-time Satisfactory study programme Part-time Satisfactory Criteria: - The course contents adequately reflect the final qualifications, both with respect to level and orientation, and with respect to domain-specific requirements; - The final qualifications have been translated adequately into learning targets for the programme or its components; - The contents of the programme offer students the opportunity to obtain the final qualifications that have been formulated for the master s degree. The judgement is based on the following arguments: The International MSc BA programme has a four phase construction: foundation modules (18 EC), Advanced modules (12 EC), Elective modules (6 EC) and the Thesis Project (24 EC). In the self-evaluation report the translation from the qualifications and learning outcomes to the coverage in the courses is presented in two tables, together with the coverage of the Dublin Descriptors. Every course is described in a Module Descriptor: the aims, outcomes, an overview of material that should be covered and the stipulated assessment method. The panel did not find a clear link with the learning outcomes in these Module Descriptors. From scrutiny of the documentation on the outline and contents of the courses the panel concludes that the course outlines and contents reflect the final qualifications. Descriptions of the level and orientation point to an academic master s level and the description are suitable for the business administration domain. The translation of the learning outcomes into the course outcomes could be more specified in such a way that total coverage of the learning outcomes is made clear. For example, there are no specific sublevels defined for the different study phases: foundation level, advanced level and final graduate level. The panel has the opinion that the learning outcomes can be obtained by students. In comparison with aspect 2.1 this can be made clearer in the programme blueprint and course descriptions. On the basis of comments maid above the panel gives a judgement Satisfactory. Aspect 2.3 Coherence of the programme Full-time Satisfactory Part-time Satisfactory Criteria: - Students follow a programme of study that is coherent in its contents. 26/69 NQA - audit TiasNimbas Business School, WO-Master International MSc in Business Administration