Online MBA / Distance MBA is accredited by Association of MBAs and the CMI

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Structure of the Online MBA (eMBA) course

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Curriculum and Method of Study

Online Learning Experience and Examination Procedures

Online MBA Leadership Week and Study Tour to South of France

Course Length, Calendar and Exit Routes

Course Structure and Module Detail

Curriculum & Method of Study

The online MBA syllabus follows a progressive model enabling students to gain a broad base of leadership skills and an understanding of the functional components of management before moving into areas of specialist study and strategic management.

Stage 1 - Core Management Modules
These modules focus on operational and strategic aspects of business decision making within the key functional areas of organisations. Studying them provides background and insight into the major aspects of the internal and external business environments. In addition they provide knowledge and understanding in the application of information analysis and presentation.

Stage 2 - Specialist Modules
These modules provide the opportunity to study an aspect of business management in depth. The modules are supported by research, where appropriate, from work being undertaken in the Aberdeen Business School and presentations from external contributors in the field who provide an "applied" focus in the subject area. Students choose three "themed" modules from a portfolio of options that allow them to match their studies with career needs or aspirations.

Stage 3 - Strategic Management
This "double" module completes the taught element of the online MBA programme. It provides practical skills in analysis of complex corporate situations and generation of effective and innovative strategies for organisational success. The learning approach relies heavily on group work and is centred on integrative case studies and a substantial business simulation exercise which is accessed on-line.

Stage 4 - Dissertation
The final 'dissertation' stage provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge skills and understanding gained from the taught elements in an applied business context. The dissertations is aimed at the identification and research of a real business issue with the aim of developing defendable strategic options and recommendations in respect of that issue. The dissertation emphasises the analysis and resolution of strategic issues within a practical and often, global business environment. At this stage each student is provided with an academic supervisor who is familiar with the subject area.

Online Learning and Examinations for the Online MBA

Online MBA accredited by Association of MBAs

Distance MBA Learning Experience
This is a Distance-Learning (online) course which is delivered online through the Robert Gordon University’s virtual learning environment, Campus Moodle, and, by the nature of its format, recreates the same challenging interactive format as for the on-campus modes of study.

A key aspect of your learning and the operation of the course and its development, is effective interaction among students and with tutors. This is done through individual study of the study materials and active participation in the group learning experience.

The discussion forums, group email and computer mediated communication technologies (such as Web Conferencing Software, Articulate Web Broadcasting technology and Skype Internet Telephony and Conferencing software) are available via Campus Moodle. This permits group study, discussion and presentations equivalent to the full time on−campus classes. The online library, annotated PowerPoint presentations, recorded lecture materials and eBook resources provide the same learning resources as to an on−campus student. The delivery of educational content constitutes however, only a small part of the Virtual Campus experience. Online community groups, communication tools and discussion forums enable students to:

- Communicate with each other and their tutors;
- Share ideas, debate issues and explore concepts;
- Reflect on the contributions of others and consider critically their own position prior to posting a response to the group;
- Participate in a few live lectures as they occur on the full-time course;
- Enhance the learning experience for all involved.

Central to the online MBA degree is the development of a learning experience responsive to individual needs which encourages the active participation of students with tutors and with each other to expand their ideas in class or via electronic forums and communications tools. Online learning is learner centred, enabling the student to assume responsibility for their own learning. The course applies a group−centred model of learning so that learning will be a social activity. In this way, learning will not be static, but will reflect the dynamism of learning communities. This will facilitate amongst students greater cognitive development, critical thinking and the discovery of new knowledge rather than that experienced when learning alone.

Paricipation in team work is an essential and compulsory component of the distance MBA learning experience and an integral part of many assessments.

Support for Online Study
The distance learning mode also has a study guide for the module that explains the resources available, the learning approach and any special requirements or deadlines. The module is divided into learning topics that directly reflect the taught syllabus. Each of these topics has a number of additional resources for the distance learner: [1] topic notes providing a commentary on the topic that replicates the lecture material; [2] annotated PowerPoint slides of the on-campus lectures; [3] where appropriate, an audio or talking head PowerPoint summary of key learning points (usually about 10−15 minutes) or complete video of the lecture (this may be broadcast live on some occasions); [4] where available, an eBook chapter or digitised reading or hyperlink to such a resource; [5] individual and group activities that are facilitated by asynchronous and synchronous communication technologies and [6] an online support module.

In addition, the online tutor engages with teams and individuals through the asynchronous discussion forum, group email and individual confidential email, which are the key resources to support online interaction.

Online Study Support Module
To prepare students for the online learning experience an online support module has been specially developed. This module covers induction and ongoing support that a student requires to proceed with MBA study. Delivery is integrated around an e-book: Cameron S., 2005. The MBA Handbook - Skills for Mastering Management. 5th Ed. Edinburgh: Pearson Education.

Students are given access to this module as they enrol.

Distance MBA / Online MBA Assessment
The assessment on these modules vary and will either be a combination of individual course work, group work, business simulation, case exam and/or examination. This is all very similar to the on-campus MBA. This is a collaborative and rich learning experience and you will be required to participate.

In this course, there will be a balance of continuous assessment and examinations. For modules with an examination component you will be required to attend an assessment centre. This will either be the British Council offices or some other recognised assessment centre such as a University. As far as possible this will be local to you.

Online MBA (eMBA) Leadership Workshop

During the period of the course you will be required to attend an on-campus workshop. This workshop will take place in the second year of your studies.

During this 10 day workshop you will participate in the final instalment of the business simulation. You will meet as a team to conclude the simulation, prepare a business plan and present your findings. In this week you will be working alongside teams from the on-campus MBA and visiting scholars from exchange schools. During the week you will also receive 5-days leadership training.

The theme for 2007 is leadership and creativity. This year’s speakers include Professor Bill Donaldson, Professor Dennis Tourish, Professor Owen Hargie and Professor Clive Morton, OBE.

Online MBA (eMBA) Leadership Brochure 2007 (PDF)

Online MBA Study Tour

As part of the MBA programme there is an opportunity to participate in a one week study tour to IAE Aix en Provence Université in the South of France. This is voluntary. The theme of this week is Communication and Business Intersection. This is available on request to students in their second year. There will be an additional cost to participate in the study tour. Students from Kellogg Management School in the US, IAE Aix en Provence Graduate School of Management and Aberdeen Business School, The Robert Gordon University will study together.

Course Length

Award	Online MBA (eMBA)
PgDip Business Administration	Semesters 1 - 5
Master of Business Administration	Semesters 6 - 8

Master of Business Administration with Distinction can be awarded for students who meet the following criteria:

an overall average of grade 6 over all taught modules and the dissertation

Calendar and Exit Routes

Entry to the distance MBA course is September and January each year.

Online MBA (eMBA)
Year 1	Oct-Dec	Feb-Apr	Apr-Jun
Year 2	Sep-Dec	Feb-Apr	Apr-Jun
Year 3	Sep-Dec	Jan-Apr

Online MBA (eMBA) Course Structure

The structure and content of the Distance Learning MBA mode is the same as the on-campus mode and delivery is co-ordinated by the same subject specialists. The fact that your course is delivered by the Virtual Campus offers you considerable flexibility in the timing of your studies. However, you should note that you will be required to complete the various modules at the same pace as on campus Part-time students (i.e. two modules per semester).

Year	Module	Module Title
Year 1	Core Management
	BSM010	Marketing Decisions
	BSM011	Business Economics
	BSM013	Financial Decision Making
	BSM014	Operations Management: A Supply Chain Approach
	BSM015	Human Resource Management
	BSM155	Change Management

Year 2	Strategic Management
	BSM2536	Strategic Management
	Leadership Week
	BSM116	Leadership, Communication and Change
	Specialist	Select 1 Specialist Module*

Year 3	Dissertation
	BSM2550	MBA Dissertation

* Specialist Modules

Module	Module Title
BSM007	Corporate Financial Management
BSM2530	Launching a New Venture
BSM518	Global Marketing Management
BSM2519	Oil and Gas Management
BSM579	Legal Systems and Contract Law
BSM084	Project Fundamentals

Online MBA, full time MBA and part time MBA are accredited by the association of MBAs (AMBA)

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