Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Distance Learning)

The objective of the Master of Business Administration (MBA)

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) aims to develop in students the ability of research and analysis, synthesis and creativity while stressing the vital importance of information and technological development and raising awareness of ethical, social, environmental and international issues affecting administrative decisions. The aim of the MBA is that students, improve their interpersonal skills, through the length of their studies, which is achieved through teamwork. The group activities are one of the assessment methods in most courses of the programme.

The MBA provides knowledge and skills in an environment that develops students’ ability to make decisions related to their field, to deepen and broaden their knowledge in the operation and management of businesses. The MBA programme also provides the opportunity to specialize in one area by taking two elective courses in topics of particular relevance to individual interests and career goals.

The MBA is a distinctive programme that encompasses the study of finance, management, marketing and related disciplines. The curriculum is designed to provide students with or without previous academic preparation in business a solid foundation in business theories and principles while developing the skills managers need to analyse situations and lead organisations. The curriculum is based upon the foundation courses found in all MBA programmes, demonstrating how each area is integrated into a successful business operation. The programme provides a general management postgraduate and post-experience education for those aspiring to or already at senior management level in organisations and equip them to perform effectively in managerial positions. Accordingly, the aim is not to pursue an academic theoretical study, but rather to enable theory to inform practice.

The MBA Programme is designed to provide an academic experience that transcends that of the traditional classroom in which the flow of information is primarily from faculty member to student. Recognizing the educational value of the students’ extensive experience, the faculty seeks to establish a vigorous dialogue in their MBA classes. The intention in MBA education is that each participant contributes to the education of the full class through sharing expertise and leading discussion when the participant’s skills and background make this possible.

In general, the educational objectives of the MBA incorporate the objectives of Neapolis University Pafos.

Graduates will:

• Demonstrate complex problem-solving skills, supported by appropriate analytical and quantitative techniques to improve organisational performance.
• Possess functional knowledge and be able to integrate this knowledge in support of decision making.
• Have experience with project leadership.
• Possess the knowledge necessary to use frameworks in ethical analysis and decision making, understanding their personal responsibilities as business leaders.
• Have a global and multicultural perspective.
• Demonstrate key attributes associated with professional conduct.

Specific objectives of the foregoing elements include:

Graduates will:

• Use a variety of analytical techniques to identify a complex business problem, generate and compare alternatives and develop a solution
• Select and implement the appropriate research skills and tools (information technology and/or quantitative analysis) to solve problems.
• Integrate their functional knowledge in applied settings (e.g. case analyses, group projects, research papers).
• Demonstrate knowledge relating to the concept of value creation and the role played by each functional area of the firm.
• Demonstrate a level of proficiency and self‐confidence appropriate to be a team or project leader.
• Define key components of the business operating environment(s) and explain how these components impact organisational performance and decisions.
• Diagnose cross‐cultural issues in a case setting and propose appropriate solutions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of how issues and decision criteria change depending on cultural perspectives and location.
• Demonstrate highly effective oral communication skills in professional settings, including professional presentations and persuasive presentations.

Disclaimer

The University reserves its right to define the electives offered on an academic-year basis.

Teaching, Learning and Assessment Methods

The Master’s teaching methodology involves a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, examinations, projects, presentations, assignments, case-study applications and independent research. In addition, it is designed to provide an academic experience going beyond that of the traditional classroom, in which the flow of information is primarily from the instructor to the student. The intention of the Master in Business Administration is that each participant will contribute to the education of the entire class through active participation in the learning procedure. The MBA follows a student-centred strategy based on a mix of various active learning techniques aiming to embed real-life scenarios to the Master’s core of activities and at the same time, through a research-oriented strategy, the MBA aims to equip students with applied research skills. It is essential for students enrolled in MBA to learn through active teaching and learning mix of techniques combining real life and research aspects towards creating professional with a high degree of professional standards. To this extent, our student-centred approach is implemented through interactive tasks and formative assessments (not graded) which are scheduled and mapped at each syllabus. Moreover, the learning journey is enriched with simulation games by well-known simulation packages and the Neapolis Experiential Studying Tasks-NEST, which offers the opportunity of assignments designed in collaboration with companies based on their real-life needs.

The evaluation of each course includes:

• Participation in interactive activities, (12 interactive activities of which 4 are graded) – 20%
• Assignment – 20%
• Final Exam – 60%

In order for a student to succeed in a course, he/she must obtain a grade of at least 50/100 in all three of the above criteria.

Failure to participate or fail in one of the above three elements implies the unsuccessful completion of the course. In this case, the student is examined during the repeat period of August / September only in the element that he/she failed. The maximum score that the student can receive during the re-examination period in each of the above elements is 65/100, as a second (attempt).

The dissertation cannot be shorter than 13,000 words and longer than 15,000 words, including the bibliography and the abstract. After submission, the main supervisor prepares a written and reasoned report with his/her consent for public support. The defence of the dissertation is made publicly or via an electronic videoconference before a three-member committee.

Programme Structure

Additionally, it is stressed that according to the relevant instructions of the Cyprus Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation in Higher Education the Programme can be completed in two academic semesters once the MBA Dissertation starts from the first or the second semester of studies and is completed during the summer period, which can be extended after the summer season for one or two months. The total number of ECTS remains unchanged, (90 ECTS). The total number of ECTS remains unchanged (90 ECTS).

Programme Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:

• Design integrated solutions to complex business problems based on discipline knowledge and experience.
• Critically evaluate current management frameworks, models, debates and evidence and integrate them with practice.
• Demonstrate an ability to think laterally, critically, innovatively, creatively, and to make connections among diverse fields of study in analyzing problems
• Critically address contrasting research dealing with multi-faceted business problems.
• Critically evaluate the practical applications of theory to generate practice-based solutions to unstructured problems.
• Acquire analytical and research skills to deal with business complex problems.
• Identify and address personal and professional development needs.
• Demonstrate an ability to make decisions in challenging situations.
• Demonstrate an ability to lead and to interact effectively in group situations.
• Communicate with diverse audiences through a range of media.
• Work independently and collaboratively.
• Manage self and others.