Executive Master Of Business Administration Executive Master Of Online Executive MBA Business Administration
get connected AthAbAscA University s online executive MbA program connects you to a powerful collaborative learning environment that has stood the test of time. In 1994, AU logged on with the world s first fully interactive online MBA program, and since then has continued to build a tradition of online excellence in graduate management education. Today, the AU MBA is Canada s largest Executive MBA program, and has earned a place among the top Executive MBAs in the world. Management curriculum comes to life when theory meets practice in our interactive online environment. You will learn alongside experienced managers from across Canada and around the world, from every sector and virtually every industry. Your classmates bring rich backgrounds in human resources, operations, finance, marketing, information technology and more... in roles from middle manager to CEO to entrepreneur. Together you will analyze, discuss, collaborate and integrate management theory and practice from Vancouver, Toronto, Halifax or Edmonton Katy, Texas; Quismasis, New Brunswick or Pierrefonds, Quebec New Delhi or Dubai. this is your classroom. these are your colleagues. this is a learning experience like no other. Athabasca University is a publicly funded post-secondary institution, one of four comprehensive universities in the Province of Alberta, Canada. AU is accredited by the Province of Alberta, the Province of British Columbia, and by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the United States. YOur reasons, YOur program 2 04 06 08 10 12 OnlinE learning that WOrks CurriCuluM that COunts program structure WOrk-lifE BAlAnCE
team WOrk global perspective speed Of light COMMuniCAtiOns 14 16 18 20 22-23 AppliCABilitY And roi A team devoted to YOur success AdMissiOn requirements And time COMMitMEnt graduation And BEYOnd tuition And fees how to ApplY 3
Your reasons, your program Corinne SCott, MBA 06, Winnipeg, MB Considering today s global environment, and the knowledge-based world in which we live, lifelong learning is more important than ever if one hopes to remain competitive in any industry. I have always been a believer in continuous learning and Athabasca University s MBA program provided me with an intense and challenging course of study. The online learning environment gave me the flexibility necessary to maintain a much needed balance between my studies, my profession, and my family. I believe that my contribution as an executive with the Winnipeg Police Service has been greatly enhanced as a result of what I learned and the many contacts I have made while achieving my MBA. Doug grant, MBA 08, VAnCouVer, BC After 20 years of working as an IT professional and manager, I decided to switch gears and direct my career towards general business management. I knew that I would need a well-rounded business education such as an MBA to be considered for management job openings and to be successful in senior management. Since taking the AU MBA, I have risen through the ranks to executive management at The Oppenheimer Group. My position is Vice President and COO with responsibilities for IT, manufacturing, quality control, operations, transportation, food safety and supplier relations. There isn t a day that goes by that I don t apply what I ve learned from the AU MBA. 4
is the AU online executive MbA right for you? The outcomes people expect from the AU MBA are as diverse as our student body, but one theme is consistent. Our students are looking to unlock their potential and achieve the successes they know they are capable of achieving. The AU MBA will give you the tools, knowledge and perspective you need to innovate, lead, and succeed. Whether you want to increase your effectiveness in your current management role, contribute at a higher level, broaden a specialized management skill set, launch a new venture, lead complex projects effectively, or formalize years of management knowledge gained on the job, the AU MBA will help you achieve your goals. Rigorous academic curriculum, experienced faculty, knowledgeable and engaged peers, and a proven collaborative online learning environment will expand your management and leadership horizons further than you ever thought possible. MArion VAn KeKen-rietKerK, MBA 08, VAnCouVer, BC The MBA studies really filled in the gaps that existed between my basic education and my real world experience as a business owner. Completing my MBA gave me an enormous boost in self-confidence and made me realize that every seemingly insurmountable project is completed in small steps; I can take on anything now. Athabasca s MBA program provided the structure to help me succeed the staff and academic coaches were great and really helped me do well. DWAyne KoCh, MBA 05, CALgAry, AB I wanted to pursue my MBA to build an academic foundation that would help me change careers. What I learned in the AU MBA program helped me transition from one career into a completely unrelated one in a short period of time. Not only did the AU MBA allow me to make this transition with ease, it helped me gain respect within my new career quickly. My career has taken off, and doors have opened within my new organization. As I continue to build my second career, the AU MBA will only help that progression. 5
Online learning that works faculty of business graduate management courses are designed within a unique and powerful learning environment that enables you to access course materials, discuss issues, and collaborate on presentations, case studies, projects and processes across geographic and organizational boundaries. Peer learning is at the heart of the AU MBA learning environment. Each course is designed to facilitate individual study, group work, interactive learning and collaboration. Discussions are lively and intense, generating ideas, questions and challenges as you probe deeply into your own and others organizational issues. Academic coaches facilitate group dynamics, link theory to practice, support critical thinking and add value to your learning through their knowledge, insights and experience. Interaction among academics and students is extremely high, providing you with exposure to broad perspectives and insights. In this environment, you will gain invaluable experience in the international arena and form excellent working relationships within a network of global connections. 6
CoLLin gordon, MBA 07, CALgAry, AB A lot of the concerns I had about not being in a classroom or looking at a professor or other students face to face turned out to be non-issues. I can t imagine how the quality of education I ve received not just from the University itself but from other students and colleagues could be higher. The online environment is fascinating I don t think you get the same thing in a traditional school. The quality of questions being asked is spectacular. You can tell someone has read through your comments, reflected on them, understood them, and then posed a challenge to say, Why do you think the way you think? LeAh purdy, MBA 12, CALgAry, AB Perhaps one of the best and most unexpected experiences I've had through Athabasca's MBA program has been learning from the many diverse backgrounds and perspectives of my classmates and program faculty. We literally came together online from countries all over the world from many different industries and with unique cultures and experiences to draw from. I believe the global accessibility of this program, where both instructors and students come together in a virtual community from just about anywhere, has given richness and depth to my learning experience. Fast Fact: 91 percent of our graduates say the Athabasca MBA exceeded their expectations online LeArning that WorKS 7
Curriculum that counts the AU executive MbA curriculum is intense, challenging and comprehensive. Core courses concentrate on the key areas that make a difference to organizational performance managing strategy, information, people, resources, projects, markets and operations from the perspective of a decision maker. You will study cases and examples, and test models and skills in your own work environment. You will complete practical, projectbased assignments that are linked to your own organization. Upto-date courses, developed by experienced academics and business practitioners, ensure that you study relevant issues and develop the right skills for managing within any organization. By the time you finish your AU MBA, you will have far more than a new credential. You will be an effective leader, a strategic thinker who contributes to your organization at a higher level and you will have the knowledge and experience that gives you confidence in yourself and inspires confidence in others. 8
elizabeth LAW, MBA 02, VAnCouVer, BC As a management consultant specializing in project management, I have worked in many business areas across various industries, and have implemented complex projects involving information systems, business strategy and process improvements. I decided to pursue an MBA to complement my computer science background with a formal business degree. I chose the MBA at Athabasca University because it spanned a range of subjects that enabled me to develop a well-rounded skill set. With the knowledge I gained, I am now much better equipped to tackle projects in business areas that I had little exposure to previously. MiKe Corr, MBA 07, toronto, on With almost 30 years in the railroad industry, I was looking for a program that would expand my horizons. The AU MBA afforded me the opportunity to gain insights into businesses that I would never have had, while at the same time being relevant and applicable to the transportation sector. I learned about business practices from a wide range of professions from bankers to health care professionals to managers in the manufacturing sector. I was especially impressed by how dedicated my classmates were, and how well we worked together, even across time zones. Fast Fact: 63 percent of AU MBA students are promoted at least once while enrolled in the MBA CurriCuLuM that CountS 9
Au MBA program structure phase one Orientation (one week online) Strategic Management Human Resource Management Financial and Managerial Accounting Marketing Management Managerial Economics Operations Management Comprehensive Examination At completion of Phase One requirements, all students are awarded the Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management (PBDM) phase two IT Strategy Corporate Finance Strategy and Organizational Analysis Managerial Ethics and Decision Making online electives AnD electives in residence provide you with opportunities to tailor your MBA to your professional interests. Choose from several topic areas, or specialize by following an elective concentration, available in: project Management entrepreneurship human resources it Management operations Management strategy Marketing finance and governance international electives include five to seven intensive days in another country, where you will be given an insider s view of some of that nation s top companies. It is the ideal setting to focus the knowledge you have gained from the MBA, while also taking an indepth look at conducting business internationally. International electives are scheduled in different economic trade zones over a three-year rotation. Some students take three electives in international in residence format so they can study business in three different countries over the course of their program. leadership Students must compete at least one elective with a five day, face-to-face or in residence component. In residence courses are offered throughout the year on a large variety of topics, and are taught across Canada and around the world. brazil germany UsA - silicon valley singapore Mexico program StruCture 10
AppLieD project route (three elective courses + an applied project) Students complete nine elective credits usually three, three-credit courses and the applied project. The applied project is a major academic research paper involving a review of literature and systematic application of concepts, models and theories to a specific business problem or situation. CourSe-BASeD route (Six elective courses, no project) Award of Master of Business Administration Degree (MBA) Students complete eighteen (18) elective credits usually six, three-credit electives. Because collaboration and peer learning are critical to the Executive MBA experience, the program is highly structured with clearly laid out expectations for readings, discussion, groupwork and individual assignments. Courses are completed one at a time, with specific start and end dates. example of A paced eight-week online course group project collaboration Read, think & discuss submit individual assignment 1 group project collaboration submit final individual assignment week 1 week 2 week 3 week 4 week 5 week 6 week 7 week 8 submit group project Up to 40% of your grade is determined by your group interactions in every AU MBA course interactions that are judged not on quantity, but on quality. In other words, your grade is affected by your ability to think through the materials provided, add knowledge and insights from your own work experiences then put forward comments, questions or ideas that help provoke intelligent discussion and debate. These learning conversations are artfully guided by an academic coach, who offers insights, ensures the group is applying relevant theory to practice, and that everyone stays on topic. partnerships / Associations partnerships with the following organizations offer special benefits to students. Visit www.mba.athabascau.ca and select partnerships for detailed information: Certified Management Accountants of Canada (CMA Canada) Certified General Accountants of Canada (CGA-Canada) The Department of National Defence / Canadian Forces College The Canadian College of Health Service Executives (CCHSE) 11
Work-life balance AthAbAscA's 24-hoUr online format makes it feasible and practical to work on a high quality MBA while still meeting your commitments to work and family. Designed to fit individual schedules, the program can be successfully completed from home, work or even while travelling. Expect to be challenged, and to spend 20 to 25 hours per week on coursework, readings, discussions, and assignments. At AU, you need not leave work for a month, a year, or even every second Friday. In fact, you are never required to be online at a specific date or time a feature of our program that allows you to study from any time zone, any part of the world and at any time of day or night. You control your study hours, working at the time and place that's right for you as you participate in asynchronous discussions, work on group projects, and complete individual assignments. 12
harriet thornhill, MBA 06, BriDgetoWn, BArBADoS When I started my MBA, my two sons were transitioning from the teenage years, my daughter was only three years old, my husband was busy with his career, and I had to keep up with a fully charged role at RBC. Quite frankly, the flexibility provided by the AU MBA, along with the support of RBC and my family, were key contributors to my decision to pursue this MBA. hamid ShirAZi, MBA 06, toronto, on No other scheduled class or distance MBA program could fit my lifestyle family commitments, a three hour daily commute in the GTA, a complex and demanding career, business travel and meet my requirements for daily access to experienced academic coaches, an excellent academic coach to student ratio, and daily interaction with peers and classmates from different industries across the country. Fast Fact: On average, each AU MBA class is one-third female and two-thirds male. WorK-LiFe BALAnCe 13
ShAStri ramnath, MBA 12, toronto, on I became an executive while I was learning how to be an executive. AU s online format made it possible for me to complete my MBA as I pursued my passion for geology in countries as far away as Guyana. As I learned, I applied my newfound knowledge to my role as CEO and it allowed me to expand my career in ways I never thought possible. 14
Applicability and roi AU s MbA courses are designed to be immediately applicable to your own workplace. Your return on investment is instant. You do not have to wait to receive your graduation parchment before you start making impacts the majority of our students report promotions, salary increases and other important career advances long before they graduate. glenn BerALL, MD, MBA 07, toronto, on While I was taking a course in strategic management, the North York General Hospital was undergoing a review of its strategy, mission, vision, and values. With every course I took, whether it was marketing, operations, or finance, the material I was covering in my course work was exactly what I needed to be applying as Chief of Pediatrics. I didn t expect such a strong connection between course work and my workplace, and it really helped me take my understanding of business and management to a whole new level. CAroLine nevin, MBA 09, VAnCouVer, BC While still an AU MBA student, I became the first non-lawyer and first female Executive Director of the Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch. The job entails managing 19 employees and the many programs and services we deliver to more than 6,000 lawyers, judges and law students in the province. We provide professional development, advocacy, legislation and law reform work and direct services to the legal profession. Our members demand a lot from their professional association they expect us to protect and serve their interests every day and our entire operation is focused on meeting their expectations for excellent service. My MBA studies have given me skills, tools and new ways of thinking to help us deliver on that promise. Fast Fact: Immediate ROI - On average, salaries of AU MBA students increase by 34% while enrolled in the program. AppLiCABiLity AnD roi 15
A team devoted to your success DeBorAh hurst, phd, ACting DeAn, FACuLty of BuSineSS Our faculty are driven by a passion for excellence and a desire to see each student realize his or her full potential. Our academic team, consisting of core faculty and academic coaches, choose to be part of the AU online MBA program because they believe it truly delivers a remarkable learning experience... and not just for the students! I, for one, am continually amazed at the extraordinary level of new knowledge created by each student cohort as they move through the program. The calibre of people involved in this program students, faculty, academic coaches and staff is among my greatest sources of pride in my role as Acting Dean of the Faculty of Business. core faculty Core faculty members for AU s Executive MBA program are tenure track professors who conduct research, lead academic disciplines, and teach within AU s master and doctoral level programs. Whether they are leading a discussion, making connections between theory and practice, or exploring ideas at an elective in residence, core faculty are central to the integration of all collaborative learning in the AU MBA. David Annand, edd Professor, Accounting Anna Azevedo, phd Assistant Professor, Entrepreneurship terry beckman, phd Assistant Professor, Marketing Mihail cocosila, phd Associate Professor, Management Science, e-commerce kay Devine, phd DBA Program Director Professor, Organizational Behaviour and Analysis Deborah hurst, phd Acting Dean, Faculty of Business, Associate Professor, Work and Organizational Studies kam Jugdev, phd Professor, Project Management and Strategy Anshuman khare, phd Professor, Operations Management helen lam, phd Professor, Human Resources Michael Mauws, phd Professor, Strategic Management Alain May, phd Associate Dean, Accreditation, Program Director, MBA Associate Professor, Management Information Systems teresa rose, phd Graduate Coordinator, Applied Projects saktinil roy, phd Assistant Professor, Economics Aris solomon, phd Associate Professor, Accounting Janice thomas, phd Professor, Project Management A team DeVoteD to your SuCCeSS 16
AcADeMic coaches Academic coaches facilitate active discussions and collaboration among students by guiding conversations and providing new information, insights or tools to help clarify points or themes. They work with small groups of eight to ten students in each course, ensuring a high standard of student-academic interaction. Most academic coaches are PhD qualified; all have significant industry expertise, and many are full-time faculty members at other universities. Core faculty members also often take on coaching roles in the courses that fall under their academic areas. A full list of academic coaches can be found at www.mba.athabascau.ca/academics/coaches rocky DWyer, phd, CMA, 2011 FACuLty of BuSineSS AWArD For CoAChing excellence recipient. Students have varied interests and backgrounds, so I explore and utilize a variety of diverse examples and problems from both my experience and life observations to build unique and interesting learning challenges that enable them to view and approach similar problems from different angles... Understanding the diversity of learning styles is and experiences is key to student engagement. ADMissions coordinators All MBA students are assigned an admissions coordinator upon acceptance into the program. Your coordinator becomes your main administrative contact and works with you throughout your program to help you manage your schedule and meet your degree requirements. When your job demands or other life issues get too big even for an online study schedule, your coordinator will help you find the best way through. it helpdesk We know you want to be able to effectively study, collaborate, and learn online without having to become a technical expert. We want that too. The HelpDesk provides you the resources and assistance you need to participate effectively in the online learning environment. Help- Desk staff work extended hours to help you with your initial setup, with travel issues, and any time you need technical assistance. Fast Fact: Our faculty and academic coaches teach from across Canada and around the world. 17
gary VinCe, MBA 06, BurLington, on Managing within the DHL global transportation environment requires a broad range of management and leadership skills. My Athabasca MBA has helped to strengthen my business and leadership competencies, providing me with a broad scope of knowledge across various industry sectors. The program brings tremendous benefit, both during and after completion. While business and financial gain is certainly a critical success factor, the level of confidence you gain in your own abilities to successfully navigate through a globalized business environment is a key reason to take the AU MBA program. 18
Admission requirements and time commitment the MbA program is challenging and requires you to be committed to your studies, to immediately apply your learning to your workplace, and to balance the demands of education, work and family. Each course is eight weeks long and, on average, you will devote 20 to 25 hours per week to your studies. The AU MBA learning environment provides you with the flexibility to work at times and places that best fit your schedule. The program is highly structured with clearly laid out expectations for readings, discussion, groupwork and individual assignments. Courses are completed one at a time with specific start and end dates. Most students complete the MBA in two and a half to three years; however, you may take up to five years to complete all program requirements. The AU MBA has three intakes (cohorts) per year: September Cohort - Applications due June 15 January Cohort - Applications due October 15 May Cohort - Applications due February 15 there are three paths of entry to the executive MbA program. you must have: an undergraduate degree from an accredited university and at least three years of managerial experience *, or an accepted professional designation ** and at least five years of managerial experience, or significant management experience (8 to 10 years). Students admitted under this category apply to and must successfully complete Phase One of the MBA program (Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management). These are minimum requirements and do not guarantee acceptance into the program. A Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) score is not required. See inside back cover (page 23) for the full details on how to apply to the MBA program. * Managerial experience is defined as experience managing people, projects and/or budgets, and may include supervisory or professional experience with management level responsibilities. ** A list of accepted designations is available at www.mba.athabascau.ca, under MBA Admission Requirements. Fast Fact: On average, AU MBA students are 40 years old and have over 9 years of management experience ADMiSSion requirements AnD time CoMMitMent 19
graduation and beyond convocation is the highlight of your academic journey, and is an extraordinary celebration of the achievements of AU MBA grads. Every year new graduates and their families travel from across Canada and around the world to celebrate in Athabasca and Edmonton. When you graduate, you join a dynamic community of over 3000 AU MBA alumni who continue to stay connected with fellow alumni, Athabasca University and the Faculty of Business through a rich program of services including networking events, newsletters, web services, educational opportunities, and more offered through AU s MBA alumni relations team. 20
harriet thornhill, MBA 06, BriDgetoWn, BArBADoS I was looking at my convocation pictures the other day and relived the feeling of great accomplishment. It was very emotional for me and I felt extremely proud. You can t make this type of journey without a personal support system around you. I also could not have done it without my colleagues in the program and the very knowledgeable and patient faculty and professional staff at Athabasca University. nancy SChAFer, MBA 08, CALgAry, AB I really bonded with other students. I had students even in my very first class that I remain friends with today, and they re on the opposite ends of the country! So it was surprising to me how close the relationships are that you develop through a highly collaborative online program. Fast Fact: AU MBA alumni chapter groups are active in 15 cities in Canada and the U.S. graduation AnD BeyonD 21
MBA tuition and fees the following fee charts are examples of payment schedules, illustrating the two MBA routes (applied project vs. course based). In both examples, the student has chosen just one in residence elective. Tuition fees include textbooks and learning environment software. Travel costs associated with attending electives in residence are not included, nor are Graduate Student Association fees of $13 per credit. A one-time delivery surcharge of $400 applies to students living outside Canada. Fees in effect as of September 2013. For most current fee information, visit www.mba.athabascau.ca. Athabasca University reserves the right to adjust fees at any time without notice. If you require financial assistance, please enquire in your home province/state/country to find out if you are eligible for a student loan. Information regarding scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance can be found at www.mba.athabascau.ca. ApplieD project route Application and Admission Application Fee $200.00 due with your application Admission Fee $800.00 due upon acceptance into the program Phase One* Six core courses $17,586.00 payable in three equal installments Phase Two Four core courses $11,724.00 payable in two equal installments Two online electives $5,862.00 $2,931.00 due upon each course registration One elective in residence $3,900.00 due upon registration Applied Project $4,512.00 due upon registration TOTAL $44,584.00 course-based route Application and Admission Application Fee $200.00 due with your application Admission Fee $800.00 due upon acceptance into the program Phase One* Six core courses $17,586.00 payable in three equal installments Phase Two Four core courses $11,724.00 payable in two equal installments Five online electives $14,655.00 $2,931.00 due upon each course registration One elective in residence $3,900.00 due upon registration TOTAL $48,865.00 *Total tuition for the Post-Baccalaureate Diploma in Management (PBDM) is $18,586 (application, admission + phase one tuition). See p. 10. 22
how to apply to the Au Executive MBA program to apply to the executive MbA program (or post baccalaureate Diploma in Management) you will need to assemble an application package that contains the following: 1. A completed faculty of business graduate Management program application form. Apply online at www.mba.athabascau.ca under MBA How to Apply. 2. A current and detailed resume. Adhere to the format outlined on our website. 3. three letters of reference. One academic and two business references are preferred. For applicants without an academic reference, three professional references will suffice. NOTE: If you are applying under a special partnership agreement (e.g., CGA-Canada, CMA Canada, Department of National Defence), you will have specialized reference requirements. Check the Partnerships section of our website (www.mba.athabascau.ca) or call our office for details. 4. An essay. To assess your managerial experience and your potential for graduate level studies, completion of a brief (1000 word) essay is required. You are asked to respond to four questions found on the application form. 5. official transcripts of post-secondary educational achievements. These must be sent directly to Athabasca University s Faculty of Business from respective institution(s) before the application deadline. NOTE: Applicants with degrees obtained outside of Canada or the United States may need to have their transcripts assessed independently by Alberta s International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS). Please contact Student Services at 780.459.1144 or 1.800.561.4650 to determine if you need this assessment completed. Details regarding accessing this service will be provided at that time. 6. A non-refundable application fee of two hundred dollars in canadian currency ($200 cad). for assistance, call 780.459.1144 or 1.800.561.4650 (toll-free in north America), or email mba@mba.athabascau.ca Athabasca University reserves the right to make additions, deletions, changes or modifications to its policies, practices, procedures, tuition fees, course availability, delivery mode, schedules, or program requirements at any time without prior notice. The publication of information in this brochure does not bind the University to the provision of courses, programs, services or facilities as listed herein. Students are responsible for informing themselves of the University s procedures and policies and the specific requirements associated with the degree or diploma sought. Every student accepted for registration with Athabasca University shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the regulations and policies of the University and of the program in which that student is enrolled. Athabasca University specifically reserves the right to exercise its sole, absolute and unfettered discretion in admitting individuals to the University, its programs, or courses. 23
faculty of business graduate Management programs: Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) Post Baccalaureate Diploma in Management (PBDM) Leadership and Management Development (LMD) Athabasca University (AU) faculty of business 301, 22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue St. Albert, AB T8N 1B4 phone: 780.459.1144 or 1.800.561.4650 (toll-free in North America) fax: 780.459.2093 or 1.800.561.4660 (toll-free in North America) email: mba@mba.athabascau.ca website: www.mba.athabascau.ca 24