Master of Business Administration - PMU, UK

1. Course Description:

The Plymouth Marjon University MBA is a programme of broad, analytical and integrated study of business, leadership and strategic management. It is a career development programme for those working in a variety of organisations, including sole traders, SMEs, national and multinationals, and not-for-profit. The programme is forward looking, with a focus on practical leadership and management skills which can be implemented in the workplace. Upon successful completion, learners are awarded by Qualifications Scotland (QS) and Plymouth Marjon University (PMU).

2. Credits Table

3. Module Description

International Marketing Management

This module explores knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories and their applications in the research field of international marketing and management and nurtures originality in developing, applying, and implementing ideas in the areas of international management and international marketing.

Learning Outcomes 

LO1: Analyse the changing business environment(s) globally and how they pose challenges to marketing management functions in organizations. 

LO2: Develop marketing plans with the application of appropriate marketing models, tools, and techniques. 

LO3: Evaluate the processes involved in brand management and how they influence consumer behaviour.

LO4: Decide how to launch new products/services in a dynamic global marketplace.

Strategic Management

This module is designed to help students understand and evaluate various aspects of strategic management in a global context. The module also serves as an opportunity to develop skills for strategic thinking and analysis, leadership, communication, teamwork, and cross-functional integration. Students should be able to synthesize information to make strategic decisions and actions demonstrating awareness of complexity, risk, and uncertainty in a dynamic business environment.

Learning Outcomes 

LO1: Critically evaluate the relationship between strategy, stakeholder expectations and organizational performance. 

LO2: Evaluate the impact of current and emerging Economic, Political and Cultural factors on the strategic management of an organization. 

LO3: Formulate innovative business strategies designed to contribute to the success of an organization.

LO4: Critically assess different leadership styles in developing corporate values, and social responsibilities and managing strategic change.

Strategic Change Management

The goal of studying strategic change management is to acquire an in-depth knowledge about the factors that cause change, the nature and perspectives of organizational change, reactions and resistance to change, overcoming resistance to change and the impact of leadership and human behaviour on change management. In addition to these, theories and models of change management and stakeholder management will be explained in detail. By the end of this course, students will know the basics of strategic change management and its factors. In addition, students will also be able to manage organizational change by monitoring and evaluating the change process.

Learning Outcomes 

LO1: Critically analyze the nature and context of change in organizations. 

LO2: Explore the issues and challenges during change management in organizations. 

LO3: Critically review the impact of leadership and human behaviour on change management 

LO4: Design a change management process for an organization.

Accounting For Next-Generation Leaders

This module aims to provide next-generation leaders with a level of practical understanding that can be used in the workplace by covering a range of key areas in financial accounting, management accounting and finance in general. The module covers analysis and interpretation of financial statements of contemporary firms, cost classification, investment appraisal and budgeting affecting the financial behaviour of an organization.

Learning Outcomes

LO1: Critically analyze financial accounting principles to measure bottom-line impact and develop competitive strategies.

LO2: Critique the relevance and significance of the budgeting process, techniques and methods in driving organizational performance.

LO3: Evaluate financial statements and business performance using ratio analysis.

LO4: Evaluate investment appraisal techniques to support decision-making.

Sustainability And Business

Organizations within modern day business are required to redesign their strategies and policies to be aligned with a sustainability agenda. Corporate social awareness is now being seen as a way to address economic, social and ecological issues from a sustainability standpoint, expanding the traditional reach of CSR. Sustainability awareness creates an environment for a more innovative organization and supply chains, with emphasis on biodiversity and closed-loop supply strategies. The module will critically review sustainability challenges and opportunities for organizations globally.

Learning Outcomes 

LO1: Appraise the multiple dimensions of sustainability for businesses in the context of global challenges. 

LO2: Critically review, evaluate, and develop sustainability strategies of organizations. 

LO3: Critically analyze the strategic alignment of the business functions to sustainability. 

LO4: Critically analyze an organization’s global sustainability and your contribution to the impact on global sustainability.

Strategic Leadership & HR Practices In Organisations

The purpose of this module is to discuss and explain the role of strategic HRM and leadership practices in an organization and their influence on the overall performance and competence of the organization. This module is designed to develop an understanding about the contemporary practices of strategic human resource management and the paradigm shift in the approaches and methods related to various functions of HRM like strategic recruitment and selection, strategic leadership, strategic performance management and employee development to name a few. It also highlights the role and significance of leadership styles and practices during the planning and implementation of change in the organization. Upon successfully completing the module, the participants will be able to have comprehensive knowledge about the wider business context in which the manager has to lead, perform, and make effective decisions.

Learning Outcomes 

LO1: Critically analyze the significance of Strategic Human Resources Management and its changing landscape in organizations. 

LO2: Critically discuss the impact of Human Resources Management activities on organizational Performance. 

LO3: Evaluate various leadership styles and practices in organizations.

LO4: Plan how to implement change in an organization

PART B

Management Project Methods

The Management project methods consist of 8 – 9 sessions of Research Methods classes. Research Methods is an opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to investigate issues of their own choice over a significant period. Essentially this is an individual effort, but it is carried out with the guidance and advice of a supervisor. Research is a creative and investigative process that only learners can develop in totality. All learners are expected to attend the research methods sessions conducted as scheduled and informed by the course admin. The research methods are conducted to help learners understand the various aspects of Research and the dissertation journey in detail. Research method sessions usually involve detailed lectures and training activities on writing the literature review, different methodologies and philosophies, quantitative and qualitative analysis etc. among other aspects.

Learning Outcomes

LO1: Identify and critically justify postgraduate research/enquiry techniques appropriate to the chosen business and management context.

LO2: Critically evaluate relevant ethical and operational issues relating to the chosen project.

LO3: Demonstrate the capability to undertake a systematic, analytical and evidence-based approach to a strategic management project.

Strategic Management Project

The Strategic Management Project is designed to be highly applicable to the student’s own experiences and desired professional trajectory. The final dissertation will be completed with the guidance of a supervisor during the SMP.