Course Structure

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Course Introduction	During the year, modules build upon each other with each focused on developing a distinct mindset. Note: Modules are subject to approval.
Semester 1	Leading Transformation in a Digital World (Core) Accounting for Managers (Core) Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century (Core) Marketing Management (Core) Operations Management (Core) Academic Skills (Core)
Semester 2	Global Economic Environment (Core) People Management and the Future of Work (Core) Leading and Influencing in Organisations (Core) Corporate Finance (Core) Strategic Management Research Project (Core) (Semester 2 & 3)
Semester 3	Sustainability and Social Innovations (Elective) Global Technology Innovations (Elective) International Business Negotiations (Elective) International Study (Elective)* *Please Note: Students who wish to pick the International Study elective will be required to apply for a place and there will be an additional cost to participate in this particular elective.

Teaching Times

In a typical week for a full time student you will have between 15-22 contact hours of teaching. Part time students will have between 5-12 hours.

Career Prospects

Introduction
The MBA features a specific year-long career development programme encompassing career coaching alongside practical skills such as CV analysis and development, interview skills and networking strategies, to ensure graduate employment potential is maximised.

Learning and Teaching

The teaching and learning methods aim to achieve a balance between theory and practice. These methods include lectures, tutorials, seminars, problem- centred techniques such as case studies, computer/software practical demonstrations and applications, non-book media (videos and podcasts), individual research, oral presentations, group projects, online discussion forums, industry visits and practitioner workshops.

This combination allows students to have a high degree of involvement and participation in the learning process. Specific details are provided in the Programme Specification, including details on assessments.

Assessment

Assessment

Modules

• Year 1

  Core Modules

  Organizing and Implementing (20 credits)

  ×

  Organizing and Implementing

  Overview

  This is an integrative module comprising two core subject areas. Assessments will aim to challenge students on their ability to integrate learnings from these two areas.
  
  Subject 1: Strategic Management
  
  Central to the Strategic Management subject is the question of why some firms succeed and others fail. In the face of a rapidly changing business environment managers’ need to consider how they position their firms to survive and compete whilst conforming to ethical standards. Successful firms identify how they create value for their customers, harnessing their capabilities to realise competitive advantage. The aim of this subject is to review how firms’ achieve this through the process of strategic analysis and planning. Along with Subject 2 below, it explores how firms are effectively structured and organised to implement different strategies.
  
  Achieving the right fit between strategy and structure, and managing the implementation process is a critical role many managers play. The ability to achieve alignment between strategy and structure is more often than not the line between success and failure. Participants are challenged to consider how competitive advantage and alignment between strategy and structure can be achieved in a sustainable way, for organizations in a range of scenarios.
  
  This subject will enable participants to understand, participate and shape the strategy design process and its implementation in their post-MBA career.
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Analysing the external environment
  Identifying internal capabilities
  Cost vs. Differentiation strategies
  Innovation and first movers
  Vertical integration and diversification
  Multinational strategies
  Non-market strategy
  
  
  Subject 2: Leadership, Change and Organization
  
  Organizations exist for the simple reason that groups of people can accomplish more than individuals working alone. At the same time, there is complexity in such collective social action, and organizational life is often marked by a number of recurring and difficult problems.
  
  By studying organizations from a range of perspectives including organizational structures, human relationships, business ethics, political processes and organizational symbols, this module enables students to understand the complexities of organizational behaviour, leadership and change. It challenges students to embrace ambiguity and ambivalence: there are no well-defined answers to issues of organizational behaviour, which makes it such an interesting and challenging field of study.
  
  
  The module provides exposure to the academic theories and practical tactics available to organizational leaders for successfully identifying appropriate change strategies that meet diverse organizational needs. These are considered through an explicitly international lens drawing on examples from across the globe. At a practical level, the module examines best practice for dealing with issues of ethics and sustainability, power and politics, leading teams and motivating employees. It increases students’ personal capacities for leading change, and equips them to put these into practice.
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Managing human resources
  Power and Politics in Organizations
  Organizational Culture and Structure
  Leadership and Organizational Change
  Ethics and diversity in Organizations
  
  This module brings subject areas 1 and 2 together around the concept of creating competitive advantage through organizational design, including the importance of aligning strategy, structure and culture with the external environment. The focus is on understanding both strategy and the organization as dynamic concepts with changes to one element often requiring changes to each of the other elements to maintain alignment.
  
  Emphasis is on using the case method throughout. This relies heavily on participant discussion and analysis, drawing on the data presented in the cases, the wider readings, and personal experience. Teaching methods may also include lectures, guest speakers from industry, breakout sessions incorporating formative feedback, and video analysis. Assessment will be both individual and group-based. Both formative and summative feedback is provided.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
  
  Utilise a range of frameworks and tools to analyse industries, markets, and competitors, using them to explore opportunities and risks in a dynamic global business environment.
  Identify sources of internal advantage and consider how to leverage and align the firms’ organizational structure and culture to successfully execute strategy and improve performance.
  Identify how firms create value and achieve competitive advantage, using strategies such as vertical integration, diversification, alliances and mergers.
  Consider these issues in a range of industries and firms of different size and scope.
  Understand how the study of organizational behaviour, change and leadership can aid us in improving the wellbeing of people at work and the performance of organizations
  Understand and critique influential models, theories and concepts of organizational behaviour and leadership including those related to organizational structures, human relationships, business ethics, political processes and organizational culture
  Apply theories to practical understandings of global business settings
  Analyse individual, group and organizational functioning in order to enhance effectiveness as leaders and/or managers
  Implement best practice for dealing with issues of ethics and sustainability, power and politics, leading teams and motivating employees.
  Improve personal capacities for leading change and put these into practice.

  Skills

  This course provides opportunities for the student to enhance the following skills:
  Critical analysis of different models of strategic management.
  Use of different analytical frameworks and tools, which can be applied to the analysis of a range of sources and data.
  Construct written reports that concisely present the findings of strategic analysis.
  Verbally present these findings, both through presentations and class interaction and debate.
  Team organization and management to ensure timely delivery of high quality reports.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MBA7175

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Integrating Knowledge 2: Consulting Project Dissertation (60 credits)

  ×

  Integrating Knowledge 2: Consulting Project Dissertation

  Overview

  During the Consultancy Project each student works with a client organization to make recommendations for solving a pre-set consulting problem, challenge or issue. The Consultancy Project options are chosen based on the core themes of the programme, and include a focus on business ethics and sustainability. Business sustainability refers to the process by which companies manage their financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities (the integration of profits, people and planet).
  
  Students prepare for this project through a series of compulsory taught sessions. These will introduce the principles of effective consulting work, along with project planning, risk management and report writing skills.
  
  This module requires that students draw from across the taught modular aspect of their MBA programme in integrating theory and practical recommendations. Thus an explicitly cross-module framework is required in the subsequent analysis of data and recommendations.
  
  The consulting project enables students to develop skills for effective engagement and intervention, further understand their strengths and weaknesses in relation to teamwork and leadership, and further develop their personal project management capabilities. Each student is assigned a mentor from the client organization along with a supervisor from Queen’s University. At least three formal meetings take place at which formative feedback is provided to assist the student’s progress.
  
  In addition to research skills, skills around high-level management practice are gained including preparing and presenting the results of the project at board level, which forms a part of the module’s overall assessment.
  
  The Consulting Project comprises 60 CAT points and runs over Semester 3. Students may opt for a Consultancy Project if they have successfully completed modules to the equivalent of at least 100 CATS points.
  
  Teaching Methods
  
  A Consultancy Practice training course is provided to all students at the end of Semester 2. This block-taught session provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to carry out their consultancy project and is provided by guest lecturers from the consulting industry, along with QMS academics. Topics covered include: The consulting process, qualitative and quantitative methods consultancy report writing skills, relationship management and project planning.

  Learning Outcomes

  On completion of the management consultancy project, students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
  The nature of consulting, clients and the consulting process, and theories associated with facilitating change in organizations.
  Integrating issues of ethics and sustainability into organizational strategy and planning, with implications for organizational change.
  
  
  How to manage relationships with clients using the consulting cycle – including managing expectations, barriers to implement
  tation and risk, developing productive relationships, handling problems and project evaluation.
  The principles and techniques of effective project management.
  How to plan, conduct and report a piece of original consultancy research.
  How to synthesise, analyse, interpret and critically evaluate information from a variety of different sources.
  How to integrate knowledge from across a diverse range of modules into a single piece of consulting work.

  Skills

  On successful completion of this module, students will have gained key skills in the following areas:
  Planning, managing and completing a consulting project to a set brief, budget and timescale.
  Conducting independent research involving quantitative and/or qualitative analysis
  Demonstrating effective relationship skills and professionalism (including negotiation, facilitation, communication and relationship-building).
  Adaptation and innovation in order to solve problems, to manage in unpredictable situations and to make sound judgments in the absence of complete data.
  Effective presentation of information orally and in writing, and an ability to formulate and deliver logical and precise arguments.

  Coursework

  80%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  20%

  Credits

  60

  Module Code

  MBA9202

  Teaching Period

  Summer

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Developing as a Manager and Leader (20 credits)

  ×

  Developing as a Manager and Leader

  Overview

  This module positions Management and Leadership Development as a key theme running through the Queen’s MBA. The module will ensure that MBA students are building their leadership skills, behaviours and impact in parallel as they develop their business knowledge, analytical skills and insights on the MBA. The module will be led by the William J Clinton Leadership Institute and facilitated by experienced leadership development professionals and coaches.
  
  Module Contents
  The module will address the following five core themes in leadership effectiveness:
  Becoming a reflective leader – continuing professional development throughout one’s career
  Leading self – the ethical, self-aware and emotionally intelligent leader
  Making the most of difference – leveraging teams and building cultural dialogue
  Sharpening the saw – building and using interpersonal and communication skills for collaboration
  Leadership in context – leading in times of global change, complexity and uncertainty

  Learning Outcomes

  Students successfully completing this module will have:
  Evaluated the importance of reflective learning and continuing professional development for their growth as a manager and leader both during their MBA studies and throughout their careers.
  Carried out, using psychometrics and feedback from others, robust and evidenced self-analysis resulting in a targeted personal development plan aimed at building a full range of leadership skills.
  Clarified their purpose and values as a leader and defined what ethical leadership means, and how it is expressed and lived by leaders in different contexts: business; politics; third sector; finance etc.
  Applied understanding of cross-cultural awareness and team effectiveness to build, work constructively and negotiate in diverse multi-cultural teams both face-to-face and virtually
  Enhanced key interpersonal skills in order to motivate, engage, influence and inspire others to achieve effective collaboration.
  Developed their communication and presentation skills both online and offline
  Analysed global trends and changes and assessed the implications for their own leadership in the future

  Skills

  This course provides opportunities for the student to enhance the following skills:
  Oral and written communication
  Teamworking
  Critical reflection
  Analytical and problem-solving skills
  Personal effectiveness
  Managing change and risk
  Teamwork
  Dealing with ambiguity
  Negotiation
  Interpersonal skills

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MBA7171

  Teaching Period

  Full Year

  Duration

  24 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Making Decisions 2 (20 credits)

  ×

  Making Decisions 2

  Overview

  This is an integrative module comprising two core subject areas. Assessments will aim to challenge students on their ability to integrate learnings from these two areas.
  
  The subject will be split with a 60:40 emphasis on Accounting vs Marketing in line with MBA best practice.
  
  Subject 1: Marketing
  Students will examine the role of marketing in the 21st Century within an environment that increasingly demands flexibility, innovation and change. This subject will help students to understand how marketing contributes to the competitiveness and survival of businesses and not-for-profit organizations, and provides exposure to with critical marketing insights, tools, and techniques.
  
  This subject takes a strategic approach and captures the essence of marketing planning in analysing the internal, external and customer environments in order to strategically evaluate choices and exploit opportunities for growth. It challenges students to understand, and reflect upon, sources of competitive advantage including customer orientation, exploiting pricing options and positioning the organization’s products/services through marketing communications.
  
  This subject develops a general management viewpoint in planning and evaluating marketing decisions, from both strategic (e.g., market selection etc.) and tactical (e.g., pricing and promotion etc.) perspectives
  
  The subject will also help students understand how marketing decisions are affected by organizational and environmental influences. It will cover concepts associated with market orientation and services marketing. Issues pertaining to international marketing will include developing new international markets, emerging markets and cultural dynamics, global branding strategies and competing in a digital economy. In addition, students will develop a critical awareness of the changing ethical and social context of global marketing.
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Market orientation
  Market planning
  Market segmentation, targeting and positioning
  Marketing and globalisation
  Responsible business marketing
  
  Subject 2: Accounting and Financial Management for Decision Makers
  
  All managers, whatever their specialisation, have to interpret and apply financial information in their decision-making. This requirement does not mean that all managers have to become experts in accounting, but it does require managers to understand the vernacular of accounting and financial management. This subject introduces accounting and financial management concepts and techniques and is designed to enable students to be financially literate and confident in participating in financial decision-making and evaluating business performance. The subject recognises that managers need to be able to appreciate and use a variety of accounting information and techniques in business decision-making. It introduces the key concepts and techniques that managers need to understand to be able to function effectively and to understand the context in which financial decisions are made. In essence, the subject aims to give students an appreciation of the perspective and tools available to accounting and finance professionals, and perhaps most importantly, the limitations and caveats to the financial information that they can provide. In line with the 2015 QAA Subject Benchmark Statement (Master’s Degree in Business and Management), the subject challenges students to reflect upon the other functional areas of management (e.g. marketing, operations, human resources etc.) which they will come across during the programme. Drawing on global perspectives, it will encourage students to challenge and critique conventional accounting and reporting in order to consider the demand and supply of accounting information in relation to the accountability and sustainability of organizations. Indeed, the notion of accountability and sustainability will be a recurring theme.Business sustainability refers to the process by which companies manage their financial, social and environmental risks, obligations and opportunities (the integration of profits, people and planet).
  
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Role of accounting in providing economic information (financial and non-financial)
  Understand the meaning and purpose of three key financial statements: statement of profit and loss, statement of financial position and statement of cash flow
  Identify and critically evaluate financial information within financial statements in order to facilitate decision making
  Understand the judgement involved in applying and interpreting some of the main International Financial Reporting Standards
  Costing and performance measurement (including non-financial measures) and management
  Appreciate the sources of finance available to an organization
  Budgets and making long-term capital investment decisions
  Current issues (areas of current debate) including: sustainability and integrated reporting; fair value accounting; accounting as a control function across private, public and not-for-profit sectors
  
  Overall, the module ‘Making Decisions 1’ links real world issues to management decision making, as reflected in for example case studies and the opportunity to apply key concepts and practices to analyse specific business problems. Teaching methods will include lectures, guest speakers from industry and other academic disciplines, and case study discussions. Group discussion, reflective learning and information-sharing in study is actively encouraged. Assessment will be both individual and group-based. Formative and summative feedback is provided.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of this module, students will be able to:
  Demonstrate an understanding of key principles, perspectives, theories and concepts that inform the understanding of marketing
  Explain key concepts and practical frameworks and techniques for effective strategic market analyses
  Critically evaluate the role of marketing in contemporary society
  Analyse the role of ethics in customer relationship marketing
  Understand the role of accounting in providing economic information (financial and non-financial)
  Interpret and critically appraise key financial statements in order to aid managerial decision- making
  Apply accounting and financial concepts and practices to analyse business problems relevant to management decision making (both short and long term) and recommend courses of action
  Communicate recommendations based upon financial and management accounting analysis, and advise on further considerations in the wider decision and business context;
  Critically discuss the limitation of conventional accounting approaches in the context of social, environmental and sustainability issues

  Skills

  This module provides opportunities for the student to enhance the following skills:
  Ability to work in groups
  Critical reflection
  Market research skills
  Oral and written communication, including preparation and presentation of professional reports and the recommendation of alternative courses of action
  Ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas
  Develop and demonstrate analytical, and problem solving skills
  Personal effectiveness, including managing one’s own learning.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MBA7174

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Making Decisions 1 (20 credits)

  ×

  Making Decisions 1

  Overview

  This is an integrative module comprising two core subject areas. Assessments will aim to challenge students on their ability to integrate learnings from these two areas.
  
  Subject 1: Operations Management
  
  This subject examines the strategic role that the operations function can play and the centrality of the supply chain for competitive advantage. It challenges students to embrace ambiguity and explore the key trade-offs faced by managers while highlighting the links between operations, supply chain management, marketing, strategy and accounting. This subject provides exposure to the academic theories and practical tools available to organizational leaders for successfully identifying appropriate operations strategies which can underpin the broader strategy of the organization. Internationalisation is a core theme exemplified in the use of international examples from across the globe. At a practical level, the module examines best practice for dealing with issues of ethics and sustainability in relation to buyer-supplier relations and process improvement technologies (e.g. waste management).
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Operations strategy and link with other strategic levels
  Process design and management
  Sustainability and the environmental impacts of managing the supply chain
  Process improvement methodologies (e.g. Quality management, lean thinking and six sigma)
  
  
  
  
  Subject 2: Entrepreneurship
  Entrepreneurs and small businesses are important in terms of their contribution to economic growth, job creation and regional and economic development. For many, the power of entrepreneurship and its importance in maintaining a growing and thriving economy is unquestionable. Indeed entrepreneurship and new venture creation have been described as the ‘engine’ driving the economy of most nations. As a consequence, there has been a very significant increase in interest in this field, often referred to as ‘enterprise’, with the aim of developing a better understanding of how to foster it and realise its full potential.
  
  This subject provides an insight into the nature of entrepreneurship through a blend of theory and practice. Entrepreneurship is examined in an international context and students apply their learning in a simulated entrepreneurial context. This provides students with the opportunity to investigate and experience the processes involved in creativity, alongside the generation, assessment and pitching of entrepreneurial ideas. Students will additionally benefit from significant engagement with experienced entrepreneurs and other practitioners.
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Identifying entrepreneurs
  Start-up and business growth
  Business models
  Finance for New Ventures
  Policies to promote entrepreneurship
  Social Entrepreneurship
  Innovation in new ventures
  (un)ethical business practices
  
  This subject integrates experiential learning through the simulated entrepreneurial exercise with international perspectives on the environment for entrepreneurship.
  
  Teaching methods will include critique of case studies, lectures, guest speakers and workshops. Assessment will be both individual and group-based. Both formative and summative feedback are provided.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
  
  Identify, apply and critique the strategic frameworks of operations management
  Understand the impact of demand variability on performance and apply techniques to mitigate it
  Critically examine how operations decisions affect the effectiveness of a sustainable supply chain
  Apply theories to practical understandings of international business
  Implement best practice in terms of business improvement methodologies
  Reflect upon and critically evaluate the concepts underpinning entrepreneurship and new venture creation.
  Critique alternative business models adopted by new ventures
  Critique alternative funding sources for new ventures and how these may vary depending on organizational, economic and political conditions.
  Compare and contrast the nature of the entrepreneurial process in a variety of organizational and international contexts.
  Enhance personal capacities for identifying and implementing entrepreneurial opportunities.

  Skills

  This module provides opportunities for the student to enhance the following skills:
  Increased personal effectiveness: critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management; time management; sensitivity to diversity in people and different situations and the ability to continue to learn through reflection on practice and experience
  Effective two-way communication: listening, effective oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
  The ability to conduct research into entrepreneurial issues either individually or as part of a team through business design, data collection, analysis, synthesis and reporting
  Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management
  Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting targets, motivating, monitoring performance.

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MBA7173

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Making Sense of a Complex World (20 credits)

  ×

  Making Sense of a Complex World

  Overview

  This is an integrative module comprising two core subject areas. The assessments for this module will challenge students on their ability to integrate learnings from these two areas.
  
  Subject 1: Economic Environment
  The consumers, the firms, the markets and the macro-conditions within which consumers and firms make their own decisions represent the features of the economic environment. It is an environment in which each agent makes decisions in order to maximize his own benefit.
  Consumers maximize their own consumptions and happiness, firms maximize profit, while the government sets policies and introduce regulations to maximize the social welfare. Policies and regulations in turn have also a direct effect on choices made by firms and consumers. It is an environment in which each choice has a ripple effect. For this reason, in order to develop a solid understanding of how choices affect the performance and management of firms in today's international economy the course will focus both on the micro and macro environment in which firms operate. The first part of the course will introduce (or re-introduce) some of the key insights in microeconomics about how consumers and firms behave and how they interact in markets. We will then study how whole economies behave (macroeconomics) and interact with one another e.g. through trade.
  
  Particular attention will be devoted to issues related to market failures and social costs which affect the society and the environment and potential policy interventions. The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Demand, supply and competitive market equilibrium
  Consumer behaviour
  Firm behaviour
  Externalities, environmental economics and common pool resource
  The macro economy and macro policy
  International trade & migration
  
  Subject 2: Rethinking Capitalism
  
  Capitalism appears to be broken. Financial crises, secular stagnation, economic inequality, the rise of populism, and perennial corporate scandals suggest that capitalism as a model is broken. This subject will introduce managers to current debates about the sustainability of the capitalist model, potential remedies, and alternatives. It will also introduce them to the important role business plays in society and the special privileges accorded to businesses by society. Finally, managers will learn about how to do business in different economic systems, particularly those of the BRIC economies.
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  A brief history of capitalism
  The corporation – a creature of the State
  The philosophy of shareholder value
  Casino capitalism
  Innovation, entrepreneurs and the State
  Capitalism and inequality
  State capitalism – business in the BRICs
  
  Teaching methods will include lectures, debates, private study, and guest speakers. Overall, the module provides several opportunities for experiential learning focusing mainly on a “learning by doing” approach. Standard lectures will be supplemented by in class experiments and computer based tutorials with the intent of providing a real understanding of the way agents make choices (Economic environment).
  
  The Rethinking Capitalism section of the module will use case studies to provide experiential learning. Assessment will be group-based. Groups of students will be asked to do one of the following: (a) establish an online advisory firm which provides advice to investors on how well companies serve the needs of society as well as shareholders or (b) set up an online advisory company which helps businesses ensure that they are serving society and not narrowly focused on shareholder value. Both formative and summative feedback is provided.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of this module, students will have an understanding of:
  Sources of market failures and sustainable economic development;
  Sources of inequality, poverty and the need to rethink to a more inclusive model of development
  Key quantitative research methods in economics;
  The importance of individual choices and their impact on individual and social welfare
  The economic theory of consumer and firm choices and their interaction in markets;
  How macroeconomic phenomena can be viewed as the result of the interaction of decisions made in various sectors of the economy, and the aggregate demand / aggregate supply framework for analysing the macroeconomy;
  Fiscal and monetary policy and their impacts, including in the current economic climate;
  The gains from trade and the drivers of economic growth;
  Understand what capitalism is, how it has developed, its deficiencies and associated remedies, and alternative economic systems
  Understand the important role of businesses in society and the role of the State in businesses
  Apply theories to business practice and experience
  Implement policies which ensure that businesses operate in the interests of society and behave in a way which is consistent with the economic system they operate in.
  Develop online skills such as website design, business use of social media, and blogging.

  Skills

  This course provides opportunities for the student to enhance the following skills:
  
  Ethical reasoning
  Critical inquiry and reflection
  Team working
  Diverse perspective
  Applied learning
  Oral and written communication
  Analytical and problem-solving skills
  Personal effectiveness

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MBA7172

  Teaching Period

  Autumn

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Core

  Optional Modules

  Integrating Knowledge 1: Social Innovation and Business Planning (20 credits)

  ×

  Integrating Knowledge 1: Social Innovation and Business Planning

  Overview

  Conventional structures and institutions are failing to address global problems and increasingly, policymakers and the business community are turning to social innovation. Building on the Entrepreneurship module, this module looks to explore the emerging patterns, models (e.g. social enterprises), and ideas around social innovation and entrepreneurial solutions. This course will strengthen students’ understanding of the roles of innovation and scaling, will expose them to the potential but also the limits of innovation for creating value. Issues surrounding the distinctive leadership challenges inherent in creating social innovation (as entrepreneurs and intraperenuers) and opportunities and challenges of cross-sector collaboration for social change will be considered.
  
  A further element of this module will explore the theory and practice of social business planning. The core components and crucial interrelationships between a business model and a business plan will be explored and students will have the opportunity to put this knowledge into practice through the opportunity to recognize and develop a new social enterprise. Furthermore, this module will examine and critique the emerging models of social finance which can be used to build and scale social organizations.
  
  Guest speakers and case studies that provide a rich contextual perspective on organizations will play a central role in this course.
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Social innovation
  Entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship
  Social finance
  Opportunity recognition
  Process of new venture creation
  Business model canvas
  Business planning
  
  Assessment will be 100% continuous and will comprise of individual and group work, and will encompass elements of the International Study Trip.
  
  The International Study Trip will comprise a multi-day visit to an overseas location, and incorporate lectures from business leaders, visits to key organizations and other opportunities to explore international best practice in the area of social innovation. The content of these engagements will reflect core areas from the MBA programme including leadership, strategic management, among others. Learning from this Trip will feed into student’s assessments for this module.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
  
  Reflect upon and critically evaluate the concepts underpinning entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, social enterprises and new venture creation.
  Compare and contrast the nature of social innovation in a variety of organizational contexts.
  Identify and investigate the viability of a new social business venture opportunity.
  Assess and critique the essential elements and pitfalls surrounding new venture creation within the context of business planning.
  Develop and pitch a business model canvas for a new social venture
  Assess the societal and commercial feasibility of a new social business venture.
  Develop a comprehensive business plan for a new social venture.
  Reflect on the importance of social innovation to both individual businesses and the wider economy.

  Skills

  This course provides opportunities for the student to enhance the following skills:
  
  Subject-specific Skills
  
  Apply a theoretical understanding of entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, social enterprises and new venture creation.
  Utilize a business model canvas to business ideas, problems and phenomena.
  Conceptualise and prepare a business plan for the launch of an entrepreneurial venture
  Critically evaluate a range of contemporary business start-up ideas and plans and propose recommendations to improve; and
  Analyse and discuss case studies and articles concerned with entrepreneurship, intrapreneurship, social enterprises and new venture creation.
  
  Cognitive Skills
  
  Problem solving
  Logical reasoning
  Independent enquiry
  Critical evaluation and interpretation
  Self-assessment and reflection Transferable Skills
  The ability to synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources
  The preparation and communication of ideas in a written business plan form
  Organization and time management
  Problem solving and critical analysis
  
  
  Transferable Skills
  The ability to synthesise and evaluate information/data from a variety of sources
  The preparation and communication of ideas in a written business plan form
  The ability to work both independently and in groups
  Organization and time management Problem solving and critical analysis

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MBA7176

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

  Integrating Knowledge 1: Business Analytics (20 credits)

  ×

  Integrating Knowledge 1: Business Analytics

  Overview

  Technological advancements have led to the creation of large amounts of data which organizations and governments can use to interpret the environment in which they operate. Business analytics refers to the ways organizations use extensive data, statistical and quantitative analysis to inform decisions and actions.
  
  The ability of firms to use data effectively to forecast profitable decisions has proved to be one of the most important elements of success. Global firms are successful because they make good use of data they collect. Banks use analytical capability to analyse credit risks and to match credit cards to customers more effectively. Shops use analytics to monitor and update inventories. Hi-tech firms use “big data” to identify new opportunities.
  
  In this course you will focus on how to use data to develop predictive analysis using software, data mining and forecasting techniques. The aim of the course it to help you to develop a critical approach to data and to analyses based on those data, to enable you to identify opportunities for creating value, and to help you to assess and evaluate the value generated.
  
  The emphasis in this course is on the applied side in order to provide real insights and improve the speed, reliability, and quality of decisions.
  
  The following topics will be addressed and complemented by current issues in the field::
  Introduction to data analytics: Why is data important? Value of data in making decisions (illustrated using small cases). Ethics of collating and using data.
  Data management:
   Data collection & cleansing.
   Database design & concepts. Data warehousing
   Visualisation
   Developing insights from data:
   Descriptive statistics
   Machine learning
   Data mining
   Forecasting & simulation
   Predictive analysis
   Informing decisions:
   Optimisation
   Decision analytics
  
  The module will link theoretical aspects of business analytics with practical data management skills using statistical software.
  
  Cases drawn from industry will be used to place analytical techniques in context and discuss the value of business analytics for organizations and their clients.
  
  Teaching methods will include lectures, computer lab sessions, small group discussions, and potentially guest speakers. Assessment will be 100% continuous and will comprise of individual and group work, and will encompass elements of the International Study Trip.
  
  The International Study Trip will comprise a multi-day visit to an overseas location, and incorporate lectures from business leaders, visits to key organizations and other opportunities to explore international best practice in the area of business analytics. The content of these engagements will reflect core areas from the MBA programme including leadership, strategic management, among others. Learning from this Trip will feed into student’s assessments for this module.

  Learning Outcomes

  Upon successful completion of the module students will be able to:
  Think critically about how data can be interrogated and utilised to improve decision making
  Implement best practice in relation to data management
  Identify the appropriate empirical technique to address an organizational problem
  Capture relevant data, perform statistical analysis and visualise the results in an informative manner
  Interact with data using statistical software to produce business insights in a range of functions including finance, marketing, operations and strategy

  Skills

  This course provides opportunities for the student to enhance the following skills:
  Oral and written communication
  Team working
  Critical reflection
  Analytical and problem-solving skills

  Coursework

  100%

  Examination

  0%

  Practical

  0%

  Credits

  20

  Module Code

  MBA7177

  Teaching Period

  Spring

  Duration

  12 weeks

  Pre-requisite

  No

  Core/Optional

  Optional

Entrance requirements

Graduate
Normally a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in any discipline. Applicants with qualifications below 2.1 Honours degree standard may be considered on a case-by-case basis if they can demonstrate appropriate relevant professional experience.

Applicants should have a minimum of three years’ quality professional experience. Internships, a sandwich year, part-time or temporary work will not be considered.

Admission under the Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) may be considered for this course. The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.

Applicants must provide a full and up-to-date Curriculum Vitae together with a detailed personal statement as part of the application process.

Eligible applicants will be interviewed.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible and ideally no later than 11th August 2023 for courses which commence in late September. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.

Please note: international applicants will be required to pay a deposit to secure a place on this course.

International Students

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required (*taken within the last 2 years).

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Career Prospects

Introduction
The MBA features a specific year-long career development programme encompassing career coaching alongside practical skills such as CV analysis and development, interview skills and networking strategies, to ensure graduate employment potential is maximised.

Additional Awards Gained(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Prizes and Awards(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) 1	£24,000 (less a £10,000 discount for 2023 entry)
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2	£24,000 (less a £10,000 discount for 2023 entry)
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1	£24,000 (less a £10,000 discount for 2023 entry)
EU Other 3	£24,000 (less a £5,000 discount for 2023 entry)
International	£24,000 (less a £5,000 discount for 2023 entry)

¹ EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2023-24, and relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Master of Business Administration costs

Students have the option to undertake a consultancy project for their dissertation and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence costs.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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