Master of Business Administration (Mba)

University of Derby Online Learning

www.derby.ac.uk/online

Master of Business Administration

Programme Handbook

2013-2014


www.derby.ac.uk/online 2 of 49

Contents 1: Welcome ........................................................................................................................... 3

2: Programme Information .................................................................................................... 5

3: Module Information ......................................................................................................... 12

Contemporary Challenges in Leadership & Management ................................................ 13

Markets, Customers and Marketing ................................................................................. 17

Sustainable Business Operations .................................................................................... 20

Leading, Managing and Developing People .................................................................... 27

Strategic Management .................................................................................................... 30

Business Impact Study .................................................................................................... 34

Independent Study .......................................................................................................... 39

4: Personal Development Planning (PDP) .......................................................................... 44

4.1:Programme Assessment ........................................................................................... 45

4.2: Assessment Approach ............................................................................................. 45

4.3: Submission of Assessed Work ................................................................................ 46

4.4: Changes in Circumstances ....................................................................................... 46

4.5: Assessment Regulations ......................................................................................... 47

5: Programme Quality Assurance........................................................................................ 48

5.1: Programme Committee ............................................................................................. 48

5.2: Student Representation and Feedback ..................................................................... 48



1: Welcome Welcome to the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

This handbook sets out important details about the content, format and assessment of the various stages of your MBA programme as well as providing you with valuable supplementary information. You should study it carefully and retain it for reference.

The MBA is a premier qualification in management which requires very hard work and commitment. In order to succeed, you will need to be conscientious and focussed.

In constructing this study programme, the University of Derby has worked with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). The content and learning outcomes within the University of Derby MBA have been benchmarked to meet the CMI Professional Manager standards. This ensures that you acquire a sound grasp of the major disciplines underpinning general management and that you show the ability to also transfer your learning into practical application in the workplace.

In addition to the common core of knowledge and skills that underpin successful executive management, major themes within the programme are those of Integration, Leadership, Developments in Information Management and Trading within a Global Environment.

Please ensure that you meet all your academic commitments. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, all deadlines for assignments and project work must be adhered to. Occasionally a student gets into difficulty over his or her academic study. It is imperative that you seek help early and you will find staff more than willing to assist in genuine cases of difficulty.

I wish you every success in your postgraduate studies.

Yours sincerely

Bradley Saunders

PhD, MA, MSc, PGCE, BA, MCMI, AA CIPD

Senior Online Tutor (Business)


Room S201, Kedleston Road, Derby, DE22 1GB



Your Student Portal

University of Derby Online Learning (UDOL) would like to welcome you to your new student

portal, the gateway to all your online learning requirements. Here you will find useful

information to support you in studies as an online student, including Student Orientation,

Regulations, Study Skills and much more. Here you will be able to access your Programme

and Module(s) materials (previously known as Course Resources in UDo), access the e-

library and your Student Centre for marks and grades.You will also gain access to other

support services within the University; such as Student Wellbeing, Careers Service,

Technical Support and Student Union. Our Help centre within your portal will be your primary

source of reference should you have any queries about your studies:- changes in

circumstances, payment issues, assessments etc.

There are two ways to access the student portal. ONLINE WEBSITE From the online website, select Student Login which will appear in the top right hand corner of each page. Enter your username and password to access the new student portal. UNIVERSITY WEBSITE From the university website, select Current Students, click on UDo, enter your username and password then select Course Resources to access the new student portal.

1.1: Programme Team

Your Online Tutor

Your modules are presented by your online tutor - a qualified academic with subject knowledge of the respective module. Youll find a welcome and introduction from him or her within the module site on Course Resources (Blackboard). Your online tutor is your first point of contact for any queries you might have about the module, the learning materials, your grades and feedback and any other concerns you may have in relation to the module.

The Senior Online Tutor is able to help with wider issues, such as queries about the programme, providing you with academic guidance as to your progression through the programme and future studies.

The dedicated online learner support team (see below) are there to help with general queries around your enrolment, registration, module choices, fee payments and help you to access University services/support.



We want your online learning experience to be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. If, however, you experience any kind of difficulty at any stage, rest assured that you will find us more than willing to provide you with first-class help and guidance.

Details of how to contact your Senior Online Tutor are available in My Programmes, Programme Information. This can be accessed through My Learning (Your programme is listed on the left hand side). Details of how to contact your Online Tutor are available in individual modules.

The Online Learner Support Team

We want to offer a better, more personal online distance learning experience. Our dedicated online learner support team are here to help you with general queries and technical support. Contact them with your queries.

Our experienced team will be able to help with:

Understanding the number of credits you need to pass a stage of study, or achieve an award.

What the university regulations mean for you.

Knowing what your statement of achievement means.

The process for looking up results on the University's virtual learning environment (your Student Portal)

Understanding what it means if you're offered a referral and how to accept it in your Portal.

Knowing what the difference is between referrals and deferrals.

A wealth of other things to support you through your study with us.

Visit the Contact us section of the Student Portal.

2: Programme Information The Programme

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Interim Awards:

Post Graduate Certificate in Management Studies (60 credits)



Post Graduate Diploma in Management Studies (120 credits).

Master of Business Administration (MBA) (180 credits)

External Accreditation

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

CMI The Organisation

CMI are the only chartered professional body in the UK dedicated to promoting the highest standards in management and leadership excellence. Currently CMI has more than 86,000 members. CMI is the only chartered body in the UK that awards management and leadership qualifications, and the only body that awards Chartered Manager, the hallmark of any professional manager.

If youre a manager that means when you join the CMI you are making a statement about your standards and determination to continue to develop your management skills.

The Benefits of CMI Membership

CMI offer a wide ranging set of benefits to assist todays busy manager. These benefits include:

Information resources an extensive online resource packed with up to the minute best practice on the key management topics and issues.

Research advice and support trying to find answers on a key issue, CMI provide trained researchers who will provide a free to members service to find those answers for you.

Free publication subscription to the Professional Management and Management Today publications keeping you informed of the latest management theory and practice.

Networking frequent regional branch and national events, online forum and discussion groups that allow you to share ideas and create dialogue with fellow members.

Business HR free downloadable and customisable templates for policies, letters, forms and contracts that ensures your organisation is adhering to national HR and employment practices.

Free legal helpline advice from a qualified solicitor on a point of employment law outlining options, risks and possible outcomes.



Redundancy support free advice, practical support and an online job finding service to enable you to get back into a managerial position.

The Benefits of Chartered Manager Status

Chartered Manager status can be your career defining attribute. It is a professional recognition and independent endorsement of your ability to deliver results. It is a means of differentiation, setting you apart and boosting your career. As well as being a stimulus for your career, it highlights your ability and confidence to become a more efficient leader.

For additional information regarding the Chartered Management Institute please go to: http://www.managers.org.uk

Programme Rationale

The online MBA programme attracts a consistent number of high profile students each year, and in particular those that have a strong skill set in management. The programme aims to add value by developing in individuals an integrated and critically aware understanding of management and organisations, and assist them to take effective roles within them (QAA Benchmark Statement).

QAA Subject benchmarks indicate that the overall objective of master's level business and management degrees is to educate individuals as managers and business specialists, and thus to improve the quality of management as a profession. The purpose of these degrees is fourfold:

1. The advanced study of organisations, their management and the changing external context in which they operate.

2. Preparation for and / or development of a career in business and management by developing skills at a professional or equivalent level, or as preparation for research or further study in the area.

3. Development of the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice.

4. Enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development so as to be able to work with self-direction and originality and to contribute to business and society at large.

The MBA is defined as a career development generalist programme for those who have significant post-graduation and relevant work experience on which the learning process should build. Normally, the experience required will be at least two years with the typical entrant having substantially more than this. The main emphasis of these programmes is on leadership through strategic management. While the academic level is positioned no differently from that of Type 2 programmes, there is a strong practical and professional orientation to the curriculum and they may be linked to professional institute qualifications.



Due to the maturity and work experience of the students, MBA programmes are expected to be different in their objectives, recruitment and pedagogical processes to other master's degrees in business and management.

Graduates will have been able to ground their new knowledge within the base of their professional experience. They will be able to reflect on and learn from that prior experience and thus be able to integrate new knowledge with past experience and apply it to new situations. They will be able to challenge preconceptions and to remove subject and functional boundaries so as to handle complex situations holistically. They should also have particular strengths in analysing, synthesising and solving complex unstructured business problems.

In addition to being able to communicate their findings, they should have developed the skills to implement agreed solutions effectively and efficiently. They should therefore have strongly developed interpersonal skills and to be able to interact effectively with a range of specialists.

Studying online may be a new experience for you and we want to provide you with the opportunity to develop as an autonomous learner through appropriate academic support and resources. This means that a range of materials to support your learning are available online and you work through these materials at your own pace within the confines of the module requirements. But this doesnt mean you are on your own. We are committed to providing you with a named academic tutor for each module who is dedicated to supporting you to achieve your best and will provide you with high quality feedback in a timely manner. We also encourage you to exchange views with other students on the programme. You can do this in a number of ways including E-Discussion Groups, Wikis, Live Classrooms (using Blackboard Collaborate) and guided individual and group tasks.

Each module will incorporate the core elements of relevant and structured content, a rich variety of activities and timely and focussed feedback in order to help you to get the most out of your studies.

2.1: Programme Aims & Outcomes The MBA operates with the Management Masters Programme (MMP) Framework which covers all the Universitys Masters Suite of Business programmes. The programme aims to share the main philosophy and a number of modules outlined for the specialist Management Masters Programmes. The programme aims to set the MBA within the context of the broader field of Business and Management enabling learners to demonstrate relevant knowledge and understanding of organisations, the external context in which they operate and how they are led.

Specific programme aims are to:

Provide a programme within the Postgraduate Regulatory framework and MMP Specialist degrees with sufficient elements to meet the requirements of the Chartered Management Institute Qualification Standards.



Provide programme content and Learning,Teaching and Assessment strategy with sufficient flexibility to meet the diverse market demands of local, national and international student preferences.

Enable you to identify problems, complex issues and opportunities, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data to achieve business benefit and competitive advantage to ensure those decisions adds strategic value to the organisation.

Evaluate the need for change, and the skills required to manage and lead the change.

Develop professional behaviours and technical elements of professional competencies through a range of leadership, managerial and strategic related skills necessary to operate in, understand and lead the business function within complex and unpredictable employment contexts.

Support you in the process of self-reflection and development to enhance employability, career development and lifelong learning.

Provide an academically rigorous and challenging programme of study aligned with the QAA Qualification Framework and CMI Strategic Leadership and Management standards enhancing critical and reflective practice.

Prepare you to be operationally effective in you chosen business industry / sector by providing you with the tools to achieve this; a strong theoretical base and a range of skills relevant to todays business practice.

Programme Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme you will have achieved a range of learning outcomes at the level 7 standard of the Framework for Higher Education Qualification (FHEQ). These are aligned with the overriding philosophy of the Management Masters Programmes, QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for specialist Masters Degrees in Business and Management (2007) and the CMI Level 7 Qualification Standards for Strategic Leadership and Management.

Knowledge and Understanding

You will be able to:

Identify and understand the organisational dynamics contributing to effective leadership.

Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of the external context upon organisations including economics, markets and the development of management practices and innovations at local, national and international level in the development of their strategies and management.

Demonstrate a broad understanding of organisational functions and their contribution to organisational capability and effectiveness; be aware of global variations in the



internal characteristics of organisations, in particular stakeholder diversity and differences in culture, structure and governance.

Demonstrate current knowledge and understanding of the major functional areas of business.

Demonstrate specialist functional and professional knowledge in relation to your programme of study and aligned to the (strategic insights and solutions; leading and managing the function; organisation design and development; operations and systems planning; financial and business performance; information and knowledge utilisation; assessing and delivering business impact).

Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of change and how to implement, manage and lead change processes within an organisation.

Intellectual Skills


Research and analyse external factors and trends.

Demonstrate skills of analysis and synthesis through the application of knowledge to complex business contexts and scenarios.

Plan and undertake a business impact project demonstrating the measurable and achievable business performance outcomes.

Demonstrate strategic awareness and thinking capability.

Critically evaluate a range of academic literature and competing theoretical paradigms and apply relevant academic concepts demonstrating intellectual rigour.

Present logical and relevant arguments.

Subject Specific Skills


Demonstrate knowledge and skills relating to successful leadership and management within a diverse cultural context.

Contribute towards the development of appropriate business strategies, policies, procedures and change programmes within a dynamic business context.

Demonstrate a range of professional behaviours in line with the CMI Level 7 qualification standards (e.g. Curious; Decisive thinker; Skilled influencer; Driven to deliver; Collaborative; Personally credible; Courage to challenge; Role model).

Manage tasks, projects and resources.

Demonstrate numerical and quantitative skills.

Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of professional and ethical standards and principles on business practice and the organisation.



Transferable Skills


Understand & challenge personal ways of thinking and behaving demonstrating a reflective and self-critical approach.

Demonstrate alternative ways of thinking & behaving in seeking solutions to complex business problems.

Demonstrate skills and commitment to life-long learning & personal growth / development.

Present and justify intellectually rigorous argument.

Communication skills: (listening; negotiating; persuading; influencing; oral and written communication/presentation; team working; partnership skills).

Research and apply relevant knowledge and skills to specific situations.

2.2: Programme Structure and Content This programme is studied on either a accelerated or standard basis. The certificate stage provides you with a broad recognition of the environment and context within which a business operates. Stages 2 and 3 build on this foundation with a more in depth exploration of a range of tactical and strategic areas in line with the CMI Level 7 qualification standards. Modules are designed to provide the learner with a broad range of appreciation in key business areas.

Students who do not complete the full Masters programme of study (180 credits) may be awarded a Post Graduate Certificate in Management (60 credits) or a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (120 credits).

Postgraduate Certificate in Management

Core

Contemporary Challenges in Leadership & Management

(20 Credits)

Core

Markets, Customers and Marketing

(20 credits)

Prescribed

Sustainable Business Operations

(20 Credits)

Postgraduate Diploma in Management

Core Improving Financial Performance

(20 credits)

Core Leading, Managing & Developing People

(20 Credits)

Core Strategic Management

(20 credits)



Master of Business Administration

2.2.1: Study Patterns A study pattern is a schedule that shows by semester the modules you can enrol on in order

to undertake your studies. The study pattern shows both core and optional modules (where

available). Follow the link below and then select your programme to see the study pattern.

Note: study patterns change depending on when you started the programme so please

select the study pattern for the semester you commenced your studies.

Link to Study Patterns.

3: Module Information In this section you will find a description of the modules which comprise the programme. This includes a description, indication of the content and the learning outcomes of each module.

Prescribed

Business Impact Study or Independent Study

(60 Credits)



Contemporary Challenges in Leadership & Management Module Level 7

Credit Value - 20

Module Description:

This module seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of the principle areas of leadership management practices emanating from business research and development. This will highlight contemporary changes and challenges on the links to positive organisational outcomes, as well as the major debates around theory and practice in the specific fields of leadership and change management. The aim of the module is to assist you to become an effective manager and leader in the workplace. The module will also require learners to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional skills perspective. You will draw experiences from a range of guest speakers and will research contemporary topical issues as well as be encouraged to develop the skills and behaviours to deal with the current challenges in organisations.

Module Content:

You will begin the module by exploring the influential and contemporary theories on leadership and management, investigating the impacts of leadership and management styles and how leaders might be developed in organisations. This exploration will have to be considered in light of the changing nature of the business environment. As the workforce population changes in terms of diversity of make-up (e.g. women, ethnic mix etc) so will management and leadership styles need to adapt. Organisational structure and culture can significantly influence expectations of leaders and managers. Consideration will also be given to a number of different factors that may influence an individuals understanding in the workplace (e.g. power and politics, risk in decision making, managing with ambiguity) and how this is changing the way people approach their own development. Organisations are pressing for a broader skill set from their managers and leaders. You will explore the challenges in developing alternative skill sets in enterprising characteristics, aptitude, attitudes and values, courage, insight, drive, resilience. Evidence shows that you must take a greater responsibility in their personal and professional development, which will require them to investigate and reflect on their continuing professional development. Learners will explore the relevance of reflective practice to business leaders and professional specialists and investing time in understanding how the frameworks to support reflective practice will enable them to be more effective managers and leaders.

Module Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of the module, you will be able to:



1. Review and critically evaluate contemporary research and debates on the relationship between the links between management and leadership practices and positive organisational outcomes.

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the wider implications of management decisions and behaviour on organisations, teams and individuals in practice.

3. Employ reflective and professional development processes to identify, evaluate and record the use of professional skills and plan future development

This module is based on the Portfolio-based, Reflective Online Learning Delivery Model and the Self-Paced Online Delivery Model:

You are provided with a set number of units of learning content. Content can be textual; can include video and audio material, screencasts or presentations with voiceovers. This is supported by additional optional activities such as discussion forums to enable you to ask questions of your peers and your tutor to clarify your understanding and to engage in further development of the principles and ideas. Formative learning activities such as practice examples, worked examples and online quizzes are made available, such activities enable you to interact, apply & exchange knowledge.

As part of this process, you will be asked to complete set activities which compile into a portfolio' of work contributing in part to your final assessment for the module. You will receive support from your tutor by sharing your portfolio as it develops.

You may be provided with the opportunity to participate in a set number of live classroom sessions during the module; these provide you with real time' access to your tutor and an opportunity to collaborate with your peers. Recordings of these sessions are made available to all students on the module; these are particularly useful for those unable to attend and for you to use in preparation for the module assessment strategy.

Module Assessment Mode:

Coursework 1: 40% weighting

Coursework 1 is a two part assessment

1. Assessment 1: 20% 750 800 words critically evaluating classic and contemporary literature in leadership and management (week 4)

2. Assessment 2: 20%

750 800 words critically evaluating the value of reflecting on experiences in leadership and management development (week 8)



Coursework 2: 60% weighting

Coursework 2 is a two part assessment (End of module report) 1. Using a case study organisation, or an organisation of your choice, review and critically

evaluate contemporary research and debate on the relationship between management

and leadership practices and behaviours in creating positive organisational outcomes

(1900 2000 words maximum). Practical examples based on your experiences will be

encouraged to supplement the construction of this work.

2. An academic and practical reflective enquiry based on activities that lead to the

construction of a continuing professional development plan that will facilitate your

individual managerial and leadership growth (300 400 words maximum). This must

also include a development plan focusing on your own management and leadership

development. It will include the what, why, when and how of your development.

Formative Assessment You will be given the opportunity to work through end of unit activities for each unit.

These activities could be:

Practical questions on the topic area Sharing of outcomes and problems encountered during practical examples in

coursework Further research into the topic area

You will be encouraged to discuss the results of these activities with others via discussion boards to promote peer to peer learning. Online tutors will also provide formative feedback to students via discussion boards and journal posts where appropriate.

Reading List

Your reading list for this module will be available as a digital reading list. You can access this from your Blackboard module via the resources link on the left hand menu.

Learning and Teaching Schedule & Assignment Brief/s

Details of the Learning and Teaching Schedule and Assignment Brief will be available within the Blackboard space for your module. Under Learning Activities you will find a list of Units which indicate the delivery schedule of the module. The Assessment Brief will be available within the Assessment area. If you have any questions about either of these elements you should contact your Online Tutor for clarification.

Assessment Brief:

The assessment brief is published for a stated trimester and year of delivery (for example; Autumn (September 2013), Spring (February 2014) or Summer (May 2014) and will be published by the Friday of the first week of the relevant trimester.



Assessment briefs contain the description of the assessment requirements for this module, information for you regarding how to successfully complete the assessment and the deadline for submission. Additional or further guidance may be provided by your Online Tutor through module announcements or discussion board posts within Blackboard.

As a student you should ensure that you; read your Unimail email regularly, access Blackboard regularly and subscribe to appropriate discussion board posts to receive any updates.

Assessment Due Dates

These are detailed in the relevant assessment brief for the delivery period of your module.

For further details about Programme Assessment requirements go to section 4 of this document.



Markets, Customers and Marketing Module Level 7

Credit Value - 20

Module Description:

The module develops critical learning into the organisational necessity of creating, developing and delivering superior and sustainable customer value achieving long-term competitive advantage in current, and potential, business economies and environments. But commercial reality and engagement means putting the customer central to, and across all levels of, an organisation processes.

The module is designed to develop management skills to support professionals capable of operating in increasingly complex, customer driven, fast moving and ever changing regional, international and global environments. All organisations, whether in the commercial, not for profit, business to business or public sectors, or whether in manufacturing or service provision, large or small.

To fully understand business and market behaviour the module is underpinned by economic principles, and their impacts, on the choices and strategies that marketers can adopt in competitive marketplaces. Management of all transformational, and operational, activities matter because they are the delivery system processes that will satisfy those customers, and their needs, by producing the necessary goods, and/or services, effectively and efficiently. Creating and delivering customer value will in return create mutually beneficial exchanges with all stakeholders. Organisations need prudent financial planning from marketers to achieve their annual targets.

Module Content:

Market equilibrium and consumer theory

Producer theory and pricing strategy, pricing under monopoly, oligopoly and market dominance

Market situations and government regulation

Macro, micro, internal environments and stakeholders

Capital investment decisions

The marketing orientation and centrality of the customer/consumer

Understanding the needs and values of customers

Marketing objectives, strategy, marketing sustainability, marketing tactics

Finance for marketers, costings, gross/net profit margins

Integration of organisational operations to achieve strategic aims



Creating and delivering customer value, innovation

Product and Services designs, 7Ps

Marketing planning, actions, implementation, risk and controls

Marketing ethics, CSR, Corporate Governance

Covering all organisational sectors, brands, identities, all domains and geographies, international and global considerations


1. Critically examine the impact that market structures, costs, pricing and competition have on marketing strategies.

2. Critically evaluate how customer value can be maximised through marketing activities to produce sustainable, strategic, competitive advantage.

3. Reflect on current trends and critical issues that are pertinent to the successful strategic alignment of sustainable value to customers and organisations.

4. Demonstrate personal skills sets for employability using analysis, planning, implementation and control techniques.

This module is based on the Portfolio-based, Reflective Online Learning Delivery Model and the Self-Paced Online Delivery Model:

You are provided with a set number of units of learning content. Content can be textual; can include video and audio material, screencasts or presentations with voiceovers. This is supported by additional optional activities such as discussion forums to enable you to ask questions of your peers and your tutor to clarify your understanding and to engage in further development of the principles and ideas. Formative learning activities such as practice examples, worked examples and online quizzes are made available, such activities enable you to interact, apply & exchange knowledge.

As part of this process, you will be asked to complete set activities which compile into a portfolio' of work contributing in part to your final assessment for the module. You will receive support from your tutor by sharing your portfolio as it develops.





Formative assessment:

You will be given the opportunity to work through end of unit activities for each unit.





Coursework 1: 20%

Case Study computerised test

Coursework 2: 80%

Individual report and learning diary

Reading List




Assessment Brief:









Sustainable Business Operations Module Level 7

Credit Value 20

Module Description:

Sustainable Business Operations is concerned with creating quality products and services in a consistent and reliable way. As this is the reason for the existence of an organisation, Sustainable Business Operations will be a central concern to the whole organisation.

The aim of this module is to provide a clear, well-structured and interesting treatment of Sustainable Business Operations as it applies to a variety of businesses and organisations and in a variety of contexts. It is intended to provide a logical and systematic path through the activities of Sustainable Business Operations and an understanding of their strategic context. It is orientated towards a managerial perspective of operations and is set within the context of its significant contribution to the success of an organisation.

Specifically, the module aims to be:

Strategic

Conceptual

Comprehensive

Practical

International and Global

Balanced and Integrated

Module Indicative Content:

Business Operations as a System:

Operations Strategy



Performance Objectives of Operations

Inputs, Transformations and Outputs

Design

Planning and Control

Improvement

Sustainability through Systems Design sourcing, distribution and managing the value-added activities and minimising wasteful activities

Aspects of Quality:

Philosophies

Systems

Evolution and Evaluation

Project Management:

A method for delivering beneficial radical change

Skills for delivering successful projects strategic, technical and interpersonal

The Project Life Cycle and evolving approaches

Rethinking Project Management



1. Analyse the importance of effective Sustainable Business Operations and the conditions necessary for effective and efficient work.

2. Critically evaluate changes/improvements to services, products and systems and how these impact on operations, and the overall success of the organisation.

This module is based on the Self-Paced Supported Online Learning Delivery Model:

You are provided with a set number of units of learning content. Content can be textual; can include video and audio material, screencasts or presentations with voiceovers. This is supported by additional optional activities such as discussion forums to enable you to ask questions of your peers and your tutor, to clarify your understanding and to engage in further development of the principles and ideas.

Formative learning activities such as practice examples, worked examples and online quizzes are made available to you. Such activities enable you to interact, apply & exchange knowledge. The purpose of formative activity is to provide you with feedback so that you know how you are progressing.




Module Assessment:

Formative Assessment

You will be given the opportunity to work through end of unit activities for each unit.





Coursework: 100%

Individual, written assignment. (3000-4000 words)

Reading List




Assessment Brief:

The assessment brief is published for a stated trimester and year of delivery (for example; Autumn (September 2013), Spring (February 2014) or Summer (May 2014)) and will be published by the Friday of the first week of the relevant trimester.




Improving Financial Performance

Module Level 7

Credit Value 20

Module Description:

As individuals take on more responsibilities within the organisation, they are more likely to be encouraged to accept accountabilities. This broadly means that their involvement is more likely to have a noticeable impact on the financial performance of the organisation, and that they are more likely to have to evaluate past performance, and be able to suggest and validate proposals for the future. This requires the participant to have the knowledge and competence to use financially based performance metrics at a more strategic level. If the participant can make an impact on financial performance, the premise would be that this would be an improvement. The organisation facing market and economic downturn, can always potentially be in an improved position. You are therefore likely to have a range of informational needs, and many of these will be financially linked and supported by accounting based activities. The needs must be identified and analysed, as the module presents a range of potentially appropriate tools to provide the knowledge framework. The module faces the challenge of helping participants to achieve raise their level of contribution to performance, by using the tools in the workplace. They may be both bound and liberated by financial information, as the accountabilities are accepted. As an increasingly diverse and potentially complex number of financially related issues are likely to arise for the participant at this level, the module will provide a main focus on the informational needs and uses generally associated with Management Accounting at the operational and tactical level, and Financial Management at the tactical and strategic level. The overall aim is to at least partially overcome the almost inevitable manager confronts accounting fear factor, to enable a higher level of questioning and participation in matters that might otherwise be left inappropriately managed, and dependent on the domain of the accountants.

Module Content:

Responsibility of managers as finance managers; Concept of value.

Role of financial and management accounting - data to support decisions.

Using management accounting information.

Financial analysis.

Budgets and budgetary control.

Costing methods and pricing strategies



Capital maintenance and investment appraisal.

Cost of capital.

How to value companies

Financial markets,

Identifying relevant information sources across the value chain

Information systems and business integration

A Systems thinking approach to performance measurement



To critically analyse the financially related performance metrics of the organisation.

To critically evaluate financially related information with the aim of supporting the financially measured improvements.






Formative assessment You will be given the opportunity to work through end of unit activities for each unit.







Summative assessment: Written report to show the results of an applied analysis (Max 3,000 words) of an issue using appropriate techniques and data.

Reading List




Assessment Brief:









Leading, Managing and Developing People Module Level 7

Credit Value 20

Module Description:

All managers and leaders are required to develop core knowledge and skills in the field of people management to enable them to contribute and add value to their organisations operating in a dynamic organisational and international context. This module seeks to develop knowledge and understanding of the principle areas of people management practices emanating from HRM/D research; highlighting contemporary changes and developments on the links to positive organisational outcomes, as well as the major debates about theory and practice in the specific fields of leadership, flexibility and change management within a global context. The aim of the module is to assist you in becoming an effective manager, provide a basis for understanding people management and development from a strategic perspective and enhance professional practices within the employment relationship context. The module also requires you to reflect critically on theory and practice from an ethical and professional standpoint.

Module Content:

The context of people management: - global, internationalisation, economic and institutional frameworks; changing organisational forms;

The application of business strategy models and theories to people management decisions

Impacts of leadership and management styles, the development of leaders in organisations

The evolving role of the HR function and HR practitioner within different types or organisations merging of two sentences

Influential and contemporary theories on commitment, psychological contract and engagement

Understanding teams and groups in organisations

HR policy and practice throughout the employment process; resourcing, development, reward, performance management

The management of employee relations in the workplace; employee involvement

Links between people practices (including HRM/D) and business outcomes

Ethical people management practices

Professionalism and ethical practice in the management of individuals in organisations





1. Critically evaluate contemporary research and debates on the relationship between people management/development and leadership practices in a dynamic and international organisational context.

2. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of management and practices and the implications for organisational performance.

3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the necessary capabilities, professional skills and knowledge required to manage people.






Formative assessment: You will be given the opportunity to work through end of unit activities for each unit. These activities could be:

Practical questions on the topic area

Sharing of outcomes and problems encountered during practical examples in coursework

Further research into the topic area




Summative assessment

Time Constrained Activity: 50%

A time constrained activity allowing the learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts and application within the module.

Coursework 2: 50%

A 2,000word (max) written assignment that provides evidence of application and skills development of the module content.

Reading List




Assessment Brief:









Strategic Management Module Level 7

Credit Value 20

Module Description:

This integrative module draws upon many of the themes covered elsewhere in the programme, and it aims to provide you with an holistic view and understanding of how different types of organisations manage the dynamics of strategy and policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation in order to respond to changes in both internal and external environmental dynamics and develop sustainable [competitive] advantage. It also aims to cover the landmark changes in business strategy and competitive markets being driven by globalisation and the dynamics of internet technology and how these impact on organisations. Further, in addition to providing a broad representation of the diverse concepts and theories that reflects current debate among academics and practitioners alike, it explores how firms utilise and manage competitive intelligence and knowledge in differing cultural, industrial and organisational contexts in order to develop innovative strategies to attain and maintain sustainable competitive advantage(s).

Finally, the module encourages you to develop a wider global/international perspective; increase their awareness of organisational, industry and cultural diversity and develop your critical/analytical, problem-solving and strategic decision-making skills.

Module Content:

Strategic Management in context: Its History, Evolution, and role in corporate development and the role of managers as innovative [strategic] thinkers.

Strategic Management in a Changing Environment; Change and Competitive Advantage; Managing Strategic Change and developing dynamic response in dynamic and volatile environments

Corporate Governance, Social Responsibility and Ethical issues.

The Social Enterprise and Shared Values agendas: How organisations contribute to various stakeholder interests and build value networks for mutual benefit.

Mapping Business Landscapes; Identifying internal and external competitive boundaries and mapping key relationships; Adapting to/shaping the business Landscape

Globalisation and Strategy: Defined and Demystified; Implications and strategic gains; the challenges of Global Efficiency, Local Responsiveness, and Global Learning.



The External Context: Industry Characteristics and Organisational Performance; Value Creation and Value Capture; Entry and Incumbency Advantage; Vertical Power: Buyers, Suppliers and Inter-organisational Relationships.

The Internal Context: Synergy or Responsiveness? Co-ordination or Incentive? Structure, Culture and sense-making, principles of transformation; the re-engineering, re-invention and re-emergence roller coaster;

Creating Competitive Advantage through Innovation; The routes to Value and Competitive Advantage; Innovative thinking, Knowledge, capability and position as Sustainable Competitive Advantage; Markets v. Resources approaches; Product/Service Quality and Cost frameworks.

Corporate Level Strategy: Generation of Strategic Alternatives through Scenario Building and Planning; Evaluation and Choice; Implementation issues: Plans, Policies and Resource Allocation. The impact of e-business on strategy formulation, or as a strategic option.

Knowledge Management: leveraging knowledge assets for competitive advantage and the role of informal social networks in innovation.



1. Critically analyse both quantitatively and qualitatively, the key issues facing the successful formulation and implementation of strategy.

2. Apply relevant and critical, methodological and theoretical literature on Strategic Management in different organisational and industry contexts.

3. Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate methods and approaches to evaluate, analyse, synthesise and quantify information about complex organisations in dynamically competitive situations; critically evaluate and select from a number of strategic options, and provide recommendations for implementation or (an)other course(s) of action.



Formative learning activities such as practice examples, worked examples and online quizzes are made available to you. Such activities enable you to interact, apply & exchange



knowledge. The purpose of formative activity is to provide you with feedback so that you know how you are progressing.



100% Written Coursework 3,500 words or equivalent




Further research into the topic area You will be encouraged to discuss the results of these activities with others via discussion boards to promote peer to peer learning. Online tutors will also provide formative feedback to students via discussion boards and journal posts where appropriate.

Summative assessment will be via an in-depth application of key strategy themes and constructs to evaluate an organisation or complex (organisation or industry) case scenario.

Reading List






Assessment Brief:









Business Impact Study Module Level 7

Credit Value 60

Module Description:

The Business Impact Study represents a major learning experience for you providing an opportunity to pursue in considerable depth and with suitable academic rigour a specific area of organisational intervention that is of interest to you, building on a preliminary investigation which has involved the use of relevant concepts, models and paradigms to understand a business issue. You can examine an area of your field of study which may not be available in formal modules, which needs extensive research or is best pursued on an individual basis. It also offers the chance for personal development, enhancing your existing skills of self-reliance, planning and organization, time management, communication, written expression and critical analysis as well as developing new practical research skills. Each Business Impact Study will be supervised by an appropriate Supervisor, appointed by Derby Business School. Prior to starting the full study, a Business Impact Proposal will be individually negotiated on entry at the final stage of the MBA programme. The final work will be independently assessed by two tutors, one of whom will be the Supervisor. It will be formed from two reports one which seeks to explain the business issue from an academic perspective and provides recommendations and one which reports on the implementation and impact of those recommendations.

Module Content:

The study is a three-part initiative: 1. A Research Proposal outlining your business issue and how you intend to examine it. 2. A Research Project designed to understand a business issue and develop a set of

recommendations to resolve the investigated issue 3. An impact study whereby your recommendations are implemented and the impact of

these evaluated

Part 1: Initially you will produce a research proposal that outlines your plans to research an identified business issue. The issue can be organisational, business unit or department wide and can be operational, people focussed or strategic in nature. The proposal will outline the issue and propose a clear aim and set of objectives which should seek to explore, understand and explain the issue. The proposal will also detail and justify a research approach and methods designed to meet the aim and the objectives. The purpose of the proposal is to outline a feasible project that is achievable given the methods



you specify. The proposal is completed on a standardised template and will include a rationale, a short literature review and proposed methodology. Part 2: Investigating a Business Issue Report. This part of the process can be conceptualised as a mini dissertation. It is a short report which outlines a small scale research project with one clear aim and two or three highly specific objectives which attempt to explore and explain a business issue. There will be a clear theoretical framework in place to underpin the project. The investigation must have ethical approval from the Business Subject Research Ethics Committee and must culminate in the development of a set of recommendations which will be implemented in part three of the module assessment for example they may include:

Creating something that did not exist previously

Improving a current departmental or business activity

Implementing change to improve performance via new methods

In your recommendations you will provide an efficient, in-depth set of recommendations with consideration given to financial and other resources needed to implement the theoretical proposal. The Investigating a Business Issue Report will be approximately 5000-6000 words long and comprise the following sections: Introduction

Literature review

Methodology

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Recommendations Part 3: This part of the process requires you to devise a plan to implement your recommendations, follow this through and then evaluate the impact your changes have made. You will be required to produce a Business Impact Report to demonstrate the difference that your research and intervention have made to the chosen organisation. The report is to address a significant issue, relating this to current academic practice and culminating in displaying a measurable performance impact. Your Impact Report is required to demonstrate that the operation or performance of the organisation has changed. For example:

Creating something that did not exist previously

Improving a current departmental or business activity

Achieving significantly more than expected due to your research and impact report

Implementing change to improve performance via new methods You will also include a review of your processes and performance in completing the Business Impact Study. This will be based on a template structure around specific leadership and management tasks and skills. You will be required to evidence how your learning has been influenced by the study you have undertaken and through your learning



and development plan evidence how you will utilise (and share) this learning for the benefit of others in the organisation. The Business Impact Report will be approximately 8000 9000 words and is structured thus:

Introduction and Report Rationale

Key Underpinning Business Models

Implementation Strategy

Data Analysis and Discussion

Conclusions

Recommendations

Reflective Review of Process and Performance



1. Act autonomously in designing and implementing a research project that critically

evaluates and explains a business issue to a professional standard. The topic should be relevant to the title of the programme and must meet the Universitys ethical guidelines

2. Develop and work within an appropriate methodology to implement findings and recommendations and assess the impact of these.

3. Reflect on the process of undertaking a significant independent project using the ideas and concepts from the course and plan their future development.







Module Assessment:




Further research into the topic area You will be encouraged to discuss the results of these activities with others via discussion boards to promote peer to peer learning. Online tutors will also provide formative feedback to students via discussion boards and journal posts where appropriate.

Summative Assessment

Coursework1 50% weighting Individual Assignments: Proposal 1500 words Dissertation 000 - 8,000 words You will propose a research project that investigates a business issue in order to understand it better and develop recommendations for resolution or improvement. The proposal will be supported by theoretical models, to include Innovation, entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing, HR etc as appropriate and will outline a clear and feasible methodology to allow objectives to be realized. Formative feedback on the proposal will be given to help you to refine the research design before conducting the project.You will then conduct and write up a small research project as has been outlined in your proposal. Your research will be underpinned by a clear theoretical framework and will include appropriate methods, a sufficiently deep analysis of data, a thorough discussion of the results and clear conclusions and recommendations. Recommendations must be detailed and achievable as these will be implemented in phase three. Coursework 2 50% weighting Individual Assignment 7000 8000 words. You will implement the recommendations from coursework 1, developing a strategy for exploiting it and recognition of the intervention impact. It will be supported by theoretical models, to include innovation, entrepreneurship, strategy, marketing, HR and operations as appropriate. Youwill also construct and submit a reflective critique of personal learning and development. This will be formulated through the use of a skills template (based on Chartered Management Institute skills format in leading and managing people)

Reading List






Assessment Brief:









Independent Study Module Level 7

Credit Value 60

Module Description:

Independent Study normally forms a significant part of a masters programme. This is a major piece of independently researched work, providing an opportunity to carry out an in-depth investigation of a management problem or issue that should normally have a strategic dimension which addresses organisational issues and provides a process for solving management problems.

Independent study will provide you with the opportunity to use and enhance the knowledge and intellectual skills gained during the course, by means of an extensive investigation of a significant management area. The module provides an opportunity for those studying any of the specialist programmes to explore an in depth topic relevant to that programme. It also provides the opportunity for you to reflect on the research experience and use what you have learned to guide your future development via a reflective statement and development plan.

As a result of developing and applying an analytical framework based on a specialist issue, you will be able to enhance your own competencies for undertaking future business, management and finance research or analysis. You will be better able to evaluate the research analysis carried out by others and better able to plan their own development.

Module Content:

The independent study represents a major learning experience for participants, providing an opportunity to pursue in considerable depth and with suitable academic rigour a specific area of management and/or strategy, building on the study of relevant concepts, models and paradigms.

Each study will be supervised by an Independent Studies Supervisor. At the beginning, and as part of this module, a dissertation/project proposal will be individually negotiated and assessed. The proposal will have to demonstrate that the proposed research can be achieved. You will also have to complete an ethical approval form that meets the Universitys ethics guidelines.

The final work will comprise a dissertation plus a reflective statement and development plan and will be independently assessed by two tutors, one of whom will be the Independent Study Supervisor.




On completion of the module you will be able to:

1. Act autonomously in designing a research project that critically evaluates a problem or issue to a professional standard. The topic should be relevant to the title of the programme and should meet the Universitys ethical guidelines.

2. Act autonomously in critically investigating a discipline relevant issue, employing appropriate research methods to collect data, analyse, compare and draw conclusions, providing recommendations where appropriate. The topic will be relevant to the title of the students programme and demonstrate the ability to connect the theory and practice.

3. Reflect on the process of undertaking a significant piece of independent research using the ideas and concepts from the course and plan their future development.





Module Assessment:




Further research into the topic area




University of Derby Policy and Code of Practice on Research Ethics

All research undertaken by staff and students under the aegis of the University of Derby should only be undertaken after effective consideration of its ethical implications. Full regard of the University's Code of Practice on Research Ethics should be given and is attached below.

Learn more:

University of Derby Research Ethics Policy and Code of Practice June 2011

Alongside your proposal, you will need to complete your ethics approval form and submit this to the Ethics Committee, complete with any other documentation as advised by your online tutor.using the following email address: [email protected]

Please note that you must have your study approved by the Ethics Committee before proceeding with any further work on this. Here is the link to the documentation you will be required to submit

http://www.derbyonlinelearning.co.uk/assets/sharon/student%20ethics%20approval%20form.doc

It is very important that you complete all sections of the form and that you submit all the relevant documentation in readiness for the panel. The panel dates can be found using the following link:

http://www.derbyonlinelearning.co.uk/content1.asp?MenuID=7281&courseId=Get340

The reason that your study needs approval is highlighted below.

Research Ethics

As a reflection of its core organisational values the University of Derby is concerned to protect the rights, dignity, safety and privacy of research participants, the welfare of animals and the integrity of the environment. The University of Derby is also concerned to protect the health, safety and academic freedom of researchers and the reputation of the University as a centre for appropriately conduced, high quality research. Underpinning the standards are the ethical imperatives of Do No Harm (non-malfeasance) and Do Good (beneficence).

Research governance is the means by which organisations and individuals ensure the delivery of high quality research. It applies to all research and in par

Documents

Master of Business Administration (Mba)