Gaining a balanced, cutting-edge global experience

The Asian Pacific Fieldwork experience, totaling 85 credits, is delivered over a period of 14 weeks. Graduates begin study with preparatory classes at St Mary's University College, at the Twickenham campus, prior to their fieldwork experience in Bangkok. Fieldwork and research are augmented by seminars and discussion classes conducted by St Mary's faculty.

The final courses of the MBA program build on the understanding of business theory and technique that graduates have already aquired, and expand this understanding by focusing on current trends and challenges in the Asian markets.

Course requirements are as follows:

Programme Requirements:

• Political and Economic Developments in the Asia Pacific Region
  (mandatory, non credit)

  This course is designed to provide students with a background understanding of the Political and Economic Development in the Asia Pacific Region. It examines the political and economic development of the Asia Pacific Region since the end of World War II. It looks closely at the parallel development of India and China, reviewing the evolution of one-party rule in China, the reforms which have enabled rapid economic growth, and the sustainability of this growth in the face of social pressures. In examining India, the course reviews the country’s unique cultural and social features, the impact of LPG (liberalization, privatization, and globalization), the rise of the BPO industry, and the problems caused by a decaying infrastructure. Attention will also be given to the economies of Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and other countries in the region. Examining the dynamics of changing economies in Asia also provides an opportunity to cover the key principles of international economics and to discuss theories of economic development as they have played out in the recent economic history of the region. The course also looks at financial markets and the interaction between government policies, consumer markets, business strategy, and regional economic trends.

• Research Methods Tutorial
  (mandatory, non credit)

Any two (2) from the following list required:

• Principles of International Finance Accounting
  (20 credits)

  This module provides both a theoretical and a practical understanding of corporate finance theories and a practical awareness of how these theories are applied to the business world. It further provides comprehensive knowledge of how businesses and corporations utilize financial resources and financial markets across the globe, including an evaluation of macro- and micro-economic influences in order to achieve the goal of maximum organizational value. The module also seeks to evaluate the theories and practices of financial risk management.

• Global Marketing Strategies
  (20 credits)

  This module provides students with a high-level understanding of the principles and practices of marketing in global markets. The importance of ethical, legal, cultural and political norms are reviewed with a particular emphasis on North American, European, and Asian markets.

• Managing Change
  (20 credits)

  This module develops a critical appreciation of the complex factors contributing to organizational change. It takes both a practical and theoretical approach to the issue of organizational change. It promotes evaluation of the implications of change, particularly in relation to individuals, groups, organizations and society, and provides students with the necessary analytical tools to define, plan and manage change situations.

• Operations and Supply Chain Management
  (20 credits)

  The aim of this module is to critically examine the nature of operations management from both a theoretical and a practical perspective. Students are equipped with a detailed understanding of both operating strategies and the use of process technology. The module emphasizes the application of supply chain management techniques within the context of outsourcing relationships and diverse trend networks.

Dissertation Requirement:

• Fieldwork Research & Dissertation
  (45 credits)

  The Dissertation is a core requirement of the MBA and provides an opportunity for each candidate to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired throughout the programme. It can provide the opportunity to identify and analyze management/business problems and identify the limitations and merit of possible solutions. While you will build from the earlier courses, it is useful to remember that the dissertation differs considerably from the core and elective courses in the program.

  The dissertation requires you to produce an individual and original piece of research with the following objectives:

  • Ability to conceive a research investigation within an international organization or relating to a problem faced by an international organization.
  • Integration of interrelated concepts, techniques and skills acquired throughout the course of the program.
  • Acquisition of research materials and analysis of relevant theoretical perspectives which have a direct bearing on the project topic.
  • Development and application of analytical and communication skills.
  • Demonstration of professional and academic competencies commensurate with the academic award.

  Please see Research and Dissertation for more information regarding the final stage of the Masters program.