The MBA programme has the following programme objectives:  

1. To enable the advanced study of organisations focusing on the role of leaders and managers in determining the organisation’s mission, vision and strategic direction.
  
2. To develop critical reflection and engagement skills to understand, apply and challenge the relevance of academic theories in a rapidly changing business context.  

3. To develop insights, critical thinking and management skills necessary to function effectively in a management role and to widen the perspective of students beyond the limitations imposed by their own experience.  

4. To enhance your interpersonal, team working and cross-cultural skills enabling you to work more effectively with employees and customers.  

5. To develop your knowledge and skills across specialist routes congruent with your career and professional development plans and goals.  

6. To foster innovation and entrepreneurial skills enabling you to generate original solutions to management problems.  

Target Student Group

Business leaders, executives and professionals that wish to enhance their knowledge in business with an MBA and: 

• Interested in the option to include a specialism in their MBA  
• Prefer the flexibility offered by online studies 
• Prefer enrolling through an institution with strong presence in Hong Kong 
• Enjoy a lower fee when they enrol via HKU SPACE 

Learning Outcomes

A. Knowledge and understanding:  

On completion of this programme of study you will be able to:  

• Evaluate in-depth established and emerging concepts, principles, theories, and philosophies underpinning the broad area of business management from an operational to a strategic level  

• Critically reflect upon a range of specialist business and management areas at an advanced level.  

• Critique and apply emerging and established tools, techniques and methodologies employed in the diagnosis and resolution of organisation and management problems. 

• Evaluate research methodologies as applied to current management research, and where appropriate, develop new approaches.  

• Analyse critically factors affecting the external and internal business environments at local and global levels.  

• Evaluate and propose strategies for a range of organisational responses geared to improving performance in increasingly competitive environments.  

• Analyse factors influencing success within the context of professional management practice. hypotheses / potential solutions.  

B. Skills and other attributes:  

On completion of this programme of study you will have skills and other attributes which will enable you to:  

• Make informed judgements from the synthesis of management data and information (both qualitative and quantitative) derived from primary and secondary sources.   

• Deal creatively with complex and challenging and often ill-defined management problems and issues, applying appropriate tools and techniques.  

• Select and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative management research methodologies to gather primary data relevant to a particular issue or problem with a view to facilitating management decision-making.   

• Reflect critically on your learning on a continuing basis, integrating academic study and work-related experience, in the light of established management knowledge and practice.  

• Present arguments and communicate effectively with peers and subject experts, both academics and practising managers.   

• Work effectively with peers through the vehicle of the virtual learning environment (VLE) to manage the process of tackling and proposing solutions to problems of strategic importance to organisations in a range of industry sectors.  

• Work autonomously in the selection, design and execution of individual, problem-based and time-constrained management research assignments.   

• Build information and communication technology expertise through use of the VLE and associated software.  

Overview

The programme is pitched at level 6 (indicative) of the Hong Kong Qualification Framework (HKQF). The programme consists of 7 modules with 20 credits each and 1 module with 40 credits, totalling 180 credits altogether.  

Programme Duration and Teaching Mode

The minimum time needed to complete the MBA (Human Resource Management) is 21 months and the maximum duration is 33 months.

The programme is delivered in the part-time mode. Outcome-based learning approach will be applied. Depending on the pathway, a combination of individual assignments, case-study assignments, tests, and project will be utilized to fulfil the requirements of learning outcomes of individual module as well as programme learning outcomes. 

Student can take maximum 2 modules from module 1-6 per trimester. They can take module 7 in trimester 4 and after successful completion of previous 7 modules, they can progress to the MBA project. (the MBA project can be completed over one or two trimesters). Subject to students’ pace of study and module availability, it typically takes 21-33 months to complete all 8 modules. 

Core Modules

1) Building and Marketing High Performing Organisations 

The module introduces a number of tools that can be used to measure the success, or otherwise, of an organisation - focusing on operations, supply chains and marketing strategy. A number of models and frameworks will be used. Kaplan and Norton’s Balanced Scorecard provide a set of measures that gives a fast but comprehensive view of the business. The European Foundation for Quality Management’s (EFQM) excellence model is also utilised. These are used to collate important elements that reflect a business’s strategic position. Developing marketing strategies in a competitive environment will be explored while using theory concepts and modules. Understanding the macro environment and its effects on marketing strategies will be examined, with a focus on creating and maintaining relationships with customers, managing authentic brands, making strategic decisions in global marketing, and sustaining marketing and emerging issues.

2) Management and Organisational Change 

The material covered in the module relates to two broad areas of study: the examination of organisational behaviour, including attitudes, perception, motivation, groups, teams and leadership; and understanding managerial processes, and the development of skills important in the management of people and processes - such as corporate social responsibility. Change management is increasingly important and therefore you will examine the topic by looking at both incremental and transformational change, and the importance of power, politics and conflict. Focusing on the behaviour of people in a work environment, the module places an emphasis on understanding the vital role and importance of people in the change management process. You will develop an understanding of the dynamics of working organisations in a rapidly evolving business environment, specifically the significance of organisational culture. This in turn develops your ability to plan and carry forward sustainable system-wide change programmes.

3) Global Business Economics and Finance

The large majority of businesses today operate in a variety of economic environments and their leaders must make economic decisions taking into account market specific information. This module covers the most essential analytical tools required for economic decision making such as: the concepts of economic systems, profit and utility maximisation, demand elasticity, market equilibrium, market structures, macroeconomic objectives, government policies’ (monetary, fiscal and trade policies) tools and their impact on businesses etc. Businesses also require funding from shareholders and lenders at the outset and subsequently need to profits and positive cash flows for investment. They are in competition with other businesses for funding, just as much as they are competition for labour and market share. On this course, you will learn to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages to the business of a range of sources of finance. You will also learn how managers report on the financial affairs and financial position of the business and how financial reports can be analysed to evaluate business performance.

4) Leading Strategic Decision Making

The module will cover the following content; organisation strategy and strategic leadership; determining the strategic direction: mission vision and values; strategic decision-making in practice; strategic decisionmaking in innovative contexts; current trends in strategic leadership; creating systemic innovation; transformational leadership approaches and emotional intelligence; the leader-follower relationship; team leadership; authentic and sustainable leadership.

5) Data Analysis for Business Decision-making

Data literacy and the ability to critically evaluate information are crucial skills for responsible business management. Data analysis is a process that involves the formulation of a research question and the acquisition and analysis of the data that is needed to help answer that question. In this module, you will be taken through the practicalities of developing a business research question and acquiring and analyzing data to answer that question. You will learn about the key sources of business data and information and about how data is created for specific project purposes through survey design. You will learn about the practical steps that researchers must take to create useful business information from data and how to visualize this information in an understandable way. You will be equipped with the tools, methods, and skills required for acquiring, exploring, and analyzing both quantitative and qualitive data.

6) Capstone Project 

This module contains no specific subject content, and therefore there is no formal delivery of any material. The individual and unique project topics selected by you will allow you to utilise the methods and techniques introduced in the Skills for Managers module to independently research and acquire detailed knowledge relating to your project. The emphasis is very much on individual development and demonstrating the critical research skills commensurate with postgraduate study. While you will receive supervision, the supervisor’s role is primarily one of facilitation and guidance, with you taking a pro-active stance to the assimilation and analysis of relevant literature, leading to the design and execution of appropriate research. The production of a project, critically reflecting on the research undertaken and presenting robust and evidence-based arguments, is the ultimate goal of this module. Although the project is subject-specific, the skills used within the project are transferable and relevant to a range of situations you may find yourself in, in your current or future organisation. A number of exemplars will be available on the VLE to support you, and the guidelines for writing the project are given in the MBA Project Handbook.

Pathway Modules

1) Contemporary HRM

The module starts with a brief introduction to developing theory and current models of HRM, providing a framework for more detailed consideration of key operational areas: resourcing, development, performance management & reward, and the management of the employment relationship to minimise conflict and encourage employee engagement. Current issues such as work life balance, the management of diversity and International HRM are given particular focus.

2) HRM in an International Context

After a brief introduction to models of national culture, the focus of the module is the HR issues and practices of organisations operating across national boundaries with a multi-cultural workforce. It covers a range of key HRM areas: global manpower planning, recruitment & selection; international performance management, training and development; comparative employment regulation, employee voice and the management of conflict; the ethical considerations specific to international operations. These are explored through the use of examples and cases drawn from a range of international contexts and MNC practice. Students are encouraged to reflect on the approach to HRM in their own culture/country and contribute to the consideration of similarity and difference.

Assessment

All coursework of the programme will be conducted in English. The mode of assessment for each module is different from module to module but will be generally based on a 100% continuous assessment without examinations. Throughout the programme, students will be assessed by a combination of: 

• Reports/Essays/Case Studies 
• End of Unite Progress Tests 
• Data Analysis Reports (Data Analysis for Business Decision-making Module) 
• MBA Project 

For the MBA project, students will need to submit a management report of 15,000 words excluding reference list and bibliography. 

Award

On successful completion and passing of all 8 modules totalling 180 credits, students will, depending on their selected pathway, be awarded one of the following, issued by the Edinburgh Napier University : Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management).

Students who withdraw from the programme, either through academic failure or voluntary withdrawal, will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate if they have completed 60 credits from modules 1-4 or a Postgraduate Diploma if they have completed 120 credits from modules 1-4 plus the 2 specialism modules. Granting of these intermediate awards is based on the discretion and policy of Edinburgh Napier University.

Venue

100% online with weekly online forums

FAQs

The School intends to apply for exemption under the Non-local Higher and Professional Education (Regulation) Ordinance. It is a matter of discretion for individual employers to recognise any qualification to which these courses may lead.

On successful completion and passing of all 8 modules totalling 180 credits, students will, depending on their selected pathway, be awarded one of the following, issued by the Edinburgh Napier University : Master of Business Administration (Human Resource Management).

Students who withdraw from the programme, either through academic failure or voluntary withdrawal, will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate if they have completed 60 credits from modules 1-4 or a Postgraduate Diploma if they have completed 120 credits from modules 1-4 plus the 2 specialism modules. Granting of these intermediate awards is based on the discretion and policy of Edinburgh Napier University.

Student can take maximum 2 modules from module 1-6 per trimester. They can take module 7 in trimester 4 and after successful completion of previous 7 modules, they can progress to the MBA project. (the MBA project can be completed over one or two trimesters). Subject to students’ pace of study and module availability, it typically takes 21-33 months to complete all 8 modules. 

DAYS/ TIME

• 100% online with weekly online forums

HK$200 HK$200 (non-refundable) as initial handling fee

• Course Fee
  Total fees: HK$92,000, paid in 8 instalments.
  Instalment 1: HK$10,000
  Instalment 2: HK$10,000
  Instalment 3: HK$10,000
  Instalment 4: HK$10,000
  Instalment 5: HK$10,000
  Instalment 6: HK$10,000
  Instalment 7: HK$10,000
  Instalment 8: HK$22,000
  (all fees are subject to change without prior notice)
  *Students will be required to cover the additional cost incurred due to resubmission of coursework, retaking a module or resubmitting the dissertation.

Applicants should have: 

(a) a bachelor’s degree, awarded by a recognised institution, of at least second-class honours; OR 

(b) a professional qualification recognised as equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. 

If the degree or equivalent qualification is from an institution where the language of teaching and assessment is not English, applicants shall provide evidence of English proficiency, such as:  

i. an overall band of 6.5 or above in the IELTS (with minimum component scores of 5.5 in all four components: listening, reading, speaking and writing); or 

ii. an overall score of 90 or above in the TOEFL iBT; or 

iii. HKDSE Examination English Language at Level 4 or above; or 

iv. HKALE Use of English at Grade C or above; or 

v. equivalent qualifications. 

Applicants of other qualifications and relevant experience will be considered on an individual basis. 

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ABOUT EDINBURGH NAPIER UNIVERSITY

The collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University (ENU) and HKU SPACE has a long history and spans over 50 years. The partnership between two institutions has developed since the 1970s.  Both institutions share the strategic visions of internationalisation and they jointly offered academic programmes in different disciplines over the past four decades. ENU has become the HKU SPACE’s Strategic International Partner since June 2017.  

ENU has 12 collaborative programmes with HKU SPACE. Six of them are with the College of Business and Finance. All programmes have been well received by the Hong Kong students with more than 500 registered students studying full-time and part-time of these programmes. 

Edinburgh Napier University is ranked #92 in the Guardian UK University Guide 2024, #61 under the subject area of Business and Management in the Guardian UK University Guide 2024 and between 401 to 500 in the THE World University Ranking 2024.