UNIVERSITY OF BRADFORDSchool of ManagementProgramme/course title:Masterin Business Administration (MBA)
Awarding and teaching institution: / University of BradfordFinal award: / Master in Business Administration (MBA) [Framework for Higher Education Qualifications level 7]
Programme title: / Corporate MBA
Programme accredited by: / EQUIS
Duration: / 2-6 years
Date produced: / 14th March 2012
Last updated : / 12thMarch 2013
Introduction
In accordance with the University’s mission ‘Making Knowledge Work’, the School of Management aims to provide programmes that educate individuals as managers and business specialists, and thereby improve the quality of management as a profession.
The School’s first MBA programme was launched on a full-time basis in 1975 and is one of the oldest MBA programmes in the UK. Currently, in addition to theFull-time course, the School offers an Executive Modular,Distance Learning, Acceleratedand Corporate version of its MBA programme.
All the above programmes share a common structure and content and differ only in the form of assessment and delivery mechanism used. The Bradford MBA consists of 3 distinct stages (see below for further details)representing 1800 hours of study, through which you will accrue the 180 UK credits necessary for the award of a Master’s degree.
The corporate version of theMBA differs from other versions of the School’s MBA programmes in that its design enables client organisations to specify elements of the programmes content and to nominate the individuals who can participate. Corporate MBAs are developed in conjunction with the client and are delivered using an appropriate blend of 3-day intensive residential modules and distance learning modules. In addition a Management Project must be undertaken, for which there is no attendance requirement. Corporate MBAs typically take between 2 and 3 years and are not tied to a specific start date. The maximum period a programme at this level of study can take is determined by University of Bradford policy, which is currently 6 years.
Individuals who are nominated by their company to participate on a corporate MBA must meet the standard entry requirements for the MBA set by the School of Management.
Programme Aims
The aim of the Bradford MBA is to develop management professionals equipped with the knowledge, skills and expertise to provide the strategic leadership necessary to effect the transformational change to create and maintain a sustainable business future for national and international organisations.
The general management focus of the Bradford MBA is concerned with developing management professionals who can provide effective and ethical leadership in business.
An additional aim of the Corporate MBA is to provide significant added value to the client organisation by contextualising a participant’s learning to a specific sector or business environment.
Programme Learning Outcomes
When you have completed the programme you will have:
Knowledge and Understanding
- A systemic and critical understanding of management knowledge and awareness of contemporary business issues, and current research and practice in business administration;
- A broad but rigorous understanding of the concepts, constructs and frameworks applicable to business administration and of the tools and techniques used to support decision making;
- Specialist knowledge of international business activities and the practical implications cultural differences can bring to business conducted across national boundaries.
Discipline Skills
- The ability to critically appraise current research and advanced scholarship in management to support the formulation of solutions to contemporary business problems;
- The ability to critically evaluate and develop investigative designs that will facilitate the collection of data to support the construction and presentation of business cases;
- A personal and critical understanding of sustainability and to be able to make business decisions, taking into account the complexity of the sustainability agenda in its broadest sense;
Personal transferable skills
- Adaptability and originality in tackling and solving problems, and the ability to work cooperatively with others and provide ethical leadership in bringing about strategic transformational change;
- To exercise personal initiative and responsibility in effecting solutions to complex strategic business problems surrounding by uncertain business intelligence and incomplete data;
- The ability to assess ongoing professional and career development needs and to take action to maintain the knowledge and skills required to practice.
Curriculum
The programme is organised into three phases:
In the first phase, the functional disciplines of management are covered. These provide the knowledge, skills and techniques that are fundamental to the whole area of management and provide the foundations for the second phase of the programme when a more detailed understanding of particular management topics is developed. During this phase you will also begin work on a Personal Development Plan, which starts at the induction and is assessed at the end of the taught programme.
In phase two you will take 5 modules. Three of these will be chosen by the client (your employer) from the general elective list and will reflect contemporary management issues particularly relevant to the client’s business. You will also be required to undertake modules in Strategic Management and Business Research; the former is integrativeto the programme, whilst the latter provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to undertake the third phase of the programme.
The third and final phase of the programme involves the completion of two further elective modules, which will be chosen by the client from the general elective list. You will also undertake a management project in which you will address a real and challenging organisational issue. Projects may be based on previous experience, personal interest, anticipated future business engagement or a topic proposed by the client. The MBA project is worth 40 credits and is the capstone of the programme.
Sustainability and ethical management is a central tenet of the Bradford MBA. Consequentially, you can expect to be confronted by these issues throughout the programme. Foundation modules will encourage you to reflect on how the performance of core management activities such as operations, marketing and human resource management impact on the environment, society and the economy, e.g. through purchasing decisions, marketing strategies and recruitment policies, etc. In the second phase of the programme, electives designed to develop specialisms will provide you with the opportunity to explore your emerging understanding in more detail, e.g. by studying material recovery mechanisms in supply chains and considering the role of consumer behaviour in sustainable business models. Additionally, specialist modules in CSR and Sustainable Operations are available if you are seeking to focus on this facet of your business.
Phase 1
On completion of 60 credits you will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Management. The modules studied in phase 1 are:
Postgraduate Certificate (Corporate)
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN4101M / Business Economics / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
MAN4055M / Business Accounting / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
MAN4230M / Managing People / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
MAN4045M / Marketing / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
MAN4050M / Operations Management / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
MAN4071M / Corporate Finance / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
During this phase you will also begin collecting evidence for your Personal Development Portfolio (PDP):
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN4228M / Personal Development Planning / C / 10 / 7 / Various
Phase 2
On completion of a further 60 credits, you will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Management. A list of typical elective modules is shown in appendix 1. The modules studied in phase 2 are:
Postgraduate Diploma (Corporate)
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN4094M / Strategic Management / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
MAN4216M / Business Research / C / 10 / 7 / Agreed with client
Three 10 credit specialist modules selected in advance of year 2 by the client
Phase 3
On completion of 180 credits you will be eligible for the award of Masters in Business Administration (MBA). The modules studied in phase 3 are:
Masters in Business Administration (Corporate)
Module Code / Module Title / Type / Credits / Level / Study periodMAN4068Q / MBA Management Project (15,000 words) / C / 40 / 7 / Agreed with client
Two 10 credit specialist modules selected in advance of year 3 by the client
In addition to the assessed components of the programme, there are a number of skills-based non-assessed courses available in Bradford. You will also have the opportunity to attend sessions on study and presentation skills in order to assist with the preparation of your personal development portfolio. A range of beginner, intermediate and advanced level language courses (currently French, German, Spanish and Japanese, or Business English in the case of non-UK students) are also available if you are studying in Bradford.
The curriculum may change, subject to the University's course approval, monitoring and review procedures.
Teaching and Assessment Strategies
The learning and teaching strategy used across the programme is intended to support the development of the knowledge, understanding and skills (discipline and personal) that are collectively required to meet the programme’s learning outcomes.
At the programme level, a number of generic strategies are typically used. For example, the combined use of formal lectures, group discussions, tutorials, seminars, directed reading and personal research supports LO1, 2, 3 and 4, whilst exposure to sustainability issues in the individual modules supports LO6. Case study analysis and discussion is often used to contextualise the learning and to develop competences in the techniques required to satisfy LO1, 2, 7 and 8. The use of small study groups encourages participative learning, provides experience of working with people from different cultures (LO3) and helps develop the leadership, organisational and project management skills that underpin L07. Finally, the project provides an opportunity to apply the learning in a business context, which supports learning outcomes such as LO3, 6 and 8.
Typically, however, a programme’s learning outcomes will be attained through exposure to a number of learning and teaching experiences, each of which is designed to introduce you to relevant subject knowledge, to cultivate understanding and to help you develop the discipline and personal skills necessary.
Each learning and teaching experience (module) will vary in purpose and content. For example, most postgraduate modules at the School of Management lead to the accumulation of 10 UK credits, which amounts to approximately 100 hours study of which 30 normally involves some form of contact with the module leader. One or more texts provide the basis for most modules but you will be encouraged to develop understanding further by making use of the Schools’ libraries and online facilities and undertaking personal research. A manual is provided with each module, which includes details of the module’s aims, the learning and teaching strategy used, the syllabus, any preparatory work required, the mode of assessment and the availability of supporting materials – cases, video clips, audio recording, lecture notes/slides, etc. on the Schools’ VLEs.
Because each learning and teaching experience (module) is different, the learning, teaching and assessment strategy employed also differs to reflect the module’s aims, learning outcomes and subject matter; specific details of which are specified in each module descriptor.
Class delivery
At the module level a combination of assessments are typically used. For example, group work and presentations may be used to assess your leadership and communication skills (LO5 and 7), your ability to make a convincing business case (LO4) or work effectively with people from different cultural backgrounds (LO3 and 7). Individual assignments and written reports may be used to assess your knowledge and understanding (LO1, 2 and 6) your ability to conduct personal research, to synthesise ideas and information, critically evaluate options and present solutions (LO4). Case studies and business simulations may be used to assess your understanding of a body of knowledge (LO1, 2 and 3) and to show adaptability and originality in tackling and solving problems (LO7). The final project is used to assess your overall capacity to apply contextual learning (LO8) and mastery of a specialist area (LO3 and 6).
Online delivery
Modules delivered online (distance learning) also require 100 hours of individual (self directed) learning. To facilitate this and ensure that maximum benefit is derived from this mode of study you can expect:
- A detailed module manual made up of 8 learning units and 1 revision/overview unit introducing key areas that will guide you through additional materials (e.g. relevant textbook chapters, information on the VLE)
- The provision of relevant set text and additional practitioner based and academic literature
- On line module manuals incorporating interactive formative tasks
- Complete on-line lecture audio, selected lecture videos and presentation slides
- Module leader ‘talking heads’ introducing and concluding each module
- Access to an automatically updated contemporary resource centre (Delicious)
- MCQ’s for each module learning unit
- Dedicated DL tutor support
- Weekly online tutor lead discussion topics
- On line live tutorials with a dedicated module tutor using case studies to further develop understanding of key issues
Closed and open book examinations and course work are used extensively in distance learning modules to assess the attainment of learning outcomes.
Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
The School of Management sees sustainable development (SD) as a key business issue and recognises the need for all its graduates to be aware of sustainable development issues, and to understand the way in which their discipline and professional practice can impact on sustainability.
The School of Management is committed to supporting the University’s position as an ‘Ecoversity’ and incorporating the principles of ESD into its programmes. Within this context, the School has reflected on the issues confronting management education and practice related to SD and has concluded that, where possible and appropriate, there is pedagogic value in incorporating ESD throughout its programmes’ modules. This approach supports the MBA’s emphasis on developing philosophical understanding, critical thinking and research as a method of problem solving.
The key issues that are emphasised under ESD and have been developed through a curriculum review, referenced against the UNESCO framework for ESD are:
- Respect for the dignity and human rights of all people throughout the world and a commitment to social and economic justice for all
- Respect for the human rights of future generations and a commitment to intergenerational responsibility
- Respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to build locally and globally a culture of tolerance, non-violence and peace
- Respect and care for the greater community of life in all its diversity which involves the protection and restoration of the Earth's ecosystems.
These represent the foundations on which critical thinking is developed. Many of the School’s academics are critical management theorists, whose goal is to root out the (often unthinking) oppression, indignities and injustices that feature in organisational life. How your activities contribute to SD will be brought into focus by addressing these issues in your taught modules and your personal research. Throughout, a critical approach to SD will be adopted and you will be encouraged to consider the nuances of the SD statements, the contradictory research evidence that surrounds the SD debates, and how theories and knowledge become legitimised.
Within the curriculum of the MBA you will find reference to elements of ESD. For example you may discuss socially responsible investment in the Corporate Finance module; the issues associated with green marketing in the Marketing module and alternative supply chain models in the Operations Management module. Throughout you will be required to think globally and behave multi-culturally – the programme is permeated with this commitment to ESD and to the UN Principles of Responsible Education, which the School of Management subscribes to.
The University’s policy on SD, the School of Management’s policy, and the UNESCO statement are in the Programme Handbook.
Assessment Regulations
This Programme conforms to the standard University Assessment Regulations for Postgraduate Programmes which are available at the following link:
Supplementary assessment is required for any assessment graded at EF. A maximum of 20 credits at grade D can be condoned without the need for supplementary assessment. To gain a Masters in Business Administration degree all subjects should be completed at Pass level or not more than 20 credits condoned as Marginal fails (D). A D grade in the Management Project cannot be condoned, a Pass grade or above is required.
On successful completion of 60 credits students are eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Business and Management. On successful completion of 120 credits students are eligible for the award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Management.
Where 100 credits are gained at the Pass with Distinction level including the projectstudents will be eligible for the award of MBA with distinction. If 100 or more credits are gained at the Pass with Merit level including the project students will be eligible for the award of MBA with merit. Further information on award and progression is available on request.
Admission Requirements
Applications for the Corporate MBA are managed through Executive Education in liaison with the client (please refer to the appropriate appendices for any variations on the standard admissions criteria).
All applications are considered on their individual merits and will be assessed using a collective approach, which takes into account professional status and experience as well as academic achievement.
A suitable profile of applicants with formal academic*or professional qualifications would be:
- At least 3 years postgraduate work experience in a managerial/supervisory role.
- Evidence of numeracy and literacy competences e.g. satisfactory GMAT**.
- An approved test in English if it is not the applicant’s first language***.
A suitable profile of applicants without formal academic or professional qualifications would be:
- Significant managerial or business leadership experience (normally 8 years).
- Evidence of numeracy and literacy competences e.g. satisfactory GMAT.
- An academic recommendation based on interview.
- An approved test in English, if it is not the applicant’s first language**.
* A suitable academic qualification would normally be deemed to be a first degree from an approved university: a UK degree minimum 2:2 (honours); European degree - gross percentile average (GPA) 2.5 out of 4.0 or 6.5 out of 10, or overall average of 70 from 100%.