Master of Business Administration (MBA)

BUSINESS SCHOOL Master of Business Administration (MBA) FRAMEWORK SPECIFICATION Version 6.3 June 2015

2015 Bournemouth University Document date: June 2015 Circulation: General Bournemouth University undertakes to encourage the recognition, protection and exploitation of intellectual property rights generated by participants in this programme, to the benefit, as appropriate, of students, staff, industrial/other third parties/partners and the university. Business School Bournemouth University Poole Dorset BH12 5BB

CONTENTS 1 Basic Programme Data 2 2 Aims of the Document 3 3 Progressions Routes 3 4 Academic and Professional Contexts 3 5 Aims of the Programmes 5 6 Intended Learning Outcomes 5 7 Learning and Teaching Strategies and Methods 7 8 Assessment Strategies and Methods 7 9 Work Placement Elements 8 10 Programme Diagram 9 11 Admissions Regulations 10 12 Assessment Regulations 10 13 Programme Profile 11 MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 1 of 12

1 BASIC PROGRAMME DATA Originating institution/s Awards and programme title(s) HESA JACS Code Bournemouth University PGCert in Business Administration PGDip in Business Administration Master of Business Administration N100 External Reference Points Framework for Higher Qualifications; Business and Management QAA subject benchmarks covered within the framework and/or QAA FD benchmark; AACSB, EPAS Professional, Statutory and/or Regulatory Body links Place of delivery Mode(s) of delivery Credit structure Duration Exemptions from Charted Institute of Marketing Exemptions from Charted Institute of Insurers Bournemouth University MBA - Full-time, Part-time, Full-time Blended Learning and Part-time Blended Learning 180 Level M Credits (90 ECTS) 12 months full-time and 24 months part-time Date of original approval MBA 1987 MBA (Media) 2005 Date of first intake MBA 2012 Expected Start Dates September Student numbers Minimum = 20 Maximum = 60 Optimum = 50 Placements Partner institution and model Date and version number of this Framework Specification Four weeks discretionary work experience N/A 6.3 June 2015 This Framework Specification was revised in June 2015 following the approval of modifications. It takes effect from September 2015 and applies to all current students and new enrolments. MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 2 of 12

2 AIMS OF THE DOCUMENT The aims of this document are to: Define the structure of the MBA Framework Specify the programme rationale and electives within the Framework Identify programme and level learning outcomes Articulate the regulations governing the awards offered through this Framework 3 PROGRESSION ROUTES There are no approved arrangements for progression. 4 ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CONTEXTS The University and the Business School are committed to significant expansion of post-experience and executive education activities. The objective in reviewing the programmes is to meet the University s Quality Assurance review requirements. This will encompass a full-time programme, for which demand will be predominantly international, and a part-time programme that leverages the particular strengths of BU in order to appeal to niche markets both within the Wessex region and nationally. To this end there will be a common core curriculum to ensure that accreditation criteria are satisfied, plus electives that have strong market appeal and/or draw upon particular areas of expertise within the School and BU. Six electives are proposed here, with the expectation that others will be added later as demand permits. The globalisation of business has produced a growing demand for highly educated individuals who can operate successfully on the international arena. The core content of the MBA is designed to provide all students with the opportunity to develop the core competencies and technical skills which will enable them to contribute to and to flourish in such an environment. Furthermore, the focus on ethics and corporate social responsibility in a global business context in the programme is intended to appeal to any student who wishes to develop strategic management and leadership skills to a high level in a global business context. This will appeal to many international students and also to significant numbers of UK based students who have to manage international operations. The current Financial Services elective provides professional accreditation from Charted Institute of Insurers (CII). The proposed programme offers professional accreditation from Charted Institute of Marketing (CIM) for students who successfully complete the Strategic Applied Marketing Unit and, Advanced Marketing and marketing specific Research project. The MBA programme is developed by a team of academics from across the three main Programme Frameworks (Business and Management; Accounting and Finance and Law). This draws on all academic Departments in the Business MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 3 of 12

School. Colleagues from the Media School will help deliver the Business in New Media Environment elective. The range of electives reflects specific areas of expertise within the Business School (Intellectual Property, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing and Economics) and across BU (Media). QAA Benchmarks The only QAA benchmark statement that relates to this PG review is for Business & Management. This benchmark was updated in 2007. The MBA falls into the Type 3 MBA type category as described in the benchmark statement. Compliance with the benchmark was via the composition of the programme and unit specifications, in particularly the methods of teaching, learning and assessment, in forming the learning outcomes, and in the setting of entry qualifications. QAA subject benchmark statement - Type 3: MBA type degree The MBA is defined as a career development generalist programme for those who have significant post-graduation and relevant work experience on which the learning process should build. Normally, the experience required will be at least two years with the typical entrant having substantially more than this. The main emphasis of these programmes is positioned no differently from that of Type 2 programmes, there is strong practical and professional orientation to the curriculum and they may be linked to professional institute qualifications. Due to the maturity and work experience of the students, MBA programmes are expected to be different in their objectives, recruitment and pedagogical processes to other master s degrees in business and management. MBA degrees should be essentially generalist in nature although a limited amount of specialisation may be included. QAA Qualifications Framework This MBA programme is aligned with the QAA Qualifications Framework and FHEQ qualification descriptors at M level. The following table describes the programme in terms of volume of credit and levels Level Credit Award and credit required M 60 PGCert - 60 CATS points i.e. successful completion of three taught units M 60 PGDip - 120 CATS points i.e. successful completion of six taught units M 60 MBA - 180 CATS points i.e. successful completion of all taught units and the Dissertation. This MBA is considered to require the equivalent of 12 months of full-time study and the award requires that the student has successfully achieved the learning outcomes for the level as outlined in section 6. MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 4 of 12

5 AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME The aims of the programmes are as follows: 1 To provide an academically rigorous scheme of study of business and management at a postgraduate level for managers and professionals, to enhance their effectiveness as managers through the development of critical awareness of management theory and practice; 2 To develop a broad appreciation and understanding of the principles, concepts, terminology and practice of management; 3 To develop an awareness of the opportunities afforded and the constraints imposed by the environment in which organisations and managers operate at local, national and global level; 4 To develop practical research skills based upon appreciation of relevant research methods and analytical techniques; 5 To develop the facility to analyse complex organisational and managerial issues using appropriate theoretical and conceptual frameworks and to prepare well argued recommendations for dealing with the situation; 6 To develop individuals managerial and leadership competencies to enable them to operate effectively in a wide range of organisational contexts; 7 To provide individuals an opportunity to take a positive and contributing role in a participating organisation; 8 To promote continuing personal and professional development. 6 INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES This M Level programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate: A A1 A2 A3 A4 SUBJECT KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING Critical knowledge and understanding of theoretical approaches and their relevance to practice in the core functional areas relating to the management of organisations, their resources, operations and strategy; Critical awareness of methods and techniques for the analysis of financial and other quantitative data; Systematic understanding of business research design, evaluation and application; Understanding of complex practices relating to the management of self, other individuals, groups and organisations in an international context; MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 5 of 12

A5 A6 Critical comprehension and use of relevant Information & Communication Technologies (ICT); Critical understanding of corporate and social business responsibilities as well as the growing global business and management context. B B1 INTELLECTUAL SKILLS The ability to acquire, summarise and synthesise data from a range of appropriate sources in order to abstract meaning to share information and develop knowledge; B2 Critical appraisal of the merits of competing explanations and interpretations of organisational and managerial phenomena, using appropriate conceptual and theoretical perspectives and relevant evidence, and where appropriate develop new hypotheses; B3 B4 The ability to conduct research into business and management issues to produce reasoned arguments, justifying conclusions with reference to appropriate theoretical frameworks and supporting evidence; Critical reflection upon the relationship between the theory and practice of management as well as own managerial experiences and competencies, in order to develop as a reflective practitioner. C C1 C2 C3 C4 C5 SUBJECT SPECIFIC SKILLS Analysis of financial and other business-related quantitative data; Analysis of the environmental and internal characteristics of an organisation in order to identify actions for improvement where appropriate; Critical analysis and evaluate management practice from a theoretically informed perspective; Appraisal and selection of appropriate research methods in addressing organisational and management issues following ethical guidelines; Presentation of scholarly work using appropriate formats and conventions. D D1 D2 TRANSFERABLE SKILLS Communication of ideas and arguments effectively orally, in a variety of written formats and in the context of formal presentations; Use of IT effectively, including the online resources and relevant applications including, spreadsheets and word-processing; MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 6 of 12

D3 D4 D5 D6 Analysis of a range of empirical data and solve numerical and quantitative problems using appropriate techniques; Working in collaboration with others, often from diverse cultural backgrounds in the investigation of problems and in the presentation of arguments and evidence; Acting autonomously in problem solving, decision making and planning activities; Development at a personal and professional level to become independent and reflective learner-practitioners 7 LEARNING AND TEACHING STRATEGIES AND METHODS Core knowledge and understanding is acquired through lectures, discussions, exercises, and independent learning. Students will be expected to undertake independent reading and case analysis. They will utilise and improve their research skills in preparing for classes and presentations. Discussions in class and feedback on assignments will allow students to refine and develop their understanding. Intellectual skills are developed through the learning and teaching methods and strategies outlined above. Each taught unit of the programme involves extensive in-class discussions and the opportunity to deal with real data and 'live' problems, often through guest speakers. Students will be required to research material, and provide a rationale for decisions made based on often incomplete information. Subject specific skills are developed through the learning and teaching methods and strategies outlined above. Each taught unit of the programme involves extensive in-class discussions and the opportunity to deal with real data derived from recent research and 'live' management problems. Students will become effective researchers in identifying problem areas and finding appropriate information to provide solutions. Transferable skills are developed through the learning and teaching methods and strategies outlined above. Students will be encouraged to contribute to seminar discussions which will allow them to develop not only their understanding but also their ability to communicate their ideas. 8 ASSESSMENT STRATEGIES AND METHODS The core knowledge and understanding is assessed through appropriately structured coursework assignments and examinations and the requirement for the Research Project/Consultancy units. The intellectual skills are assessed through assignments and examination, often involving case-studies, plus the Research Project/Consultancy units. MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 7 of 12

Outcomes C1-5 are assessed through examination and assessment. Outcomes C4-5 are also assessed through the Research Project/Consultancy units. Effective communication of ideas is an important criterion in the assessment of all student work. D1-3 are assessed through the assignments and examinations across the course. D4 is assessed through feedback on case study presentations. D5 is assessed in all parts of the course. Although not formally assessed, outcome D6 is embedded in all units. 9 WORK PLACEMENT ELEMENTS This part of the course is designed to provide the MBA students with a unique opportunity to take a positive and contributing role in a participating organisation. This aspect of the programme aims to attach further practical context to the value of the learning experience. MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 8 of 12

10 PROGRAMME DIAGRAM Exit Qualification: Master of Business Administration Requires 180 Level M Credits Stage 1/Level M Stage 2/Level M Stage 3/Level M Core Unit (Compulsory) - Personal and Professional Development Master of Business Administration Core Units (Compulsory) Strategic Management 20 Option Units Consultancy 40 Research Project 40 Work Experience Core Units (Compulsory) Performance Management & Analytics 20 Leadership and Organisational Behaviour 20 Option Units Entrepreneurial Management 20 Business Law and Intellectual Property 20 Advanced Marketing 20 Industrial Economics 20 Financial Services 20 Business in New Media Environments 20 Progression Requirements: No progression requirements to Stage 3 Exit Qualification: PGDip Business Administration Requires 120 Level M credits PGCert Business Administration Requires 60 Level M credits Core Units (Compulsory) Accounting and Financial Management 20 Contemporary Issues in the Global Business Environment 20 Strategic Applied Marketing 20 Progression Requirements: No progression requirements to Stage 2 Exit Qualification: PGCert Business Administration Requires 60 Level M credits MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 9 of 12

11 ADMISSIONS REGULATIONS The regulations for this programme are the University Standard Admissions Regulations for taught postgraduate programmes. Applicants for whom English is not their first language, must offer evidence of qualifications in written and spoken English. Acceptable qualifications are IELTS (academic) 6.5 and TOEFL 232 (computer based), 90 (internet based) or 575 (paper based), or direct equivalents. Applicants from Bournemouth University International College programmes which have approved articulation routes must meet the minimum entry requirements in terms of course average and English requirements as stipulated by the Business School at Bournemouth University. Applicants who have successfully completed the INTO Graduate Diploma in Business Administration must have achieved a course average of 55% or above and a minimum English requirement of 65% with a minimum of 60% in writing and 55% in all other components. Applicants who have successfully achieved 4 out of 5 GPA from Bachelor degree studies in Financial University Russia (or equivalent) and who are enrolled on one of the BU approved Financial University feeder Masters programmes are eligible to apply. Applicants must also meet BU s standard admission regulations with regards English qualifications for the MBA. Admissions with Credit Applicants may seek recognition for prior certificated learning that can be mapped against the outcomes of any of the 20-credit units on the programme. Exemptions cannot be sought for Consultancy, Research Project or Personal and Professional Development, as the outcomes of these units provide evidence of how a student has achieved the intended learning outcomes of the programme together with demonstrating a student s ability to apply the analytical and evaluative skills that have been gained throughout their studies. Furthermore, these units develop the distinct profile of our MBA graduates and hone their employability skills. The process for applying is detailed in the standard regulations for Recognition of Prior Learning. 12 ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS The regulations for this programme are the University s Standard Postgraduate Assessment Regulations. MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 10 of 12

13 PROGRAMME PROFILE Originating Institution(s): School: Business School Partner institution:n/a Place(s) of Delivery: Bournemouth University Programme HESA JACS code: N100 Framework Title (in full): Master of Business Administration Programme Award and Title: Master of Business Administration Interim Award and Titles & required credits: PGDip in Business Administration 120 Level M Credits PGCert in Business Administration 60 Level M Credits Mode(s) of study: FT & PT Expected Length of study: 12 months FT 24 months PT BU Credit Structure & ECTS: Level M 180 (90 ECTS) Unit version no. Unit name Unit identification Cost Centre(s) 4 Unit Details Assessment Regs:SR HESA JACS Subject Code CC 1 % HESA JACS Subject Code CC2 % Prog year FT Prog year PT Core / option No of credits Level (C,I,H, PgC, PgD, M) Assessment Element Weightings Exam 1 C/Work 1 1.0 Personal & Professional Development N100 27 100 1 1 & 2 C 0 M 100 Pass/Fail 1.2 Accounting & Financial Management N340 27 50 N410 27 50 1 1 C 20 M 100 1.0 Contemporary Issues in the Global Business N100 27 100 1 1 C 20 M 50 50 Environment 1.0 Leadership and Organisational Behaviour N215 27 100 1 1 C 20 M 40 60 1.0 Performance Management and Analytics N100 27 100 1 1 C 20 M 50 50 1.0 Strategic Applied Marketing N500 27 100 1 2 C 20 M 100 2.0 Strategic Management N211 27 100 1 2 C 20 M 40 60 1.0 Entrepreneurial Management N100 27 100 1 2 O 20 M 100 1.0 Business Law and Intellectual Property M221 29 50 M290 29 50 1 2 O 20 M 50 50 1.0 Advanced Marketing N500 27 100 1 2 O 20 M 100 1.0 Industrial Economics N100 27 100 1 2 O 20 M 100 1.0 Financial Services N300 27 100 1 2 O 20 M 50 50 1.0 Business in New Media Environments P300 30 100 1 2 O 20 M 100 1.0 Work Experience N100 27 100 1 1 or 2 O 0 M 100 Pass Fail 1.0 Consultancy N100 27 100 1 2 O 40 M 100 2.0 Research Project N100 27 100 1 2 O 40 M 100 C/Work 2 MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 11 of 12

Effective from Prog Year / Month / Year Yr. 1 Sept 2015 Yr. 2 Yr. 3 Yr.4 Contact in School: Sharon Goodlad x68727 (tel no. or generic UG/PG/ programme specific email) Date approved: June 2015 Name of Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body (if appropriate): Chartered Institute of Marketing Chartered Institute of Insurance Programme Specification version no: 6.3 Placement: 4 weeks discretionary work experience Diploma Supplement Statement regarding PRSB accreditation: MBA Framework Specification Version 6.3 Page 12 of 12