MSc Business Administration

Programme Outline

The scheme has been designed to meet the aims of the online MSc in a flexible manner and can be tailored to the individual preferences of each student. The MSc requires you to complete four courses plus a final dissertation. The programme consists of the following modules:

Introductory

Not-for-credit

Induction

This is the first module of the programme which gives an orientation to the course and the online learning style. It does not carry credits and students are encouraged to go through the material in this module at their own pace and get accustomed to the online medium.

Stage 1

120 credits, four taught modules

Core

• Human Resource Management and Development in a Global Context
  
• International Relationship Management
• International Strategic Management
• International Business in Practice

Research Methods Live Class

One week intensive live lectures online to prepare for your final dissertation.

Stage 2

60 credits, Individual dissertation

Dissertation Work

A conventional dissertation of 12,000 to 15,000 words, consisting of research question, aims and objectives, rationale for undertaking the study, literature review, research methodology, analysis of findings, conclusions and recommendations.

Module Descriptions

There are no average courses within our MSc programme. We are bound to provide an exceptional learning experience, and there is no better way to achieve this aim than with outstanding courses. They have been carefully crafted by experienced professors and are all meant to make you a more successful and efficient manager.

There are no old-fashioned exams. Instead you are given real-life case studies and essays, which allow you to think critically about your company and your own career. All this might seem too glossy but there is one catch: we do not accept average candidates. Only individuals as outstanding as our values can find their way toward admission at the Robert Kennedy College.

Induction

Not-for-credit module

A not-for-credit induction module will be the starting point of the programme. The induction process is designed to familiarise you with the programme design, requirements and resources, as well as with the way online interaction, learning and grading will take place. After the induction you should be familiar with academic life, including academic writing, library services and library access, OnlineCampus access, and academic support services.

Human Resource Management and Development in a Global Context

This module is designed to prepare you to undertake the role of a HR manager in an international context. To enable you to do this, you will examine the changing nature of organisations in a global context, and the debates around whether HR policy and practice is becoming truly global or whether national and cultural sensibilities prevent this. You will also be equipped with the skills needed to apply theoretical concepts relating to organisation design and development in practice.

International Relationship Management

Central to modern international business is the development and maintenance of relationships with key stakeholders such as customers and suppliers. This module will develop your awareness of culture in international marketing communications and business-to-business relationships. In addition to traditional communications such as advertising, you will also look at how social media can be used to engage with consumers from different cultural backgrounds. You will also learn how global supply chains across a range of organisations and sectors can be managed responsibly and sustainably.

International Strategic Management

In this era of globalisation it is essential for companies to understand the different international environments of the markets in which they may operate, and how these influence value-adding activities and decision-making. This module will develop your understanding of these different international environments in terms of the opportunities and threats that they present and show you how they can underpin a sustained competitive advantage in the international arena.

International Business in Practice

This module will allow you to understand the theory of cross-cultural interaction and different cultural identities and to see the ways in which these influence management practice in the areas of ethics, leadership, decision-making, communication and negotiation.