Staffordshire University places an emphasis on face-to-face and flexible delivery which provides a more supportive learning environment for those returning to education. The structure of the MBA programme provides a logical modular sequence with clearly defined study commitments.

The programme is accessible to all Military Personnel with a variety of entry points for different ranks. Through its collaboration with the MOD, Staffordshire University recognises the extensive management experience and training that Senior Managers undertake and have mapped the outcomes from generic leadership and management courses to the outcomes of the MBA programme.

The following provides an indication of the level of accreditation and entry points to the MBA programme.

If you do not hold one of the above ranks but hold a first degree in any subject and have more than two years management experience, you may also be considered to enter the MBA programme.

Where an individual considers they could be awarded additional exemptions based on existing qualifications, an application can be made for accreditation of prior learning. Further exemptions will be awarded where the outcomes and level of the qualification held, map to one or more of the studied modules.

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Why choose Staffordshire University to study for an MBA?

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Value of the Award

The award is designed to enhance your ability to develop your career both within your current organisation or within a business management environment. It will provide a solid grounding in the knowledge and skills which are relevant to civilian employment, in order to enhance your post-service employability.

The key aspects of a Staffordshire University MBA are:

• GloballyrecognisedMBAaward• Vocationallyrelevantandcareerenhancing• Challengingandstimulatingintensivecoursein business management

• Integratingthemainfunctionalareasthroughthe application of strategic management

• Developmentofskillsinleadership,communication, teamwork and decision-making.

The MBA programme consists of a series of modules at three stages;

• PostgraduateCertificateinManagementStudies (comprising of three modules)

• PostgraduateDiplomainManagementStudies (compromising of three modules)

• ResearchandDissertation(comprisingoftwo modules).

Module details:

The Human Capital DimensionThis module combines the behavioral aspects of Human Capital Management with the essentials of leadership in practice, including effective people management processes and techniques.

Change LeadershipThis module focuses on change leadership and followership. It challenges the established position of change management as it does not present/perceive organisational change and leadership as being two separate issues/themes but one - one which is at the core of all organisations in all sectors.

Global Strategic ManagementThis module provides a general grounding in the tools and processes of strategic analysis, evaluation and selection and introduces ideas about the path dependency of strategy.

Marketing InnovationsThe module will focus on the marketing management of innovative new products within the context of small entrepreneurial firms and large established global companies.

Business of War and TerrorismThis module analyses the business of defence, peace and security. The main focus of the module is an understanding of the complex military decision-making process, whether in situations of war or terrorism.

Risk and Financial AnalysisThis module will focus on techniques available to assess and manage the financial aspects of corporations with a particular emphasis on the management of risk. Business Research MethodsThe module explores and critically reviews major developments and methodological discussions assigned to the developing fields and disciplines associated with business and management research.

I want more information or I want to start the course; who do I contact now?Lesley Allen, HM Forces Programmes Managert: 01785 353572/01785 353836 m: 07917 270083e: Lesley.allen@staffs.ac.ukor Paul Stonier, HM Forces Development Officer t: 01785 353772/01785 353836 m: 07825 845474e: paul.stonier@staffs.ac.uk

www.staffs.ac.uk/HMForces

FS/SSgt/CPO

Flt Lt/Capt/WO/Lt (RN)

Sqn Ldr/Maj/Lt Cdr

0 Credits Direct Entry to Postgraduate Certificate

30 Credits at Postgraduate Level

60 Credits Direct Entry to Postgraduate Diploma

What will I study?

The MBA is intended to equip students with the qualities required to be ‘Thinking andReflectivePerformers’withaglobalperspective.Keycontemporarythemeswillthread through the awards, creating integrated modules that build on developing and appreciating business dynamics in response to an evolving global environment.

The essence of the MBA curriculum is a series of multidisciplinary team-taught, integrated modules that teach students to draw on a broad range of information, tools and skills to develop creativity and innovation and make strategic decisions within a contemporary context.

The MBA award has therefore been designed to encompass three key themes.

Theme 1: The Performing Organisation (core on all the three MBA awards)Theme2:ContemporaryandGlobalStrategicChallengesTheme3:ResearchinAction

Students will be encouraged to consider creative and innovative ideas from the onset, enabling them to share various experiences, expertise and cultures. Students will develop skills-based elements that will provide a strong foundation for a managerial and entrepreneurial ethos.

New and contemporary business and marketing practices will be embedded in all MBA modules to acquaint students with new business practices. For example, aspects of new media and contemporary technology will be introduced to the students from the onset. This will give you the opportunity to further expand and broaden your knowledge and research into current innovative business practices as part of your continual learning.

The Postgraduate Team will continue to incorporate aspects of sustainability, corporate social responsibility and ethics, enterprise, entrepreneurship, new venture and innovative business management practices that are relevant to modules that they deliver.

The MBA modules will embed many of the necessary business skills and toolkits that are essential for businesses to succeed. New ventures, innovative businesses and creative development of ideas will be introduced as aids for developing problem-solving skills.

The entire Postgraduate Team will encourage students to investigate and explore opportunities to further strengthen enterprise and entrepreneurship within the modules.

Each stage consists of the following modules:

Postgraduate Certificate in Management Studies;

The Human Capital Dimension 15 creditsChange Leadership 15 creditsGlobalStrategicManagement 30credits Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies;

Marketing Innovations 15 creditsBusiness of War and Terrorism 15 creditsRiskandFinancialAnalysis 30credits

MBA;

BusinessResearchMethods 15creditsMBA Dissertation 45 credits

How will I study?

Each 15 credit taught module will be delivered through a five-day intensive programme which issupportedbytheUniversity’svirtuallearningenvironment known as Blackboard.

Each 30 credit taught module will require two five-day intensive periods at the university. You will engage in structured learning before each module, followed by further independent study prior to module assessment. You will have a module tutor(s) who will support your independent study through exam guidance and feedback on draft assignments.

The dissertation is an independent research project which does not have any taught element. A dissertation supervisor will be appointed who is a subject matter expert. Support for your dissertation research will be conducted face to face, by e mail or by telephone.

Each 15-credit core module will involve approximately 30 contact hours and each 30-credit module will involve approximately 60 contact hours. These contact hours are divided activities, such as, lectures, student centred activities and group discussions.

How much independent study should I expect to do?

For each hour of class contact you are expected to spend at least an hour and half reading around the subject and engaging in discussions with other students on issues of shared concern. The University places great emphasis on the importance of independent learning for Postgraduates and you should see your own study time having just as much significance for your course as the taught components.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment will be conducted through essay based assignments, examinations and a dissertation. All examinations, where relevant, will either take place attheUniversity,selectedRAFstationsthroughoutthe country or if necessary on the first morning of the following module. Most assignments will be submitted electronically. Specific details will be available in each of the module handbooks that will be issued during the programme.

What resources will be available to me during my studies?

As already indicated, the module study material hosted within Blackboard will be the most significant resource used to support your studies. In addition to the module material and Blackboard support, you will be provided with a tablet containing the core text books and have access to the various online library facilities. Staffordshire University has subscriptions to electronic book services which offer full text electronic

access to many textbooks, journals and conference proceedings, software support services, and even to some software provided by the university. You will be able to access these resources remotely.

In addition, all students of the University can borrow texts from other university libraries via a national scheme enabling you to access library services near to home or work.

When can I begin my studies?

It is possible to start your programme in September and January/February of each year.

How long does it take? Each stage of the programme takes a minimum of one year to complete unless you have exemptions. Therefore, for example, a Squadron Leader can achieve an MBA in two years, a Warrant Officer in 2 ½ years and a Flight Sergeant in three years.

Toprovideasmuchflexibilityaspossibletheprogrammehas been designed so that students can complete each stage of the programme over a longer period of time reflectingtheexceptionaldemandsplacedonservicepersonnel. Therefore, during periods of out-of-area or change in circumstance it will be possible for you to put your studies on hold until you are able to restart. However, the programme must be completed within five years of commencement.

How much does it cost?

Current fees can be found at www.staffs.ac.uk/HMForces

The University is an approved ELC provider; therefore you are able to use your ELC as payment towards your fees. If you do not qualify for ELC then the University is abletoprovideaflexiblepaymentschedule.