Wolverhampton Business SchoolMaster of Business Administration (MBA) byDistance LearningCourse Guide

2017-18September

About this guide

This is your course guide. It provides the basic but fundamental information about your course of study. Thisguide is yours for the duration of the course, we don’t re-issue it annually and if any information containedwithin were to change then we will write to you to explain so.

In particular, if any important aspects relating to your modules were to change then we will inform you inaccordance with the Code of Practice for the Management of Changes to Modules and Courses. The teachingand support teams which you will get to know over time will refer to this guide – it will be useful to you andwe advise you to make good use of it throughout your studies.

The Course Guide should be read in conjunction with the more general sources of information which relate toall students at the University. The Student Handbook is a very detailed reference point for all issues relating toyour studies which aren’t specific to just your particular course. You might also want to refer to the StudentCharter; the University’s Policies and Regulations and the University Assessment Handbook documents whichwill provide you with all of the information that we think you will need for your period of study here.

If you need additional information, or you simply want to discuss elements of any of these documents or otheraspects of your course, find that there is something you need to know, please contact your Faculty StudentServices:

Faculty Student Services

We can help with the administration and organisation of your time at University – from enrolment andmodule registration, tuition fee enquiries, attendance support, course management and lifecycle queries,extenuating circumstances, leave of absence, transfers and changes, assignment submission, SAMsappointments, assessment and result queries, right through to Graduation.

You can also come and talk to us for impartial advice and support if things are starting to go wrong and you’renot sure who else to talk to. The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. We see large numbers ofstudents over the course of a year on a variety of issues, so please don’t be afraid to approach us.

We are here to ensure that your transition into Higher Education is as smooth as possible. Normal officeopening hours are Monday-Friday 08:45-17:00.

You can contact us through the e:vision help desk, by phone or in person or by e-mail:

Faculty of SocialSciences

The Lord Paul Swraj Building MU 202 (01902) 321789(01902) 321515

FoSSStudentServices@wlv.ac.uk

Help and Advice is alsoavailable from StudentSupport & Wellbeing…

Contact us at the Alan TuringBuilding MI 001 for all enquiries andreferrals… Services operate at allcampuses by appointment.

(01902) 321074(01902) 321070

ssw@wlv.ac.ukmoney@wlv.ac.uk

Welcome from the Course Leader

On behalf of the teaching and support teams from Master of Business Administration (MBA) by DistanceLearning course, I would like to extend to you a very warm welcome to the University of Wolverhampton, andin particular your campus.

My name is William Mott and I am the course leader for your Master of Business Administration (MBA) byDistance Learning course and alongside your personal tutor, will be your main point of contact over theduration of your studies. My contact details are below – please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need anysupport or guidance.

The successes which you will achieve whilst at the University are based upon a partnership between the

expertise and support from the staff here and the effort you put into learning. We welcome students who areeager to think for themselves, to take control of their own learning and who are ready to get involved indeveloping the skills required in a highly competitive job market. Make the most of the wide range ofopportunities available to you.

Studying at University can be difficult, and for many of you the transition into University life will bechallenging. However we will support you throughout your course, particularly whilst you develop into anindependent learner over the course of your first year with us.

We believe it is important that you are encouraged to make your own contribution to the effective operationand development of your chosen course. We hope that you might consider acting as a Course Representativeduring some of your time with us to help the University continue to improve your experience.

I would like to wish you every success with your studies. We look forward to working with you and hope thatyou enjoy your time with us.

William Mott

Course Management and Staff Involvement

RoleRole NameName SpecialismSpecialism eMaileMail Tel. Ext.Tel. Ext. RoomRoom

Head of Department Mrs Janet Firth J.Firth@wlv.ac.uk 3663 MN121

Course Leader Mr William Mott W.J.Mott@wlv.ac.uk 3653 MN107

Educational Aims of the Course

The MBA is an internationally recognised postgraduate general business qualification for managers who wishto expand and develop their skills and knowledge. This award will develop your knowledge of key businessfunctions and their relationship with the wider strategic and international environment. You will also expandyour knowledge and understanding of the current changes in the business environment through the study ofstrategic management, stakeholder management and corporate social responsibility.

The programme is designed so that full time students are able to complete the course in one academic yearand part time in two years. By the end of the programme you will have enhanced your knowledge andunderstanding of Business and Management concepts and principles, theoretical frameworks and appliedanalysis through a range of learning experiences. You will also develop key skills in formulating andmanaging basic research, problem-solving and organising and managing projects.

On-line Distance Learning Delivery (OLDL):

The approach to learning and teaching in the OLDL MBA is one of learning through undertaking the learningactivities which accompany the key concepts, theories or ideas. You will be part of a supportive learningcommunity engaged in active learning. The use of collaborative learning activities throughout the courses isdesigned to enable learning to take place through taking the fundamental understanding from materials andtext based resources (for example: guided reading, use of electronic journal articles, structured ebook reading,access to external web based resources) and then applying them (for example: on-line interactive tasks, forumand blog discussions, problem solving activities, on-line formative tests, skype tutorials, wiki developmentetc). The activities are contributed to, steered, enriched and where necessary corrected through the regular andsupportive interventions by tutors. This is to encourage dialogue and participation, as well as to guide andinform about the substance of the activities. Tutor and peer support underpins the course through activitiessuch as group work, wikis, blogs, module cafes, video enhanced communication etc.

Under this mode of study learners are more able to manage the pace of their studies. Learning is organised

into discrete sessions of study that can be approached in a more flexible manner to suit personal andwork/life commitments.

The MBA is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Students who join this course will havethe opportunity to obtain the CMI Level 7 Extended Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership.

What makes this programme distinctive?

The MBA is a programme that is internationally recognised as being at the forefront of managementeducation. It has high quality blended learning support and has access to excellent learning facilities. Studentswill be able to use prior experience and certificated learning to gain credits against the programme. Bycompleting the course you will also be entitled to apply for additional award CMI Level 7 Extended Diploma inStrategic Management and Leadership.

Course Structure

September (Full time Distance Learning)September (Full time Distance Learning)

ModuleModule TitleTitle CreditsCredits PeriodPeriod TypeType Module LeaderModule Leader

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance 20 SEM1 Core Michael Smith

7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice inOrganisation

20 SEM1 Core Paschal Anosike

7MK002 Marketing Management 20 SEM1 Core William Mott

7BU003 Operations and Project Management 20 SEM2 Core Gurmak Singh

7MG004 Sustainability and Business 20 SEM2 Core Sibel Yamak

7BE002 Strategic Management 20 SEM2 Core Shaukat Ali

7MG001 Independent Business Analysis Project 60 CRYRA Core Kate Moseley

September (Part-time Distance Learning)September (Part-time Distance Learning)

ModuleModule TitleTitle CreditsCredits PeriodPeriod TypeType Module LeaderModule Leader

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance 20 SEM2 Core Michael Smith

7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice inOrganisation

20 SEM2 Core Paschal Anosike

7MK002 Marketing Management 20 SEM1 Core William Mott

7BU003 Operations and Project Management 20 SEM1 Core Gurmak Singh

7MG004 Sustainability and Business 20 SEM1 Core Sibel Yamak

7BE002 Strategic Management 20 SEM2 Core Shaukat Ali

7MG001 Independent Business Analysis Project 60 CRYRA Core Kate Moseley

Course Learning Outcomes

Learning OutcomeLearning Outcome Contributing ModulesContributing Modules

PGCert Course Learning Outcome 1 PGCert Course Learning Outcome 1 (PGCCLO1)(PGCCLO1)

"Demonstrate a systematic understanding ofknowledge, and a critical awareness of currentproblems and/or new insights, in the businessenvironment and be able to use this to formulatesolutions to complex problems."

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BE002 Strategic Management7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG004 Sustainability and Business7MK003 Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice

PGCert Course Learning Outcome 2 PGCert Course Learning Outcome 2 (PGCCLO2)(PGCCLO2)

"Ability to deal with complex business issues bothsystematically and creatively, make soundjudgements in the absence of complete data, andcommunicate your conclusions clearly tospecialist and non-specialist audiences"

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BE002 Strategic Management7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG004 Sustainability and Business7MK003 Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice

PGDip Course Learning Outcome 1 PGDip Course Learning Outcome 1 (PGDCLO1)(PGDCLO1)

"Demonstrate a systematic understanding ofknowledge, and a critical awareness of currentproblems and/or new insights, in the businessenvironment and be able to use this to formulatesolutions to complex problems"

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BE002 Strategic Management7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG004 Sustainability and Business7MK003 Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice

PGDip Course Learning Outcome 2 PGDip Course Learning Outcome 2 (PGDCLO2)(PGDCLO2)

"Ability to deal with complex business issues bothsystematically and creatively, make soundjudgements in the absence of complete data, andcommunicate your conclusions clearly tospecialist and non-specialist audiences"

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BE002 Strategic Management7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG004 Sustainability and Business7MK003 Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice

PGDip Course Learning Outcome 3 PGDip Course Learning Outcome 3 (PGDCLO3)(PGDCLO3)

Critically analyse the use of some of the keyfunctional areas in support of the development ofcompany activity at operational or strategiclevels

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BE002 Strategic Management7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG004 Sustainability and Business7MK003 Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice

PGDip Course Learning Outcome 4 PGDip Course Learning Outcome 4 (PGDCLO4)(PGDCLO4)

"Critically analyse contemporary issues,challenges and problems relating to business andmanagement that impact on business andmanagement at functional, strategic and sectorlevels"

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BE002 Strategic Management7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG004 Sustainability and Business7MK003 Global Marketing-Strategy and Practice

Masters Course Learning Outcome 1 Masters Course Learning Outcome 1 (MACLO1)(MACLO1)

"Critically analyse the use of the key functionalareas of marketing, HR, finance, accounting andoperations management in support of widerorganisational activity."

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MK002 Marketing Management

Masters Course Learning Outcome 2Masters Course Learning Outcome 2(MACLO2)(MACLO2)

"Analyse strategic perspectives regionally,nationally and internationally at organisation andsector levels. "

7BE002 Strategic Management7MG004 Sustainability and Business

Masters Course Learning Outcome 3Masters Course Learning Outcome 3(MACLO3)(MACLO3)

Critically evaluate the relationship between theorganisation and its environment and theimportance and nature of organisational changeand transformation.

7BE002 Strategic Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG004 Sustainability and Business

Masters Course Learning Outcome 4Masters Course Learning Outcome 4(MACLO4)(MACLO4)

"Critically analyse contemporary issues,challenges and problems relating to business andmanagement that impact on business andmanagement at functional, strategic and sectorlevels. "

7AC006 Managing Financial Performance7BE002 Strategic Management7BU003 Operations and Project Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation7MG001 Independent Business Analysis Project7MG004 Sustainability and Business7MK002 Marketing Management

Masters Course Learning Outcome 5 Masters Course Learning Outcome 5 (MACLO5)(MACLO5)

Evaluate the role and contribution of integrativestrategic and leadership approaches.

7BE002 Strategic Management7HR024 Leadership and Human Resource Practice in Organisation

Masters Course Learning Outcome 6Masters Course Learning Outcome 6(MACLO6)(MACLO6)

Synthesise relevant critical thinking throughacademic research completing an independentresearch project/dissertation at masters level.

7MG001 Independent Business Analysis Project

PSRB

None

Employability in the Curriculum

Successful completion of the MBA provides a much sought after academic qualification which will enhanceyour career prospects in a number of managerial roles across a wide range of international business sectors.The MBA may provide the basis for further study in a range of professional subject areas such as accounting,marketing and human resources as well as further academic study such as a PhD.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment

On-line Distance Learning

The underpinning pedagogic approach to learning and teaching OLDL is one of learning through doing, andthus through the learning activities which accompany the key concepts, theories or ideas. This approach seesthat the development of a supportive learning community, whereby learners and tutors work together andshare understanding and ideas, is a key way of enabling active learning. Communities develop themselvesthrough sharing experiences, dialogue, working together, supporting one another, and pursuing a similar goal.The OLDL MBA uses communicative dialogue, between tutors and learners, and between the learnersthemselves as a key activity. The course provides full knowledge and text based resources to furtherunderstanding of the many issues to be considered. The OLDL MBA pedagogy adopts the perspective that suchsources in themselves are not sufficient for the deep learning to which our learners should aspire. The regularuse of collaborative learning activities throughout the course are designed to enable learning to take placethrough taking the fundamental understandings from such sources and doing something with them. On-linedistance learning students will experience a variety of learning activities such as guided reading, use ofelectronic journal articles, structured ebook reading, access to external web based resources, on-lineinteractive tasks (with tutor support), forum and blog discussions, problem solving activities, on-lineformative tests, skype tutorials, wiki development, and opportunities to participate in electronic personaldevelopment planning (ePDP).

OLDL learners also have access to to online speakers, online conferences etc with inputs recorded oraccessible in real time, as appropriate

Reference Points

Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (2007) Masters Awards in Business and Management:programme framework (benchmark);FHEQ (2016) Framework for Higher Education Qualifications;CMI (2015) Level 7 Qualifications in Strategic Management and Leadership

Academic Regulations Exemptions

Section W. Masters Top-up Awards

W.1.4 Award titles must be generic in nature and must be different from any other validated Masters Award.

The request that any student who gained their DMS from the University of Wolverhampton Business Schooland wishing to top-up to an MBA by the completion of a 60 credit dissertation only, is approved.

Support with your studies

University Learning Centres are the key source of academic information for students providing access to:

Physical library resources (books, journal, DVDs etc.)Study areas to allow students to study in the environment that suits them best: Social areas, quiet andsilent areas.A wide range of online information sources, including eBooks, e-journals and subject databasesAcademic skills support via the Skills for Learning programmeStudents on campus can attend workshops or ask for one-to-one help on a range of skills such asacademic writing and referencing.Dedicated Subject Pages to enable you to explore key online information sources that are recommendedfor their studies.Physical access to local libraries both in UK and overseas via SCONUL and WorldCat agreements

We also strongly advise you to download to “MyWLV” student app. MyWLV is a single point of personalisedaccess to the variety of systems the University offers. This includes pulling through relevant information (e.g.deadlines, timetables) and linking to underlying systems.

Course Specific Support

In providing flexible and interactive e-learning opportunities to meet student needs, e-learning componentswill be designed to form an integral feature of the learning, teaching and support. The University VLEprovides a platform for doing this and will be the primary focus of the online supported learning dimension ofthe module. In addition to making use of the online databases and other software resources available throughLIS and ITS.

Flexible and interactive e-learning opportunities will also be offered to on-line distance learning students. TheUniversity VLE provides a platform for learning materials and activities to support online learning across allmodules. A cohesive package of e-learning components has been designed to compensate for a lack oftraditional classroom contact by presenting an integrated package of learning, teaching and support. All e-learners will be supported by online tutors. In addition e-learners will make use of the online databases andother software resources available through LIS, including learning skills support and ITS.

A Personal Tutor is allocated to every student. Personal Tutors maintain regular communication (virtualand/or face-to-face) with each of their designated tutees. Follow up meetings are arranged with students who

are not making satisfactory progress or who are at risk of withdrawal. Personal Tutors assist students in theirpersonal and academic development, planning and progression as well as offering students advice andguidance to help them liaise with other staff and support facilities in their school and the University,including study skills support.

The Course Leader will monitor the academic and experiential quality of the Course through Award Boards,focus groups and other channels. The Course Leader also supports and directs students proactively on theCourse, both collectively and individually, and responds to inquiries and requests from students with regard tothe academic programme of study.

The Faculty Enabling Tutor (FET) liaises with the Student Enabling Centre (SEC) regarding provision forspecific disabled students & disseminates information from the SEC on the needs of specific disabledstudents. The SNT also monitors requests for, and provision of, specific examination and assessmentarrangements, publicise SNT ‘surgery’ arrangements and make available time to meet with individual disabledstudents to enable them to discuss their own school-specific disability issues where necessary. The SNT takesa pro-active role in monitoring the welfare and academic progress of disabled students within the school.

Contact Hours

In higher education, the term ‘contact hours’ is used very broadly, to refer to the amount of time that youspend learning in contact with teaching or associated staff, when studying for a particular course.

This time provides you with the support in developing your subject knowledge and skills, and opportunitiesto develop and reflect on your own, independent learning. Contact time can take a wide variety of formsdepending on your subject, as well as where and how you are studying. Some of the most common examplesare:

lecturesseminarstutorialsproject supervisionsdemonstrationspractical classes and workshopssupervised time in a studio/workshopfieldworkexternal visitswork-based learning (including placements)scheduled virtual interaction with tutor such as on line, skype, telephone

In UK higher education, you as the student take primary responsibility for your own learning. In this context,contact time with teaching and associated staff is there to help shape and guide your studies. It may be usedto introduce new ideas and equip you with certain knowledge or skills, demonstrate practical skills for you topractise independently, offer guidance on project work, or to provide personalised feedback.

Alongside contact time, private or independent study is therefore very significant. This is the time that youspend learning without direct supervision from, or contact with, a member of staff. It might includebackground reading, preparation for seminars or tutorials, follow-up work, wider practice, the completion ofassignments, revision, and so on.

Course Specific Health and Safety Issues

No specific health and safety issues recorded.

Course Fact File

Hierarchy of Awards:Hierarchy of Awards: Master of Business Administration Master of Business Administration Diploma in Management Studies Management Studies Postgraduate Certificate Management Studies University Statement of Credit University Statement of Credit

Course Codes:Course Codes: BU008P06UD Full time Distance Learning 12 MonthsBU008P35UD Part-time Distance Learning 2 Years

Awarding Body / Institution:Awarding Body / Institution: University of Wolverhampton

School / Institute:School / Institute: Wolverhampton Business School

Category of Partnership:Category of Partnership: Not delivered in partnership

Location of Delivery:Location of Delivery: University of Wolverhampton

Teaching Institution:Teaching Institution: University of Wolverhampton

Published: 30-Sep-2017 by Raimond Melis