Online Courses Handbook 2003

198004 v.7 Master of Business Administration

Introduction
This course is designed for practising managers wanting to develop skills in identifying, analysing and developing strategies for management opportunities and problems. It provides a broad coverage of the key functional disciplines of business and management, and the opportunity to develop a specialisation or pursue extensive development of business competencies.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites
A bachelors degree from a recognised Australian tertiary institution or equivalent and at least three years relevant work experience may seek selection for entry. Selection, which is competitive, will be based on a range of information including grades achieved in previous study, referee reports, relevance of work experience, career aspirations and test results. Applicants are required to submit referee reports. Interviews may also be required. Applicants with three or more years of relevant work experience and who have completed a graduate qualification in the last three years or who have completed the first four units of the Graduate Diploma in Business with an average grade of 70 per cent or better, will be offered entry to the Master of Business Administration. Well performed candidates without appropriate background may be admitted but will be required to complete appropriate bridging and special course units as prescribed. In certain cases, the need to complete these special units may result in an extension of studies beyond the normal length of the course.

Specific Requirements
Prior to commencement students must complete two important additional non-fee paying modules - Business Application, and Critical and Creative Thinking. The Graduate Board of Examiners require, unless there are exceptional circumstances, that those with more than two failures in the course or more than four units with grades below 60 per cent be excluded from the course, so as to maintain the high standard expected of such a prestigious qualification. Attendance at one residential weekend with related activities and a business application program are compulsory components of the course.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability
This fee paying course is of three trimesters or one calendar year full-time or equivalent part-time study. Availability of units, work commitments and an intention to undertake the specialisation may increase the course duration to two years.

Intermediate Awards
A student who has successfully completed all the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Business may apply for graduation in that award subject to approval of the Director, Graduate School of Business. For further definition refer to the Statement and Awards section under General Information.

Course Organisation
Students must complete 12 units and graduate with a Master of Business Administration. Students may select an additional four unit specialisation and instead receive an award of Master of Business Administration (Specialisation). Alternatively, studentsmay select an additional four elective units, receiving instead an award of Master of Business Administration (Advanced).

Additional Course Expenses
Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study. Tuition fees are levied as an inclusive figure to the participant incorporating accommodation and other related expenses.

Special Note
The underlying principle is that all existing students will not be disadvantaged by the restructure of this program in 2002. Affected students should consult the Graduate School of Business to discuss appropriate unit selection and course progression.

Course Structure Hrs/Wk Credit

Majors, Streams or Other Core Components

305990 v.1 Undergraduate Business Background Stream (MBA) 300.0

OR

305991 v.1 Undergraduate Non - Business Background Stream (MBA) 300.0

307063 v.1 Retreat and Presentation Workshops 061 (MBA)

307117 v.1 Business Application 061 (MBA)

307118 v.1 Critical and Creative Thinking and Business Leaders Series 061 (MBA)

300.0