International Business MBA
Contents Welcome from the Pro Vice-Chancellor... 3 Welcome from the Programme Director... 3 Why study this programme?... 4 Why study with us?... 5 The university... 5 The school... 5 The department... 5 The campuses... 6 Around the campus... 6 Key features of MBA International Business... 7 Structure of the MBA... 7 Teaching and assessment... 7 What you will gain... 7 Entry requirements... 7 Career opportunities... 7 Professional bodies... 7 Support... 7 Personal and professional development... 7 Financial information... 7 Taught courses... 8 Foundations of Scholarship and Research... 8 Project... 8 Financial and Management Accounting... 8 Global Networks and Innovation... 9 Global Strategy: Analysis and Practice... 9 International Marketing... 9 Managing and Leading People Across Cultural Borders... 9 E-Logistics and International Supply Chain Management... 9 Global Business and Sustainability... 9 Internship... 9 What next?... 10 Open Days... 10 Visit us online... 10 Greenwich VIP... 10 Support for international students... 10 Making your application... 10 Further information... 10 How to find us... 11 2
Welcome from the Pro Vice-Chancellor I am very pleased to introduce our MBA International Business. The University of Greenwich has a long history of management education, and the MBA draws on decades of professional experience. This degree offers you the chance to embark on a managerial career. You will learn how to approach business problems using new models and systems that combine practical and theoretical understanding and acquire skills that employers find highly valuable. Jonathon Sibson Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business School Welcome from the Programme Director This programme offers you the opportunity to gain a competitive qualification in international business even if you do not have an abundance of practical experience, or business as a first degree. It provides you with a solid grounding in business management, followed by specialised international business courses, a project and an internship. You will benefit from studying at our Greenwich Campus in London, one of the world s leading financial centres, and from our close links with professionals in the City and Canary Wharf. Your internship, undertaken with an international company of your choice in the UK or overseas, will help you to gain valuable practical skills. Dr Riccardo De Vita Programme Director Dr De Vita has a PhD from Università Carlo Cattaneo (LIUC), Italy. His research interests include innovation, organisational networks, online networks and regional clusters. He has considerable experience in international teaching and has been with the University of Greenwich Business School since 2009, teaching in the field of international business. 3
Why study this programme? The MBA International Business is focused on commercial relevance in order to provide you with the knowledge and skills sought by employers. It will develop your ability to assess the global environment for business, analyse international markets and industries, and identify new opportunities. The 12-month internship embedded within the programme enables you to apply your knowledge and gain practical experience with a company of your choice, in the UK or overseas. The internship will help you to put into practice skills developed in communication, numeracy and problem-solving within a professional context, and to build your sense of business values and integrity. Drawing on current University of Greenwich research and international academic theory, courses have a strong emphasis on real-life case studies and the application of professional management. The programme takes account of the consolidation of managerial and institutional economic interpretations of international business issues in academic research. On completion of the MBA, you will be awarded associate membership of the Chartered Management Institute, the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. 4
Why study with us? The university The University of Greenwich traces its roots to 1890, when Britain s second polytechnic was opened near the Thames at Woolwich to cater for the diverse learning needs of the local population. Today, the university remains true to its founding principles and offers a wide range of careeroriented programmes. Of the total student population of more than 26,000, around 4,000 are international students, and the Business School is their most popular destination. From over 140 countries, they bring a rich diversity to both the university and to business programmes such as the MBA. This means our MBA students not only understand business from a global perspective, they forge long-lasting business and personal relationships with fellow students from around the world. The school The Business School has over 5,000 students and more than 150 academic staff and is located in Queen Anne Court on the university s Greenwich Campus in south-east London. Our teaching staff have extensive academic and professional qualifications and bring a wealth of real business awareness and experience. They are supported by business executives currently working in the industry. Managers and business leaders need to be educated to respond rapidly, flexibly and effectively to the ever-increasing pace of change in the business world. We ensure that our students are trained in cutting-edge practice by constantly revising our programmes to reflect current business priorities and the demands of employers, which we gauge through forums with local business leaders. The school has considerable experience in delivering innovative ways to learn. Traditional teaching methods are supported by online resources, and these are supplemented by business simulation exercises, visits to industry, guest presentations and practical challenges. We support our students career ambitions, helping them find placements and internships as well as providing practical advice and preparing them for assessment centres and interviews. The department The Department of International Business & Economics specialises in the study of global business from an economic perspective. Our programmes are designed to reflect the priorities and demands of modern international business and have repeatedly rated highly in the National Student Survey. Our research and teaching are closely interrelated, with the department hosting a number of vibrant industry-linked research groups. Our postgraduate degree programmes are among the university s largest, drawing students from around the world. Students on a number of our degree programmes, including MBA International Business, gain associate membership of the Chartered Management Institute on graduation. Departmental staff have won major external research funding from the European Commission and have carried out many research and consultancy projects with major corporate bodies, including the Work Foundation, Unilever, the National Health Service and the Pensions Regulator. 5
Image: Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site The campuses Greenwich Campus is the university s largest campus and is centred on three buildings, including Queen Anne Court, designed at the end of the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren, architect of St Paul s Cathedral. The campus is part of the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, and is on the south bank of the River Thames, five miles east of central London. The campus has a library, language laboratories, a computing facility and a bookshop. Student accommodation and students union buildings are a short walk away. The campus is also home to the Faculty of Architecture, Computing & Humanities. The university s other campuses, at Avery Hill, south-east London, and Medway in Kent, are the bases for the Faculty of Education & Health and the Faculty of Engineering & Science. Avery Hill has an extensive student village, including halls of residence, and many students who study at Greenwich choose to live at Avery Hill. A university campus to rival... Oxford s spires or the Great Court at Cambridge... the setting is undoubtedly one of the grandest of any university in the world. The Evening Standard newspaper on Greenwich Campus Around the campus Greenwich is a bustling mix of shops, restaurants and pubs. It is also home to a daily market and some of London s most historic buildings, including the Royal Observatory, the Queen s House and the National Maritime Museum. The observatory, where east meets west on the Prime Meridian, stands on a hill in Greenwich Park and is the home of Greenwich Mean Time. Central London, which offers all the attractions of one of the world s leading capital cities, is only a short train journey away. 6
Key features of MBA International Business Structure of the MBA This is a two-year full-time programme, including a project and a one-year company-based internship (which students are responsible for securing). Teaching and assessment Our teaching and learning philosophy encompasses the whole learning process and addresses both how courses are taught and how the personal needs of students are addressed. The taught elements provide a framework of knowledge that you will be expected to build upon through private reading and completion of self-directed tasks. Classes are a mixture of lectures, tutorials and presentations. You will be expected to attend regularly. Attendance is monitored throughout the year. Assessment procedures reflect the overall objective of each course and may include in-class presentations, tests, essays, problem-solving tasks, case studies, projects and examinations. What you will gain An advanced understanding of international business organisations, their management and the changing external context in which they operate Skills in international business and management at a professional or equivalent level The ability to apply knowledge and understanding of international business and management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice Lifelong learning skills and personal development to enable you to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to business and society at large Leadership potential through critical reflection following self-management, managing others and the understanding of business. Entry requirements You should have an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline at 2.2 or above, or equivalent, from a recognised university or higher education institute. We welcome applications from mature students. If you were educated in a language other than English and/ or in a country where English speakers are in a minority, you should normally have an IELTS score of 6.5 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill) or an equivalent rating in another Secure English Language Test. If you have an overall IELTS score of 5.0 or 5.5, you can undertake one of our five- or nine-week presessional English programmes designed to help you improve your academic English before starting your degree studies. Career opportunities Whether you are embarking on your career or want to take it to the next level, this programme will provide you with a competitive edge. MBA International Business delivers management theory and practice combined with a unique professional focus on global business and enterprise. Our graduates have opportunities in management of multinational companies, smaller- and medium-sized businesses or government institutions and consultancies. Professional bodies The MBA is an internationally recognised qualification giving exemptions from, and access to, many professional bodies in the UK and overseas. On completion of this programme, you will be awarded associate membership of the Chartered Management Institute, the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. Support Academic support is provided by the programme team, comprising the programme director, course leaders and a programme co-ordinator. The university also has a pastoral support team, which includes student advisers and counsellors who can help you address any non-academic concerns or problems. Additional support for language skills, including supplemental English classes, is available for students who would benefit. Personal and professional development Personal and professional development is a key tenet of this programme, and opportunities are provided across all courses to help you to develop professionally. Financial information For up-to-date information on tuition fees, bursaries and scholarships, please visit gre.ac.uk/finance/pg. Information on international fees can be found at gre.ac.uk/students/finance/intl. 7
Taught courses Foundations of Scholarship and Research (15 credits) This course will provide you with a skill set to support you through the process of studying for a Master s degree and for professional life after university. You will also gain knowledge and understanding of research design and the practical application of relevant business research methods. Project (30 credits) You will complete a substantial piece of written work (approximately 10,000 words) based on the application of theoretical perspectives to a real-world economic, business or policy question. Financial and Management Accounting (15 credits) Through this course, you will gain knowledge of the main accounting concepts and paradigms and develop the skills required to use financial tools and techniques. You will complete the course able to critically evaluate a company s performance using publicly available information. You will also gain an understanding of the relationship between accounting and non-financial disciplines. 8
Global Networks and Innovation (30 credits) This course will give you an overview of the social network concept and how it applies to business and innovation, drawing from the concepts of the value system, network economics and social capital. It will survey network applications to strategic alliances, global commodity chains, and customer relationship management, as well as to the management of informal relationships within organisations. It will also stimulate your critical reflection on the complex relationship between innovation and globalisation. Global Strategy: Analysis and Practice (15 credits) You will acquire the analytical tools needed to evaluate and comprehend the extent to which firms achieve success in comparison with their strategic objectives. The course will also help you to understand the importance of acquiring management competencies and a knowledge of the tools of strategy formulation. You will also adopt a network perspective required to craft and execute a company s strategy. International Marketing (15 credits) You will develop an appreciation for and understanding of international marketing from the perspective of businesses that are marketing (or planning to market) internationally. The course will examine current academic, social and commercial concepts, trends and tools in international marketing and explore the influence of the consumer and other stakeholders on doing business internationally. Managing and Leading People Across Cultural Borders (15 credits) This course examines the wider perspectives of people in organisations operating globally in terms of their job roles, activities, work methods and interactions. It will also explore how culturally diverse organisations are managed and how this effects major organisational management processes. There is a strong emphasis on differences between Anglo- American, European, African and Asian cultures. E-Logistics and International Supply Chain Management (15 credits) This course will give you an understanding of the current academic and pragmatic approaches to logistics and supply chain management and will enable you to appreciate the importance of this area for creating strategies of costreduction and improving service. You will also gain an understanding of the major issues likely to be encountered in the sphere of global logistics and supply chain networks. Global Business and Sustainability (30 credits) This course will give you an appreciation of key factors on which international business decisions are based, with a specific emphasis on the issue of sustainability. You will be able to distinguish the imperatives of underpinning international trade and foreign direct investment and the principles of the internationalisation process. From this, you will be able to draw the implications for business management. Internship You will be expected to undertake a guided 47-week internship in an international firm. While working, you will reflect on how the taught element of the programme can be applied to managerial practice. This is undertaken through online action sets and through coursework assignments in association with the Professional Practice course (worth 60 credits). Your internship will provide you with: Invaluable work experience relevant to your programme A new network of international business contacts The possibility of a job offer A great CV, checked by experts The opportunity to develop your skills and grow in confidence. 9
What next? Open Days University Open Days are held several times a year. They provide a programme of talks and offer you the opportunity to speak to staff and students. You may also be given a tour of the campus. For a list of dates, visit gre.ac.uk/opendays. Visit us online If you are unable to attend an Open Day, you can learn more about the Business School, the campus and our programmes at the university s YouTube channel. Visit youtube.com/ universitygreenwich and watch the videos to get a feel for student life. If you still have questions, we have an online chat facility where you can ask us about programmes, accommodation, fees, employability, social life or anything else about the university. Look out for the chat box on our web pages. Greenwich VIP If you haven t already done so, sign up at gre.ac.uk/study as a Greenwich VIP and set up a web page personalised to your programme and interests. Becoming a Greenwich VIP is a fast way to learn more about studying at the university. Support for international students We have a dedicated department to provide advice on visas and immigration, financing your studies, and living in the UK. For more information, including a list of dates when our representatives will be visiting your country, please visit gre.ac.uk/international. Making your application Applications to postgraduate programmes should be made online at gre.ac.uk/apply. There is no closing date for applications to postgraduate programmes, but many fill up quickly, so you are advised to apply early. You do not have to wait for first degree or other examination results. Further information To find out more about studying at the University of Greenwich, please contact: UK students International/EU students Enquiry Unit International Office Telephone: 020 8331 9000 Telephone: +44 20 8331 8136 Fax: 020 8331 8145 Fax: +44 20 8331 8625 E-mail: courseinfo@gre.ac.uk E-mail: international@gre.ac.uk 10
How to find us Greenwich Campus Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, London SE10 9LS By road: from the M25, take the A2 turn-off to London and join the A2. Continue straight ahead on to the A102. Take the turn-off signposted Greenwich (A206). At the roundabout take the first exit to Greenwich. Continue along the A206 for approximately 1 mile. Turn right at the traffic lights into Park Row. The campus is on your left. A public car park is on your right and there is also on-street parking. If driving from the Blackwall Tunnel, exit on to the slip road for the A206 Greenwich. For more information, log on to gre.ac.uk/about/travel. By train: take a train from London Bridge, Cannon Street or Charing Cross to Greenwich station, or to Maze Hill on the same line if travelling from Kent. By Tube: the nearest underground station is North Greenwich on the Jubilee Line. Then take a 188 bus to the campus. By Docklands Light Railway (DLR): Cutty Sark station is close to the campus and is on the line to Lewisham. If travelling from London on the Tube, change for the DLR at Bank or Tower Gateway. By bus: log on to tfl.gov.uk/buses for the latest information. For a campus plan, visit gre.ac.uk/about/travel/greenwich. 11
Business School University of Greenwich Greenwich Campus Old Royal Naval College Park Row London SE10 9LS United Kingdom Website: gre.ac.uk/business This document is available in other formats on request University of Greenwich is a charity and company limited by guarantee, registered in England (reg. no. 986729). Registered office: Old Royal Naval College, Park Row, Greenwich, London SE10 9LS D10011-14 June 14