Executive MBA

The Executive MBA programme is taught in block mode with 7 blocks per year. Most blocks are three days long and are held from Wednesday to Friday from 8:30am to 6:30pm. Only two blocks are longer than three days. Your first block will be four days as it will include a one-day induction programme. You will also need additional travel time for the international management consultancy visit that you will go on in your second year of study.
The three day blocks provide an ideal format to allow you effective diary management at work. It is far easier to block three days out of the office, broadly every 6 weeks, than it is to have to find a day or two every fortnight.
This method of delivery also leaves your weekends free for family time, study and relaxation.
You should not underestimate the time commitment required when studying to become a Newcastle MBA and it is imperative that you give your self free time and don't over commit.
The time between teaching blocks gives you the opportunity to reflect on the material you have just covered, gives you time to read around the subject and work on your assignments which is very important in enhancing the overall MBA experience.
Teaching and Learning Process
Rather than each module being taught separately, a more integrative approach is a key feature of the Executive MBA. It involves:

• team planning/teaching;
• integrated project-based learning outcomes; and
• group learning, based upon a cluster of modules addressing particular issues or themes,

The Business School places a great emphasis on developing an interdisciplinary focus in its teaching and learning. Clusters of learning modules structure their workshops around management issues with individual module tutors addressing these issues from the perspective of their subject area. The role of staff becomes more of facilitator of the learning process in this regard rather than fulfilling a traditional lecturing role.
The dissertation - its planning, research and write-up is integrated into the programme from the beginning with a submission date at the end of year two or within six months thereafter.
Employer Sponsorship for Study The MBA programme is delivered based on the research strength of the Business School and focused on the application of theoretical framework into business reality. Our students are always encouraged to relate theories learned from their MBA studies to their own organizational context or work place. Students will investigate specific issues in relation to these theories under the supervision of relevant staff and the outcome of the investigation will either be integrated into a piece of assessment or included in the final dissertation project.
As a result, your employer will benefit from the contribution of leading management expertise within a top ranking Business School in terms of diagnosing organizational problems and advising on practical solutions throughout your two years of study.
We continuously develop and extend mutually beneficial links with the regional and international business community by making our expertise and facilities available to organisations in both the private and public sectors. Therefore we will be pleased to talk to you and provide tailored executive programmes to meet your organizational development needs. Programme Structure Candidates may be admitted as part-time (Executive MBA) students. The period of study is normally 24 to 30 months part-time. Students registering on the Executive MBA have two possible entry points, September & January.
All candidates following an Executive MBA programme of study shall undertake the following compulsory modules to a value of 100 credits and a dissertation to a value of 50 credits:

• NBS8021 (10) Managing Information - Dr Andrew Simpson
• NBS8022 (10) Accounting and Finance - Mr Tom McLean, Professor Ian Dobbs
• NBS8023 (10) Managing People and Organisations - Dr. Tracy Scurry
• NBS8024 (10) Strategic Marketing
• NBS8025 (10) Operations Management - Kasia Zdunczyk
• NBS8026 (10) Developing and Implementing Corporate Strategy - Professor Alastair Nicholson
• NBS8027 (10) Leading Change
• NBS8028 (10) The Global Business Environment -Professor Steve Hughes
• NBS8029 (10) Business Innovation -Professor David Charles
• NBS8030 (10) Management Consultancy
• NBS8031 (50) MBA Dissertation

All candidates following an Executive MBA programme of study shall select further elective modules with a total value of 30 credits. At present, the electives available are:

• Managing Complex Projects and Transformational Change - Dr Neil Alderman
• Exploring E-business - Professor Feng Li
• Small Business & Entrepreneurship - Dr Janine Swail
• Partnership Working - Rob Wilson
• Corporate Social Responsibility & Business Ethics - Dr David Campbell

Progression Requirements Candidates are normally expected to pass the taught modules before proceeding to the dissertation.
Submission of dissertation The dissertation shall be submitted not later than the 1st September of the final year of study. The Degree Programme Director may, in exceptional circumstances, grant an extension of up to three months to the time for submission of the dissertation. An extension of more than three months can only be granted by the Dean of Postgraduate Studies.
How will I be assessed? We use a wide range of assessment methodologies, including individual and group assignments as well as presentations and examinations, which not only test a range of skills and knowledge, but are also tailored to the learning outcomes of the modules.
A full schedule of assignment deadlines will be provided at the beginning of your programme of study in order for you to manage your time and workload effectively.
Part of the process of becoming a Newcastle Executive MBA is experiencing how business is conducted in other countries, both in developed and developing economies. An integral part of your studies as a Newcastle Executive MBA student is the opportunity to work within a small group of fellow students as a consultant for companies based in countries as diverse as Poland and the United States .
The international consultancy project, undertaken in your second year of studies, gives you the opportunity to put into practice what you have learned, so that you can apply theoretical models and frameworks in a real life situation. Recent projects have included such diverse issues as:

• employee engagement
• off-shoring
• brand management
• outsourcing
• product usability

We have worked with a huge variety of companies, from global financial giants to local shipyards. From our previous experience, we know just how much your advice will be valued by the national and global companies that you will be working for!
The trip will happen towards the end of the second academic year, and is usually 5-7 days long, dependent upon the destination and client requirements. We endeavour to let you know at least 6 months in advance so that you can schedule your business and personal plans around this event. We are pleased to be able to tell you that the cost of both travel and accommodation is included in your fees.