Edinburgh Napier University / Southpoint Education International


Module Descriptors

MBA (General)

  • MANAGEMENT AND ORGANISATIONAL CHANGE (Core)

    This module focuses on the behaviour of people in a work environment by placing an emphasis on understanding the vital role and importance of people in the change management process. You will further develop an understanding of the dynamics of working organisations in a rapidly evolving business environment, with specific emphasis placed on the significance of organisational culture. This in turn develops your ability to plan and carry forward sustainable system wide change programmes.

    Earn a world class MBA or MBM for under $10,000.

  • LEADING STRATEGIC DECISION MAKING (Core)

  • GLOBAL BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND FINANCE (Core)

  • MARKETING AND BUILDING HIGH PERFORMING ORGANISATIONS (Core)

  • MANAGING INNOVATION (Generalist MBA only)

  • CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT (Generalist MBA only)

  • Data Analysis for Business Decision-making* (Core)

  • MBA PROJECT

  • SPECIALISED MBA MODULES

    MBA (BANKING)

    Module: Global Finance

    This module is designed to provide the non-specialist graduate student with a comprehensive introduction to the global capital markets. The module will provide you with sufficient depth of explanation and analysis so that it is of practical use to you if, for example, you are planning a career in the areas of the capital market business and you wish to improve your knowledge of the products, strategies and participants of these markets.

    Description of module content: The module will examine the structure and functions of the international monetary and financial system. It will analyse the development and the implications of the global financial marketplace. It will examine the functions, products, participants, operational arrangements of, and the linkages between, the money markets – short-term interest rate products, the foreign exchange market, the government and corporate bond markets, the equity capital markets and the international derivatives markets.

    Module: Financial Markets, Institutions & Banking

    This module builds upon economic principles, financial theories and management concepts to equip you with a critical understanding of the interdependencies of financial markets and the global economy, an in-depth knowledge of the unique characteristics of financial institutions and with the skills to critically evaluate the behaviour of banks and other financial firms.

    Description of module content: Financial system: functions, structure, intermediaries and globalisation Interest rates: theory, determinants of supply and demand, equilibrium rates, policies Financial markets: money, bond, equity and derivative markets, integration, infrastructures Financial Institutions: insurance, savings, investment, asymmetric information, moral hazard interest Modern Banks: organisational structure, activities, risks, regulation, failures, competitive issues

    MBA (Events Management)

    Module: International Business Event Management

    The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry is of huge global economic importance. Business events play a significant role in generating tourism revenue for destinations, thus contributing towards economic prosperity. This complex sector of the tourism industry involves a wide range of stakeholders; including venues, accommodation providers, destination management companies, transport operators and participants themselves. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the issues involved in the planning and management of business events and will be supported by the use of international examples. You will learn about the major stakeholders in the business events industry, and how they interact with one another. You will examine issues of supply and demand at all levels, and analyse the impact made by business events on their chosen destination.

    Indicative content:

    • The conference industry in context
    • Buyers, suppliers and intermediaries
    • Supply and demand characteristics of the industry
    • The external environment
    • Conference planning (buyer and supplier perspectives)
    • Impacts of conference events and venues
    • Current trends and future issues.

    Module: International Festival and Event Management

    International festivals and events are world phenomena: as leisure and entertainment entities and social occasions. This module reviews a range of events (sporting, cultural, political, small and large, local and global) to illustrate their component elements and critical success factors. It also introduces conceptual and analytical frameworks to evaluate management and governance issues surrounding the organisations and communities hosting them. These encompass organisational structures and environments, effectiveness and event impact evaluation, strategic and project planning, policy analysis and organisational learning.

    Illustrative list of contents:

    • The festival and event market
    • Impact assessment and sustainability
    • Festival and event lifecycles
    • Festival and event organisational operations
    • Festival and event management and the law
    • Marketing, sponsorship and human resource management

    MBA (Finance)

    Module: Global Finance

    This module is designed to provide the non-specialist graduate student with a comprehensive introduction to the global capital markets. The module will provide you with sufficient depth of explanation and analysis so that it is of practical use to you if, for example, you are planning a career in the areas of the capital market business and you wish to improve your knowledge of the products, strategies and participants of these markets.

    Description of module content: The module will examine the structure and functions of the international monetary and financial system. It will analyse the development and the implications of the global financial marketplace. It will examine the functions, products, participants, operational arrangements of, and the linkages between, the money markets – short-term interest rate products, the foreign exchange market, the government and corporate bond markets, the equity capital markets and the international derivatives markets.

    Module: Finance for Management Decision Making

    To introduce you to the role that finance plays in an organisation, with particular reference to the long and short-term decision making of an organisation. A good knowledge of finance can help you answer the following questions – What products to manufacture/services to provide to achieve required profit levels ? What future capital investment offers the best return for the business? How can the business manage its working capital? How is the business performing?

    Description of module content: Objectives of accounting. The primary financial statements. Profit v Cash and preparation of cash budgets. Interpretation of financial statements using ratio analysis Management performance evaluation. Short-term decision making using cost classifications Capital investment appraisal methods. Working capital management

    MBA (Hospitality and Tourism Management)

    Module: Contemporary Issues in Hospitality Management

    The hospitality industry is made up of a large number and range of sectors all of which are operating in an increasingly dynamic and competitive environment. In this context, it is of vital importance for the managers of these businesses to identify and understand the key issues in their environment and to develop strategies/responses that will ensure business development and success. With this in mind, the aim of this module is to help you to fully understand and appreciate the extensive range of contemporary issues facing hospitality organisations across the world. Moreover, it aims to enhance your ability to critically review the impacts of such issues and trends upon the international hospitality business sector.

    Description of module content: Outsourcing and contracting out; Information and communication technology; Innovation management; Crisis management; International marketing and alliances; Service quality; Corporate social responsibility; Environmental management.

    Module: International Business Event Management

    The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) industry is of huge global economic importance. Business events play a significant role in generating tourism revenue for destinations, thus contributing towards economic prosperity. This complex sector of the tourism industry involves a wide range of stakeholders; including venues, accommodation providers, destination management companies, transport operators and participants themselves. The aim of this module is to introduce you to the issues involved in the planning and management of business events and will be supported by the use of international examples. You will learn about the major stakeholders in the business events industry, and how they interact with one another. You will examine issues of supply and demand at all levels, and analyse the impact made by business events on their chosen destination.

    Description of module content: The conference industry in context; Buyers, suppliers and intermediaries; Supply and demand characteristics of the industry; The external environment; Conference planning (buyer and supplier perspectives); Impacts of conference events and venues; Current trends and future issues.

    MBA (HRM)

    Module: Contemporary HRM

    This module gives an overview of key HRM activities within organisations, and insight into contemporary themes and issues. It will equip a general manager with a critical understanding of the contribution that HRM processes (as undertaken by all managers, not confined to HR specialists) can make to the achievement of organisational objectives. The module starts with a consideration of developing theory and current models of HRM, providing a framework for more detailed consideration of key operational areas: resourcing & development, performance management, reward, and the management of the employment relationship to minimise conflict and encourage employee engagement. Current issues such as work life balance, ethics and the management diversity are also covered.

    Module: HRM in an International Context

    This module examines the critical role of the HRM process (as carried out by both line managers and HR specialists), and the contribution this makes to competitiveness. It covers the range of key HRM areas: integrated approaches to securing employee engagement; manpower planning, recruitment & selection; diversity and equality; performance management, training and development; employment regulation, employee voice and the management of conflict. These are explored through the use of examples and cases drawn from a range of international contexts and students are encouraged to reflect on the approach to HRM in their own culture/country and contribute to the consideration of similarity and difference.

    MBA (Leadership & Innovation)

    Module: Leadership, Learning & Development

    This module commences with a critical evaluation of the theories of leadership and management, which provides the context for examining learning and development processes and procedures. Current approaches to career management will be evaluated. It examines external and internal influences and relationships on leadership development, with a particular emphasis on organisational learning and knowledge management.  The module concludes with evaluating the individual level development of enhanced personal competence and capability; and at the organisational level with enhanced effectiveness.

    Module: Managing Innovation

    The module content can be divided into two main components.  Firstly, a discussion of key concepts and why innovation management is crucial in most organisations.  Secondly, an examination of the leading practical theory related to innovation management, in particular, this will include an in depth discussion of a conceptual model of innovation management.  This model will outline the main contextual elements (e.g. innovation strategy, organisation structure, etc.) that affect the process of innovation management and also the process itself.  This examination and discussion of innovation management will utilise materials (e.g. examples, cases, etc.) dealing with different kinds of innovation (e.g. product, service, internal systems and procedures, etc.) in a variety of organisations.

    MBA (Marketing)

    Module: Global Marketing

    The aim of this module is to develop an understanding of how international marketing strategies are applied within the global business environment. After successful module completion you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of global marketing in relation to how the macro environment can affect international marketing strategies, evaluate and analyse global marketing opportunities, examine the key decisions of where and how to compete in international markets and finally show how this knowledge can be used to develop a global strategic marketing plan.

    Module: Strategic Brand Management

    This module will develop your critical understanding of strategic brand management theory and your ability to evaluate the value of such theory to organisations. It will provide you with an understanding of branding from cultural and global perspectives, design and implement brand strategy, and creating and sustaining brand equity long term. It will also provide an opportunity for you to be creative in creating and sustaining a brand.

    MBA (Health Management)

    Module: Governance & Accountability in Healthcare

    This module brings together the principles and practice of Governance in the healthcare environment at a strategic level. With a particular focus on Clinical Governance, it promotes an understanding of the accountability frameworks for professional and other healthcare staff. Emphasis will be placed on the key areas of policy and models of governance, risk management and safety, legal and ethical issues, evidence-based practice, quality and metrics and organisational culture and teamwork. This will help to develop an understanding of the dynamics of clinical governance in practice, at professional and organisational level, in a challenging setting that is demanding a consistently better quality of care in a more compassionate environment.

    Module: Health Policy & Public Involvement

    This module outlines the major aspects of health policy, public health issues and public involvement. In relation to health policy, it will explore the definition, translation of political vision into action and the formulation and implementation of policy that is for the benefits of staff, patients and the public and that is responsive, flexible and patient-centred. The economics of healthcare will be explored and workforce policies will be examined, as they impact on the overall delivery of healthcare policy and strategy. Aspects of public health will focus on how the public is encouraged to stay healthy and to make lifestyle choices that contribute to improving the health of the nation. All of this will be underpinned by the need for public involvement at all levels of the care process and will emphasise the impact of strong public involvement at strategic level.

    MBA (Entrepreneurship)

    Module: Managing Innovation

    The module content can be divided into two main components. Firstly, a discussion of key concepts and why innovation management is crucial in most organisations. Secondly, an examination of the leading practical theory related to innovation management, in particular, this will include an in depth discussion of a conceptual model of innovation management. This model will outline the main contextual elements (e.g. innovation strategy, organisation structure, etc.) that affect the process of innovation management and also the process itself. This examination and discussion of innovation management will utilise materials (e.g. examples, cases, etc.) dealing with different kinds of innovation (e.g. product, service, internal systems and procedures, etc.) in a variety of organisations.

    Module: New Venture Planning

    This module will take you from entrepreneurial aspirations, ideas generation and evaluation through the business planning process to develop a potential business model for your idea. The learning is highly interactive, using short lectures, group work, applied research, and one to one discussions. Assessment is via presentations and the creation of a practical and realistic business plan.

    MBA (Logistics and Supply Chain Management)

    Module: Global Logistics and Supply Chains

    This module applies the key concepts of modern marketing, logistics and supply chain management to provide you with an understanding of the strategic and operational roles of logistics in the global business environment. Emphasis is placed on global and pan-European systems for materials sourcing and product distribution, to enable you to learn how businesses configure the r supply chains to compete in today’s major trading blocks. Key issues are identified in global logistics and contrast international and domestic logistics systems. The main components of global supply chains and logistics activities involved in their management are explored.

    The module introduces the characteristics of global logistics and the role of international logistics in international business. The module covers the development of international trade, regional trading blocs and logistics implications. The rise of global marketing and global logistics is addressed in the context of the international business environment, requiring the management and operation of inbound supplies and sourcing, manufacturing, global distribution channels, international transport and international order management.

    Module: Project Management

    This module is designed to enable managers to understand projects and the delivery of services within the context of the organisation. Rather than focus on a particular methodology or a software package it presents a range of tools and methods that can help the practising manager put the task in context and provides a vocabulary to articulate the size and scale of the change. The module explores range of tools and methods that can be followed based on the manager’s own style and preference or the organisational culture. By providing a common understanding within the project team and the other stakeholders involved there is a better chance that the project will be successful.

    MBA (Project Management)

    Module: Project Management

    This module is designed to enable managers to understand projects and the delivery of services within the context of the organisation. Rather than focus on a particular methodology or a software package it presents a range of tools and methods that can help the practising manager put the task in context and provides a vocabulary to articulate the size and scale of the change. The module explores range of tools and methods that can be followed based on the manager’s own style and preference or the organisational culture. By providing a common understanding within the project team and the other stakeholders involved there is a better chance that the project will be successful.

    Module: Managing Innovation

    The module content can be divided into two main components. Firstly, a discussion of key concepts and why innovation management is crucial in most organisations. Secondly, an examination of the leading practical theory related to innovation management, in particular, this will include an in depth discussion of a conceptual model of innovation management. This model will outline the main contextual elements (e.g. innovation strategy, organisation structure, etc.) that affect the process of innovation management and also the process itself. This examination and discussion of innovation management will utilise materials (e.g. examples, cases, etc.) dealing with different kinds of innovation (e.g. product, service, internal systems and procedures, etc.) in a variety of organisations.

    MBA (IS Strategy and Governance)

    Module: Strategic Information Systems Management

    Upon completion of this module you will be able to

    • Analyse the strategic context of IS/IT systems and their increasing business integration and impact on the competitive advantage of businesses.
    • Appraise the challenges in the management and strategy formulation of IS/IT systems in modern complex business environments.
    • Critically evaluate the tools & techniques available to build and develop innovative strategic IS/IT capabilities.
    • Evaluate how strategic IS/IT systems are justified and assessed as investments and for their business contribution.
    • Critically assess the structural, organisational & governance aspects of strategic IS/IT systems.

    Description of module content: Evolving role of strategic IS/IT systems; Management of strategic IS/IT systems; Processes for developing effective IS/IT strategies; Alignment of IS/IT strategies with business strategies; Innovating with IS/IT systems; Strategic IS/IT systems for competitive advantage; Tools & techniques for building IS/IT strategic capabilities; Evaluating & justifying IS/IT systems; Managing a portfolio of IS/IT applications. Positioning & managing strategic IS/IT systems.

    This module provides an opportunity for students to apply new knowledge within the context of their previous experience where students can apply their knowledge to new situations. Students will learn how to analyse, synthesise and solve complex unstructured business related IS/IT problems. Students will have the opportunity to develop their online communication skills with a range of international students as well as develop the capacity for independent learning.

    Module: Security Audit & Compliance

    On this module you will examine the principles behind Information Security Management Systems, including the threats and compliance issues that face the owners and implementers of information systems. You will also learn about the roles of governance frameworks and the professions involved in information security including security managers, IS auditors and digital forensics experts.

    To achieve the above objectives you will gain an in-depth knowledge of approaches to the management of information systems, taking into account the human, organisational and technical factors required to establish a secure system, starting from taking a risk-based approach to identifying, evaluating and prioritising weaknesses in an existing system.

    The aim of the module is to let you develop a deep understanding of the framework that information security operates in, and to give you an opportunity to express this in the form of professional written reports. Topics covered include:

    • Overview of relevant laws and regulations: national and international, covering Data Protection, computer misuse and other legal issues.
    • The relation between governance models and frameworks including: ISACA’s COBIT and ISO Standards (ISO27000 in particular)
    • Role of the professions; difference between audit, forensics and security management. Professional ethics and codes of practice
    • Risk management, contingency and continuity planning
    • Understanding and application of the COBIT domains

    Upon completion of this module you will be able to:

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the professionals involved, including practical application of codes of practice/ethics.
    • Review and critically appraise relevant laws and relevant standards, their interrelationships and international trends in their development.
    • Critically appraise the principles of information security management systems and the roles of risk management, controls and audit in supporting IS governance
    • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of human and organisational factors in delivering information security
    • Research, examine and evaluate relevant academic literature and real-world situations, identify issues and solutions and make recommendations to management

MBA (Criminal Justice)

Module: International and Comparative Criminology

This module will examine crime and control from a comparative and international perspective. International criminology examines the complex, interconnected relationship between local and transnational crime concerns, emphasising the global economic, political and cultural processes in its development. Contemporary transnational crime issues such as human trafficking, the drugs and arms trade, cybercrime and transnational organised crime will be examined. The key actors and institutions involved in the policing and management of global crime along with some of the major issues and difficulties involved in this task will be critically assessed. Comparative criminology analyses crime and its responses in a number of jurisdictions including Anglo-America, Scandinavia, transitional States, and low-crime States. Different forms of crime (i.e. gun crime and violence in the US, corruption in transitional states) and responses to them (i.e. different approaches to the use of imprisonment and penal politics) will be appraised along with the organisation of criminal justice systems and key actors and institutions in each jurisdiction. The impact of historical, social, political and cultural factors will be emphasised throughout.

The first part of the module aims to engage students in the critical analysis of local and global responses to crime concerns and will explore: cybercrime; organised/corporate crime; terrorism; drugs and crime; human trafficking; international/global policing.

The second part of the module aims to engage students in the critical analysis of specific responses to crime within different jurisdictions, including Anglo-America, Scandinavia and low crime countries such as Saudi Arabia and Japan.  Topics will include: how to conduct comparative research on crime and control; comparing criminal justice systems; comparative criminal justice policy making; comparative penal politics; comparative youth justice; comparative responses to victimisation.

Module: Criminal Justice in Practice

This module provides students with a critical introduction to the study of criminal justice institutions, practices and participants. It will examine some of the main elements of responses to crime and victimisation, focusing on theories of punishment, imprisonment, community justice, offender ‘management’ and youth justice. It will also focus on current developments and emphases in criminal justice practice with topics such as desistance, the reintegration and resettlement of offenders, victim-centred justice, restorative justice, privatisation of criminal justice, treatment of offenders and evaluation of interventions (e.g. cognitive behavioural therapy). Critical analysis and evaluation of theory, policy and practice will be embedded throughout the module.

Indicative topic are;

  1. Understanding Punishment
  2. The Criminal Court
  3. Imprisonment
  4. Community Punishment
  5. Women in the Criminal Justice System
  6. Youth Justice
  7. Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System8. Victim-Centred Justice
  8. Rehabilitation and Resettlement of Offenders
  9. What next for Criminal Justice

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