UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH ST MARK & ST JOHN ONLINE MBA In collaboration with the UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA

University College Plymouth St Mark & St John University College Plymouth St Mark & St John having a distinguished history going back over 170 years and extensive experience in working in partnership with higher education institutions to offer a range of collaborative higher education programmes. In line with this strategy the online MBA was developed in partnership with the University of Nicosia. Why study online for the MBA? Technology mediated learning seems all set to enhance the accessibility of modules like the MBA. In fact, pursuing an MBA degree has become much easier now with the introduction of online MBA modules through a state of the art learning environment. The UCP Marjon online MBA has captured the attention of working professionals who can not pursue a regular MBA module due to family or work commitments that do not allow them to attend traditional face-to-face classroom focused modules. With UCP Marjon, your MBA programme comes to you. Wherever you are, you can study for your MBA. This means you can continue in full-time employment or stay fully committed to your family duties. Though you may study on your own, you will not be alone. This route includes the support of our teaching faculty and access to your fellow students through our online learning platform. There are no compulsory residential elements to our MBA - though you can, if you wish, attend our tutorials or take some modules on campus. Introduction The UCP Marjon Master of Business Administration (MBA) is an internationally recognised business degree and a valuable qualification for those aiming to become global business leaders. It is academic in nature, yet provides practical preparation for individuals in business and management. The UCP Marjon online MBA programme is designed to prepare participants in the major functional areas of today s competitive business world. The pace of the programme is rigorous and participants are offered opportunities to study modern organisations. The programme aims to provide participants with the skills necessary to guide their decisions as corporate executives in a dynamic global environment. 3

4 MBA Programme GENERAL PHILOSOPHY Gaining a competitive advantage is the key to our world today. Rapid contemporary change in economic policies and structures, including the globalization of industries and markets, is driving countries, organizations and individuals to continuously search for a competitive edge. Managerial ability is proving to be the most critical building stone of tomorrow s Firm Specific Advantages. Those fulfilling a managerial task, or performing a managerial role in our business structures today, will most likely require a vast mix of skills that will certainly differ considerably from traditional wisdom. Without these skills they may not be able to either gain or maintain the competitive advantage essential for survival and growth. Geographical boundaries and stage of economic growth may not have as significant an impact as we have witnessed so far. The essence will be the demonstration of excellence and a striving for competitive advantage. These are the underlying principles that influenced the UCP Marjon in the design and operating philosophy of its MBA programme. The Master s in Business Administration programme is designed to offer an insight into professional possibilities and modern organizations functioning in the context of today s competitive world. The pace of the programme is vigorous. It aims to provide participating students with the skills necessary to guide both their short and long term decisions. The MBA PROGRAMME STRUCTURE The UCP Marjon MBA Programme requires students to complete 46 credit hours/120 ECTS, in order to obtain the MBA Degree. Students which do not meet the entry requirements may be asked to attend the foundation modules. MBA FOUNDATION MODULES MBA 510 Foundations in Economics MBA 520 Foundations in Accounting MBA 530 Foundations in Statistics and Research * Students with a business related degree or background may be exempted from the Foundation Moduless The UCP Marjon MBA Core Programme consists of 9 Core Modules. These Core Modules are designed to provide the student with an integrated education in all the fundamental areas of business. The UCP Marjon MBA programme offers the possibility of four specializations, namely: Management Marketing Finance Management Information Systems (MIS) CORE MODULES CREDITS ECTS MBA-604 Decision Making Methods & Tools 15 7.5 MBA-607 Organizations 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 MBA-790 Research Methodology 10 10 Subject to validation In partnership with the University of Nicosia 5

6 Specialization Electives *Students get to choose options from one of the four specializations offered: Management, Marketing, Finance, MIS (Management Information Systems) OPTION A - MANAGEMENT SPECIALIZATION (choose 4) MBA-701 Organizational Behavior 3 7.5 MBA-703 Business Ethics 3 7.5 MBA-705 Consultancy Process 3 7.5 MBA-706 Managing Corporate Change 3 7.5 MBA-707 Entrepreneurship and SME s 3 7.5 MBA-708 Supply Chain Management 3 7.5 MBA-709 Management Science 3 7.5 OPTION B - MARKETING SPECIALIZATION MBA-712 Market Research 3 7.5 MBA-713 Consumer Behavior 3 7.5 MBA-718 Marketing Communications 3 7.5 MBA-719 Global Marketing 3 7.5 OPTION C - FINANCE SPECIALIZATION (choose 4) MBA-721 Portfolio Analysis 3 7.5 MBA-722 Financial Markets & Institutions 3 7.5 MBA-723 Financial Risk Management 3 7.5 MBA-724 Global Financial Strategies 3 7.5 MBA-726 Working Capital Management 3 7.5 OPTION D - MIS SPECIALIZATION MBA-730 E-Business 3 7.5 MBA-735 Computer Networks & Communication Systems 3 7.5 MBA-736 Information Systems Development 3 7.5 MBA-738 IT Project Management 3 7.5 MBA Foundation Modules The MBA Modules of Instruction are briefly described below in a code numeric sequence. They are not and should not be considered as the detailed syllabuses of the modules offered. The complete and detailed syllabi (module descriptions) can be obtained from the Office of the MBA Programme at the UCP Marjon. MBA-510 FOUNDATIONS IN ECONOMICS This module is designed for students with no previous background in economics. It examines the fundamental economic principles such as scarcity and choice, opportunity cost, demand and supply, elasticity, cost of production and market structures. MBA 520 FOUNDATIONS IN ACCOUNTING This module covers basic topics of knowledge from accounting. The objective is to familiarize students whose undergraduate studies are not in business to the discipline of accounting. The module examines the basic principles of accounting, and the ways in which accounting statements and financial information can be used to improve the quality of decision making. The main topics covered in this module include the double entry system, the accounting cycle, preparation of the basic financial statements, and partnerships. MBA 530 FOUNDATIONS IN STATISTICS The objective of this module is to prepare students for the module MBA-604 (Decision Making Methods & Tools) and it is designed for those students who did not have undergraduate statistics or who had it long time ago. It covers basic descriptive statistics and Calculus including Organization of Data, Graphical Data Analysis, Descriptive Measures, Probability Theory and Applications, Probability Distributions, and Calculus Concepts used in Decision Theory. An introduction to Statistical Software will also be included in the module. Core Modules MBA 604 DECISION MAKING METHODS & TOOLS 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 & HUMAN RESOURCE 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 to students 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. 7

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. 8 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. MBA 790 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This module develops and extends students knowledge and experience of quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as facilitating their understanding and ability to apply the key methodological principles in the design of different types of research. The instruction examines the relationship between measurement, theory construction and testing through the principal methods of data collection and their applications. Specialization Paths MANAGEMENT Specialization 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 705 CONSULTANCY PROCESS This module is designed to make students reflect on the process of working as a consultant and develop a personal vision on the role of a process consultant. Furthermore, this module aims to develop understanding and skills in handling sensitive issues in consultancy, such as building trust, ethical problems, ensuring implementation and overcoming resistance to change, as well as developing skills in acting as a facilitator in team-building. Furthermore, this module aims to develop understanding and skills in the various aspects of managing a consultancy firm and consultancy assignments. MBA 706 MANAGING CORPORATE CHANGE TThis 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 nodule 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.. MBA 708 SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT This module examines all issues related to Supply Chain Management. Topics include purchasing, vendor relations, inventory strategies and control, warehousing, material handling, layout planning, packaging and transportation, combined under supply chain management general aspects. Students will gain applied experience through problem sets and case studies. MBA 709 MANAGEMENT SCIENCE This module introduces students to Management Science - a scientific approach that uses rational analysis and objective reasoning to help managers make better and faster decisions. The module covers a range of management science methods concentrating on applications rather than theory and its topics are described by examples, with complex theoretical argument kept to a minimum. In today s complex business environment, firms are required to process ever-increasing amounts of information and operate under fierce competition. These challenges create a growing demand for managers who possess the technical and analytical skills required to exploit the available resources and to improve business performance. 9

10 MARKETING Specialization FINANCE Specialization MBA 712 MARKET RESEARCH Students are taught theories and techniques of planning, conducting and presenting market analyses, sales and market potential, sales forecasts, distribution options, marketing cost and profit projections, and major market product and advertising studies. The module helps the MBA student develop and practice through appropriate case studies an understanding of how to apply theory to specific marketing problems. 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 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 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. MBA 722 FINANCIAL MARKETS & INSTITUTIONS This module provides an understanding of the function of financial markets, the flow of funds, levels of interest rates and interest rate differentials, and analysis of their impact on institutional frameworks. Characteristics and efficiency of the money markets and capital markets and types of instruments issued are examined. International integration of financial markets and institutions and policy implications are also addressed. MBA 724 GLOBAL FINANCIAL STRATEGIES The Global Financial Strategies module deals with the theoretical and empirical aspects of the strategic financial environment and management of firms that operate in the global business arena. Multi-National Enterprises (MNEs) and Trans-National Corporations (TNCs) are the prime concern of this module which develops a body of knowledge, practices, attitudes, and skills, needed to make financial decisions. 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 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. 11

12 MIS Specialization MBA-730 E-BUSINESS This module examines the impact of Web and Web 2.0 technologies on marketplace transformation, business process redesign, and management approaches to e-commerce, with an emphasis on business-to-consumer and business-to-business applications. Instruction will be based on an in-depth discussion of actual case studies that cover several industries and business sectors in different countries. MBA-735 COMPUTER NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS This module provides a functional understanding of the technical and business aspects of telecommunications. Topics include: elements of a telecommunications system, telecommunications applications, voice communications, data transmission, network architectures, protocols, network security, network management and future direction in telecommunications. The module will also provide the student with case studies that demonstrate the dilemmas and challenges CTOs and Computer Network Administrators face in the real world and enables them to build a decision framework for themselves. MBA-736 INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPMENT This module provides students with the basic tools and techniques which are used to design and implement information systems in organisations, with an emphasis on web-based systems. Students will be involved in developing the model of a fairly complex information system. This approach enables practical experience of applying project management techniques, understanding potential clients and their needs, using tools and techniques of analysis, and making and evaluating decisions regarding the best approach to take in modelling the system under examination. MBA-738 I.T. PROJECT MANAGEMENT This module examines all issues related to managing IT projects within an organizational context, including the processes related to initiating, planning, executing, controlling, reporting, and closing a project. Project integration, scope, time, cost, quality control, and risk management are also outlined. Students develop detailed project plans, schedules, and budgets; estimate project resources; allocate/coordinate resources; and interface with management using project management software. Academic Policies and Regulations DURATION OF MODULES: The UCP Marjon 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 Marjon 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 transfer@marjon-online.com *The transferability of credits is subject to Marjon 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 13

14 Admission Requirements MBA ADMISSION POLICY UCP Marjon 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 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 UCP Marjon online (use our email address, admissions@marjon-online.com). 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 listed on transcripts received from other institutions, processing of your application will be delayed until you have submitted the remaining transcripts PERIOD OF STUDY The UCP Marjon MBA takes a minimum of 12 months to complete. Typically students require 18 months. APPLICATION/REGISTRATION Students can complete the Application/Admission procedure online through the MBA website www.marjon-online.com 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. 4. Academic Background - Applicants with a non-business background can be admitted onto the programme but they may have to take preparatory foundation modules. 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 UCP Marjon online. 15

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE PLYMOUTH ST MARK & ST JOHN ONLINE MBA www.marjon-online.com University College Plymouth St Mark & St John, Derriford Road, Plymouth, UK. PL6 8BH Telephone:+44(0)870 8200052, E-mail: info@marjon-online.com