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Dublin Business School

Business Administration - MBA - Information Systems Stream

Master of Business Administration (MBA) Information Systems.

Overview
The DBS MBA (Information Systems), awarded by QQI, focuses on strategic business information systems knowledge as well as disruptive technologies and the innovation that occur in this field. It brings learners up to speed on the knowledge and current trends in technology and how best to use them for enhanced judgement and strategic business performance. The development of IS skills in learners enables them to select operate information systems which will support the extraction and use of organisational information to aid strategic decision making. Skills Ireland have published their expert group report Digital Transformation: Assessing the Impact of Digitisation on Ireland's Workforce (2018) where it is detailed that digitalisation is now a major driver of productivity growth and drives the improvement of process efficiency and the quality of products and services provided by organisations. The adoption of technologies is disrupting traditional roles and transforming the world of work where each organisation shall embrace the flexibility and competitive advantage offered by new technologies. Furthermore organisations will need to balance the needs of enterprises and employees and digital transformation necessitates an engaged workforce possessing a responsive skills set to ensure effective and strategic planning for the world of work and future skills needs.

Aims of the Programme
Graduates will be able to critically evaluate and deploy best practice methodologies and tools used for design and implementation of strategic information systems. They will also be able to demonstrate critical awareness of the nature, role and importance of technological disruption and innovation in strategic business environments.

Key Features of the Programme
This unique programme allows you to study the pure MBA, or choose a specialist route for your MBA award within the following programmes: HRM; Project Management; Finance; Information Systems; Cloud Computing or Marketing. This ensures students are afforded the widest choice of specialisms from which to choose. A practitioner focus is part of this programme, and industry-led workshops and guest lecturers keep information current and applied.

This MBA includes:
• Personal, academic and professional development.
• Lectures and assessment methods that apply the business knowledge required for students to perform as an effective manager in any organisation.
•Thorough, extensive study of key issues in business theories students will be capable of evaluation and application of important global management issues which impact on organisational effectiveness and performance.
• Knowledge and understanding of global business, most especially on issues such as globalisation, standardisation and customisation of products and services.
• Skills and knowledge to inform you how an organisation is best managed in a changing world.

With these in mind, the programme is designed to provide you with relevant knowledge, so that you are familiar with the latest theoretical and practical developments relating to business management and development.

Structure
The MBA degree programme consists of two stages. Stage 1 is a wholly taught component, contributing 60 credits.

Full-time
Stage 1 is a wholly taught component contributing 60 credits. These modules are delivered over two semesters.

Part-time
For part-time students, delivery of the programme is structured over 4 taught semesters. During each semester, students are typically required to attend lectures on two evenings per week and occasional weekend workshops. You will undertake a course in research methods in order to prepare for the dissertation stage and to further develop important research skills. Successful completion of the taught component stage allows you to move onto the dissertation stage.

Stage 2 is a supervised dissertation, contributing 30 credits. The dissertation provides you with the opportunity to critically review the literature in any part of the taught syllabus and within your specialist area.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirements for the Master of Business Administration are:

• Level 8 primary undergraduate honours bachelor degree with a minimum Second Class Second Division classification (2.2) from a recognised third level institution in any discipline from a recognised third level institution (or equivalent); or
• An equivalent professional qualification such as ACCA or CIMA.
• For applicants whose first language is not English and who have not previously undertaken a degree taught through English, evidence must be provided of proficiency in English language equivalent to B2+ or above on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). This must be evidenced through a recognised English Language test such as IELTS, Cambridge Certificate, PTE or DBS English Assessment. Test certificates should be dated within the last two years to be considered valid.
• GMAT examination is a mandatory requirement for all applicants who do not hold an Honours Bachelor Degree (Level 8) with a minimum of second class second division classification.

The programme is aimed at learners who wish to specialise in business administration with a view to entering industry in a high-level managerial role, to progress professionally or to undertake further business studies. Learners will achieve the business expertise to lead an organisation to strategic decision making ensuring a maximum return on investment across each department. Learners will be capable of dealing with diverse intrinsic and extrinsic business realities in a creative manner to ensure sustainability and growth.

Applicants who do not have a Level 8 qualification at a 2.2 award level and who have at least 3 years' work experience may also be considered through the college's normal RPL procedures. Relevant professional experience may be taken into account and individuals will be assessed on a case-by-case basis through DBS RPL procedures.

Duration

Full-time: 1 year
Part-time: 2 years
January intake: 12 months

Careers or further progression

Careers Opportunities
Upon completing the programme, graduates will have attained a critical awareness of business opportunities and challenges capable of devising appropriate strategies for ongoing professional development as well as a keen awareness of the requirements which ensure the sustainability and growth of the organisation. The programme is fundamentally rooted in creating an accomplished business postgraduate whose insights will inform strategic business decisions, from financial to people management, designed to increase productivity, profitability and an organisation's value and market share.

Graduates will have the business skills necessary to move into senior management roles and pursue a leadership career path. Graduates will acquire skills and competencies in dynamic leadership development and business acumen as well as business expertise and learn how to effectively integrate strategic decision-making in their organisation. The programme invites learners to critically appraise the impact of internationalisation and diversity on economic activities and aims to unpack complex theories and practices ensuring a self-reflective practice where learners consider social norms and a socially responsible approach to business administration. The programme captures the unpredictability and diversity of the business world and simulates this diversity, enabling learners to devise approaches both individually and as part of a team.

Overarchingly, the programme aims and objectives create a critical understanding of core business functions as well as strategic business management, while also enhancing the innovative capability and practical, transversal and practical skills of the learners, ensuring the success of graduates in the business environment.

Further enquiries

Subjects taught

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme has the following content in stages 1 & 2:

Stage 1
Core Modules
Global Issues for Management
Strategic Marketing Analysis
Managerial Financial Analysis
Research Methods 1
Strategic Information Systems
Applied Strategic Management
Dynamic Leadership Development
Research Methods 2
Innovation and Disruptive Technologies

Stage 2
MBA Award
Dissertation

Comment

Awarding Body:
Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)
Award: Masters Degree
NFQ Level: Level 9
Award Title: Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Award Type: Major

Assessment method

Continuous assessment is an integral part of many of our taught modules. The weightings attaching to coursework and other forms of continuous assessment vary from module to module to facilitate all learning styles. You will experience a variety of teaching and learning assessment methods including lectures, seminars, tutorials, case studies, group and individual projects, examinations and reports.

Application date

We are now accepting applications for programmes taking place in 2020. Contact our admissions team for more information.

Email: admissions@dbs.ie
Phone: 01 417 7500
Opening times:
Monday to Friday
8:45am to 5:15pm

All Non EU overseas international students need to send their application to:
International Department
Dublin Business School
13/14 Aungier Street
Dublin 2, D02 WC04,
Ireland
T: + 353 (0) 1 4177500
E: international@dbs.ie

Next Steps
Visit Us
Open days are a great way to help you make your decision about DBS and learn more about the Master of Business Administration (MBA). As well as experiencing our outstanding facilities, you'll have the opportunity to receive personalised advice from academics from your subject area, meet current postgraduate students and also have your questions answered on general subjects such as entry requirements, student support and the admissions process.

EU Applicants
Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:

Academic Transcripts (Original & Official English Translation where issued in another language). Applicants who have previously attended DBS need not provide this documentation.

Proof of Identification (Birth Certificate, Drivers Licence or Passport)

Detailed Curriculum Vitae

Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent) where full time study has been conducted in a language other than English or applicants whose first language is not English

Please see programme content for any course-specific additional application procedures.

In addition to the above, in the instance of Non-EU applicants who have residency in Ireland:

A copy of your GNIB (Garda National Immigration Bureau) Card, Work permit (if applicable) & Passport

The letter that was issued to you by the Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform stating why you were provided with the above documentation.

International Students/ Non EU Applicants
Applicants should complete the appropriate application form and return it to the

Postgraduate Admissions Office along with the following documentation:
• Academic documents
• Academic transcripts
• Proof of English (i.e. IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent)
• A Curriculum Vitae
• A statement of purpose
• A copy of your passport

Please note that copies of all documentation must be submitted, and that it must be translated into English where issued in another language. Please do not send original documents as these will not be returned. Dublin Business School has a number of overseas offices and representatives worldwide. Please contact us if you wish to receive further details on your closest DBS representative.