Global MBA Construction learning pathway

Overview

The Global MBA Construction learning pathway has been developed in partnership with CITB-Construction Skills, and through consultation with the leading industry institutions - RICS, CIOB and CEBE. It is a programme developed by internationally renowned specialists in the field of construction management.
Building tomorrow's industry leaders

The Global MBA Construction learning pathway equips managers to face the challenges of the construction industry while retaining the broad management focus that defines an MBA - all of which can be applied immediately in your roles.
Covering general management, the programme also offers four key modules designed specifically for construction executives, which can be taken collectively as a separate postgraduate certificate programme. These electives will be held at the MBS Worldwide Interntional Centre in Dubai - at the heart of world construction:

• Creating the Built Environment
• Procuring Assets and Services
• Managing the Construction Firm
• Working Collaboratively

This is an opportunity for future leaders of the construction industry to learn fresh management skills and techniques, enhance critical faculties and grow in confidence, knowledge and self awareness.
Accredited by the construction industry bodies

The Global MBA Construction learning pathway is accredited by industry professional bodies the RICS and ICES, allowing students to proceed to Assessment of Professional Competence and full professional membership.
Structure

The structure of the programme is designed to enable you to balance the demands of your career, study and family. It consists of a module stage and a project stage.
Module stage

The module stage comprises 14 modules, covering both the core topics of an MBA and construction specific modules, which are normally completed in five semesters over a period of 30 months.
Each module comprises four units, three of which are in self study format and one delivered through the residential workshop, providing the opportunity to discuss and share learning and build a professional network of contacts in different parts of the supply chain. Projects

The project stage has two components, Industrial Group Project and Personal Project. Both are based around the Manchester Method, to allow students to put the skills they have learnt to practical issues in the business environment.
Industrial Group Project

During the group project students work in groups of four. The project generally addresses a significant business issue, preferably in one of the students own organisations. Examples of projects would be; a new product launch, an acquisition, a major capital expenditure programme, or the development and implementation of a business strategy.
The group project is preceded by an intensive business planning workshop to show students the necessary data collection, planning and group working techniques needed to deliver a successful report and project outcome. Each group is supervised by an experienced academic.
Personal Project

The final stage of the programme will be the individual project of around 10,000 words, which normally takes six to 12 months and provides an opportunity to focus on any management issue of particular interest and relevant to both the individual and their organisation.
The personal project provides an ideal opportunity to demonstrate a return on investment for those seeking corporate sponsorship.
Workshops

Each module workshop is delivered as a three-day residential workshop at Manchester Business School in the United Kingdom, with students typically attending two modules each trimester. Workshops typically run back to back from a Saturday through to a Thursday.
Invaluable networking opportunities

These workshops provide students with an invaluable opportunity to network with fellow business professionals. The academics who teach on the programme also enrich the student learning experience, providing direct instruction on the subject area whilst allowing experience to be gained in group co-operation, presentations and interactions.
High quality and interactive

The number of delegates in each workshop session is kept deliberately low, typically 15-30, to maintain their high quality and interactive nature. Workshop sessions are delivered by the same senior faculty who teach on the Full Time MBA programmes.
The sessions offer a minimum of 150 hours contact each year, more direct contact than many part-time on-campus programmes. Workshops are a prescribed element of the course and attendance to at least 80% of the workshops is required.
Assessment

Students enrolled on the Manchester Global MBA Construction learning pathway will be assessed on the basis of examinations and continuous assessment, the latter comprising of two assignments at set points:
Assignments 50

Each module is taught using a blend of self study, web based learning, collaborative working and face to face residential workshops at Manchester Business School.
Each module will be assessed on the basis of two pieces of assignments, contributing 50% to the overall module mark. These assignments will either be on the basis of two individual pieces of written work, or one individual written assignment coupled with an assessed group assignment during the residential workshops.
The assessment method is determined by each individual module director and is based on optimising the student learning experience and reflection process - students will be informed of the assessment method for each module at the start of each trimester.
Exams 50

A three hour open book* examination, forms an integral part of our MBA course and carries 50% weighting towards the assessment of each module. Manchester Business School Worldwide operates a global network of exam centres, enabling students to take their exams at one of the many exam venues we have worldwide.
*A limited number of courses will not be open book.