MBA. Delivered in partnership with the

MBA Delivered in partnership with the

2 The University of St Mark & St John has over 170 years of heritage, tradition, academic excellence and experience working in partnership with higher education institutions to offer a broad range of collaborative higher education programmes. Academically, the University of St Mark & St John strives for excellence. The National Student Survey results have placed the University of St Mark & St John in the top 15% of all institutions. In the Sunday Times University Guide, it was ranked 4th for Teaching Excellence (ahead of Oxford University) and 3rd overall amongst university colleges. Amongst the oldest and most experienced teacher training providers in the South West, the University of St Mark & St John has been successfully training teachers since 1840, receiving praise in the Ofsted inspections. The University of St Mark & St John has excellent links with local schools and is both well known and well respected. Staff are passionate about their subjects and work hard to help students fulfill their potential and succeed in their studies. They provide plenty of contact time in a supportive and friendly environment. 3 Staff are passionate about their subjects and work hard to help students fulfill their potential and succeed in their studies. The University of St Mark & St John wants to ensure that you are well prepared for employment when you graduate, so it provides all the transferable skills you need, along with practical experience in relevant employment fields. The University of St Mark & St John supplies an excellent careers service and the most recent government statistics show that over 90% of graduates are either in employment or continuing in higher education six months after graduation. The University of St Mark & St John offers a great range of courses from Foundation Degrees & Progression Courses to Honours Degrees and Postgraduate study. Located in the South west of England, Plymouth is perfectly situated to make the most of the countryside, moorland and coast.

With the University of St Mark & St John, your degree comes to you. Wherever you are, you can study for your MBA Highlights of online learning The prospect of earning your MBA online offers a state of the art learning environment, the freedom to participate in classes whenever and wherever you choose and the opportunity to earn the highly respected degree you need to advance your career. Your classes will take place in an online environment. You can log in at any time at your convenience. Once online, you ll communicate with your instructors and fellow students, read assigned texts, access digital materials, post assignments and comment on other student s assignments. While you re required to log in at least two separate days each week, you will, of course, benefit greatly from regular and more frequent attendance. Why study online Studying online gives you the opportunity to adapt YOUR time to the course and not the other way around. Progress is made at YOUR pace and you may enjoy the flexibility studying online provides, in regards to where and when to study. It is completely interactive, giving you the opportunity to communicate with fellow students and your personal tutor via emails, discussion boards and chat rooms. Technology mediated learning seems all set to enhance the accessibility of modules and in fact, pursuing a degree has become much easier now with the introduction of online modules through a state of the art learning environment. Online study is far more convenient and flexible than traditional face-to-face classes. With the University of St Mark & St John, your degree comes to you. Wherever you are, you can study for your MBA. Although it is a self-study module, you will always have the support of our teaching faculty and communication with fellow students through our online learning platform. The MBA degree you earn will hold the same value, acceptance and credibility as any equivalent degree earned in a traditional campus environment. There are no compulsory residential elements to our degrees though you can, if you wish, attend our tutorials or take some modules at one of our approved learning centres. Your online course experience will take place on an advanced learning management system designed to facilitate the optimal learning experience for students. In addition to the educational platform you ll utilize to communicate with faculty and fellow students, you ll also have access to e-textbooks offering you the capability to highlight, annotate, create bookmarks, search, download and self-assess. 4 Similar to a campus classroom, the online experience will include extensive participation 5 and interaction with faculty and fellow students. You ll also use the online forum to communicate with advisers, teaching assistants and instructional specialists. Once you have successfully completed your degree, you will be eligible to participate in the traditional graduation ceremony at our campus in Plymouth. The annual ceremony takes place in the autumn. Module sequences begin each month, so you can enroll in and begin your degree programme, immediately putting you that much closer to your graduation. You ll take one module at a time, each lasting 6 weeks. This advanced learning method designed for adults allows you to concentrate your entire focus on one subject area before moving onto the next, while also allowing you to earn your degree in an accelerated time frame. The MBA degree you earn will hold the same value, acceptance and credibility as any equivalent degree earned in a traditional campus environment. An S.O.L. (supported open learning) option is available at selected and approved centres where students benefit from on-campus tutorials in addition to online learning.

6 Academic Policies and Regulations Duration Of Modules: The University of St Mark & St John online MBA modules are of 6 weeks duration each. Students take one module at a time and upon successful completion they can take the next. Evaluation Of Performance Continuous evaluation of student performance is undertaken throughout the offering of each module. This includes evaluation of assignments, tests and projects. Credit Transfer If you have successfully completed post graduate modules, your studies may be able to count towards the credit requirements of the online MBA. If we accept the transfer of credits this will reduce the number of modules you will need to study with the University of St Mark & St John and allow you to gain the MBA in a shorter period of time. To find out more about credit transfer opportunities please email our Academic Affairs department. *The transferability of credits is subject to the University of St Mark & St John s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward a degree programme. Grading System The grading policy for the MBA is the following: Grade and numerical equivalent Distinction 70-100 Merit 60-69 Pass 50-59 Condonable Fail 40-49 Fail 1-39 No Work Submitted 0 Admission Requirements MBA Admission Policy The University of St Mark & St John online MBA is a rigorous academic programme for high-potential business professionals. The Office of Admissions takes into account all aspects of each candidate s profile: academic, professional and personal, with a view towards admitting all those who are eligible for graduate business education, show strong potential and determination for career success and can contribute to a rewarding, collective educational experience. Minimum admission requirements for the Online MBA programme: 1. An accredited Bachelor s degree (European, American or equivalent) is required for admission to the MBA programme. Some professional qualifications may also be acceptable. Extensive professional experience may also be considered for admission to the programme. 2. Proficiency in English - Students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present a minimum TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, or GCSE O Level with minimum C or Studying online gives you the opportunity to adapt YOUR time to the course and not the other way around. IELTS with a score of 6.5 or score placement at the MBA English Placement Test which can be taken online. The University offers English modules at various levels to help students reach the required standard for admission. 3. Official transcripts from all universities or colleges and other post-secondary educational institutions (including trade schools) attended. Instead of hard copy transcripts, you may supply official electronic transcripts issued by a post-secondary institution directly to The University of St Mark & St John online. You must supply transcripts regardless of the number of credits earned or the type of school you attended. If you do not list all post-secondary institutions on your application and these are 7

listed on transcripts received from other institutions, processing months to complete. Typically students require 18 months. 8 of your application will be delayed until you have submitted the remaining transcripts. Application/Registration Students can complete the Application/Admission procedure online 9 4. Academic Background - Applicants with a non-business background can be admitted onto the programme but they may have to take preparatory foundation modules. through the MBA website http://www.universitystmarkstjohn.co.uk 5. Personal Statement - a personal statement is required as part of the admission process to the MBA programme. Please note all submitted materials become the property of The University of St Mark & St John online. Progression Routes Direct entry into specific levels of the MBA programmes is possible for those candidates who hold business related Level 7 qualifications and wish to top-up their diplomas to an MBA degree, provided the learning outcomes of their award satisfy those of the equivalent levels of the MBA programme for which they seek admission. Direct Entry and other AP(E)L (approved prior and experiential learning) opportunities are considered on an individual basis. Details of such opportunities can be discussed with an Admissions Adviser. Period Of Study The University of St Mark & St John MBA takes a minimum of 12 After the submission of the application form and the payment of the application fee, the student s application form is processed and a decision is reached within 2 working days. Upon admission the student is requested to pay the initial deposit and then is given access to the VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). Applicants are requested to submit the following documents: Completed MBA Application Form Copies of academic qualifications Academic Transcript/Grade Report Other certificates or examination results TOEFL/GCE/GCSE/IELTS results GMAT results Recent photo Curriculum Vitae The Office of Admissions will not process any Application for Admission unless all required documents, as listed above, are submitted.

Module sequences begin each month, so you can enroll in and begin your degree programme, immediately CREDITS ECTS 10 MBA-713 Consumer Behavior 15 7.5 The MBA MBA-717 Corporate Social Responsibility 15 7.5 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE MBA-718 Marketing Communications 15 7.5 11 The University of St Mark & St John MBA Programme requires students to complete 180 credits/90 ECTS, in order to obtain the MBA Degree. MBA-719 Global Marketing 15 7.5 The University of St Mark & St John MBA Core Programme consists of 8 Core Modules. These Core Modules are designed to provide the student with an integrated education in all the fundamental areas of business. CORE MODULES CREDITS ECTS MBA-604 Decision Making Tools & Research Methods 15 7.5 MBA-607 Organisations and HR Management 15 7.5 MBA-608 Business Economics 15 7.5 MBA-621 Financial & Managerial Accounting 15 7.5 MBA-622 Financial Management 15 7.5 MBA-667 Strategic Marketing 15 7.5 MBA-670 Operations & Quality Management 15 7.5 MBA-685 Corporate Strategy 15 7.5 OPTION A - MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION CREDITS ECTS MBA-701 Organisational Behavior 15 7.5 MBA-703 Business Ethics 15 7.5 MBA-706 Managing Corporate Change 15 7.5 MBA-707 Entrepreneurship and SME s 15 7.5 OPTION B - MARKETING SPECIALIZATION OPTION C - FINANCE SPECIALIZATION CREDITS ECTS MBA-721 Portfolio Analysis 15 7.5 MBA-723 Financial Risk Management 15 7.5 MBA-726 Working Capital Management 15 7.5 MBA-728 Advanced Corporate Finance 15 7.5 OPTION D - MIS SPECIALIZATION CREDITS ECTS MBA 730 Business Intelligence 15 7.5 MBA 731 Enterprise Information Systems 15 7.5 MBA 732 Systems Thinking and Practice 15 7.5 MBA 733 MIS Project Management 15 7.5 In partnership with the University of Nicosia

12 MBA Core Modules MBA 604 DECISION MAKING TOOLS AND RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES The objective of this module is to introduce students to decision making methods and tools, as they are applied in business and management. The module is divided in three parts, the first part introduces inferential statistics, the second part introduces the principles of regression and forecasting methods as applied in business and management and the third part introduces the principles of optimization and decision theory. A number of applications and case studies are discussed to provide virtual hands-on experience in decision making. MBA 607 ORGANIZATIONS & HR MANAGEMENT This module provides a comprehensive review of essential personnel management concepts and techniques focusing on practical applications that all managers need to deal with in their HR related responsibilities. The module focuses on specific explanations and illustrations of essential HR management topics like job analysis, selection and recruitment, testing, training and development, compensation and performance appraisal MBA 608 BUSINESS ECONOMICS This module critically examines economic and strategic managerial decisions under various economic and market conditions. It also introduces students to a vital international comparative perspective in order to highlight how different economic systems and structures, influence economic and business performance, market environment and thus corporate strategies. MBA 621 FINANCIAL & MANAGERIAL ACCOUNTING This module provides a general overview of financial and management accounting theory and practice. The focus is on the following topics: cash flow statements, analysis of financial statements, issues related to contributed capital (legal capital, preferred stock, treasury stock, stock splits), and income and changes in retained earnings (earnings per share, dividends, and statement of changes in stockholders equity). In the second half of the modules, students will address Management Accounting covering Planning and Control, Short-term Decision Making, Strategic Management Accounting and the Management of Working Capital and Sources of Finance. MBA 622 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT This module addresses the principles, concepts and practices of corporate financial management, and the theories and applications underlying the financial decision making process. Topics covered include agency theory, valuation, capital structure and cost, capital budgeting, corporate bankruptcy, working capital management, dividend policy, and mergers and acquisitions. MBA 667 STRATEGIC MARKETING This module provides students with a comprehensive knowledge base in the field of marketing, including its philosophy, application and strategic context. The module describes the leading theories and models that are used to explain key concepts in strategic marketing and identifies the external and internal forces that impact upon the choices involved in the development, production and distribution of goods and services. The module additionally cultivates the skills and competencies required towards strategic marketing planning, with various tools and processes being presented both as a theoretical basis and in their practical application framework. Students are finally taught how to practically integrate theory with practice towards the development of a strategic marketing plan. MBA 670 OPERATIONS AND QUALITY MANAGEMENT This module examines the basic elements of operations management with particular focus on inputs and suppliers, process and capacity planning, forecasting, inventory management, product and project management, implications of globalization, and the issue of quality and competitiveness. Emphasis is placed on demonstrating how the operations function can support business strategy. MBA 685 CORPORATE STRATEGY Managers face no greater challenge than that of strategic planning and strategic management. Guiding a complex organization through a dynamic, rapidly changing environment requires the best of judgment. Strategic planning issues are invariably ambiguous and unstructured, and the way in which management responds to them, determines whether an organization will succeed or fail. In this capstone module students will be asked to face the aforementioned challenges. They will become familiar with the strategic planning process in the for-profit and non-profit sectors, within the context of the global aspects of strategy. 13

Management Specialization 14 MBA 701 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR This module introduces students to the importance of effective design and management of organizations through the thoughtful application of knowledge concerning the behaviour of people in the workplace. The emphasis is on the human actor who is central to organizational effectiveness and success. The module focuses on developing professional competencies related to topics such as motivation, communication, leadership, group and team work, organizational change design, culture and change and occupational stress. MBA 703 BUSINESS ETHICS How do people live their lives according to a standard of right or wrong behaviour? The concepts of business ethics are examined, where employees face the dilemma of balancing their own moral standards with those of the company they work for. Should the business world be viewed as an artificial environment, where the rules by which you choose to live your own life don t necessarily apply? MBA 706 MANAGING CORPORATE CHANGE This module focuses on the management of change in contemporary organizations. The information presented covers the theories, models, methods and techniques used by change agents to bring about positive change within organizations. Here, the primary emphasis will be on: (1) an open systems model of organization; (2) an action research framework for change agent (consultant) engagement, (3) the interrelated methods and associated techniques of organizational development, total quality management, and business process re-engineering, and (4) complementary tools, techniques and future trends. MBA 707 ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SME S This module demystifies the process of starting a business by presenting difficult business concepts in a manner that can be assimilated by the small business entrepreneur. Students will learn how to start a small business, operate a small business and turn their ideas into viable business opportunities.. 15

Marketing Specialization MBA 713 CONSUMER BEHAVIOR This module promotes an understanding of consumer decision processes developed through appropriate applications of behavioural sciences. Consumer decision making processes are further considered in the context of environmental and cultural dimensions. The implications of these processes are also considered in relation to product position planning, marketing organizational strategies, and decision-making in strategic market planning. MBA 721 PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS This module critically examines the management of an investment portfolio under conditions of uncertainty, and choice of strategies to balance performance and risk. Portfolio objectives of individuals, corporations and funds and practical and theoretical problems associated with the techniques of optimal portfolio selection, construction and revision are addressed. Measurement of portfolio performance and related empirical evidence and the role of IT in portfolio management are also covered. Finance Specialization 16 MBA 717 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY The module aims to provide the students with a comprehensive understanding of the Societal Concept of Marketing. Major emphasis is placed on corporations stakeholders, ethics and public policy. Strategies like Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Citizenship, Green Marketing and Corporate Philanthropy are analyzed through a critical theoretical approach, case studies and other means of developing the required knowledge and understanding of the subject. Students will understand the need for Marketing Managers to create marketing strategies which can integrate stakeholder interests, respect personal values, support community development and at the same time to be economically successful. MBA 718 MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS This module deals with the theoretical background and the practical skills necessary for the management of an organization and its need to communicate strategically and effectively in the contemporary media context. It focuses on the specific tasks of communication within Public Relations, Promotion & Advertising. The student is taught how to practically apply methods and communication skills in ways which enhance the functioning of a corporation in the competitive market, while creating and maintaining a strong image internally and externally, within the general organizational marketing strategy. MBA 719 GLOBAL MARKETING This module teaches the general principles of marketing as related to global markets, including foreign market entry, local marketing and its contribution to global business management. Furthermore, it is designed to develop students theoretical understanding of strategic market planning through the process of case study and simulation of company decision-making processes. MBA 723 FINANCIAL RISK MANAGEMENT This module addresses the identification of financial risk and design of optimal risk management programmes and the financial instruments used for financial risk management. Topic areas covered include interest rate futures, stock index futures, currency futures, international financial futures, commodity futures, stock and stock index options, options on futures, swaps, and financial engineering products. MBA 726 WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT This module analyses the long and short-term resource allocation strategies used by corporations. The module covers working capital management, including but not limited to cash management and inventory management models, and combines theory and application. Furthermore, it analyzes intermediate theories and techniques of cash, accounts receivable, inventory, and accounts payable management. MBA 728 ADVANCED CORPORATE FINANCE Corporate finance is the specific area of finance dealing with the financial decisions made within corporations and focuses specifically upon the tools and analysis used to make such decisions. The corporation s value is enhanced when the return on long term capital exceeds its cost managing at the same time efficiently and effectively the corporation s working capital. Corporate finance therefore, is essential to safeguard the maximization of return to the invested funds in a corporation. 17

MIS Specialization Studying online gives you the opportunity to adapt YOUR time to the course and not the other way around. 18 19 MBA 730 BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE The module aims to provide students with conceptual and practical Business Intelligence skills that will equip them with a competitive edge in almost any contemporary workplace. This module aims to examine data mining aspects including data capturing, cleansing, validation, storage and analysis. Ultimately, the student will be able to organise and manage a Business Intelligence unit for his/her organisation. MBA 731 ENTERPRISE INFORMATION SYSTEMS This module examines the role of Information Systems and Information Technologies in improving business efficiency and effectiveness. Issues covered include developing structured frameworks to manage business processes, tactics and tools used to ensure that the organization targets its EIS development, Information Communication Technology planning and control processes and how data is created generated and flows through EIS systems. MBA 732 SYSTEMS THINKING AND PRACTICE This module explores how to solve problems while taking into account all the different aspects and their relationships. Issues covered include system concepts and languages, how to use System Thinking to analyse and improve situations, appreciate the observers bias in system creation and an ability to apply Soft System Methodology to analysing a problem. MBA 733 MIS PROJECT MANAGEMENT This module prepares the student to successfully manage projects solving business problems with technology. The main issues covered are project plans and schedules, project resource administration, managing teams, using project management tools and techniques and developing the skills to analyse the implications of change.

MBA Contact Information Website: www.universitystmarkstjohn.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)1752 710 720 Email: info@universitystmarkstjohn.co.uk