Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Distance Learning)

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) aims to develop in students the ability of research and analysis, synthesis and creativity, while stressing the vital importance of information and technological development, and raising awareness of ethical, social, environmental and international issues affecting administrative decisions. The aim of the MBA is that students, improve their interpersonal skills, through the length of their studies, which is achieved through teamwork. The group activities are one of the assessment methods in most courses of the program.

The MBA provides knowledge and skills in an environment that develops students’ ability to make decisions related to their field, to deepen and broaden their knowledge in the operation and management of businesses. The MBA program also provides the opportunity to specialize in one area by taking two elective courses in topics of particular relevance to individual interests and career goals.

The MBA is a distinctive program that encompasses the study of finance, management, marketing and related disciplines. The curriculum is designed to provide students with or without previous academic preparation in business a solid foundation in business theories and principles while developing the skills managers need to analyze situations and lead organizations. The curriculum is based upon the foundation courses found in all MBA programs, demonstrating how each area is integrated into a successful business operation. The program provides a general management post graduate and post experience education for those aspiring to or already at senior management level in organizations and equip them to perform effectively in managerial positions. Accordingly, the aim is not to pursue an academic theoretical study, but rather to enable theory to inform practice.

The MBA Program is designed to provide an academic experience that transcends that of the traditional classroom in which the flow of information is primarily from faculty member to student. Recognizing the educational value of the students’ extensive experience, faculty seeks to establish a vigorous dialogue in their MBA classes. The intention in MBA education is that each participant contributes to the education of the full class through sharing expertise and leading discussion when the participant’s skills and background make this possible.

In general, the educational objectives of the MBA incorporate the objectives of Neapolis University Pafos.

Graduates will

• demonstrate complex problem solving skills, supported by appropriate analytical and quantitative techniques to improve organizational performance.
• possess functional knowledge and be able to integrate this knowledge in support of decision making.
• have experience with project leadership.
• possess the knowledge necessary to use frameworks in ethical analysis and decision making, understanding their personal responsibilities as business leaders.
• have a global and multicultural perspective.
• demonstrate key attributes associated with professional conduct.

Specific objectives of the foregoing elements include:

Graduates will

• use a variety of analytical techniques to identify a complex business problem, generate and compare alternatives and develop a solution
• select and implement the appropriate research skills and tools (information technology and / or quantitative analysis) to solve problems.
• integrate their functional knowledge in applied settings (e.g. case analyses, group projects, research papers).
• demonstrate knowledge relating to the concept of value creation and the role played by each functional area of the firm.
• demonstrate a level of proficiency and self‐confidence appropriate to be a team or project leader.
• define key components of the business operating environment(s) and explain how these components impact organizational performance and decisions.
• diagnose cross‐cultural issues in a case setting and propose appropriate solutions.
• demonstrate knowledge of how issues and decision criteria change depending on cultural perspectives and location.
• demonstrate highly effective oral communication skills in professional settings, including: professional presentations and persuasive presentations.

On successful completion of the programme students will be able to:

1. Design integrated solutions to complex business problems based on discipline knowledge and experience.
2. Critically evaluate current management frameworks, models, debates and evidence and integrate with practice.
3. Demonstrate an ability to think laterally, critically, innovatively, creatively, and to make connections among diverse fields of study in analyzing problems
4. Critically address contrasting research dealing with multi-faceted business problems.
5. Critically evaluate the practical applications of theory to generate practice-based solutions to unstructured problems.
6. Acquire analytical and research skills to deal with business complex problems.
7. Identify and address personal and professional development needs.
8. Demonstrate an ability to make decisions in challenging situations.
9. Demonstrate an ability to lead and to interact effectively in group situations.
10. Communicate to diverse audiences through a range of media.
11. Work independently and collaboratively.
12. Manage self and others

The Master’s teaching methodology involves a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, examinations, projects, presentations, assignments, case-study applications and independent research. In addition, it is designed to provide an academic experience going beyond that of the traditional classroom, in which the flow of information is primarily from the instructor to the student. The intention of the Master in Business Administration is that each participant will contribute to the education of the entire class though active participation in the learning procedure. The MBA follows a student-centered strategy based on a mix of various active learning techniques aiming to embed real-life scenarios to the Master’s core of activities and at the same time, through a research-oriented strategy, the MBA aims to equip students with applied research skills. It is essential students enrolled MBA to learn through active teaching and learning mix of techniques combining real life and research aspects towards creating professional with high degree of professional standards.  To this extent, our student-centered approach is implemented through interactive tasks and formative assessments (not graded) which are scheduled and mapped at each syllabus. Moreover, the learning journey is enriched with simulation games by well-known simulation packages and the Neapolis Experiential Studying Tasks-NEST, which offers the opportunity of assignments designed in collaboration with companies based on their real-life needs.

The evaluation of each course includes:

(a) Participation in interactive activities, (12 interactive activities of which 4 are graded) – 20%

(b) Assignment – 20%

(c) Final Exam – 60%

In order for a student to succeed in a course he/she must obtain a grade of at least 50/100 in all three of the above criteria.

Failure to participate or fail in one of the above three elements implies the unsuccessful completion of the course. In this case the student is examined during the repeat period August / September only in the element that he/she failed. The maximum score that the student can receive during the re-examination period in each of the above elements is 64/100,  as a second (attempt).

The dissertation cannot be shorter than 13,000 words and longer than 15,000 words, including the bibliography and the abstract. After submission, the main supervisor prepares a written and reasoned report with his/her consent for public support. The defense of the dissertation is made publicly or via an electronic videoconference before a three-member committee.

The University admits students irrespective of nationality, race, religion, or gender, provided that they meet the predefined admission criteria of each Program of study.

The University announces a call of interest for prospective students in daily newspapers, on the University’s webpage and in other webpages, as well as with any other appropriate means. Those who are interested may apply both electronically and by any other means (regular mail, application in the University’s secretariat, fax etc.).

To be admitted to the program, all candidates must have completed an undergraduate program at any accredited   university or its equivalent. Documentation of the candidates education will be required as part of the application for admission.

The Postgraduate Program takes into consideration the academic background of each candidate based on his/her previous studies, as well as his/her foreseen ability to conclude successfully the Program.  A student who applies for the Master in Business Administration should submit the following documents:

• Application form
• ID/Passport copy
• Secondary School Leaving Certificate
• Bachelor degree and transcript
• Two reference letters
• English language certificate

The minimum requirements for recognizing knowledge in the English language are described in detail in the study guide.

The University reserves its right to define the electives offered on an academic year basis.

The programme structure may change without prior notice, as a result of quality assurance procedures or/and programme recertification.