Programme Specification (Postgraduate) Date amended: 24 February 2014 1. Programme Title(s): Master of Business Administration (MBA) 2. Awarding body or institution: University of Leicester 3. a) Mode of study: Full-time/Part-time b) Type of study: Campus-based/Distance learning 4. Registration periods: Programme Normal registration period Maximum registration period Campus based (a) Full time 1 year 2 years (b) Part-time 2 years 4 years Distance learning 2 years 4 years 5. Typical entry requirements: Candidates should normally have: a good second class honours degree from a British University, or its equivalent; or a postgraduate diploma from a recognised institution; or a relevant graduate level professional qualification; and at least three years relevant work experience. When English is not the first language of the candidate, the successful applicant must satisfy the University of Leicester English language requirement; for example: IELTS score of 6.5 or TOEFL ibt score of 90 or The University of Leicester English Language Test (LET) Further information about meeting the University s English requirements can be found here: www.le.ac.uk/englishskills 6. Accreditation of Prior Learning: N/A 7. Programme aims: The programme aims to equip students with modern techniques of strategic management; to provide a stimulating and intellectually demanding curriculum, which prepares aspiring senior managers, in both public and private sector organisations, to deal with the challenges of complex and rapidly changing environments; and to address the strategic dimensions of decision making through academic and practically based projects and assignments. 1
More specifically the programme aims: 1. to give students a thorough grasp of the main theories and methods of management and organisation, including their advantages, limitations, and typical applications; 2. to encourage in students the need for critical analysis and evaluation of organisation and management issues, including those stemming from the economic, political, social, and technological environments; 3. to expose students to the range of current issues, perspectives and debates in research on management and organisations; 4. to enable students to synthesise and apply the relevant knowledge of theories and methods to a range of complex situations, including their own work experiences; 5. to encourage and support students in developing their transferrable skills, including research, communication, presentation, information technology, problem-solving, interpersonal working relationship, learning, and career management skills; 6. to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to undertake independent research work in the area of organisations and management, as evidenced in the successful production of a For the Postgraduate Certificate: Programme Aims 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the areas of organisational behaviour, marketing, accounting, and business ethics and Programme Aim 5. For the Postgraduate Diploma Programme Aims 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the areas of corporate finance and strategy and in the two other areas of organisations and management depending on the choice of specialism. For the Master of Business Administration (MBA): Programme Aim 6. 8. Reference points used to inform the programme specification: UK Government acts Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/34/contents Special Education Needs and Disability Act 2001: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/10/contents The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) requirements QAA Subject Benchmark Statement: Master s degrees in business and management: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationandguidance/pages/subjectbenchmark-statement-masters-degrees-in-business-and-management.aspx QAA The framework for higher education qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, August 2008: http://www.qaa.ac.uk/publications/informationandguidance/documents/fheq08.pdf Association of MBAs requirements Association of MBAs Criteria for the Accreditation of MBA Programmes: http://www.mbaworld.com/~/media/files/accreditation/mba-criteria-foraccreditation.ashx University of Leicester regulations University of Leicester Widening Participation Strategy: www2.le.ac.uk/offices/marketing/recruitment/wp/wpsa University of Leicester Equal Opportunities Statement: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/equalities-unit/documents/university-of-leicesterequalities-statement University of Leicester Equal Opportunities Policy: 2
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/equalitiesunit/equalities%20documents/eo%20policy_v5_final_mar12.pdf University of Leicester Senate Regulations: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/sas2/regulations/general-regulations-for-taughtprogrammes University of Leicester Learning and Teaching Strategy, 2011-2016 : http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/sas2/quality/learnteach School of Management School of Management Annual Developmental Review School of Management External Examiners reports School of Management student feedback 9. Programme Outcomes: Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? (a) Subject and Professional skills Knowledge Advanced knowledge of theoretical perspectives and evidence base in the areas of organisational behaviour, marketing, accounting and business ethics an advanced knowledge of theoretical perspectives and evidence base in the areas of corporate finance and strategy and in the two other areas of organisations and management (depending on their choice of specialism) and ability to synthesise knowledge across a range of subject areas an advanced knowledge of research methods and of theoretical perspectives and evidence base pertaining to the topic Lectures 1, seminars 2, and guided independent study 3 ; feedback on supervised research and feedback on proposal proposal and ------------------------------------------------- 1 Lectures may be given synchronously (face-to-face or online) or asynchronously 2 Seminars may be given face-to-face or online 3 Guided independent study incorporates directed reading and exercises. Exercises may be paper-based or computer-based and may include case studies and e-tivities. E-tivities refer to learning communications in an online environment and may include discussion forums, chat rooms, blogs and wikis. 3
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? Concepts Ability to describe, explain, critically evaluate and apply in practice core concepts in the areas of organisational behaviour, marketing, accounting, and business ethics ability to describe, explain, critically evaluate and apply in practice core concepts in the areas of corporate finance and strategy and in the two other areas of business and management (depending on their choice of specialism) ability to describe, explain, critically evaluate and apply in practice core concepts in business and management research methods Ability to assemble, organise, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate business and management models and analytical techniques Ability to assemble, organise, analyse and interpret qualitative and quantitative data using appropriate business and management models and analytical techniques mastery of research design, data collection and analysis methods supervised research and feedback on proposal Techniques supervised research and feedback on proposal proposal and proposal and 4
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? Critical analysis Ability to identify and critically appraise the assumptions, implicit values, evidence base and limitations of theories and statements and to apply the knowledge of business and management concepts and techniques with rigour, paying due attention to their contextbound nature, independence and reflexivity Ability to identify and critically appraise the assumptions, implicit values, evidence base and limitations of theories and statements and to apply the knowledge of business and management concepts and techniques with rigour, paying due attention to their contextbound nature, independence and reflexivity ability to identify and critically appraise the assumptions, implicit values, evidence base and limitations of the student s own research supervised research and feedback on proposal proposal and 5
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? Presentation Ability to organise and deliver relevant material in a manner appropriate to the medium of presentation and the audience to a professional standard Ability to organise and deliver relevant material in a manner appropriate to the medium of presentation and the audience to a professional standard ability to arrange and present research material in a written format appropriate to proposal and Ability to evaluate relevance and quality of theoretical and empirical evidence and to provide a balanced and informed of complex organisational and management issues Ability to evaluate relevance and quality of theoretical and empirical evidence and to provide a balanced and informed of complex organisational and management issues ability to mount and sustain an independent inquiry into organisational and management issues at an advanced level supervised research and feedback on proposal Appraisal of evidence supervised research and feedback on proposal proposal and proposal and 6
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? (b) Transferable skills Research skills Ability to locate, select and organise relevant theoretical and empirical research evidence for essay assignments and group work Ability to locate, select and organise relevant theoretical and empirical research evidence for essay assignments and group work ability to identify and conduct a credible research project into business and management issues through research design, data collection, analysis, interpretation, synthesis, conclusions and practice implications and reporting Demonstrable clarity, fluency and coherence in oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments in a manner appropriate to the audience Demonstrable clarity, fluency and coherence in oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments in a manner appropriate to the audience Demonstrable clarity, fluency and coherence in oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments in a manner appropriate to the audience independent study independent study Lectures and supervised research Communication skills Seminars Seminars supervised research Essay assignments Essay assignments Dissertation Essay assignments, written examinations, Essay assignments, written examinations, 7
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? Data presentation Ability to organise and present secondary research data in qualitative or quantitative format, as appropriate Ability to organise and present secondary research data in qualitative or quantitative format, as appropriate ability to organise and present primary research data in qualitative or quantitative format, as appropriate Ability to identify, retrieve, interrogate, organise and present information using appropriate information technology Ability to identify, retrieve, interrogate, organise and present information using appropriate information technology ability to identify, retrieve, interrogate, organise and present information using appropriate information technology Essay assignment feedback, guided independent study Essay assignment feedback, guided independent study lectures, proposal feedback and supervised research Information technology Lectures, seminars, and virtual learning environment Lectures, seminars, and virtual learning environment lectures, proposal feedback and supervised research Essay assignments Essay assignments Essay assignments Essay assignments 8
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? Problem solving Ability to refine problems into researchable questions, identify relevant data and use the theoretical knowledge and empirical data to derive answers or solutions Ability to refine problems into researchable questions, identify relevant data and use the theoretical knowledge and empirical data to derive answers or solutions ability to identify and solve complex problems and propose recommendations for improvement Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly in groups, to know how and when to draw on the knowledge and expertise of others, and to contribute to and comment on ideas in group discussions. Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly in groups, to know how and when to draw on the knowledge and expertise of others, and to contribute to and comment on ideas in group discussions Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly in groups, to know how and when to draw on the knowledge and expertise of others, and to contribute to and comment on ideas in group discussions independent study independent study Lectures and supervised research Working relationships Seminars Seminars Seminars Group work Group work Group work 9
Intended Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Methods How Demonstrated? Managing learning Ability to identify, reflect upon and further develop the learning styles and strategies, to engage in independent learning and to manage time effectively Ability to identify, reflect upon and further develop the learning styles and strategies, to engage in independent learning and to manage time effectively ability to construct a feasible research timetable and to carry out independent research Ability to reflect upon knowledge, behaviour, attitudes, skills, practice and experience with a view to ongoing personal and professional development Ability to reflect upon knowledge, behaviour, attitudes, skills, practice and experience with a view to ongoing personal and professional development to conduct independent research relevant to professional and career development Lectures, seminars and guided independent study Lectures, seminars and guided independent study supervised research Career management Lectures, seminars and guided independent study Lectures, seminars and guided independent study supervised research Essay assignments, examination Essay assignments, examination Essay assignments, examination Essay assignments, examination 10
10. Special features: Specialisms Students may choose to pursue an MBA with a named specialism. If a student registers for a particular specialism in their MBA, successfully completes the core modules, the two optional modules, chosen from the approved list for this specialism, and the in that specialism, s/he will be awarded an MBA with this specialism. Indications of programme quality: The programme is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). http://www.mbaworld.com/en/business-schools/business-school-search/business-schooldetail.aspx?s=ci9jdi4sr6x5i7ijymyvtj9pwqtsbylraummtskndg9nnqo5lsjusg%3d%3d 11. Scheme of Assessment: University of Leicester Senate Regulation 6: Regulations governing taught postgraduate programmes of study applies: http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/sas2/regulations/documents/2012-13/senatereg6-pgt.pdf 12. Progression points: Full time students The progress of full-time students will be considered by a Board of Examiners at the end of the taught component of the programme, in accordance with the Senate Regulations 6.28 and 6.29, as follows: Taught module credits failed at first attempt Up to 30 credits Progression rule A student will continue with the project and is entitled to re-sit failed modules at the earliest opportunity. 31-60 credits A student will not continue with the project and is entitled to re-sit failed modules, up to the maximum credit value of 60 credits, at the earliest opportunity. If, after re, a student has 30 credits or less of failed modules, s/he will be allowed to continue with the. If, after re, a student has more than 30 credits of failed modules, s/he will not be allowed to continue with the and shall be considered at the next meeting of the Board of Examiners. Where the number of credits failed is such that the student can redeem a sufficient number to meet the requirements for an intermediate award, a Board of Examiners shall consider the student s performance and shall recommend an appropriate intermediate award. Where the number of credits failed is such that the student cannot redeem a sufficient number to meet the requirements for an intermediate award, a Board of Examiners shall consider the student s performance and shall withdraw him/her for academic failure. More than 60 credits A student will not continue with the project, but is entitled to re-sit failed modules, up to the maximum credit value of 60 credits, in order to meet the requirements for an intermediate award. Where the number of credits failed is such that the student cannot redeem a sufficient number to meet the requirements for an intermediate award, a Board of Examiners shall consider the student s performance and shall withdraw him/her for academic failure. 11
Distance learning students Distance learning students are required to demonstrate satisfactory progress on their programme of study by a series of progression points as follows: Progression point 1 This progression point corresponds to the progression from the Postgraduate Certificate level modules to the Postgraduate Diploma level modules. A student s progress will be reviewed at the completion of the four Postgraduate Certificate level modules. Students are given an opportunity to resubmit in the session following receipt of module results. For those who do not resubmit, a period of academic suspense may be recommended based on the progression rules below. The Postgraduate Certificate level modules are identified in Appendix 1. The following progression rules apply: Postgraduate Certificate level module credits failed at first attempt where there has been no resubmission to date Progression rule 0 credits A student will proceed to the Postgraduate Diploma level modules. 15 credits A student will proceed to the Postgraduate Diploma level modules and is entitled to re-sit the failed modules at the earliest opportunity. A student will be advised that s/he may take a period of academic suspense in which to complete the re if not already attempted. 30-60 credits A student will not proceed to the Postgraduate Diploma level modules and is entitled to re-sit failed modules at the earliest opportunity. A student will be advised to take a period of academic suspense in which to complete the re if not already attempted. If, after re, a student has 30 credits or less of failed modules, s/he will be allowed to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma level modules. If, after re, a student has more than 30 credits of failed modules, s/he will not be allowed to progress to the Postgraduate Diploma level modules and shall be considered at the next meeting of the Board of Examiners. 12
Progression point 2 This progression point corresponds to the progression from the Postgraduate Diploma level modules to the project. A student s progress will be reviewed at the completion of the taught component of the programme. In accordance with Senate Regulations 6.29, the following progression rules apply: Taught module credits failed at first attempt where there has been no resubmission to date Progression rule 0 credits A student will proceed to the 15-30 credits A student will proceed to the and is entitled to re-sit failed modules, up to the maximum credit value of 60 credits (including the re of failed modules at the Postgraduate Certificate level, if any), at the earliest opportunity. A student will be advised that s/he may take a period of academic suspense in which to complete the re if not already attempted, before progressing to the. 31-60 credits A student will not proceed to the and is entitled to re-sit failed modules, up to the maximum credit value of 60 credits (including the re of failed modules at the Postgraduate Certificate level, if any), at the earliest opportunity. A student will be advised to take a period of academic suspense in which to complete the re if re not already attempted. If, after re, a student has 30 credits or less of failed modules, s/he will be allowed to progress to the. If, after re, a student has more than 30 credits of failed modules, s/he will not be allowed to progress to the and shall be considered at the next meeting of the Board of Examiners. Where the number of credits failed is such that the student can redeem a sufficient number to meet the requirements for an intermediate award, a Board of Examiners shall consider the student s performance and recommend an appropriate intermediate award. Where the number of credits failed is such that the student cannot redeem a sufficient number to meet the requirements for an intermediate award, a Board of Examiners shall consider the student s performance and withdraw him/her for academic failure. Progression point 3 This progression point corresponds to the progression from Part 1 of the project to Part 2 of the project. The project comprises of two parts. Part 1 consists of the research methods training and culminates in the submission of the project proposal for the Research Ethics Approval. Part 2 entails the project itself and culminates in the submission of the. The students are not allowed to progress to Part 2 of the project until they have received a written permission from the School to do so. The permission is given on obtaining the Research Ethics Approval. The student must commence the project at least eight months prior to the end of the registration period. 13
Additional information A student who achieves a high proportion of credits at 60% and above or at 70% and above at Progression Points 1 and 2 will be informed that if s/he continues to perform at such a level then a degree with merit or distinction, respectively, could be within their grasp. Full-time students are required to spend at least 500 hours during their total programme of study in compulsory, scheduled face-to-face contact between the learning group and faculty. Distance learning students are required to spend at least 120 hours during their total programme of study in compulsory, scheduled face-to-face or synchronous contact between the learning group and faculty. Participation in the activities involving face-to-face or synchronous contact between the learning group and faculty will be robustly monitored. A failure to achieve these requirements on the part of a student will have significant impact upon the Board of Examiners decision on the outcome of her/his studies. 14
Appendix 1: Programme structure (programme regulations) All students are expected to take all core modules, two option modules, and the and research methods module. Module Code: Module Title Credits Campusbased Core modules Distance Learning MN7206 MN7600 Academic Skills and Knowledge 0 a MN7203 MN7501 b Organisational Behaviour 15 MN7201 MN7557 b Marketing, Design and Operations 15 MN7006 MN7516 b Accounting for Managers 15 MN7205 MN7506 b Business Ethics in a Global Context 15 MN7202 MN7558 Strategy, Business Information and Analysis 15 MN7204 MN7559 Corporate Finance 15 MN7001 Media, Communication and Debate 0 Option modules Research methods and module Option 1 15 Option 2 15 MN7004 MN7599 Dissertation and Research Methods c 60 MN7597 Dissertation and Research Methods (Biotechnology) d 60 Notes: a b c d This non-credit bearing module comprises formative Postgraduate Certificate level module Compulsory only for the candidates for the degree of MBA other than MBA (Biotechnology) Compulsory only for the candidates for the degree of MBA (Biotechnology) 15
Option modules The following option modules are available. Each module is worth 15 credits. Not all of these options may be available in all modes in any one year Campus-based MN7311 A Critical Enquiry into Consultancy Distance Learning MN7314 Alternative Economies MN7579 Alternative Economies MN7303 Business-to-Business Marketing and Supply Chain Management MN7533 MN7572 MN7517 Benchmarking Branding and Communications Business-to-Business Marketing and Supply Chain Management MN7363 MN7318 MN7036 MN7313 MN7351 Comparative Industrial Relations Consumption, Society and Culture Corporate Governance Critical Approaches to HRM Developments in Business Finance MN7333 Employee Relations MN7583 Employee Relations MN7361 MN7354 Finance and Society Financial Option Pricing MN7595 MN7588 MN7513 Entrepreneurship Innovation for Managers International Finance MN7242 International Finance and Globalisation MN7574 International Finance and Globalisation MN7331 International Marketing MN7529 International Marketing MN7304 Knowledge Management MN7576 Knowledge Management MN7035 MN7306 MN7019 MN7316 Management Accounting Managing Diversity Managing Information: Technology and Systems Marketing of Services MN7584 MN7510 Leadership MN7352 Performance Measurement: Quantitative Approaches MN7028 Public Finance MN7512 Public Finance MN7356 MN7037 MN7365 MN7358 Quantitative Marketing Intelligence Social and Environmental Accounting Social Studies of Finance Strategy: Contemporary Issues and Critical Debates MN7596 MN7598 MN7834 MN7589 MN7822 Managing Information: Technology and Systems Science, Technology and Society Strategic Financial Management Strategic Human Resource Management Strategy: Contemporary Issues and Critical Debates Total Quality Management MN7364 Understanding Modern Capitalism MN7592 Understanding Modern Capitalism MN7372 MN7373 MN7374 MN7375 Cultural Intermediaries and Marketing as Practice Public Policy International HRM Corporate Social Performance 16
Specialisms Students may choose to pursue an MBA with a named specialism. If a student registers for a particular specialism in their MBA, successfully completes the core modules, the two optional modules, chosen from the approved list for this specialism, and the in that specialism, s/he will be awarded an MBA with this specialism. The approved optional module lists for each specialism are given below: Module Code Module Title Credits MBA (Employee Relations) Campus-based MN7313 Critical Approaches to HRM 15 MN7306 Managing Diversity 15 MN7333 Employee Relations 15 MN7363 Comparative Industrial Relations 15 MBA (Employee Relations) Distance learning MN7583 Employee Relations 15 MN7834 Strategic Human Resource Management 15 MBA (Finance) Campus-based MN7028 Public Finance 15 MN7242 International Finance and Globalisation 15 MN7036 Corporate Governance 15 MN7037 Social and Environmental Accounting 15 MN7351 Developments in Business Finance 15 MN7352 Performance Management: Quantitative Approaches 15 MN7354 Financial Option Pricing 15 MN7361 Finance and Society 15 MN7365 Social Studies of Finance 15 MBA (Finance) Distance learning MN7512 Public Finance 15 MN7513 International Finance 15 MN7574 International Finance and Globalisation 15 MN7598 Strategic Financial Management 15 MBA (Information Technology Management) Campus-based MN7019 Managing Information: Technology and Systems 15 MN7304 Knowledge Management 15 MBA (Information Technology Management) Distance learning MN7510 Managing Information: Technology and Systems 15 MN7576 Knowledge Management 15 17
Module Code Module Title Credits MBA (Marketing) Campus-based MN7303 Business-to-Business Marketing and Supply Chain Management 15 MN7316 Marketing of Services 15 MN7318 Consumption, Society and Culture 15 MN7331 International Marketing 15 MN7356 Quantitative Marketing Intelligence 15 MBA (Marketing) Distance learning MN7572 Branding and Communications 15 MN7517 Business-to-Business Marketing and Supply Chain Management 15 MN7529 International Marketing 15 MBA (Total Quality Management) Campus-based MN7303 Business-to-Business Marketing and Supply Chain Management 15 MN7352 Performance Management: Quantitative Approaches 15 MBA (Total Quality Management) Distance learning MN7517 Business-to-Business Marketing and Supply Chain Management 15 MN7822 Total Quality Management 15 MN7533 Benchmarking 15 MN7588 Innovation for Managers 15 MBA (Biotechnology) Distance learning MN7595 Entrepreneurship 15 MN7596 Science, Technology and Society 15 Appendix 2: Module Specifications See module specification database: http://www.le.ac.uk/sas/courses/documentation 18