Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 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.

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.

Course Content

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

Stage 1

• 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

• Dissertation

Structure

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.

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.

Fees

The course fees for the next academic year are €12,50 full-time, €6,250 per annum part-time for EU students. This covers the cost of tuition, registration and examinations.

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.