School of Business Management and Finance

Master of Business Administration

(GENERAL)
(Part-Time)
Programme Document
VERSION 1.0

April 2009

MBA

Master of Business Administration

Part Time

1. PROGRAMME INFORMATION
This Part-time MBA programme is designed to equip its graduates for managerial success in all
types of organisations and to meet the needs of a dynamic and growing economy. It provides an
advanced course for students aspiring senior positions in an organisation. It aims at producing
graduates capable of critical evaluation at an advanced level of the core business disciplines of
economics, finance and accounting, marketing, strategic management, quantitative methods,
information systems and operations management. It will thus prepare managers to assume key
positions of responsibility and perform in a wide variety of specific assignments within an
organization. It has also got the added value of training students to start their own businesses.
The MBA combines a blend of modules in fundamental management disciplines and specialist
modules in various areas of management. The programme emphasises communication and
interpersonal skills as well as the conceptual and technical skills critical to managerial careers and
are intended primarily to meet the needs of people of the managerial community.
This MBA programme comprises of 12 modules and a dissertation or business related project.
Each module carries a weight of 10 credits and the project carries a weight of 30 credits. One
credit represents 7.5 hours of student work, meaning that a 10 credit module represents 75 hours
of study including formal teaching, independent study, revision, and the preparation of
assessments. The MBA degree requires the successful completion of 150 credits, 120 of which are
taught modules, and 30 of which include the successful completion of the project. Case study
analysis combined with written and oral case study presentation will be used extensively.

2. PROGRAMME AIMS & OBJECTIVES

The part time MBA programme aims and objectives are to provide:
A systematic understanding of organisations, their management, and the changing external
environment in which they operate;
A theoretical and practical grounding in the key disciplines of modern business and their
application to business and management;
And develop key cognitive, problem solving, qualitative, quantitative, computing, inter
personal, group working and research skills;
A critical awareness, informed by the latest theory and practice, of business management, and
the changing external environment in which they operate;
A practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to
enhance theory and practice in relation to the management of businesses;
To develop critical thinking and communications skills, thereby allowing our graduates to
conduct research independently and to be able to evaluate the work of others;
Professional and personal growth of the student in a challenging yet friendly atmosphere;
The opportunity for course members to study a series of self-contained intensive modules and
to learn through action taking and through teamwork.
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PART I
REGULATIONS
3.

GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

As per UTMS Admission Regulations, and Admission to Programmes of Study at Masters
Degree Level.

4.

PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
Admission decisions will be made by the School of Business Management and Finance on
a case to case basis.
Candidates must either be:
Graduates of a recognised university or other institutions of higher education with at least a
second class honours degree or holders of an approved professional qualification deemed
equivalent to an honours degree.
Or
Other honours graduates or holders of an equivalent qualification may be admitted if they
produce evidence which satisfies the School Board of their competence to pursue the
programme;
Or
Applicants who do not satisfy any of the requirements as per Regulations 3 or the above
but who submit satisfactory evidence of having passed examinations or have acquired
managerial experience which are deemed by the Academic Council to be equivalent to any
of those listed.

Overseas Candidates
Overseas candidates whose first language is not English and who do not hold a degree or
equivalent professional qualification taught in English will be required to produce evidence of
their competence in English.

5.

PROGRAMME DURATION
Part Time: 2 years, comprising 4 Semesters

6.

SELF-LEARNING AND TUTORIAL

Students are expected to spend one hour weekly on self-learning and seek for tutorial
assistance.

7.

SEMESTER

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12 weeks (Excluding Exam Period). As far as possible, lectures will be conducted on

Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

8.

CREDIT SYSTEM
1 module = 10 credits

9.

APPLIED PROJECT
Candidates should compulsorily submit a business related project at the end of the final
semester of the programme. The scope of the research will be assessed and approved
through a project proposal that will be due after completion of Research Methods &
Techniques, which is a non-examinable module. The project will mainly involve real
business problems solving situation or will be on business administration themes as
approved by the post graduate dissertation committee. The project should be around
15000-20000 words and may have to be defended in a viva-voce.

10.

STUDENT PROGRESS AND ASSESSMENT

All modules will carry 100 marks and will be assessed as follows (unless otherwise
specified):
Assessment will be based on a written examination of three hours and a continuous
assessment carrying between 30% and 50% of the total marks. However, some
modules may be assessed through 100% coursework.
The continuous assessment may include class tests, assignments or class
seminars.
.A minimum of 50% should be attained in each of Continuous Assessment and
Written Examination, with an overall total of 50% for a candidate to pass a module
unless otherwise agreed by the Board of Examiners.

Grading
Grade
A
A
B
B
C
FAIL

Marks x[%]
x 70
65

x < 70

60

x < 65

55

x < 60

50

x < 55
X < 50

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11.

EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE
The percentage mark contributes a 100 percent weighting towards the degree
classification.

12.

DEGREE AWARD CLASSIFICATION

Either
Overall weighted mark y (%)

Classification

70

MBA with Distinction

60

70

MBA with Merit

50

60

MBA

50

No Award

Or
Overall weighted mark y (%)

Classification

70

MBA with Distinction

50

50

70

MBA
No Award

Minimum Credits Required for the Award of:

MBA Degree: 140
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration: 110
(excluding applied project)
Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration (General):80
(excluding applied project)

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Part II PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AND PLAN

Master of Business Administration
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE and PLAN
Semester 1
Code
MBA xxxx
MBA 1512
MBA xxxx
MBA xxxx

Modules
Economics for Managers
Financial & Managerial Accounting
Operations Research
Business Information Technology

Hrs/Wk
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1

Credits
10
10
10
10

Hrs/Wk
2+1
2+1
2+1
2+1

Credits
10
10
10
10

Semester 2
Code
MBA 1410
MBA 1307
MBA 1409
MBA 1714

Modules
Production and Operations Management
Marketing Management
Human Resource Management
Business & Labour laws

Semester 3
Code
MBA 1815
MBA 1412
MBA 1411
MBA xxxx

Modules
Entrepreneurial Theory & Skills
Strategic Management
Project Management
Research Methods & Techniques**

Hrs/Wk
2+1
2+1
2+1

Credits
10
10
10

Semester 4
Code
MBA xxxx

Modules
Applied Project
Workshops/Seminars

Hrs/Wk

Credits
30

** This module is non-examinable and comprises FIVE (i.e. 15 hours) lectures leading to
the submission of a project proposal for approval to continue with the APPLIED PROJECT
in semester 4. Attendance is compulsory

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Part III
OUTLINE SYLLABUS
YEAR 1, SEMESTER 1
MBA CODE Economics for Managers (10 credits)
The module presents the foundation to understanding how the economy works, covering
microeconomic descriptions of business applications as well as some macroeconomic issues.
Content: pricing for profit maximisation, price elasticity, market structures and modelling of
businesses in varying economic climates. Demand analysis and forecasting, production and costs,
cost benefit analysis. Government role in the market and business strategies. Inflation, economic
growth and international trade, Fiscal policy, Monetary policy, Foreign exchange policy. Foreign
exchange markets.
MBA 1512 Financial and Managerial Accounting (10 credits)
This module aims to provide an understanding of the role of financial accounting as the primary
channel for communicating the economics of any business. Students will develop knowledge in
applying accounting information to aid managerial decision making.
Introduction to financial and Managerial Accounting, Accounting Mechanics, Understanding
financial statements, financial statements Analysis, Cost allocation and Activity based costing,
costing systems and methods, profit reporting for management analysis, cost-volume-profit
analysis, budgetary planning and control, standard cost and variance analysis.
MBA CODE Operations Research (10 credits)
The aim of this module is to provide students with an understanding of fundamental principles of
management science. It is geared to develop skills in formulating basic mathematical models and
familiarise students with the main algorithms used in management science. The unit also
addresses the use of IT and quantitative methods for managing performance in organisations.
Content: Linear programming, decision analysis, the SIMPLEX method, duality and sensitivity
analysis, transportation model and its variants, network models, goal programming, Forecasting
models, Queuing systems, inventory models, simulation modelling.
MBA CODE Business Information Technology (10 credits)
This module deals with the relevant issues of effective management of information services and
the strategic alignment of business objectives with information technology.
Content: Information technology as a competitive Potential, Business Drivers, Strategic Alignment,
Developing IT Competitive Strategy, Information Architecture, Disruptive Technology and Strategy,
Strategy and Operating Models, Business Models, Case Studies in Information Systems.

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YEAR 1, SEMESTER 2
MBA 1410 Production and Operations Management (10 credits)
This unit focuses on the effective and efficient planning, analyzing, management of operations
activities. In the unit the students will learn the concepts of managing operations, management of
the conversion system, scheduling operations and managing for competition.
Content: Concepts of managing operations, Operations Management, Operations strategies,
Productivity concept and measurement, Management of conversion system, Organizing the
conversion system, Controlling the conversion system, Cellular processes, Group Technology,
Scheduling Models, Scheduling operations planning, Operations scheduling, Managing of
competition, World Class Manufacturing.
MBA 1307 Marketing Management (10 credits)
Marketing Management emphasizes the managerial aspects of marketing and introduces students
to the systematic development and implementation of marketing plans and strategies in
competitive business environment. The focus is on decision-making processes related to the
organization and its markets in accordance with marketing management principles.
Content: Analysing the marketing environment and consumer behaviour, identifying market
segments and selecting target markets, Differentiating and positioning the market offer, Developing
testing and launching new products and services, managing product life cycle strategies, managing
product lines and brands and designing pricing strategies and programs. Distribution and selection
of channels, modern retailing, integrated marketing communication, Advertising and sales
promotion.
MBA 1409 Human Resource Management (10 credits)
This unit provides an introduction to the concepts and practices of HRM effectiveness. It covers
topics such as personnel management, planning and procurement, monitoring and rewarding
employees, employer-employee relation management and employee exit.
Content: HRM- Concept and Philosophy, HRM functions, HRD Instruments, Processes and
Outcomes, Human Resource Planning Concept, Quantitative and Qualitative dimensions, HRM
in the changing environment, Recruitment and Selection, Job Analysis, Manpower Search,
Induction and orientation, Training and Development, Compensation, Pay, Incentives, Benefits,
Performance and potential appraisal, Industrial Relations, Collective Bargaining, Grievance and
Dispute, Participation and Leadership & Employee Empowerment.
MBA 1714 Business and Labour Laws (10 credits)
This unit provides an introduction to basic principles of law relating to business and the
management of labour in the Mauritian context. It introduces students to the general principles of
law relating to contract laws, forms of business and legislations pertaining to commerce, to protect
consumers and employees.
Content: Contract laws, Quasi Contracts, Sale of Goods, Negotiable instruments, Forms of
Business, Company Law, Copyright laws, Anti-corruption Laws, Labour Laws, Health and Safety
laws, relevant laws as they evolve.

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YEAR 2, SEMESTER 1
MBA 1815 Entrepreneurial Theory and Skills (10 credits)
This module will be fully assessed through course work and a project whereby students will be
required to consider creating their own organization and defend their proposal in front of a panel.
The objective being to counsel them in creating their own companies and the difficulties in
preparing a business plan to market to other stakeholders with the objective of getting support.
Contents: Difference between managers and entrepreneurs, study of what successful
entrepreneurs do/not do, Product/Service Concepts, Augmented product concept, industry
analysis, identification of niche, innovation and bases of competition, managing innovation,
formulating strategy and business plan, designing marketing mix, Negotiation, E-Business
principles.
MBA 1412 Strategic Management (10 credits)
The aim of this unit is to develop students familiarity with the principal concepts, frameworks and
techniques of business policy and strategy. This will involve and evaluation of the impact of the
external operating environment and the need to adopt organizational strategies to ensure effective
business performance.
Content: The strategic management process, Flexible system view of strategic management,
Strategic situations analysis, PEST analysis of competitive environment, Competitive advantage
profile, Industry foresight, strategic-capability analysis-resource audit, value chain analysis,
Comparative analysis, SWOT analysis, Core competencies, Culture and stakeholder expectations.
MBA 1411 Project Management (10 credits)
This unit will take students through the problem identification phase to scoping, planning,
implementation and evaluation of projects.
Content: Problem identification techniques, Definition of project, Dimensions of project, Stages of
a project life cycle, Project scoping: SWOT, Force-Field, Resource Analysis, Stakeholder analysis,
Feasibility Studies; Project Planning (Tools and Techniques and Soft Issues; Project
Implementation, Monitoring progress and managing change; Project Evaluation and Learning for
future projects
NO CODE Research Methods & Techniques (Non-examinable)
Students will have to cover five lectures (i.e. 15 hours) on research methods & techniques in
Semester 3. Note that attendance is compulsory. The aim of this unit is to introduce students to the
practical aspects of management research. It shall expose students to different analytical
techniques and covers aspects such as: foundations of research, sampling, data collection, data
analysis and presentation of main findings. Upon completion, students will be able to design and
formulate individual project proposals that will be assessed for the approval of the Applied Project.

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YEAR 2, SEMESTER 2
DISS CODE Applied Project (30 credits)
The applied project is a major piece of work required for the fulfilment of an MBA award. Students
are expected to demonstrate rigorous research skills and appropriate methodologies acquired
during the course. The project must involve problem solving research and more details on the
structure of the project will be made available through an MBA Project Guidelines (MPG). Student
is expected to submit a thesis on the key findings at the end of semester 4. Student MAY BE
CALLED UPON TO defend himself/herself through a presentation and viva voce and will be
evaluated on the work done by him/her during the industrial training. The credit assigned to the
project work is equivalent to that of 3 modules. Students are expected to maintain individual
contact with their dissertation supervisor.
Workshops/Seminars
Different workshops/seminars will be conducted in close collaboration with Ministries, Private
Sector, NGOs and other stakeholders with a view to increase awareness on Corporate Social
Responsibility. Upon completion of this unit attendees will be awarded a certificate of attendance.
Seminars will be held on the following topics:
Corporate Governance
Health & Safety
Sustainable Development
Ethics and Social Responsibilities
** Seminar topics may change to reflect emerging issues.

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