IBAT College Dublin MBA Student Handbook

Academic Year 2012/2013

MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

Table of Contents

WELCOME NOTE................................................................................................................................................ 3 1 GENERAL INFORMATION .................................................................................................................... 4 1.1 1.2 1.3 2 REGISTRATION .......................................................................................................................................... 4 GENERAL ENQUIRIES ................................................................................................................................ 4 ATTENDANCE ........................................................................................................................................... 4

STUDENT SERVICES AND SUPPORTS ............................................................................................... 5 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 MBA PROGRAMME TEAM ........................................................................................................................ 5 LIBRARY ................................................................................................................................................... 5 CAREERS SERVICE .................................................................................................................................... 6 IT FACILITIES ........................................................................................................................................... 6 MOODLE ................................................................................................................................................... 7 CLUBS AND SOCIETIES .............................................................................................................................. 7 OTHER SUPPORT SERVICES ....................................................................................................................... 8

MBA PROGRAMME OVERVIEW ......................................................................................................... 9 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 PROGRAMME OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................... 9 PROGRAMME AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ....................................................................................................... 9 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE, LEVEL, MODULES, CREDITS AND AWARDS .................................................. 10 STUDENT ASSESSMENT ........................................................................................................................... 10 ASSIGNMENTS......................................................................................................................................... 11 GENERAL ASSESSMENT CRITERIA .......................................................................................................... 12

FURTHER INFORMATION .................................................................................................................. 13

MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

Welcome Note

Dear Student, Welcome to IBAT College Dublin. Thank you for choosing IBAT for your MBA programme I hope you will have a great learning experience with us. You have enrolled on a much sought after course and I trust that you will find it challenging, stimulating and exciting. This handbook is designed to give you an overview of the College, the MBA Programme and in particular the learning and support facilities available in IBAT College Dublin. Apart from academic endeavours, going to College has much to offer in the sporting, cultural and social spheres. I encourage you to make the most of what is on offer. I trust that as well as developing your business and managerial skills you will develop new interests, make new contacts and broaden your horizons by the end of your programme of study.

Wishing you every success on your MBA programme.

_______________ Lisa Donaldson MBA Programme Leader

MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

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1.1

General Information
Registration

Registration is the formal process of becoming a student of the College. Once registered you will be able to attend lectures, sit examinations and have access to the many facilities and supports available within the College. The registration process is vital in ensuring that the College holds accurate and up-to-date information for each student. On completion of the registration process, your student status will be updated which will enable you to access the IBAT student portal including the online library and the course management system MOODLE. 1.2 General Enquiries

Enquiries relating to finance, student records, class scheduling, room bookings and general IT support should be in the first instance directed to the administration office (located at front desk). There are a number of dedicated administrative officers in both the Swords and city centre campuses and these can be contacted via reception in both campuses. Contact Details: City Centre: Swords: Tel: (01) 8075055 Ext: 501 Tel: (01) 8075055 Ext: 502 email: admin@ibat.ie email: admin@ibat.ie

Enquirers relating to examination timetables, assessments and examination results should be directed in the first instance to the examination officer. There is a dedicated examination officer in both the Swords and city centre campus. Contact Details: City Centre: Swords: Brian ONeill Colette Casey email: boneill@ibat.ie email: ccasey@ibat.ie

1.3

Attendance

Research shows that there is a direct relationship between student performance and attendance at lectures. Poor attendance can result in failure to achieve a minimum pass grade which will entail a repeat examination. The College reserves the right to take attendance records into account at examination board meetings when reviewing examination results and student appeals. International students who are resident in Ireland on a student visa are required to study full time (minimum 15 hours per week) and to maintain an attendance of a minimum of 85% in all classes. IBAT College Dublin is required by the GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) to monitor student attendance and to report to the GNIB any student whose attendance is below this threshold.

MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

Student Services and Supports

It is not unusual to experience some difficulties with third level education, especially at Masters Level. There is, however, a well-developed infrastructure for helping students within IBAT College Dublin and it is important to remember that you should never be afraid to ask for help if and when you need it. Remember, we are all here to help. 2.1 MBA Programme Team
Academic Director MBA Programme Leader Academic Manager lmoran@ibat.ie ldonaldson@ibat.ie rdeneher@ibat.ie

Linda Moran Lisa Donaldson Rosemary Deneher

Louise Hill Geraldine Nolan Maggie Silva Mark Dean Michelle Cullen Grainne Hurley

Head Librarian Administration Manager International Student Support IT Manager Careers Officer MBA Admissions Officer

lhill@ibat.ie gnolan@ibat.ie msilva@ibat.ie mdean@ibat.ie mcullen@ibat.ie ghurley@ibat.ie

2.2

Library City Centre: Swords: Louise Hill Siobhan Berg email: lhill@ibat.ie email: sberg@ibat.ie

Contact Details:

The Library and Information Service in IBAT incorporates a library in both the Swords and the city centre campus, both of which provides students with access to core, recommended and supplementary reading materials for all programmes. All of the electronic resources, ebook collection, e-journals and an extensive portfolio of electronic databases are available to students on and off campus, 24 hours a day. The library portal provides students with an interactive platform where they can search the library catalogue for titles and texts and offers a categorised easy-to-use linked information facility.

The library provides access to: Electronic resources and E books Wireless network Printing facilities Photocopying facilitates Study rooms for collaborative study Library Resources for learners with disabilities Inter-library loans

MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

IBAT employs a dedicated informational skills librarian who runs a number of classes during term time on how to use the library and its resources, how to search material online and how to evaluate and use information safely. Opening Times: Library opening times for both campuses are as follows: 9am to 10pm Monday to Thursday 9am to 9pm Friday 9.30am to 5pm Saturday Sundays open during examination times

The log-in details that you will need to access the various library and IT resources in the College will be emailed to you prior to course commencement. A comprehensive guide to using the library resources forms part of student induction and is available on the library portal in MOODLE.

2.3

Careers Service Michelle Cullen (01) 8075055 Ext 559 mcullen@ibat.ie

Contact:

The careers service offers support and advice to help students make informed career decisions, set realistic career goals and develop the skills necessary to accomplish their goals. The service aims to improve the career prospects of all IBAT College Dublin students. Services offered include: Student Career Development Portal Careers Portal Careers Fairs CV and Interview Workshops Please visit the IBAT careers portal in MOODLE for further information.

2.4

IT Facilities Mark Dean (01) 8075055 Ext 515 Arthur Castro (01) 8075055 Ext 516 mdean@ibat.ie acastro@ibat.ie

Contact:

IT facilities for students comprise four computer labs; two in the city centre campus and two in the Swords Campus. There are two open access areas with PCs which students can access at all times during building opening hours and PCs for students are also provided in the two IBAT libraries. There is a wireless network and all lecture rooms are equipped with a projector, PC, multimedia and sound facilities. Prior to commencement each student is provided with their own login account for accessing
MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

the student learning portal. Once you login you can access numerous support services including; Access to the IBAT Library Access to Moodle Access to your personal class timetable Access to your attendance record online and in real-time Access to the IBAT forum Access to their assessment details which includes real-time results Each student automatically gets a Google Apps account when they login to the learning portal which provides free communication and collaboration services including; Gmail Providing all students with 25 gigabytes of storage per account. Google Talk Lecturers and students can call or send instant messages to each other for free. Google Calendar - students can organise their schedules and share events, meetings and entire calendars. Google Docs Provides learner with 25 gigabytes of storage for storing and sharing files from any computer inside or outside the College.

2.5

Moodle

IBAT College Dublin makes extensive use of the Moodle course management system, designed to provide you with a range of course materials that will enhance and support your learning. All course related materials will be available on this facility and include; course lecture notes, course syllabi, course timetables and assessment and examinations schedules. MBA students also have access to the MBA Central area a dedicated area for course materials, information and support for all of the MBA modules. Moodle can be accessed from any PC with internet access. The IBAT student user guide is available at induction and this information can be found within the student portal on the IBAT College Dublin website www.ibat.ie/moodle.

2.6

Clubs and Societies

One of the best ways to meet other people with similar interests is to get involved in a club or society. There are a number of clubs, societies and networking events organised throughout the term, details of which are provided at induction and in the student services guide available online. Guest Lecturers The MBA experience in IBAT College Dublin includes opportunities to meet influential business leaders and managers who will share their expertise and insight with the students.
MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

Over the course of the MBA programme, students will benefit from dynamic guest lecturers from a range of public and private sector business leaders who are working at the forefront of their fields. The MBA programme includes a number of organised networking events and seminars we highly recommend you attend these events.

2.7

Other Support Services Lisa Donaldson (01) 8075055 Ext 514 ldonadlson@ibat.ie

Contact:

The pastoral care of students is of the utmost concern to IBAT College Dublin. The Programme Leader can offer advice and support on the availability of appropriate assistance and services on study, financial, health, disability support services and other academic and non academic related issues. Further information can be found in the student services guide available from the Programme Leader.

MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

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3.1

MBA Programme Overview

Programme Overview

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme may be gained by studying either in full-time mode (1 year) or part-time mode (approximately 2 academic years of study). The programme is an innovative programme developed in conjunction with industry experts and covers a multi-disciplinary area which includes modules such as strategic marketing, financial management, operations and process management, innovation management and strategic leadership. The programme is academically challenging and strategically relevant and aims to equip students with current and emerging theories that inform or comment upon the new practices of business. The programme aims to develop in individuals an integrated, critical awareness and understanding of management and organisations. The programme was developed to meet the needs of middle and senior managers in the running of their businesses and to facilitate their progression to higher level roles within their organisation.

3.2

Programme Aims and Objectives Evaluation of the advanced study of organisations, their administration and the changing external context in which they operate. Enhancement of the learners professional development, through their preparation for/development of their business and/or management career, through the synthesis and application of learning and skills at a postgraduate level, preparation for independent research (via the dissertation), or further study in the area Development of learners key skills in the presentation and communication of information, within a problem-solving team environment, under time critical conditions. Application of critical knowledge and understanding of business and management to complex issues, both systematically and creatively, to improve business and management practice. The enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to facilitate learners to be able to work with self-direction and originality, and to contribute to business and society at large.

MBA STUDENT HANDBOOK Academic Year 2012/2013

3.3

Programme Structure, Level, Modules, Credits and Awards

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is made up of eight taught modules (Stage 1) and a Dissertation (Stage 2) and carries a total of 90 credits. Students need to successfully pass eight core modules (60 ECTS credits) before embarking on the Dissertation. The Dissertation (stage 2), comprises 30 credits. Stage 1: Taught (8 Modules = 60 credits) Semester No. 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 Module Title Operations and Process Management Strategic Marketing Financial Analysis Human Capital Management Leadership & Business Transformation Innovation Management Leadership & HR Strategies International Business in Context Total Credits Stage 1 Stage 2: Dissertation (30 credits) Sem # 3 3 Module Title Research Methods Dissertation Total Credits Stage 2 MBA Total Credits Required Stage 1 (60 credits) & Stage 2 (30 credits) ECTS Credits 5 25 30 90 ECTS Credits 10 5 5 10 10 5 10 5 60

Students who exit on completion of the first four modules are entitled to the award of: Certificate in Business Administration (Minor Award). Students who exit on successful completion of eight modules but who do not progress to dissertation are entitled to the award of: Postgraduate Diploma in Business.

3.4

Student Assessment

The purpose of assessment is to provide a measure of the extent to which the aims and learning outcomes of the programme and individual modules have been achieved and to provide a basis for the determination of the award.
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All assessment for the MBA programme (and exit awards) conducted within IBAT College Dublin is implemented in accordance with IBAT College Dublin Examinations Regulations, which have been written to meet HETACs Assessment and Standards (2009) and the Effective Practice Guideline for External Examining (2010) policy documents.

3.4.1

Assessment Strategies

The assessment strategy for the MBA programme reflects the aims and learning objectives of the programme and the module learning outcomes. This requires the use of a wide range of assessment methods involving an appropriate balance between formative and summative methods. A detailed assessment schedule which gives a detailed breakdown of the various assessment methodologies for each module is given to students at induction.

3.4.2

Examinations

IBAT College Dublins examinations regulations deal with the processing of marks, award classifications and the process for appeals and rechecks. Examination dates will be published on the student notice board and on the student portal in (MOODLE). Students are responsible for ensuring that they are familiar with the up to date times and locations for examinations. Examination results All assessment and examination results are published on the student portal - dates and times of publication will be issued in advance. Results are uploaded onto Moodle where students can log in securely and view their individual results. Students are made aware that results at this stage are provisional and are subject to confirmation. Confirmed results are not released until the external examination board meeting is held and results are confirmed by the relevant external examiners. Students will subsequently be informed of examination results by post.

3.5

Assignments

Assignments, both written and in other forms are an integral aspect of the assessment strategy for the MBA programme. Students are required to submit assignments by the due deadline using the submission requirements specified for that assignment. It is each students responsibility to organise themselves to submit assignments by the due date in the prescribed manner. Students should retain a copy of all assignments. Assignments submitted after the due date will attract a marking penalty unless an extension has been granted (see information under Extensions). Students should submit a hard copy of each assignment to the administration office where you will receive a confirmation of submission from staff. All soft copies of assignments will need to be submitted through Turnitin software (available on Moodle) prior to final submission. Full training on this will be provided to students at the Induction. Requests for late submission will be supported only in exceptional circumstances.
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All submissions should include the MBA Cover sheet available from administrative office or on MBA Central. Note: if emailing assessments or any other documentation to lecturers, please use the lecturers IBAT College Dublin email address.

Extensions An extension may be granted in circumstances where a written request for an extension received before the original due submission date and an acceptable reason (e.g. illness) given by the student. Extensions will be considered only where written application submitted in advance of the deadline with supporting evidence as to why the extension warranted (e.g. medical certificate). is is is is

Technical problems such as computer failure or viruses are not deemed legitimate reasons for late submission or non-submission of work. If an extension is neither sought nor granted, work submitted after the due date shall be subject to the penalties as outlined in the Colleges submission of course work policy.

3.6

General Assessment Criteria

In your written work the following general assessment criteria will apply. You should; adhere closely to guidelines given by the lecturer focus clearly on the issues, themes and problems refer to theory in relevant disciplines integrate theory and practice structure your work logically to ensure a coherent whole present arguments and draw conclusions show evidence of reading and research such as books, journals, observations and reflective practice ensure work is well presented reference all work using the Harvard Referencing Style

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Further Information

Further information can be found on the IBAT website, MBA Central or by contacting the Programme Leader Lisa Donaldson. The following supporting documents can be viewed and downloaded from the MBA Central Portal or are available from the administrative offices in both campuses. Academic Calendar and Term Dates Examinations and Assessment Schedule IBAT College Examinations Regulations IBAT Policy on Submission of Coursework Policy of academic integrity within IBAT College Dublin Student Services and International Student Guide International Students Guide Complaints Procedures Moodle User Guide IT Policy

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