Course Catalogue

The aims of the MBA programme are to equip students with the following: 1. a systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed; 2. the ability to apply relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations taking account of its relationship and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation; 3. a critical awareness of current issues in business and management which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field; 4 an understanding of appropriate techniques sufficient to allow detailed investigation into relevant business and management issues; 5. creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge in business and management; 6. the ability to acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations; 7 conceptual understanding that enables the student to: a. evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations b. use existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice; 8 the ability to conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process 9 the ability to communicate effectively using a range of media (for example, orally, in writing, and through digital media); 10 the ability to operate effectively in a variety of team roles and take leadership roles, where appropriate 11 the ability to take an international perspective including understanding the impact of globalisation on businesses, societies and the environment and the ethical implications.

There is an integration between theory and practice by a variety of means. Where appropriate, participants are expected to capitalise on their current and prior experience. The LTA strategy makes available opportunities for participants to reflect on their knowledge, experience and practice. This also leads to participants being able to modify and develop their own, and others', business practices. The LTA strategy is based on a combination of structured tuition and student-centred learning. Methods adopted include lecture, tutorial, practical, workshops, 'real world' business case study analysis, video, group discussion and business simulations. This approach is intended to facilitate students taking ownership and responsibility for their own learning. All are addressed formatively through contributions to discussions and direct contact with tutors in group discussions. Materials required to support and inform learners to achieve all outcomes are provided throughout the programme and include books, journal articles and case studies as well as tutor notes. All modules are supported via the VLE. Intellectual skills are developed through case study or 'real world' project work and simulations, tutorial work, coursework assignments and directed reading, enabling linking of theory to practical examples. Theory and practice are strongly linked. Intellectual skills are supported and reinforced by the application of concepts learned and the use of analytical tools to work-based or work related practice. Problem solving skills are developed through team work on critical incidents, case studies or business scenarios. Effective communication of the results of case study analysis, of the development of business plans and of the analysis of data, are core to the LTA strategy. the outcomes of practical skills should be manifest in the ability to make reasoned recommendations appropriately drawn from data or market intelligence. Students will be provided with support during induction and throughout the programme in the development of key skills. The nature of classroom sessions is devised to create an interactive experience, with group activities playing a large part in the delivery. Students will be expected to undertake work in their own time and, given the applied approach to assessment this will demand a degree of self-management. Transferable skills will be important in providing students with the increased confidence and ability to address business problems. During the induction there is a focus on critical management thinking and reflections on own learning. Assessment A variety of assessment methods are deployed throughout the programme. These methods include problem solving exercises, practical projects, case studies, simulations, research-based projects, literature reviews, group presentations, group and individual reports, reflective reviews, class tests. Formative feedback is provided in all modules. In most modules more than one piece of formal assessment exists, which allows for further feedback to be given in the course of the module. The assessment methodology, as defined above, provides opportunities for the assessment of intellectual skills. The blending of group and individual assessment formats help to develop collaborative awareness and team perspectives in addition to individual reflection. All practical skills are assessed through a wide variety of methods, mirroring or reflecting the application of such skills in the workplace. The analytical nature of the programme, particularly at the independent research stage, will require students to investigate organisational issues/problems and to seek workable recommendations through a theoretical framework. Students are expected to base those recommendations on the detailed analysis and discussion of primary and secondary data. Where ICT packages are used, these will form part of the assessment submission. Transferable skills are also assessed at the final stage of the program

The use of 'live' case studies, visiting practitioners and business simulation exercises ensures that the programme focuses strongly on the world of work. All students are in employment and the ethos of the programme is to provide ‘theory into practice’.