MBA programme information

MBA programme information Programme Leader - Dr Tom Keegan

Welcome to the School Dear student This is UWS. Dreaming / Believing / Achieving We want everyone who comes to UWS to achieve the best he or she can, in terms of academic success, employability and personal development and, of course, to have fun! We would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to your programme of study within the School of Business and Enterprise at University of the West of Scotland (UWS). We are delighted that you have chosen to study with our School and hope that you enjoy your time with us. The aim of this Handbook is to provide you with clear and accurate information about the University and about the regulations that govern how your programme is managed and assessed. The Handbook should be used in conjunction with the information available from the School of Business and Enterprise and on Moodle, the Virtual Learning Environment at UWS. Your programme of study has a modular structure, with a modern syllabus which supports the development of knowledge in your chosen subject area and the development of skills and attributes that are valued by employers. There is a significant amount of work involved in completing your studies: you will learn how to apply theory, exercise your creativity and develop personal, interpersonal and team working skills that will help prepare you for your future career. We sincerely hope that you will enjoy the experience and develop an everincreasing interest in your chosen subject area, becoming an independent, life-long learner. For those of you new to the University, whether you are coming from School, College, employment, or from overseas, you may experience a period of adjustment to the new, possibly less structured, University learning environment. The School will support you and will allocate you a Personal Tutor. We also monitor student engagement with the learning activities within modules. Staff will be in touch with students where it is felt that engagement with the learning environment is affecting their performance. The purpose of this is to work with you to address any problems you may be having that affect your studies and get you back on track. If you are having problems with your studies or University life (financial, academic, whatever), ask for help sooner rather than later. We are here to help you. You will find a friendly, supportive and professional community at UWS who are focussed on making your time with us enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. Your first point of call is your Personal Tutor. However, all our academic and professional staff are committed to helping you become a reflective, independent learner and a talented professional in your field: let us help you to succeed. With best wishes for your studies in the coming year. Professor Malcom Foley Dean School of Business & Enterprise 2 1

Contents PROGRAMME INFORMATION 4 Programme Introduction Credits and Awards Work Based Learning MBA Online World MODULES 7 Approaches to Teaching and Learning Module Delivery Module Descriptions PROGRAMME STAFF 16 Programme Contacts Module Coordinators Personal Tutor Project Supervisor 2 MBA Programme Information 3

Programme information The MBA programme team would like to welcome you to University of the West of Scotland and the start of what promises to be an exciting year as you embark on your studies on the full time Master of Business Administration. This guide gives you information specific to the MBA and is designed to help you to get the most from the programme. We recomment that you read this alongside your student handbook carefully. On occasion, you may also wish to refer to highly detailed University documents, such as the University Regulatory Framework. Every attempt has been made to ensure this handbook is as accurate as possible. However, should any changes happen during the course of the programme you will be notified as soon as possible. The MBA team is here to help you as much as we can. So, if you have any questions or problems, please contact a member of staff. We look forward to hearing from you. During your time with us we will support and guide you but the main effort will be yours. We wish you every success with your studies. Dr Tom Keegan MBA Programme Leader Programme Introduction The values of the school of Business and Enterprise underpin the philosophy of the MBA programme. It has been specifically designed to equip graduates with the essential skills to be successful managers in 21st century organisations. The curriculum is shaped to provide and strengthen the core knowledge base of participants via the modules detailed below. The MBA seeks to ensure that, as one of our graduates, you will have the knowledge, skills, creative capabilities and confidence to develop and grow a new or existing business. Beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge and technical skills, the MBA curriculum puts theory into practice through such competencies as decision-making, team work, leadership skills, entrepreneurial potential, negotiation skills, communication and presentation skills. Based around a series of integrated modules, the curriculum is applied in nature and is embedded within a strong focus on the personal development of the learner. Fundamental to the programme is the focus on managerial skills. As such, the full-time MBA places considerable emphasis on developing your transferable skills throughout the programme. Throughout your studies you will have opportunities to work both individually and in teams, making regular presentations of your work. The managerial skills you will develop will be enhanced by the use of role playing exercises, case studies and the use of business simulation software to emulate real life situations. You will develop these skills throughout the programme and, as part of the core of the programme in the second trimester to investigate an issue which will form the basis of your Strategic Business Project (dissertation). One of the unique features of the MBA is the MBAOW (MBA Online World) which provides maximum opportunities for students on different modes of learning to engage in joint projects. Thus, students studying on a mode who are full-time, part-time or distance learning will be expected to take part in activities such as discussion threads, projects, etc. This provides you with a wider and more international perspective. The MBAOW, as well as building your scholastic capital, will also enhance your cultural and social capital by facilitating linkages across the modes of learning. Also core to the programme is the focus on developing your entrepreneurial and business creativity skills. University of the West of Scotland strongly believes that successful companies develop and are run by managers who are entrepreneurial. The MBA seeks to ensure that, as one of our graduates, you will have the knowledge, skills, creative capabilities and confidence to develop and grow a new or existing business. As a graduate with an MBA from University of the West of Scotland you will be expected to bring to organisations the capacity to recognise and respond to: opportunities for development and growth volatility and complex change the need to re-invent organisations Credits and Awards The MBA programme is summarised below together with the associated exit awards: Postgraduate Certificate in Management (60 credits) Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Management (120 credits) Master of Business Administration (180 credits) The Diploma stage attracts 120 credit points as prescribed by the Scottish Qualifications and Credit Framework (SCQF). The Masters stage comprises of a project the equivalent of a triple module (worth 60 credits). While the main work on writing up the project will take place in the third trimester, much of the preparatory and investigative work will be undertaken in the first and second semester. In the initial stages, the programme is structured to build your knowledge and understanding of the core business subject areas and to integrate these to enable you to gain a systems wide perspective of business. In the second phase of the programme a more strategic overview is provided and the focus shifts to equipping you with the tools and techniques to manage within the strategic context. In the final project stage you will bring together the knowledge and skills gained to address a real organisational opportunity or problem. 4 MBA Programme Information 5

Modules Work-Based Learning Work-based learning is not a formal part of this programme. We do encourage you to engage in CPD that builds your CV with work-based experience where possible. MBA Online World For your studies most of the information you need will be on the MBAOW. Details on how to use MBA Online World will be provided at induction. Approaches to Teaching and Learning The MBA is offered on a full-time basis at the London Campus. The learning and teaching strategy applied throughout this programme aims to develop and integrate both academic and practical management skills. The approaches taken are all driven by an overarching strategy that emphasises applied knowledge and skills linked to real world grounding. You will experience a variety of complementary and creative teaching and learning approaches which are designed to ensure that students not only develop knowledge and understanding of key business theories in a changing global environment but that they gain experience of applying that knowledge in a range of situations; within the classroom, through participation in tutorial groups, work groups and business simulation exercises. The learning and teaching approach also recognises that students learn from one another. Engagement on the MBAOW and in class will capitalise on this informal learning, this will be supported by your programme leader and module leaders. As well as providing a forum for networking and developing relationships, the MBAOW gives you the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences in addition to supporting each other in the preparation for undertaking the Strategic Business Project. Whilst undertaking your Strategic Business Project, you will have the opportunity to either work with an identified organisation from the locality or with an organisation with which you will have personal links. The organisations identified by UWS will encompass the public and private sector as well as the voluntary and not-forprofit organisations. This approach will ensure that you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained throughout your studies in a real situation and provide experience for you to develop employability skills and competencies. We will, as far as practical, aim to connect you with your own particular areas of interests. You will be supported throughout the project by a project supervisor who will have particular knowledge, skills and experience in the subject area. You will also have access to an organisational mentor. Particular attention has been taken to ensure that students are exposed to a range of situations where they have opportunities to develop, practice and reflect upon skills and capabilities required in managers operating at a strategic level within organisations and that they are given the support and guidance needed to reflect upon their development, preparing them to be reflective management practitioners and lifelong learners. Details of all our modules are contained with the Programme Specification and Module Descriptor Database (PSMD) which can be accessed at http://psmd.uws.ac.uk/. Further module information can be found on the University s Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle). Each module is credited at 10 or 20 Level 11 points except for the Strategic Business Project which is credited at 60 Level 11 points (3 module equivalents). 6 MBA Programme Information 7

Modules Module Delivery Integration of Business Functions Managing Organisational Health Trimester Module Credit PGCert PGDip MBA 1 Integration of Business Functions 10 x x x 1 Managing Organisational Health 20 x x x 1 Creativity and Business Wealth 20 x x x 1 Business Creativity 10 x x x 2 Analytical Thinking and Decision Making 20 x x 2 Influencing Organisational Strategy 20 x x 2 Leading Change 10 x x 2 New Venture Creation 10 x x 3 Strategic Business Project 60 x The University has comprehensive systems in place to assure the quality of its education provision and the academic standards of all its degrees and other awards. Module Descriptions Core modules are delivered in the first two trimesters. Preparation for the Strategic Business Project begins in the first trimester when you start to consider possible projects. The Project will be completed in the third trimester. Managers operate within increasingly complex and changing organisational and contextual circumstances, whether in the market, public or third sectors and irrespective of the size of their organisations or the types of goods or services these enterprises produce for their customers or clients. This introductory module provides learners with an understanding of the principal internal and external environmental contexts of contemporary organisations, including the managerial and business context, within which businesses operate. These areas will be explored in more depth in other modules. The primary purpose of this module is to introduce learners to these concepts. This module also introduces learners to a number of business structures, cultures and the political, social, economic, technological, legal and ethical considerations affecting business. The module explores the question What is a business? It investigates business functions including human resource management, accounting and finance, operations and marketing and considers the linkages between them and the challenges experienced in managing across functional boundaries. This module seeks to provide an integrated and critical understanding of businesses and their core business functions including internal and external factors which impact on them. It enables learners to analyse how these functions operate in a real-life context by utilising business case studies and online activities accessed through the UWS MBA online interactive learning world website which bring together all the various functional elements to emulate real-world issues that need to be addressed. Specific scenarios will be created to simulate issues that impact on the overall success of the business. This module considers organisational performance. Students are introduced to evaluating organisational performance and the external and internal measures that might be used. Students will analyse and evaluate organisations (at different levels) so that they can become more competitive. The module will consider the link between performance and organisational direction, goals and objectives. Students will reflect on how organisational objectives are met, the role of systems for managing performance and the tools for managing performance. A holistic view of managing performance (economy, efficiency, effectiveness, equity and efficacy) is taken. It is important for all organisations to perform well and make the best use of their resources and as a result managers are not only judged on the profit they make but how that profit has been made. More organisations are now more open to criticism and may face legal challenges for their activities. There are many internal/external influences on organisational health. Structure, culture, appropriate systems/processes, internal performance measures, managing stakeholders needs and internal politics are typical influences. 8 MBA Programme Information 9

Modules Creativity and Business Wealth Business Creativity Analytical Thinking and Decision Making Influencing Organisational Strategy This module considers how creativity and innovation lead to sustainable business. Students will develop an appreciation of the culture, behaviour structures, systems, procedures and policies that develop and sustain innovation. The module will also explore the application of creative problem solving and the process of creativity and innovation with an emphasis on the role of team leadership and management and their influence on corporate culture. Students will become familiar with the tools and processes that will enable them to become more creative, innovative and entrepreneurial/intrapreneurial in their business attitudes and practices. This module is designed to enable the student to explore the role of creativity, both as an individual skill and within the organisational context. As well as developing knowledge and understanding of the importance of creativity in the organisational process, the module introduces students to a number of creativity tools and practical techniques to enhance individual and group creativity which can be applied in a number of business settings. Using examples from the business environment, the module will introduce students to approaches adopted to develop their ability to think creatively in problem solving and innovation relevant to product and business development. The class is highly practical offering a range of opportunities for students to apply the skills and techniques learned in a range of business situations. Using real examples, presented by the business community, the student will undertake a variety of practical exercises which enable them to develop and practice the skills developed within class and present their solutions to the relevant organisations. This module introduces students to decisionmaking theory and the tools that might be used to aid decision-making and problem solving. It will equip the student to develop an understanding of different approaches to analytical decision making. Students will develop the ability to gather relevant information and identify key issues from a base of information; relating and comparing data from different sources. They will develop the knowledge and skills to identify cause - effect relationships; determine and evaluate risk and draw conclusions using different analytical decision making techniques to support analytical thinking and problem solving required in complex decision-making. The module will enable students to focus on the definition of opportunities and develop and implement sound solutions. They will identify critical issues and implement recommendations; understanding the different roles and responsibilities of the individuals in decisive decision-making. This module will consider the role of managers in shaping and crafting strategy. Students will develop knowledge of strategy and strategic management. Students will explore the strategy development process and how organisations might respond to factors that influence their intended strategies. Content strategy, strategic management, factors influencing strategy development and implementation. The topics covered range across a number of areas - the role and tasks of top management, the nature of strategic management, strategic change and decisions. Other areas include business policy, organisational analysis, competitive position, SWOT analysis, value chain analysis, comparative analysis, resource led strategy examining the role of people, technology and information management on strategy. Influences on strategy include social and political influence, organisational objectives, power. Students learn about strategic choice, generic strategies, strategy development, techniques and approaches to strategy evaluation. The difficult task of strategy implementation, planning and resource allocation are reviewed and discussed. The role of organisation structure, systems and culture in strategy development are also investigated. Managing strategic change is also covered in this module. 10 MBA Programme Information 11

Modules Leading Change Leaders create a vision of the future and position the organisation to move forward towards this new future. On this journey the leader uses a range of tools to guide the process. This module addresses how leadership influences organisational success, creating and inspiring the future vision of the sustainable organisation. It reflects on the development of leadership theory and evaluates the tools employed by leaders in problem solving and organisational transformation. New Venture Creation This module will provide students with the opportunity to identify and evaluate new business ideas/business models. Students will reflect on what it takes to generate and develop a new business. Students will consider the skills and networks required to gain support for new business ideas. Designed to encourage a high level of experiential learning, this module engages students in the practical and creative process of new venture formation. It requires students to take a holistic view of their current studies and past business experience to identify a scalable business idea. A strong theoretical underpinning of the practical issues facing entrepreneurs will form the foundation of the module and students are expected to make important connections between key disciplines such as: marketing, finance, financial planning, human resources, the host country s legal environment and basic research methods. Strategic Business Project This module is designed to develop the research skills, knowledge and confidence in designing, developing, compiling and delivering strategic business projects. Working with an identified host organisation, the student will investigate and produce recommendations in a practical business environment. Initially, students will participate in a series of workshops which will equip them with knowledge and understanding of a range of business research methods and techniques. Thereafter students will submit their research proposals and undertake the data collection for the project. Each student is allocated a suitable supervisor with whom they communicate directly throughout the Masters stage. 12 MBA Programme Information 13

Programme staff Programme Contacts Title Name Email Address Programme Leader Tom Keegan tom.keegan@uws.ac.uk Depute Programme Leader Jane Russell jane.russell@uws.ac.uk London Campus Office london@uws.ac.uk The Academic Programme Leader is appointed by the Board of the Business School, and has responsibility for the academic development of the programme. The Programmes Administrator assists the Programme Leader and is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the programme. They can all be contacted by calling 01698 283 100. Module Co-ordinators Each Module Co-ordinator is responsible for the specification, verification, delivery and academic suitability of learning materials within her/his subject area. The Module Coordinator is also responsible for the provision of all elements of assessment within the subject area and of providing appropriate academic student support. Module Title Integration of Business Functions Module Coordinator (Scotland team) Tom Keegan Tom.keegan@uws.ac.uk Isaac Amoako Isaac.amoako@uws.ac.uk Managing Organisational Health Bobby Mackie Bobby.mackie@uws.ac.uk Creativity and Business Wealth Business Creativity Analytical Thinking and Decision Making Influencing Organisational Strategy Leading Change New Venture Creation Strategic Business Project Thandi Mtetwa Thandiwe.Mtetwa@uws.ac.uk Isaac Amoako Isaac.amoako@uws.ac.uk Kevin Burnard Kevin.burnard@uws.ac.uk Tom Keegan Tom.keegan@uws.ac.uk Stuart Paul stuart.paul@uws.ac.uk Alan Murray Alan.murray@uws.ac.uk Stuart Paul stuart.paul@uws.ac.uk Delivery Team (London-Based) Anand Walser Anand.walser@uws.ac.uk David Mwaura David.mwaura@uws.ac.uk Dr Lester Massingham Lester.massingham@uws.ac.uk Mervyn Sookun Mervyn.sookun@uws.ac.uk Anand Walser Anand.walser@uws.ac.uk Dr Rajender Kumar Rajender.kumar@uws.ac.uk Dr Lester Massingham Lester.massingham@uws.ac.uk Paul Reynolds Paul.reynolds@uws.ac.uk Dr Uma Mohan Uma.mohan@uws.ac.uk Arman Farakish Arman.farakish@uws.ac.uk Dr Rajender Kumar Rajender.kumar@uws.ac.uk Anand Walser Anand.walser@uws.ac.uk Dr Rajender Kumar Rajender.kumar@uws.ac.uk David Mwaura David.mwaura@uws.ac.uk Kavin K Kavin.k@uws.ac.uk Funsho Obilade Funsho.obilade@uws.ac.uk Dr Rajender Kumar Rajender.kumar@uws.ac.uk Dr Vijai Shenai Vijai.shenai@uws.ac.uk Dr David Acquaye David.acquaye@uws.ac.uk Dr Nandish Patel Nandish.patel@uws.ac.uk Dr Agnes Taylor Agnes.taylor@uws.ac.uk Dr Uma Mohan Uma.mohan@uws.ac.uk Bardia Hariri Bardia.hariri@uws.ac.uk 14 MBA Programme Information 15

Programme staff Notes Personal Tutors You will be allocated a Personal Tutor. A Personal Tutor is a named member of staff who will provide academic, pastoral and developmental support and guidance as it affects the student s ability to successfully complete their studies. Project Supervisor A Project Supervisor is responsible for providing academic support to students allocated to them at the MBA stage. Further details will be provided in due course. Personal Tutors should provide support for the students learning in a broad sense in the spirit of equal opportunities. Support and guidance should be fair and non-discriminatory, delivered sensitively, objectively and in a nonjudgemental manner that recognises and responds to a diversity of needs and situations. Staff undertaking the role of the Personal Tutor understand the scope of the role and recognise boundaries to the support and guidance they are required to give. Personal Tutors may not be qualified to provide specialist care and are not expected to do so but should be able to refer to the appropriate specialist service. The Personal Tutor will be proactive in engaging the student by making the first contact with their personal tutees. Where possible this should be face-to-face; email and telephone contacts may be appropriate later. Students should have access to a Personal Tutor at a formal session at least once per trimester to help students set realistic and achievable goals and development targets. Students will be expected to engage with their Personal Tutor as agreed. 16 MBA Programme Information 17

Ayr Campus University Avenue Ayr KA8 0SX Scotland Tel +44 (0)1292 886 000 Dumfries Campus Dudgeon House Dumfries DG1 4ZN Scotland Tel +44 (0)1387 345 800 Hamilton Campus Almada Street Hamilton ML3 0JB Scotland Tel +44 (0)1698 283 100 Paisley Campus Paisley PA1 2BE Scotland Tel +44 (0)141 848 3000 London Campus 235 Southwark Bridge Road London SE1 6NP Tel: 0207 015 9470 18