Canada s MBA for Working Professionals master of business administr ation vic toria BC canada
let ter from the dean Thank you for your interest in the Royal Roads University MBA program, offered through the Faculty of Management. Ours is an innovative graduate business program designed specifically for experienced professionals who want to advance their careers. Supporting students in developing advanced business acumen, extending individual leadership skills and gaining a stronger understanding of the relationships between management, society and the environment is the driving force behind our program. The Royal Roads University MBA combines active and collaborative learning through face-to-face experience labs, online classes and virtual experience labs. With support from faculty, advisors and colleagues, students learn to integrate the principles of leadership, responsibility and strategy to address complex challenges. Students apply this approach to solving real-world, global issues throughout our 18-month program. Led by faculty with practical experience in management and industry, Royal Roads University provides a learning experience that is rich and dynamic. Master of business administration MBA in Executive Management MBA in Executive Management with a specialization in Management Consulting MBA in Human Resources Management
The overall aim of our MBA program is to enhance the skill set, knowledge and insight of accountable and responsible managers to enable them to contribute to the health of an organization, its stakeholders and its environment. We hope you will consider the MBA program at Royal Roads University. We look forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Pedro G. Márquez, PhD Dean, Faculty of Management 1
overview Canada s MBA for Working Professionals The Royal Roads University applied MBA program is specifically designed to meet the needs of today s experienced professional. Over the 18-month program, students complete two, three-week residencies, ten online courses including five virtual experience labs, and an Organizational Management Project. This allows working professionals to benefit from the synergy of on-campus learning and direct interaction with leading faculty members, while continuing to meet the demands of career and lifestyle. The result is accessible, high quality learning with minimal professional disruption. Online Pre-Residency In preparation for the first MBA residency and the MBA program, students are required to fully participate and complete the online pre-residency called Getting Down to Business (GDB). This session starts four to six weeks before the first on-campus experience lab (formerly known as residencies), and guides students through a variety of technical and program-related activities relevant to a business program. As the official start of the program, GDB is a moderately paced, three-week online session that encourages students to explore the learning platform, form an online learning community, and become familiar with subject matter specific to the MBA program. Topics covered in GDB include, but are not limited to accounting, writing skills, economics, and team-based learning. It is critical that all students fully engage in the GDB session to best position themselves for success in the MBA program. Classmates meet face-to-face for the first time at the beginning of the first experience lab and continue to work in teams during the distance modules. Students are encouraged to visit us at www.computerservices. royalroads.ca to work through self-directed tutorials for the MS Office suite of software, before their first on-campus experience lab. Students who need more formalized training may wish to register for an in-person course at a computer 2
training institute. Other tutorials for new students can be accessed by visiting www.royalroads.ca/math-assessment and, for a learning readiness assessment, visit us at www.royalroads.ca/online-learning-readiness-assessment. Experience Labs (EL) There are two, three-week Experience Labs (ELs) that bookend the program. Following GDB, students attend their first EL on the Royal Roads University campus in Victoria, B.C. These sessions are intended to be engaging, intense, exploratory, and memorable. The second EL occurs at the end of the program, bringing closure to the MBA experience with an integrated simulation, among other activities. EL Workload Students can expect the experience lab periods to be rigorous. The normal classroom schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Homework, readings, and team meetings are done outside these hours in the evenings. To gain the most from residency, students are advised to avoid personal and work commitments as much as possible to focus solely on the activities of the residency. Distance Learning (DL) The distance portions of our MBA programs take place over the Internet. Before each course, students are provided with a package of materials and readings. Following an asynchronous model, students work through the requirements of the course at their own pace, although there are a number of real time deadlines for assignments, exams, etc. We utilize a number of different delivery methods, including textbooks, articles, case studies, interactive Internet learning, videotapes, and chat bulletin boards for correspondence with your team members who may live in another part of the country. Classmates meet during the first EL period and continue to work in teams during the distance modules as well. While teams are assigned by the MBA Program office, students work on several different teams throughout the duration of the program. International Option Royal Roads University has enjoyed a long and rewarding relationship with the Grenoble Graduate School of Business and, in the past, students have had the opportunity to attend their final residency in Grenoble, France. Royal Roads will continue to look at international opportunities with the current MBA program. Further details about international exchanges, will be posted online at www.royalroads.ca/mba. 3
courses of study The MBA program at Royal Roads gave me a rock solid management education. I had prior work experience but the course content rounded out my formal education and took my skills to the next level. The strength in this program is that it allows you to apply what you learn immediately. That s powerful. MBA Executive Management Earning an MBA has come to define success in today s business marketplace. Royal Roads University s MBA in Executive Management provides students with a thorough and comprehensive understanding of management practices and develops critical thinking and decision-making skills in demand by high performing organizations. Students cover core content including Environment of Business, Financial and Managerial Accounting, Marketing Management, and Corporate Finance and choose electives based on individual interests. The program enhances management skills and an understanding of an organization as a whole. Andrea Chisholm, MBA Graduate Management Consulting, 2009 4 Courses Getting Down to Business Experience Lab 1: Discovering Self and Organization Strategy and Context of the Organization Tools and Measures Distance Learning 1: the disciplines Measurement Relationships Virtual Experience Lab (Integration 1) Organizational Management Project (OMP) Distance Learning 2: Organization as part of the larger world Financing the Organization Marketing Virtual Experience Lab 2 (Integration 2) Distance Learning 3: wider context of the Organization Business in the Global Economy Understanding Systems Virtual Experience Lab 3 (Integration 3) Distance Learning 4: Delivering Through the Organization Leadership Decisions Beyond the Boundaries Virtual Experience Lab 4 (Integration 4) Distance Learning 5: Specialization topics in Executive Management Specialization Topic 1 Specialization Topic 2 Virtual Experience Lab 5 (Integration 5) Organizational Management Project (OMP) Experience Lab 2: Making Change Happen Integrative Practices Simulation
MBA Executive Management Specialization in Management Consulting Consulting is a growing and exceedingly competitive field. Royal Roads University s MBA program with a specialization in Management Consulting equips students with the ability to market their skills and expertise whether in-house or externally. Graduates of this program will attain advanced placement in the process of obtaining the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation. Getting Down to Business Experience Lab 1: Discovering Self and Organization Strategy and Context of the Organization Tools and Measures Distance Learning 1: the disciplines Measurement Relationships Virtual Experience Lab (Integration 1) Organizational Management Project (OMP) Distance Learning 2: Organization as part of the larger world Financing the Organization Marketing Virtual Experience Lab 2 (Integration 2) Distance Learning 3: wider context of the Organization Business in the Global Economy Understanding Systems Virtual Experience Lab 3 (Integration 3) Distance Learning 4: Delivering Through the Organization Leadership Decisions Beyond the Boundaries Virtual Experience Lab 4 (Integration 4) Distance Learning 5: Specialization topics in Management Consulting Specialization Topic 1 Specialization Topic 2 Virtual Experience Lab 5 (Integration 5) Organizational Management Project (OMP) Experience Lab 2: Making Change Happen Integrative Practices Simulation Courses 5
courses of study The MBA at Royal Roads armed me with the confidence to apply what I learned about business and technology in my industry. It was like business boot camp stressful and spectacular all at the same time. This program really pushes you to succeed. MBA Human Resources Management High performance organizations demand highly skilled human resource managers. This sought-after degree, which integrates best practices from both a business and a human resources perspective, gives HR professionals the tools to interpret their organization s strategic needs and adds value to corporate decision-making. The program provides graduates with enhanced HR management skills, and a superior understanding of organizations as a whole. The program is best suited to experienced managers, business leaders, HR managers and HR professionals who want to deepen their understanding of how advanced strategic human resource management skills and leadership impact the workplace. Dave Tyson, Graduate MBA in Digital Technologies Management, 2003 6 Courses Getting Down to Business Experience Lab 1: Discovering Self and Organization Strategy and Context of the Organization Tools and Measures Distance Learning 1: the disciplines Measurement Relationships Virtual Experience Lab (Integration 1) Organizational Management Project (OMP) Distance Learning 2: Organization as part of the larger world Financing the Organization Marketing Virtual Experience Lab 2 (Integration 2) Distance Learning 3: wider context of the Organization Business in the Global Economy Understanding Systems Virtual Experience Lab 3 (Integration 3) Distance Learning 4: Delivering Through the Organization Leadership Decisions Beyond the Boundaries Virtual Experience Lab 4 (Integration 4) Distance Learning 5: Specialization topics in Human Resource Management Specialization Topic 1 Specialization Topic 2 Virtual Experience Lab 5 (Integration 5) Organizational Management Project (OMP) Experience Lab 2: Making Change Happen Integrative Practices Simulation
Accountable and Responsible Managers The overall aim of our MBA program is to enhance the skill set, knowledge and insight of accountable and responsible managers to enable them to contribute to the health of an organization, its stakeholders and its environment. Our MBA program focuses on eight learning domains: Communication Critical thinking Problem solving Ability to work with others Integration Leadership Responsibility Innovation Organizational Management Project (OMP) The Organizational Management Project allows students to integrate and apply the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program to a research project in an area of interest to them or their organization. The scope of the OMP consists of 188 hours of work and requires a final written report and presentation. Everything came together in the final organizational project. I realized how I could apply everything I had learned about private industry and make it relevant in my work in government. It gave me an opportunity to test the model. Logically, I knew my learning would come together, but after the project, I knew first hand. That increased my confidence a thousand fold. Carrie Johnson, MBA Graduate Management Consulting, 2009 7
courses of study program struc ture GDB EL1 DL1 VEL DL2 VEL DL3 VEL ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT 3 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 41 WEEKS 6 CREDITS 33 CREDITS GDB EL DL VEL Getting Down to Business (online) Experience Lab (on campus) Distance Learning Virtual Experience Lab My Royal Roads MBA enabled me to bring a strategic business focus to the delivery of human resource services and apply my education in centre of expertise and business partner situations. My Organizational Consulting Project (OCP) presented an integrated approach to workplace health wellness measures aligned with organizational goals, leadership training, and disability management processes. Royal Roads University has been an amazing personal journey. MaryAnn Kempe, Graduate MBA in Human Resources Management, 2004 Admission Our MBA program is designed for experienced managers and business leaders who want to advance their careers. Applicants are assessed on three criteria education, professional experience, and personal characteristics. As a baseline for evaluation we look for a bachelor s degree from an accredited university, seven years of fulltime professional experience including three years in management, and personal characteristics that demonstrate the capacity to succeed in the program. Flexible Admission Some applicants may have acquired knowledge and experience equivalent to these criteria through life experience. In those instances, our flexible admission criteria may be used. If qualifications are insufficient in one area, flexible admission allows us to credit strengths in other areas. Those applying for an MBA in Human Resources must have education or experience in that field. Those applying for an MBA in Executive Management with a specialization in Management Consulting may have experience in any field. Virtual Experience Labs Between each Distance Learning session is a two-day Virtual Experience Lab (VEL). This session is primarily a synchronous session using technology to connect students from around the globe. Distance Learning Workload Students take two distance courses at a time for a period of 8 weeks. Each module requires a level of effort of approximately 12-14 hours per week. This means a minimum total commitment of up to 24-28 hours per week. During the first distance courses, the amount of time required may be higher as students familiarize themselves with distance learning technologies. To assess your computer capabilities, visit www.computerservices.royalroads.ca/ computer_equip_requirements. 8
DL4 VEL DL5 VEL ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT PROJECT EL2 10 WEEKS 3 WEEKS 6 CREDITS 6 CREDITS Program Structure The Royal Roads University MBA is an 18-month graduate degree. Programs begin in August and December each year with a three-week online, pre-residency session (GDB) that leads into the first of two on-campus experience labs (in August or January). Each on-campus experience lab (EL) bookends the distance learning portion of the program. On-campus experience labs take place in Victoria, B.C. Participants work in teams during both experience lab and online portions. For more information about the MBA program, visit us at www.royalroads.ca. Contact an enrolment advisor at learn.more@royalroads.ca or 1-877-778-6227. 9
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