Evaluation of Birzeit University MBA Program

University Infrastructure:

1. Library: Besides the subject collection, the library also offers digital activities which include e-resources and e-journals.
2. Technology Resources: These include; web stations, audio/visual services, digital media laboratory, and video conferencing facilities.

3. The Harvard Business School (HBS) - Harvard University, Massachusetts:

Structure and Design:

HBS two year program is built on the idea that success in business comes from experience and knowledge, from the ability to analyze and reflect, from observing and interacting with others, and learning from these encounters.

Harvard Business School's learning model is based on these principles. It's a process of inductive learning that goes beyond facts and theories—a process that teaches individuals not only how to manage organizations, but also how to continually grow and learn throughout life. A process that empowers students to choose their own future. This is done through two models:

• The Case Method

Bringing real-life business problems into the classroom: this is at the heart of the Harvard Business School experience and the essence of the case method. The primary form of instruction at Harvard, the case method presents the greatest challenges confronting leading companies today—complete with the constraints and incomplete information found in a real business situation—and places the student in the role of the decision maker. Over 80% of all cases sold in the world are written by HBS faculty. This means that there's a good chance that HBS students are being taught by the person who wrote the case.

Curriculum:

The curriculum combines classic business issues with the latest trends in business. Harvard Business School's MBA curriculum includes a range of exciting courses that take advantage of new teaching methods and the reinforcement of basic skills and concepts.

• Academic Preparation

Harvard Business School students bring a wide array of strengths and abilities with them when they enter the program. In order to maximize the benefits of this diversity, it is essential that students develop a common vocabulary of skills and terminology in key areas before they start class.

 

The first step is to complete six skill areas of academic preparation before they enroll, which allows all students to share the same skills platform that is essential for a successful experience at HBS. They are: Accounting and Finance, Quantitative Methods, Business Writing, Class Participation Skills, Computer and Calculator Skills, and General Business Knowledge.

• Foundations

Foundations is a two-week program that launches the MBA curriculum and leads into the beginning of the Required Curriculum. It builds on the academic preparation platform with six classes that help students further master skills and concepts that will enhance their learning throughout the entire curriculum. While there is no formal grading in Foundations, students are evaluated on their ability to work together in case discussions, problem set reviews and team projects.

The Foundations curriculum includes, but is not limited to:

1. Learning to Lead: Develop and apply skills required to organize a productive team and effectively function within it.
2. The Management Profession: Develop and ethical framework to use as a guide for decision making; examine the reasoning processes needed for sound decision making and learn methods used by responsible managers who are guided by a sense of purpose and ideals.

 

Core Courses:

During the first year at Harvard Business School, all students pursue the same course of study, which is the required curriculum. By studying under a common curriculum, students build a solid, broad foundation of general management concepts and skills across all the key disciplines.

• Term I Courses: These five courses focus on the internal functional operations of business enterprise. The following Term I required courses use the point of view of the general manager to focus on the internal functional operations of business enterprises. This term includes: Finance I, Financial Reporting and Control (FRC), Leadership and Organizational Behavior (LEAD), Marketing, & Technology and Operations Management (TOM).
• Term II Courses: These five courses encompass the relationship of the organization to larger economic, governmental and social environments. The following second term Required Courses build on the curriculum of the first term, and cover the relationship of the organization to larger economic, governmental, and social environments. These are: Business Government and the International Economy (BGIE), Strategy, The Entrepreneurial Manager, Negotiation, Finance II, and Leadership, Governance and Accountability.

Elective Courses:

Students build upon the basic concepts developed in the Required Curriculum when they choose from an unparalleled range of elective courses during the second year. This portion of the program enables students to integrate the functional skills learned in the first year into an understanding of the firm as a total enterprise.

Students may take any combination of courses—up to five courses per semester—and even have the opportunity to cross-register for courses in other select graduate programs. Student's can choose from a wide range such as: Accounting and Control, Business, Government and the International Economy, Entrepreneurial Management, Finance, General Management, and Marketing.

• Cross-Registration: Students learn about opportunities to take classes in other graduate programs. Students may cross-register once per semester during their second year, for a total of up to two courses.

Instructor Qualifications:

Harvard Business School faculty members are of a prestigious level. All are PHD holders, and most have been acknowledged and recognized for their research achievements. The "Journal of Finance" has honored several HBS faculty members. Instructor specializations are as follows: Accounting and Control, Business, Government and the International Economy, Entrepreneurial Management, Finance, General Management, Marketing, Negotiation, Organizations & Markets, Organizational Behavior, Strategy, and Technology and Operations Management.

Admissions Policy:

1. Responses to the application essay questions
2. Current Resume
3. Three Recommendations
4. Self-reported transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate academic institutions attended
5. HBS Community Standards Statement
6. GMAT and TOEFL (if applicable) scores
7. Due to the academic rigor of the MBA Program, applicants are strongly encouraged to complete quantitative introductory courses in areas such as accounting, finance, economics and statistics prior to entrance. Some candidates may have their acceptance to the MBA Program contingent upon taking such courses prior to their enrollment.

University Infrastructure:

1. Baker Library: Baker librarians can help students strategize and recommend appropriate resources at the beginning stages of research through scheduled appointments or on a walk-in basis. Librarians can also provide answers to a wide range of quick reference questions for students using all of the information resources of Baker Library.
2. HBS Working Knowledge: Offers Web access to the latest research and perspectives. This powerful resource combines articles and essays on more than a dozen management topics, interviews with HBS professors and industry leaders, book recommendations, and Web site reviews. The HBS IT Group worked closely with Baker Library to develop the site, including building a custom content management system to meet current needs and accommodate future growth.
3. Research Computing Services: Supports faculty research through technology. Its Faculty Research Computing Center (FRCC) offers faculty a central resource for sophisticated data collection, analysis, and management. The Center houses fully networked, high-end desktop computers loaded with a variety of statistical and data management software, and a Sun Enterprise 3000 server dedicated exclusively to research.
4. Computer Lab for Experimental Research (CLER): Serves as a dedicated facility for subject-based experiments. Software engineers, lab specialists, and research associates work closely with faculty to prepare and run experiments in this state-of-the-art lab. Built as a series of modular computer stations, the lab can be configured in any number of ways to support individuals, small teams, and larger groups.

4. Graduate School of Business - Stanford University, California:

Structure and Design:

At Stanford, you will gain a world-class education built on an enduring foundation of analytical frameworks and social sciences. Stanford focuses on general management disciplines with special emphasis on understanding functional interrelationships. Its philosophy is that only a general management education provides the strong foundation, perspective, and balance to lead effectively. These disciplines are: Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Operations, and Strategy.

The Stanford GSB offers a two year MBA program with three quarters of study each year, a total of six quarters of study. The program is divided into two parts: the core, which is taken in your first year; and electives, which are taken primarily in the second year. In addition, each fall the entering class begins with pre-term, an academic cornerstone program. Students must earn at least 100 units to graduate; full quarter classes and electives count as 4 units, and half quarter classes count as 2 units. Up to 16 units may be earned in courses offered at Stanford University outside of the business school.

Stanford MBA students are not required to major in specific academic disciplines. Students are free to focus on areas of interest to professional and personal goals. Alternatively, students can broaden their perspective by taking classes on a range of topics. With such flexible program, students can tailor their MBA studies to ensure a graduate management education that best suits their leadership aspirations. 

GSB adapts to different teaching methods such as: theoretical overview, discussion, case study, simulation, role play, study groups, team project, independent study, and active participation on behalf of students.

Grades are important they offer a way for you to measure your performance. However, students should choose courses to expand their knowledge and build a base for effective leadership not just remains within incoming areas of expertise.

Post grades are not publicized or included in overall class rank on academic transcripts. Instead, a collaborative culture frees students to take academic risks and broaden their management and leadership skills. Students will have many opportunities to compete in the business world.

Curriculum:

One of the hallmarks of the Stanford MBA Program is its ability to develop leaders who are as comfortable managing the myriad facets of a nonprofit organization as they are at the helm of a Fortune 500 company. An excellent management education will prepare students to anticipate and manage change, to use knowledge and skills in the service of society-at-large, and to support personal life and goals.

Additional Programs are:

1. Global Management Program: Courses, activities, and leadership development opportunities that prepare students to manage effectively in the global environment.
2. Public Management Program: classes, activities, and internship opportunities that prepare students for leadership in the social sector.
3. Research Centers: Initiatives that reflect the issues faced by organizational leaders today and that facilitate the interaction between the school and the business community.
4. Joint degrees: Programs that allow students to combine their MBA degree with a complementary degree in law, education, or other fields.

Core Courses:

Exemption examinations are available in some core subjects for students who enter the program with extensive experience in those areas. If students pass an exemption examination, you can replace the course with a GSB or non-GSB elective. In some areas, advanced core courses are available for students who have some subject knowledge but would like to sharpen their skills. 

Core courses are designed to build student knowledge on three levels:

1. Fall Foundations: Data and Decisions, Dynamics of Organizations, Financial Accounting, Managerial Economics, Modeling for Quantitative Analysis, & Organizational Behavior.
2. Winter Functions: Finance, Management in an Information Age, Marketing Management, Operations Strategy,  and Organization in the Global Economy.
3. Spring Capstone: Human Resource, Management, Managerial Accounting, Strategy in the Business Environment.

Elective Courses:

The second year is comprised entirely of electives of more than 100. This is the chance to broaden experience and perspective, deepen knowledge in a specific area, develop skills, or simply spark interests. Because Stanford is on a quarter system, there's the opportunity to take up to 18 electives most second-year students take about 14. MBA elective courses are: Marketing, Managerial Economics, Operations & IT, Organizational Behavior, Political Economics, Public Management, Strategic Management, Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Management, & Leadership.

Instructor Qualifications:

The Graduate School of Business faculty members are all well acknowledged PHD holders, with numerous publications in numerous fields. Some faculty members were awarded the "Graduate Student Excellence in Teaching and Research" prize.

Admissions Policy:

1. Application form with contact and employment information.
2. Two personal essays written by the applicant.
3. GMAT and TOEFL test scores.
4. All college transcripts.
5. Written evaluations from three references.
6. Interview with an alumni.

University Infrastructure:

1. Jackson Library: exists primarily to serve the needs of the current faculty, staff and students of the Stanford Graduate School of Business. It is also open to current members of the Stanford Community and, as a courtesy to authorized users from the community at large. The Jackson Library is available on a web site through the library's online catalog. The J. Hugh Jackson Library and the Rosenberg Corporate Research Center, a primary resource for current corporate and business information, constitute a working laboratory for business students' research and study. One of the world's largest academic business libraries, its extensive collections includes a wide range of electronic data resources.
2. Computer Services: Resources are available to help students be most productive. The main MBA Computer Lab provides more than 100 computers with a full suite of applications and programs, high-speed Internet connections, and easy access to network printing facilities. Additional computers are available throughout the GSB, providing easy access to email and calendars between classes. In addition, computing resources are available for use in the Jackson Library, Schwab Residential Center, and other locations throughout the GSB. Laptops are not required for the Stanford MBA program.

European Universities

1. Saïd Business School - University of Oxford, UK

Structure & Design:

Oxford MBA is a one-year course. The Oxford MBA is based on an intensive year-round schedule of formal teaching in Oxford and independent project work, which can take students anywhere in the world.

The core of the program consists of three ten-week terms running on mornings and afternoons; during the first term there is a series of sessions on improving group and leadership processes. While in the second term, work on core managerial and specialized electives subjects continue alongside small group work. Finally, the third term provides an opportunity for students to select a further six advanced electives. These allow a high degree of specialization and often draw on the expertise of international visitors to the University.

Attending the Saïd Business School gives you the chance to gain exposure to the top ranks of the business world. Regular seminars and guest lectures provide a steady stream of networking opportunities. As well as visits from individual guests the business school hosts a number of major conferences, including annual summits on social entrepreneurship and the role of science in the modern world.

A key strategy of the school is to build long term relationships with leaders in the business world in a way that lets them actively contribute to the school. This process has helped us to forge close links with Silicon Valley and to set up the first world summit on social entrepreneurship.

Curriculum:

The Oxford MBA is a highly distinctive program. First, consider the students: around 70% of their students come from outside Europe. There is an excellent geographical balance, such that the interaction and education are entirely global. They are also looking for a good mix of participants - with interesting and varied backgrounds. You will find the Oxford MBA class to be an extraordinary group of high-achievers from all corners of the world.

The Oxford MBA is intensive and intellectually demanding. They expose the students to a wide range of subjects and require them to complete two major projects. The result is an excellent return on their investment, but prepared for a challenging year.

Our vision is of a business school fully integrated within a university, not of a stand-alone institution. They collaborate closely with the other faculties at Oxford, both in terms of teaching and research.

Core Courses:

The goal of these core courses provides a breadth and depth of knowledge that will allow students to approach any business situation with confidence and understanding. Also, they give a look at the role of marketing, accounting and operations management. It also addresses broader issues of corporate governance and social responsibility, a crucial part of any modern managers’ understanding.

The program offers also the chance to students to explore the students’ personal interests through a series of electives. These are often taught by visiting experts or by faculty in association with practitioners, bringing together academic rigor and hands-on expertise. The wide variety of courses on offer gives them the chance to develop themselves in preparation for a post-MBA career. The tenth required core courses are: Decision Science, Finance, Financial Management, Financial Reporting, International Business & Global Governance, Managerial Economics, Marketing, Operations Management, People & Organizations, and Strategy.

Elective Courses:

Alongside the core courses, students choose and study two elective courses.  Oxford's MBA gives its students the chance to gain a deeper knowledge of topics of special interest to them, or that are relevant to their future career plans. At this point, students have the opportunity to specialize by taking six elective courses. The School offers a wide range of elective subjects from which to choose. All are taught in small classes, usually with fewer than 30 students per course.

Electives offered by SBS: Advanced Strategic Management, Advertising Management, Business Forecasting, Company Valuations, Initial Public Offerings and Take-Overs, Creativity, Designing Effective Organizations, E-commerce, Emerging Markets, Entrepreneurial Finance, Financial Instruments and Corporate Finance, Fixed Interest and Derivatives, Investment Banking, Investments, Managing Knowledge-based Organizations, Mergers and Acquisitions, Negotiation Skills, Private Equity, Quantitative Finance, Strategic Brand Management, Strategic Modeling, Strategy, Scenarios and Business Planning, Supply Chain Management, Technology and Strategy in Service Operations, and Topics in Finance.

Instructor Qualification:

The school consists of 22 instructors, which are all PHD holders. All faculty members have several publications, book chapters and articles in well-known journals. Instructor specializations are as follows: Operations Management, Accounting, Management Studies, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Information Management, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Economics, Strategy, International Business, and Finance.

Admissions Policy:

1. Application Criteria: To be considered for a place on the Oxford MBA, candidates must be able to demonstrate the following:
2. Intellectual ability: A good undergraduate degree or equivalent is required. Applicants who do not hold such a qualification may be considered if they have a very strong employment record demonstrating a high degree of responsibility. All candidates are required to take the GMAT test. Our 2002-2003 class average was 690. A high score does not guarantee a place, nor does a low score automatically disqualify your application. However, as several of the program's core courses require a high level of quantitative and analytical skills we do look for evidence of these in GMAT results.
3. Professional experience and management potential: Oxford MBA students, on average, have five or six years' work experience. An important component of the program's success is the contribution made from students' diverse career paths. Whilst most of our students have more than three years experience, we do consider those with less work experience. If this is the case, we look for candidates who are able to demonstrate a high level of maturity, combined with evidence of leadership ability.
4. Team skills: The ability to work effectively in multi-cultural groups is a key component of the MBA program. This is particularly assessed through two team projects, the New Business Development and Consulting Projects. We are therefore looking for candidates who can effectively demonstrate their willingness to be effective team players.
5. International exposure: The MBA class is highly international, with over 30 nationalities represented. A high proportion have already studied or worked outside their native country, and most speak more than one language.
6. Ability to contribute to the Oxford MBA experience: We seek students who will actively contribute to the program by sharing their views, experiences and skills. We look for maturity, a high degree of motivation and strong interpersonal and communication skills. The program is taught in English. Candidates for whom English is not their first language are required to take either the TOEFL or IELTS tests.

University Infrastructure:

1. Sainsbury Library: The School's Library and Information Services comprise the two-floor state-of-the-art Sainsbury Library and the Virtual Library, an electronic gateway to a wealth of business information. The Sainsbury Library's lower floor contains the library and IT helpdesk, a short loan collection, a rolling stack, an informal seating area and over 40 study desks, many of which are equipped with PCs. The Upper Reading Room, with its distinctive vaulted ceiling and impressive views, is intended for quiet research. In addition to 90 further fully-networked study desks, this room holds the research-level book collection and archived printed journals.
2. The Virtual Library: Provides SBS members with menu-driven access to key business information, including databases such as Business Source Premier, Proquest, Reuters, Fame, Amadeus and Investext. E-journals, electronic reading lists, business web sites and training materials are also accessible through this interface. The service is maintained by experienced information staff and is updated regularly. Due to the nature of our database contracts, premium content is accessible via the SBS Intranet only.

2. ESCP- EAP, European School of Management, France

Structure and Design:

The School results from the merger of ESCP - Paris Graduate School of Management, and EAP - European School of Management. The merger took place in September 1999. This program focuses on knowledge, skills and personal development which expose the core knowledge that constitutes the foundation of modern management theories and related concepts. This program provides the students with the opportunity to "put theory in to practice" and acquire managerial skills; and finally, it enhance their capability through personal development.

The international MBA program is composed of a mix of core courses (360 contact hours), electives (120 contact hours) and seminars (140 hours) with a team program to end up.

Curriculum:

It’s a full-time MBA program; it provides a small student program; where personal development is as important as mastering management tools and techniques. This program has an exceptional support from the business community in Europe; it is a part of The Paris Chamber of Commerce and Industry and is jointly supported by the Government of Berlin.

Core Courses:

Core courses represent the central part of the Full-time MBA. They include a range of 11 modules which cover the main categories of modern management; Managerial Economics, Corporate Strategy, Marketing, Accounting and Cost Analysis, Corporate Finance, Operations Management, Human Resources Management, Organizational Behavior, Comparative Business Law, Decision Sciences, and Entrepreneurship.

Electives Courses:

Electives are revised each year so that participants can benefit from the most recent developments in various management fields and have the opportunity to focus on contemporary business issues. Some of the topics to be covered are: International Technology Transfers, Knowledge Management, Competitive Intelligence, Developing Projects in Emerging Countries, Country Analysis, Global Strategy, Financial Engineering, Financial Policy and Strategy, Portfolio Management, Risk Management, Insurance and Banking, Corporate Governance, Marketing of Services, Industrial Marketing, E-commerce, and Industry Analysis.

Instructor Qualifications:

The unique issue about the School of Management is its diverse faculty. Instructors are: British, Irish, German, American, French, Chilean, Columbian and even Swedish. All 16 faculty members have several publications, book chapters and articles in well-known journals. Instructor specializations are as follows: Industrial Economics, International Marketing, Management Control, Corporate Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, Leadership and Entrepreneurship, International Business Law, Human Resource Management, International Strategy and Structure, Economics, and Business History.

Admissions Policy:

1. Applicants must:

1. Hold a first university level degree Bachelor’s or equivalent in any discipline
2. Have at least 3 years of full-time professional experience
3. Be fluent in English

2. No knowledge of the French language is required, although it is helpful for daily life and for settling in Paris. Free-of-charge French classes are provided for students who wish to start learning the language, or for those who wish to improve their French.
3. GMAT is required for all applicants. There are no exceptions to this rule. We do not have a minimum GMAT score. The policy is to review all aspects of an applicant’s background before making a decision (past academic achievement, career progression and international exposure, and motivations for joining the program.
4. TOEFL can be waived if applicants are native English speakers, if they have completed their undergraduate studies in the English language, or if applicants have extensive living and/or working experience in an English-speaking country or environment. If the TOEFL is waived, particular attention will be paid to the applicant’s level of written expression in the application essays as well as to the level of oral expression during the interview. A minimum score of 250 (600 for the paper-based exam) is required.

University Infrastructure:

1. Computing Services: ESCP-EAP Paris offers its students a network of more than 150 personal computers. On arrival every student is assigned a computer account which provides access to the school's intranet and an e-mail address. The MBA dedicated intranet zone allows the MBA faculty, staff and students exchange information about courses, assignments, schedules, etc., on a daily basis. Up-to-date technology is also found in the classrooms, so that students and professors can use personal computers linked with professional presentation media. In order to gain full advantage of this infrastructure, MBA participants are strongly recommenced to own a laptop computer.
2. Library Services: The ESCP-EAP Paris library counts a collection of 43,000 books on business-related topics, 750 periodicals from all over the world, and 700 annual reports from large companies, to support research activity. There are also various sources of further information, such as periodicals, reports and newsletters, plus reference tools such as dictionaries and directories. The university provides access to a number of research tools, such as journal indexes and databases, in hardcopy, on CD or online (with password control). The library is open 6 days a week.

3. Graduate School of Business, DePaul University - Czech Republic

Structure & design:

Students are required to complete 18 courses to earn their MBA degrees. The courses are organized into five categories: Internal Environment of Organizations, External Environment of Organizations, External Environment of Business, Managerial Decision Areas, Concentration (Finance and Marketing) and the Capstone Course.

The program offers aspiring and experienced professionals the opportunity to earn an MBA without any interruption to their careers. Courses are taught on weekends over a period of 18 months. 

Curriculum:

The curriculum of the program is in keeping with the guidelines established by the AACSB - The International Association for Management Education, U.S. accrediting agency. The curriculum is very interdisciplinary in scope. While some topics are covered within a single course, many topics are a thread throughout the curriculum. This is especially true with regard to ethical and legal considerations, domestic and global economic environments of organizations as well as with regard to the creation and distribution of goods and services.

Core Courses:

The courses are organized into five categories:

1. Internal Environment of Organizations: Financial Accounting, Behavior in Organizations, and Managing Operations for Competitive Advantage.
2. External Environment of Organizations: Legal and Ethical Environment, and Global Economy.
3. External Environment of Business: Money and Financial Systems, and Business Conditions Analysis.
4. Managerial Decision Areas: Management Accounting for Decision Making, Economics for Decision Making, Strategic Management of Human Resources, Decisions in Marketing Management, Financial Management, and Management of Information Technology.
5. Concentration (Finance and Marketing): Special Topics in Corporate Finance, Investment Analysis, Project Management, and International Marketing.
6. Capstone Course (taught in Chicago ): Strategic Analysis for Competing Globally

Elective courses:

There are no elective courses offered by this university as it has five compulsory categories that the student should pass to get his MBA.

Instructor Qualifications:

An international team of 18 top professors from DePaul University and Czechoslovak Management Center (CMC) Graduate School of Business are one of the prime strengths of the program, providing a valuable exchange of knowledge, theory, and practice. The program is taught by experienced faculty and successful business experts, specialists in business fields across the management spectrum and around the world. Instructor specializations are as follows: Operations Management, Accounting, Management Studies, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Information Management, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Economics, Strategy, International Business, and Finance.

Admissions Policy:

1. Completed application form
2. University Diploma and Transcripts in English. Records not in English must be accompanied by a verbatim translation and include a grading scale. CMC MBA Office will verify if translations correspond with official documents.
3. University Education of minimum 4–year bachelor’s degree. As an equivalent of a 4-year bachelor’s degree will be considered:

1. 3-year bachelor’s degree with 13 years of pre-collegiate education
2. 3-year bachelor’s degree with 12 years of pre-collegiate education and A-level exams
3. 3-year bachelor’s degree with 12 years of pre-collegiate education and passing one-year, certified CMC Dynamic manager program

4. GMAT score: official score report from the GMAT test should be sent directly to CMC and DePaul University through the Educational Testing. The minimum GMAT score is 350 and the test should not be more than five years old.
5. Language skills of non-native English speaking candidates will be evaluated based on the GMAT verbal sub-score of min. 15 and analytical writing sub-score of min. 6. As an equivalent, a TOEFL score (not more than 2-years old) of min. 213 on the computer or 550 on the paper version will be accepted.
6. One Letter of Recommendation in English
7. CV in English noting educational qualifications and work experience. Two to three years of full-time work experience is recommended. Managerial experience is not required.
8. One passport photograph

University Infrastructure:

1. Computer Lab: The computer laboratory is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It offers standard hardware and software mainly from Microsoft, including Windows NT Workstation, MS Office, and other programs for both general and special purpose.
2. Network: CMC local area network (LAN) connects all classrooms and offices to the local file and print servers and gives users access to the Internet. Recently we also wired our hotel rooms to better serve our students and other customers.
3. Internet: For many years CMC served as the local Internet Service Provider (ISP) and has therefore a very fast Internet connection. We provide access to all standard internet-based services, including mail, http, ftp, etc.
4. Library: CMC’s library is one the most comprehensive of its kind in the Czech Republic, with a collection of over 7000 management books in English and Czech. Our students have access to:

1. Current management literature, business journals, and international newspapers.
2. International databases providing articles, abstracts, citations, and business and finance information from around the world.
3. More than 50 various databases including
4. Many periodicals and journals are available, including Czech and English language newspapers.

4. Judge Institute of Management - Cambridge Business School, University of Cambridge – UK

Structure & Design:

The Cambridge MBA is a 12-month full-time program, also he same course content can also be completed as a 24-month integrated course. The 12-month full-time program presented in 5 phases: Phases 1 to 3 are devoted to a comprehensive core of compulsory course modules, assignments and practical team projects and introduce you to the menu of electives. This strong core of the Cambridge MBA will provide students with the management foundations they need, whatever career direction they subsequently take. Phases 4 and 5 allow students to further develop your individual interests and customize their MBA.

A comprehensive selection of electives and an individual project on a topic of their own choice, enable them to direct their study towards their future career. Many electives enable them to work with a broader range of faculty with specialist expertise; others draw on the wider resources of the University of Cambridge itself, as well as associates from other universities and the corporate world.

Curriculum:

The Cambridge MBA has a general management focus, their international students and faculty members ensure that their program equips the students for the global business environment. Elective courses and individual projects allow the students to customize their program to suit their needs, interests and future employment aims.

Core Courses:

The 12-month full-time program presented in 5 phases: Phases 1 to 3 are devoted to a comprehensive core of compulsory course modules, assignments and practical team projects and introduce the students to the menu of electives. Phases 4 and 5 allow students to further develop their individual interests and customize their MBA.

Phase 1: Orientation

Phase 2: Foundations for Managing & Entrepreneurship Consulting Project.

Phase 3: Managing in Context, Electives, & Major Consulting Project.

Phase 4: Final Core Modules.

Core Courses are: Management Practice, Corporate Finance and Analysis of Financial Accounts, Marketing, Organizations, Behavior and the Management of People, Management Analysis: Data, Decisions and Risk, Entrepreneurship, International Business and Management, Operations, Information Systems and Management Accounting, Strategy, Information, Technology and Industry Dynamics, and Corporate Governance and Ethics.

Electives:

These are: Derivative Securities, Innovation Management, Managing in the Public and Not for Profit Sectors, Global Marketing, Evaluating Knowledge-intensive New Ventures, Advanced Strategy, Arts & Cultural Management, Beyond NPV: The Evaluation of Risky Projects, Change Management, Cross Cultural Management, Entrepreneurship: How to do it, The Future of Health: Care, Policy & Technology, Global Finance, Globalization & Big Business, Human Resource Management, International Tax Planning, Liberalization & Regulation of International Financial Markets, The Management of Strategic Alliances, Managing the Professional Services Industry, Marketing Communications, Mergers & Acquisitions, Negotiation Skills, Managing Organizational Politics, Risk Management in Global Banking, Strategic Brand Management, Strategies for the Competitive Advantage of Nations, and Sustainable Development.

Instructors Qualifications:

The school consists of instructors, all PHD holders. All faculty members have several publications, book chapters and articles in well-known journals. Instructor specializations are as follows: Operations Management, Accounting, Management Studies, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Information Management, Industrial Relations, Human Resources, Economics, Strategy, International Business, and Finance.

Admissions Policy:

1. A good undergraduate degree from a recognized university. The precise qualification varies according to country and university, but as a general guide the university is looking for a first class or good upper-second class honors in the British system, or a GPA of at least 3.3 (out of 4.0) from a major American university. The student must send us an official translation of their undergraduate degree certificate as well as their degree transcript. The university is also interested in any postgraduate qualifications the student have. The university will consider student applications if they have lower grades, or even if they do not have an undergraduate degree, but only if the student can demonstrate that they have been exceptionally successful in other ways and if there is evidence of necessary academic ability, for example a strong GMAT score.
2. Students must have good, relevant work experience if they are to contribute to and benefit fully from it. As such the university requires all applicants to have at least two years of full-time, post-graduation work experience. They also look for clear evidence of consistent achievement and career progression, however, they recognize that many people, especially women, take career breaks or part-time positions to raise a family, care for relatives, or spend time using their skills in the voluntary sector. They positively encourage applications from candidates with this kind of work background, so long as you can explain the reason for the break, what the student learned from it and how they think it will benefit the student as their career develops.
3. International work experience is highly advantageous and should be highlighted, as well as any experience the student have of working with people from countries other than your own.
4. The university want to see evidence of good inter-personal and communication skills, numeracy, reasoning and problem-solving skills, teamwork, leadership ability, flexibility and creativity. Familiarity with MS Word, Excel and Power Point is essential.
5. Students who are non-native English speakers must provide evidence of fluency in English. The university prefers the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) as this tests all skills, but also accepts TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or CPE (Certificate of Proficiency in English). Minimum entry requirements for these tests are:

1. IELTS - 7.0 with no band below 6.0
2. TOEFL (paper based) - 600 with 5.0 in the essay
3. TOEFL (computer based) - 250 with 5.0 in the essay
4. CPE - A, B, C
5. Fluency / working knowledge of other languages is advantageous.
6. GMAT scores is a requirement. GMAT helps us compare applications from around the world reasonably objectively. A total score above 630 is usually competitive. No minimum score is specified, and the GMAT score is just one of the criteria considered when evaluating the candidate application.

University Infrastructure:

1. Information Services: The Institute's computer network is an integral and rapidly developing facility providing a variety of software applications, e-mails and web access. In addition to the main computing laboratory, the satellite MBA study area is equipped with computers and laser printers. MBA students are required to have their own laptop computer, which can be configured to connect to the Institute's network. The network is business world oriented, running Windows NT and Microsoft Office software, with financial market data feeds direct to the desktop.
2. Library Services: The Institute's Library holds core textbooks, journals, references and careers collections. It has a particular strength in electronic media, including over 2000 full text journal titles on the web, plus a wide range of bibliographical, financial, market research and news databases. There are also extensive management holdings in the Central University Library, one of the largest libraries in the world, with a total stock of over six million volumes. For the MBA program, however, most required readings are either distributed in class or can be purchased from Cambridge bookshops.

Middle Eastern Universities

1. American University of Beirut, Lebanon

Structure & Design:

The MBA program at AUB is committed to the highest standards of quality in graduate business education benchmarked against international best practices in the generation, dissemination, and application of specialized management knowledge.

The new graduate program leading to an MBA degree requires students to complete 42 credit hours for those admitted in without the 12 credits pre-MBA foundation courses. A core menu comprising 30 credit hours is common to all students, while 12 credit hours should be completed in one of the following areas: accounting, finance, management, marketing and operations and information management that may be selected as a concentration. Students who opt for a generic MBA will have to complete the 30 core credits in addition to another 12 credit hours they may choose from the concentration menus.

Curriculum:

The MBA program comprises the following features:
Pre-MBA foundation courses are kept to a minimum, namely: Survey of Financial Accounting, Survey of Financial Management, Quantitative Analysis for Business, & Survey of Economics.

These courses are to be required of applicants coming from a non-business major as determined on a case-by-case basis and only when the candidate either decides not to take the exemption test or fails to pass it. Exemption tests are available for incoming students who will be normally considered for admission only once a year during the spring semester for studies commencing the following semester.

The outline of the multi-optional MBA program is as follows: Required MBA Courses, Accounting Track Option, Finance Track Option, Management Track Option, Marketing Track Option, Operations & Information Management Track Option, & Generic MBA Option.

 

Core Courses:

These are: Advanced Managerial Economics, Effective Communications, Entrepreneurial & Venture Capital, Financial Reporting, Computers in Business (workshop), Intermediate Corporate Finance, Marketing Management, Applied Data Analysis, Global Business Environment, Supply Chain Management, Behavior in Organizations, Strategic Leadership in a Global Environment, Managerial Diagnostic, Corporate Knowledge Management, International Strategic Management, and a project.

Electives:

These are: Profit Planning and Control, Taxation-Issues and Problems, Advanced Auditing, Accounting Theory, Governmental Accounting, IAS Workshop, Activity-Based Costing, Financial Statement Analysis, And Special Topics.

Instructors Qualifications:

All lecturers and associate professors are PHD holders. Instructors, however, are holders of an MBA degree.

Admissions Policy:

To be eligible for admission to the MBA Program, applicants should satisfy the following criteria:

1. An undergraduate GPA of 80% or equivalent
2. A GMAT score of 570
3. A relevant work experience
4. A minimum TOEFL score of 250
5. An Interview when requested by the Graduate Admission Committee

A student who does not submit all the above-listed MBA admission requirements (for example GMAT score), his/her file would be “Pending” until the file is complete.  

Students applying to the MBA program can be admitted under one of the following categories:

1. “Regular Graduate Admitted Unconditionally”; i.e., with no probation.
2. Admit on “GPA-Probation” for one semester pending an average of 80 in at least the first 12 credits.  These students had an index score near the minimum required composite index.

University Infrastructure:

The university’s libraries can be found on the following website http://www.aub.edu.lb/~webjafet/.

The mission of Computing and Networking Services (CNS) is to provide value to its clients through leadership in the development and delivery of innovative computing and information technology solutions to support the teaching, learning, research, medical care and administration goals of the American University of Beirut.

2. University of Jordan, Jordan

Structure & Design:

The Business Management Department offers MBA degrees in Business Management. The Department admits about (250) undergraduates and (30) graduates annually. The MBA program has two tracks, the comprehensive exam and the thesis. The student may enroll in either one. The requirements for the Master Degree in Business Management include (33) Credit Hours.

Curriculum:

There are two types of Master’s Degrees: a degree with a thesis, a degree with a comprehensive examination. The minimum study period is three study semesters; the maximum is six study semesters. Total allowed drop and postponement shall not exceed two study semesters not included in the maximum allowed study period.

Graduates of the University of Jordan are allocated (50%) of the seats. The department suggests the number of students to be admitted each year. It is not allowed under any condition to transfer from one master program to another. A master student from another university is allowed to transfer only to the same master program in the University of Jordan. A student who accumulates class absences that exceed (15%) of the total number of hours required for a course without submitting a medical report or justification acceptable to the Dean shall be disqualified from taking the final examination, and his/her grade for that course shall be zero. The student will have to repeat the course if it is obligatory.

Core & Elective Courses:

The thesis program: courses (24) hours; thesis nine hours. The comprehensive program: courses (33) hours. Master program with thesis: compulsory courses (15) hours; elective courses nine hours; thesis (9) hours. Master program with comprehensive examination: compulsory courses (24) hours; elective courses nine credit hours. Semester study load: minimum six hours; maximum (12) hours.

Instructors Qualifications:

The MBA program has 7 PHD professors and associate professors, and 1 MBA degree instructor.

Admissions Policy:

The applicant should be a holder of the Bachelor’s Degree with a grade of “Good” at least from the University of Jordan or a university recognized by it, and it is allowed in special conditions, and on a very limited scale, to admit students with a grade of pass according to certain conditions.

University Infrastructure:

The Faculty of Business Administration is equipped with five computer labs which are used for teaching and research by faculty members and students. It also houses a room for audio-visual aids and recording equipment.

3. American University of Sharjah, UAE

Structure & Design:

The Master of Business Administration program (M.B.A), offered by the School of Business and Management, is a graduate-level degree program designed by the American University of Sharjah faculty working in close cooperation with the American University of Washington, D.C. The AUS M.B.A. program is committed to the idea of helping individuals in the Gulf region to think and act globally and integrate knowledge into problem solving. The program provides advanced management education in an environment that encourages students to extend their leadership capabilities. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in management and leadership positions in both the private and public sectors. Students will acquire a comprehensive foundation in the fundamentals of business in the global environment in which they function. They will also learn the skills and analytical tools for effective communicating and decision-making.

The American University of Sharjah is affiliated with the American University in Washington, D.C., one of the most respected and highly ranked American institutions in the United States. Unlike other institutions, the only mission of AUS is to provide the best quality American education in the Arab World.

• Goals and Objectives of the MBA Programs:

1. Prepare individuals to identify, analyze and understand the interrelationships among business organizations and international and domestic institutions in the UAE and throughout the world.
2. Develop individuals who can lead organizations toward economic success and social responsibility in the global marketplace of the twenty-first century.
3. Prepare individuals to integrate information resources and technology to enable them to anticipate and manage change.
4. Enhance students' knowledge of issues and practices affecting business organizations, international and domestic institutions, and governments.
5. Develop an awareness of societal and environmental needs and concerns as they relate to ethical, professional and socially responsible business practices.
6. Provide students with a solid core business education that emphasizes the following teaching methodologies: case analyses and presentations, seminars, and lectures.

• Unique Features of the M.B.A.:

1. The delivery format allows the student to earn a master's degree without interrupting his/her career.
2. The student develops an understanding of the full range of business disciplines, enhancing the skills required for career advancement.
3. The student uses sophisticated new business tools in a state-of-the-art environment.
4. The M.B.A. website provides easy access to assignments and professors from the comfort of home, which accommodates all students, particularly those from other emirates or countries.
5. Participants benefit from the extensive use of the Internet, interactive learning and project work in the field to assist with the comprehension of concepts.

Curriculum:

The degree is composed of 48 credits (16 courses). Eighteen credits (six courses) comprise the "foundation" courses of the program and 30 credits (ten courses), comprise the "core" courses.

The M.B.A. program can be completed in 24 months, including summers, if all the foundation courses are required and 15 months if all the foundation courses are waived. Classes are held in the evening. Each class is offered one night per week for two hours and 45 minutes.

Participants must attend all classes except in the case of a personal emergency. Students must be prepared to devote significant additional time for class preparation and assignments. Each student must complete the approved course of study within five years of the date of first registration for graduate study. Students are expected to maintain a continuous enrollment until they complete the program. If a student cannot attend a particular semester, it is expected that the student enroll in the MBA 630 Matriculation course to maintain an active status in the program. Failure to enroll will result in the dismissal of the student from the program and the student shall re-apply for admission back into the program. Due to space limitations in the M.B.A. program, a student who is dismissed for failure to enroll in MBA630 cannot be assured of reinstatement.

• MBA Curriculum Outcomes

1. Create a working environment where teamwork and team building are an integral part of the organization,
2. Define and evaluate various aspects of quality in managerial decision-making and apply these concepts to his/her organization,
3. Implement his/her communication skills in a way that enhances and presents effectively and convincingly his/her point of view,
4. Demonstrate technical proficiency in using state-of-the-art hardware and software for managerial decision support and expert systems,
5. Apply diagnostic skills based on management concepts and theories to concrete real-life situations, and
6. Apply analytical skills in evaluating business situations from a financial perspective.

Core & Elective Courses:

Spring - Foundation Courses are: Managerial Economics, Managing People and Organizations, Accounting Concepts and Applications, Applied Managerial Statistics, Financial Management, & Management Information Systems.

 

Core Courses are: Business Communication, Business Research Applications, Advanced Financial Management, Leadership and Change, Accounting for Management, Marketing Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Electronic Commerce, Ethical and Legal Issues, & Strategic Management in a Global Environment.

Elective Courses are: Securities Analysis, Financial Futures and Derivatives, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management, Managing a Family Business, Internet Marketing Management, & Internet Marketing Project.  

Fall - Foundation Courses are: Managerial Economics, Managing People and Organizations, Accounting Concepts and Applications, Applied Managerial Statistics, Financial Management, & Management Information Systems.

Core Courses are: Professional Communication, Business Research Applications, Advanced Financial Management, Leadership and Change, Accounting for Management, Marketing Management, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, International Electronic Commerce, Ethical and Legal Issues, & Strategic Management in the 21st Century.

Elective Courses are: Matriculation, Securities Analysis, Financial Futures and Derivatives, Entrepreneurship and New Venture Management, Managing a Family Business, Internet Marketing Management, Internet Marketing Project, & Special Topics in Business.

Students may replace these Core Courses by Elective Courses in the areas of Finance, Marketing or Management and permission of the Director of Graduate Programs. Students are required to submit a project write up (thesis) reflecting various cross-disciplinary aspects covered throughout the M.B.A. program as part of the Strategic Management in the 21st Century course.

Instructors Qualifications:

The American University of Sharjah has over 200 full-time faculty, and the School of Business and Management has 31 full-time faculty members, most of whom are holders of a Ph.D. from the most reputed universities in the United States.

The M.B. A. Graduate Programs office provides advising to students throughout the program through the Director and Coordinator. Additionally, the Graduate Committee will provide assistance in advising as required. The Graduate Committee is made up of faculty members that teach in the M.B.A. program and are appointed on a yearly basis. They provide assistance to the Director in admissions, advising, curriculum, and other related matters.

 

Admissions Policy:

Admission to the M.B.A. program is on a case-by-case basis. Applicants must first meet the requirements of the University Graduate Programs then they must meet the specific requirements of the M.B.A. Admission to the M.B.A. program normally requires an acceptable score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). This score is then matched to the student's undergraduate grade point of the last two years of study. The resulting score will determine whether or not an applicant will be admitted to the program. Students from non-English speaking universities are also required to furnish evidence of proficiency in English. This will generally be accomplished by submitting scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of 530 and above. TOEFL scores over two years old and GMAT scores over five years old will not be accepted. Both tests may be administered locally.

• Applicants must submit the following documents:

1. Completed application form
2. Passport photocopy
3. Two passport size photos
4. Official Sealed Copy of degree plus transcript of grades
5. TOEFL score, if applicable
6. GMAT score
7. Application fee

University Infrastructure:

AUS offers its students the highest level of support and services associated with their studies. AUS students have access to computer labs, electronic journals, books and databases, and most importantly, the support of the full-time faculty and staff. It is built on the premise that up-to-date expertise is what gives knowledge workers a value added capacity in a knowledge-based economy.

4. American University of Cairo, Egypt

Structure & Design:

The MBA is a professional degree designed to prepare students who have completed undergraduate work in any academic discipline and intend to pursue a management career. The curriculum emphasizes the principles underlying business operations as well as advanced technical knowledge in relevant specializations. It provides tools for analysis and helps develop a managerial perspective. Advanced specialized and elective courses provide the necessary skills in a functional area of business.

Curriculum:

Coursework for the core is directed at providing the student with a basic background in the various functional areas of management. A minimum of six graduate management courses is required for the completion of the core courses. These courses are usually chosen from the following list in addition to other courses that may be added.

Students are usually required to take at least one course in each of the seven functional areas listed in the catalog, in addition to a course from the business policy and strategy area. The functional areas are: accounting, finance, international business, marketing, organization, production/operations management and systems management. Students may concentrate in one of the business areas by taking at least three courses, and must cover at least four other areas by taking at least one course in each of these areas. 

Core Courses:

These are: Management Accounting, Quantitative Analysis for Management, Management Systems, Management Functions, Introduction to Operations Management, Marketing Management, Managerial and Business Economics, and Financial Management.

Electives:

Advanced coursework for the MBA constitutes a diversified program aimed at providing the student with:

1. General background in the concepts, processes, and institutions of finance, marketing, personnel, and operations management.
2. Decision-making tools and techniques such as accounting, quantitative methods, and management information systems.
3. Organizational theory, economic analysis, and business policy and strategy.

Instructors Qualifications:

Faculty is diverse and all are PHD holders. Faculty research is encouraged and is recognized by the university as an important factor in promotion and tenure decisions. For many years the university has offered research and conference grants to full-time faculty to enable them to attend scholarly and professional conferences and to carry out research either in Egypt or abroad.  Faculty of professorial rank may apply for a full-year or a one-semester sabbatical leave every seven years to undertake research and writing and to interact with faculty and participate in programs in other institutions. Administrative support to research is provided by the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, the Office of Sponsored Programs and the Office of African Studies.

In addition, several units of the university are devoted exclusively to research, including the Social Research Center, the Desert Development Center and the Arabic Studies Bio-Bibliographical Research Unit.

Admissions Policy:

Applicants should have two or more years of relevant professional experience. All applicants must satisfy the university's graduate admission requirements and obtain an acceptable score on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

Students who do not have a sufficient preparation will be first enrolled in the MBA core foundation, perform satisfactorily in that stage and may be required to pass a qualifying examination.

To obtain the MBA degree, a minimum of 36 semester credit hours and a maximum of 54 credit hours are required.

University Infrastructure

The mission of the AUC Library is to support the instructional and research needs of the AUC community. The Library provides the academic community with one of the largest English language research collections in Egypt. Using the Library of Congress classification system, open stacks and a fully automated catalog system, the Library provides over 400,000 volumes and over 1700 current periodical subscriptions. Approximately 50 databases provide online access to an additional 6000 periodicals, many in full-text. Faculty and students are able to access databases and information about the collections and services while in the Library, on campus, or from home. With approximately 90 public access computers currently available, planning is underway to provide laptops and wireless technology for use in the Library. The Library is a Research Library Group (RLG) member and a SHARES participant. The use of Ariel enhances the speed of document delivery from abroad. Library instruction is offered in all fields to students, faculty, staff and visitors.

Birzeit University

Structure & Design:

MBA program at Birzeit University is leading to a master degree in business administration, which constitutes of in-class 36 credit hours classified as compulsory and elective courses. . It is not very oriented to the needs of the local marketplace.

This program aims to prepare learners to have appositive impact on their job, and reposition themselves for grater responsibility and influence within their organization in both the private and public sectors through providing them by suitable theoretical and practical knowledge required. Therefore, when values, purpose and vision are aligned, it is easier to make decisions and set goals that may help them achieve their vision.

Curriculum:

All students who do not have an undergraduate business background, will need to take a maximum 12 credit hours as prerequisite courses before entering the program which bring them up to speed in the following areas: Business Administration, Accounting, Commercial Law, Economics (Micro and Macro), & Statistics. These courses are not deemed as part of the required hours in the program, and should be finalized prior to entering the program. In order to complete an MBA in Business Administration, students should pass successfully at least 36 credit hours distributed as follows, a 1.5 -3 years duration.

• Program Requirements:

1. Should students like to become more specialized, they may take not more than 6 credit hours from other higher education programs given the program board's approval.
2. Students should register for either a thesis or two seminars, and pass a verbal exam.

Core Courses:

These are: Managerial Accounting, Financial Management, Marketing Management, Organization Behavior, Strategic Management, Managerial Economics, and Statistics and Research Methodology.

Elective Courses:

Elective courses do not lead to a major or concentration. Elective courses are: Human resources Management, Production/ Operation Management, Financial Accounting, Financial Institutes, Money And capital Markets, International Marketing, Organization Theory, Public administration, Management Information systems, International business, and Special topics.

Instructor Qualifications:

There is 13/15 PHD holders, who have more than 3 publications.

Admission Policy:

The minimum requirements for admission to the MBA program at Birzeit University are:

1. Bachelor's degree (or its foreign equivalent) from a regionally accredited or internationally recognized institution.
2. All MBA applicants must take the Graduate Management admission Test (GMAT). Although the program waived this traditional exam for candidates meeting because they feel that undergraduate GPA and the work experience is a better predictor of success. Started with these requirements but was later abandoned due to local conditions.

University Infrastructure:

Ritaj, MBA website, some e-library facilitation, computer labs infrastructure, and there are some technological services available (i.e.: projectors, LCD…)

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FINDINGS

Overview

In this paper, the researchers recognized that the development of a vision and framework for the MBA program will not be easy for the university or the program, and that the challenges should not be underestimated. The study identifies a range of issues that the university would need to address, including the extent to which faculty of graduate studies should act as a mediator between information sources and information users; whether any parts of the system should be changed; the possibility of better collaboration between the different bodies at BZU; and current subject gaps at all level.

The study was set to answer four basic questions:

• To what extent is the program fulfilling the needs of its students (Current & Graduates)? In other words, the satisfaction level of students?
• To what extend is the program's administration and management process (Recruitment, applicants evaluation process, Infrastructure, structure & design,  course offerings,) add up to or hinder the development of the program?
• How is the MBA program at BZU conform to other international programs?
• What are the Market requirements and the employers' point of view of this program?

Presentation and Analysis of Findings

To what extent is the program fulfilling the needs of its students? In other words, what is the satisfaction level of students?

1. Current Students' Satisfaction

Rank in order of importance your reasons for choosing to attend MBA program.(1 most important, 6 least important)

Give the above data, we find that students mainly choose to attend the MBA program to , Developing new managerial  skills, and  Enhance the understanding of the global dimensions of business.

When students were asked if they should compensate the hours that they leave work to attend the classes, 69% said that they don’t have to compensate the hours, 66% don’t visit the library in their free time or conduct their own research (71%).

A major finding is that all students try to apply what they learn in their MBA to their work, and they make all possible effort to attend all classes.

1.        What is your gender?         ٱ Male   43%ٱ              Female    57%

 

2.  What is your current major?

General Business 77%    Art 3%        Engineering11%     Science 9%

Who cover you MBA costs?

Personal 68%         Work 9%   other 20%      No response 3%

        

A. Measuring students' satisfaction

 

Thinking only about the classes you have taken in the MBA Program, please rate your satisfaction with the quality of each of the following:

Strongly

Dissatisfied

Strongly

Satisfied

When students were asked to express their satisfaction level regarding the class size, quality of MBA program in preparing them for employment, program's concern for their intellectual development, they considered the class size to be a major concern, as the number of students are increasing, whereas, they were partially satisfied with the program ability to prepare them for employment, or enhance their intellectual development.

Strongly

Dissatisfied

Strongly

Satisfied

When students were asked to express their satisfaction on the effect of the MBA program on them, they were almost satisfied with the effect of the program in the above parameters such as their capacity to analyze and think critically about complex situations, their writing and oral presentation skills, and their ability to work effectively in teams.

Strongly

Dissatisfied

Strongly

Satisfied

Regarding the quality of advisement, students felt that the availability of advisors was insufficient and that they don’t get the necessary advisement and support.

B. Measuring management process and Infrastructure

Please rate your satisfaction with the quality of the following according to the needs of your major.

With regard to the library resources, students were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with the variety of periodicals and books available, and the availability of electronic resources (Ex. Electronic libraries).

Students felt that the Technological resources such as : number of computers available on campus, Internet, World Wide Web and campus network access, printers available on campus for student use are insufficient,  and their satisfaction level was low.

The average satisfaction level of students with regard to the instructor’s evaluation was 2.6, which corresponds with medium satisfaction level.

2. Graduate Students' Satisfaction

1. What is your gender?         56%       Male         44%         Female

2. What year did you graduate from BZU University?  44%  2004 expected, 22%     2003, 22%    2002, 12%   MBA

3. How many different positions or jobs have you held since your graduation from BZU?

                22% Zero        44%    1      22%     2          12%     3           0%       4 or more

4. What is your current or most recent employment position? (Please provide job title)

1. Research Assistant
2. Audit Manager
3. Office Manager
4. HP Product Manager
5. Director of Deputy Minister's Office, Ministry of Foreign Affaires
6. Training project's manager, Market researcher
7. Executive Manager
8. Auditor, Own Office
9. Finance Manager

With regard to the category of students that get enrolled in the program, 44% considered the program unrelated to their occupation.

There is a significant negative response to the question of follow up for the students after graduation.

Given the different courses that students found the most helpful for their career, management was their main preference. 

Strongly

Dissatisfied

Strongly

Satisfied

Upon completion of the MBA Program, graduates felt that they had acquired certain skills such as the theory of business necessary to be an effective manager in the business world, and that they enhanced their communication Skills, and that they were able to apply a systems approach to problem solving in a dynamic environment

Please rate each of the following according to the code below, based upon your experience in the BZU University College of Business.  Please circle one numerical rating per statement.

Strongly

Dissatisfied

Strongly

Satisfied

The general education received from the program was satisfactory, it was rated 1.9, whereas the opportunity to interact with faculty outside class was dissatisfactory (3.7.)

How well did the College of Business develop the following on-the-job skills for you?  Please rate each according to the code below, circling only one numerical rating per statement.

Strongly

Dissatisfied

Strongly

Satisfied

With regard to the on-the-job skills acquired from the program such as the leadership and decision making skills, applying ethical values, thinking globally, and graduates were in general satisfied, however, they ranked the computer and technology skills 3.4 which indicate low satisfaction level.

                                                                                                 

3. Employer (Market) Satisfaction

Which category best describes your organization’s business?  (Circle one)

1. Accounting        10%        
2. Advertising/Marketing        6%        
3. Manufacturing        0%        
4. Health        0%
5. NGOs        26%
6. Computer/technology        10%
7. Government        16%
8. Banking/financial services        29%
9. education        3%

Approximately how many employees are you responsible for?  (Circle one)

1. 0 to 5        58%
2. 5 to 10        19%
3. 10 to 20        10%
4. 20 and above        13%

 

Of those employees, how many positions require individuals with at least an MBA college degree?  (Circle one)

1. 0 to 2        88%
2. 2 to 5        6%
3. 5 and above        6%

It’s clear that the demand for the MBA students is limited; a company (on average) requires 2 at the most to be MBA graduates.

Of your current employees, how many individuals are studying MBA?  (Circle one)

1. 0 to 2        90%
2. 2 to 5        10%
3. 5 and above        0%

Approximately how many BZU University MBA graduates have you hired or worked with in the past 5 years?  (Circle one)

1. 0        19%                        
2. 1 to 5        71%        
3. 6 to 10                                                0%
4. 11 to 20                                              0%
5. Over 21        10%

How do the skills of BZU graduates or students compare with those of graduates of other universities?

Below Average

Average

Above Average

It can be noticed that the skills of BZU graduates are almost the same compared to other universities’ graduates.

In terms of those positions in your organization that require an MBA degree, please rate the importance of the following skills according to the key below.  (Please circle one for each statement)

Not important

Somewhat

Important

Very important

With regard to the importance of the above skills, we can see that those skills, such as: computer related knowledge/abilities, critical thinking and analytical skills, leadership abilities are considered important to most of the employers.

In terms of the hiring decision for a position in your organization that requires a college degree, please rate the importance of the following factors according to the code below.  (Please rank: 1 most important, 8 least important)

  In terms of the hiring decision for a position in any organization, employers put great weight on the job experience in a related area (46%), and on the Interview performance (33%).

In general, do you think that your organization can cope with your MBA graduates professional development?  (Please circle one per statement according to the code below)

1. Yes        90%
2. No        10%

If yes, then how would the organization reward them by: (You can choose more than one)

1. Promotion                45%
2. Salary increase                52%
3. Providing further training                32%
4. According to company capacity        42%
5. Do nothing                0%

It is obvious that organizations reward their employees for their completion of the |MBA degree. This reward is mainly reflected in terms of salary increase, and job promotion.

How is the MBA program at BZU conform to other international programs? Benchmarking

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To what extend is the program's administration and management process (Recruitment, applicants evaluation process, Infrastructure, structure & design,  course offerings,) add up to or hinder the development of the program?

This table summarizes the different point of views of the key persons that were interviewed in the university. The main areas of question were the admission policy, infrastructure, financial situation, students’ level, decision making process, the new academic plan, recruitment & hiring, and finally the market demand

SWOT Analysis

• The internal environment is the MBA program with the instructors, faculty and students.
• The external environment is Birzeit University's administration and the marketplace.

STRENGTHS

Students' Viewpoint:

• Students' Satisfaction of the overall program, and the instructors' in class performance (i.e.: discussion, & group work).
• Students' Intellectual development, their critical thinking, ethics, & skills.
• Students' are applying knowledge gained to their workplace.
• Students' dedication to class attendance.

Market's Viewpoint:

• The distinctive quality of graduates relative to others.
• Skills of graduates are well-matched with market requirements.
• Appreciation of MBA graduates' capabilities, & willingness to further development (i.e.: increase salary, or promotion).

Management's Viewpoint:

• Instructors' complaints are unrealistic & exaggerated.
• Dean of Graduate Studies' knowledge of necessary requirements for students (i.e.: extra space, more instructors, & lack of insurance).
• Overtime for instructors has been restricted to only 6 additional hours.
• Image of BZU (Harvard of Palestine)

WEAKNESSES

        Students' Viewpoint:

• Dissatisfaction of the level of interaction with instructors outside the class premises.
• Increased student numbers in class.
• Inefficient use of technological resources. The Computer Center's statistics are 580 on-campus computers.
• Lack of  flexible class times during the day.
• Lack of communication skills due to lack of specialized courses offered.
• Increasing no. of students enrolled in the program.

        Market's Viewpoint:

• Limited demand for MBA holders. The market can be quickly saturated.
• Insufficient availability of qualified instructors in the Palestinian market.

Graduates' Viewpoint:

• No alumni association to follow up graduates after their graduation.

Management's Viewpoint:

• Lack of coordination between the Program's Council, the Graduate Studies, & BZU's administration.
• According to VP of administration: The admissions policy to increase the number of students whilst the same number of instructors.
• Instructors’ recruitment process is not well organized.
• Lack of research and development, and shortage in  statistics for the MBA program for the year 2000-2002.

OPPORTUNITIES

• HR's MBA recruitment is based on job experience. This should be stressed on during the selection process.
• Demand for an MBA to enhance understanding of the global dimensions of business.
• Demand from students for management courses. This should be considered by the program's management.
• BZU administration is fully aware of the problems faced in the MBA program.
• There are incentives from top management to hire new instructors.

THREAT

• Competition from other universities' MBA programs.
• Limited  market capacity & need for MBA holders.
• Contradicting points of view & understanding between administration, faculty, & the graduate studies.
• Lack of continuous evaluation and control on the university's part of the diverse programs.

SFAS, EFAS, and IFAS EXHIBITS

Exhibit 1

EFAS (External Factor Analysis Summary)

 

 

Exhibit 2

IFAS (Internal Factor Analysis Summary)

Exhibit 3

SFAS (Strategic Factor Analysis Summary)

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DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Interpretation of Findings

This study aimed to evaluate the MBA program at Birzeit University. More specifically, it aimed "To Study the Different Contradicting Claims of the Direct Beneficiaries of the Program", including the students, instructors, the program management, the faculty of graduate studies, and BZU administration.

The four basic aspects that were tackled:

1. Measuring satisfaction level of students.
2. Market requirements.
3. Benchmarking with international programs.
4. Management process contribution.

In terms of measuring the satisfaction level of students, we can mainly notice that students in general favor to continue their MBA degree either to develop new managerial skills, or to enhance their understanding of the global dimensions of business. Given those facts, the program should consider such aspects, and develop critical methods that can enable those students to acquire the needed skills.

In measuring the satisfaction reality of students, we noticed that students make all their efforts to attend all classes (regardless of the work load), and they sincerely try to apply what they learn in their work or life. However, a major drawback that accompanied the satisfaction reality measurement was that students do not visit the library in their free time, or try to conduct any research of their own. This shows that, to a certain extend, students must be more serious with the aspect of conducting research.

Students are generally satisfied from the overall effect of the MBA program on their work. They believe that the certain skills have been acquired from the program, such as the ability to analyze and think critically, their writing and oral presentation skills has improved, in addition to the advanced computer related knowledge and abilities.

In the field of students’ advisement, students were partially dissatisfied with the availably of advisors, and the advisor’s knowledge of academic requirements. Students believe that advisors don’t assist them in planning for the academic program, or in their overall career planning. More advisement support is needed for students.

With respect to the availability of library resources, students expressed their partial dissatisfaction from the overall lack of adequate resources for the graduate level. However, with respect to the technological resources, students were obviously dissatisfied with he number of computers and printers available on campus, and the multimedia classroom facilities and instructional technologies. In this area, we would like to emphasize that fact that the number of computers available on campus is 580; this means that there is 1:10 ratio of PCs to students. This is factually high ratio compared to international standards. To sum up this point, its important to notice the unconsciousness of the resources available on campus.

Students in general lack the general courses in management, through the analysis of the questionnaire, the researchers found that there is a real need for management and marketing courses, as those courses are vital to the nature of most students’ work.

Upon completion of the MBA Program, graduates felt that their abilities has increased (to a certain extent) in the overall understanding and application of developing new managerial skills necessary to be an effective manager in the business world. Moreover, graduates were satisfied with the general education received from the program, the leadership and decision making skills, the critical thinking abilities , and the opportunity to think globally. One disadvantage that could be tackled was the inability of students to interact with faculty outside class.

In terms of the market requirements for the MBA degree, it was interesting to find that the skills of BZU graduates are compatible with those of other universities’ graduates. This leads us to conclude that BZU graduates are able to compete nationally and internationally in any organization.

The most important skills needed to compete on an MBA position in any organization is the leadership ability, the ability to work without supervision, writing and critical thinking abilities.

The key factors for the employers’ hiring decisions are the job experience and the interview performance for the particular candidate. This finding should lead the program to emphasize the importance of work experience as a vital admission criterion.

Positive information to consider from the employers’ point of view is the encouragement of the employers for the MBA students to attend their classes, and not oblige them to compensate the hours they leave work. Another point to notice is the reward system provided by the organizations that are represented by the salary increase and work promotions that are given to MBA graduates upon completion of their de

With regard to the Benchmarking with international programs: Benchmarking is simply about making comparisons with other organizations and then improving ourselves through learning the lessons that those comparisons throw up. Thus, benchmarking involves learning, sharing information and adopting best practices to bring about step changes in performance. Additionally, it usually encompasses regularly comparing aspects of performance with best practitioners, identifying gaps in performance, seeking fresh approaches to bring about improvements in performance, following through with implementing improvements, and following up by monitoring progress and reviewing the benefits (Muir, 2004).

In this study, a benchmarking was conducted to investigate the conformity of the MBA program at Birzeit University, with the top four MBA programs at American Universities (Northwestern University, University of Chicago, Harvard University, and Stanford University), European Universities (University of Oxford, CMC Graduate School of Business, London Business School, and ESCP-EAP European School of Management), and Middle-Eastern Universities (American University of Beirut, University of Jordan, American University of Sharjah, and American University of Cairo). The study focused on program structure and design, curriculum, core courses, elective courses, instructors' qualifications, admission policy, and the university's infrastructure to benchmark against.

After the benchmarking process was conducted, it was concluded that the MBA program at Birzeit University and the MBA program at European Universities have some similarities. The curriculum of both programs is set according to a specific model consisting of core and elective courses. Additionally, the majority of instructors are PHD holders with certain publications. Finally, the university’s' infrastructure is somehow similar. Both have computer and internet access, and some technological services. However, the MBA program at Birzeit University does not lead to a major or a concentration to focus on, which in turn weakens the program. Moreover, the admission requirements that started with a BA transcript, work experience, and interview, and an admission examination and were later abandoned due to local conditions, affected the quality of students joining the program. Finally, the university in general lacks continuous evaluation and control of its overall programs.

Finally, and in terms of the management Process: The management process is "a structured approach to analyze and continually improve fundamental activities such as manufacturing, marketing, communications and other major elements of a company's operation" (Zairi, 1997). It is concerned with the main aspects of business operations where there is high leverage and a big proportion of added value. This approach allows control points between departments to be vulnerable to organizational noise such as poor communication. Additionally, it depends on strategic elements, operational elements, use of modern tools, people involvement, and more importantly, on a horizontal focus which will best suit and deliver customer requirements in an optimum and satisfactory way.  Business process management is conducted through performance measurement for setting targets for improvement and also for measuring and product or a service's capability, process capability, supplier capability, and effectiveness aspects in terms of quality standards, costs, etc (Zairi, 1997). It will be most successful if it is linked to policy deployment and when management determines the process to undergo on the grounds of critical objectives and company goals (Lee & Dale, 1998).

This study measured the extent of the program's administration and management process (recruitment, applicants' evaluation process, and infrastructure, structure and design, and course offerings) add up to or hinder the development of the program. The researches' conducted interviews with different instructors that teach in the program, in addition to the head of the MBA program. Moreover, the vice president for planning and development at Birzeit University was interviewed, and others from the university's registration office. Similar questions were asked to the previous mentioned parties, including information about admission requirements, university's infrastructure, students' level, decision making, the new academic plan, recruitment and hiring, financial situation, and market demand.

The MBA program's management process at Birzeit University consists of the university's administration, graduate studies college, and the MBA program's administration. Planning, Organizing, Leading, Controlling for the MBA program are started by the program's administration and approved by the university's administration and the graduate studies college. It was clear that there is a misunderstanding of the roles of the interest groups, and an obvious conflict of interest between the different management levels starting from the different departments in the faculty of commerce and economics and passing through the administration of the program, up to the graduate studies, ending with BZU administration. Additionally, it was clear enough that all the ones involved in the program's management try to blame each other for any discrepancies that occurred in the MBA program. Thus, it was finally concluded that the main problem and obstacle that will hinder the development of the program lies in the management process.

It is of great importance to point out that Birzeit University's website does not include adequate information about the university's different BA and MA programs and facilities, neither about its instructors, management team, and other employees. Thus, this can be considered an obstacle against any person seeking information about the university.

Summary:

The major finding that arose from the researchers' extensive analysis from the questionnaires that were distributed among students indicated that they were satisfied with the overall MBA program. However, the areas were students felt that they were dissatisfied is the interaction between them and the instructors outside class and the unavailability of computer labs and technological resources.

According to the research analysis, the main problem and obstacle that will obviously hinder the future development of the program lies in the center of the management process. It is clear that there is a misunderstanding and discrepancies in opinions between the different bodies and interest groups concerned in the academic process within Birzeit University.

It is also apparent that there resides a conflict of interest between the different management levels that constitute the organizational hierarchy of the university. This conflict of interest starts from the different departments in the Faculty of Commerce and Economics, passes through the administration of the MBA program itself, goes all the way through to the graduate studies, and, finally, ends up with Birzeit University's administration.

Through our interviews with the different bodies at BZU, we observed contradicting point of views in the issues that are related to the MBA program. Every side was trying to blame the other for any discrepancies that occurred in a manner to throw away the responsibility from their side.

According to statistics provided by the Director of the Computer Center at Birzeit University, the technological resources offered at the university are sufficient. The ratio for the availability of computers in respect to students is about 1 computer to every 10 students. In addition, Birzeit University is considered to be one of the leading universities in the electronic services it offers; this is to mention in particular the university's technological network, namely "Ritaj".  

The MBA offered at Birzeit University when compared to the other international and Middle Eastern programs, includes the basic subjects taught at the various universities with the exception that top universities are integrating new terminologies and fields in their program design such as negotiation and communication skills. The flexibility of choosing a concentration to focus on through the student's elective courses is another aspect that was reflected on through benchmarking with other universities. The unavailability of such an issue does somewhat weaken the program. However, an important aspect of concern is the lack of continuous and systematic evaluation and control of the overall university programs.

Our main concern as researchers was to target the exact reasons behind any deficiencies that are found in the program. The main conclusion that can be drawn is the severe breach in the management process at Birzeit University, this process that can be categorized in the areas of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The problem starts in the organizing phase, where people no more understand their exact roles in the process. This breach continues to penetrate to the other two areas of the management process (leading and controlling), to end up with the inability to locate the source of the problem.

To conclude, the researchers believe that the core area for further investigation is the hidden or invisible factors that indirectly form the breach. A great deal of effort should be put in coordination between the different bodies within the university. Targets should be set, roles should be identified, duties must be recognized, and the accountability system must be put in process.

Implications and Recommendations 

The researchers, as part of their effort and concern to contribute to the development of the MBA program in specific, and Birzeit University in general, have come up with the following recommendations to be lifted to Birzeit University's management and administration. They are listed as follows:

• In the term of studying the effect of the different factors that contribute to the academic aspects of an educational institution, a study must be conducted to assess the learning/skills curve of the MBA students in the Graduate Studies Department.

• To stay abreast with the dynamic and ever changing environment, the management process should be subject to periodic evaluation, control, correction and updating.

• Great deal of coordination should be done between the different bodies at the University, students should be part in that process, as they are in the bottom of the hierarchy, and they can be the tool that can initiate the change.

• Labs must be provided for the graduate students, the main concern is not the lack of the technological resources, it’s managing the different facilities in the university. Adequate time should be provided for the MBA students to use the technological resources available on campus.

• Student should directly complain to the instructors any deficiencies that may emerge, and try to collaborate with the program in order to remove any obstacle.

• Incentives must be provided to council members encouraging them to attend regular meetings held by the program's board of directors to follow up and attribute to arising issues.

• The instructors must be motivated to conduct researches and to attend seminars.

• Human resources department must be more involved in the instructors’ recruitment and selection processes.

• Proposing concentration areas for students specialize in, in order to cater for the diverse needs and areas needed for the development of the Palestinian market.

• The quality of the students enrolled in the program should maintained, and the admission admissions policy and admissions requirements should be more stressed on in order to acquire the necessary quality of students, and special concentration should be given  to the working experience for the students. After all graduates are future managers and researchers in the Palestinian marketplace.

• An effective Alumni system must be established in order to follow up on the graduates’ status, the development in their career, and any other help that could be provided for them through the university.

Suggested Strategies

• Instructors at the faculty in general, and in the program in particular, should stop de-promoting the program within the students whether in class or outside. Should this negative impact still continue on the faculty's behalf, the researchers will recommend that a retrenchment strategy would be suitable for the program's management to adopt.

• Concentric Diversification: When utilizing a concentric diversification strategy, sometimes called related diversification, a firm acquires or starts a business related to the organization's existing business in terms of technology, markets, or products. Given that the program is offering five elective courses there is an opportunity to offer concentrated areas in the MBA program for students to specialize in according to their diverse interests and career requirements. This has become a trend in the most American and Middle Eastern universities. Ex. MBA concentration in Finance, MIS, Marketing… etc.

   

Recommended Strategy

Both strategies could be applied to the program. Based on the current situation, we can set our mission aside, and get the program in a retrenchment phase, which means the reduction of the number of students and instructors to the minimum, and to continue offering only the courses that will lead the current students to graduate, and then a serious retrenchment can be applied.

According to the researchers who administered this research, it can be thought that such a strategy is considered harmful to BZU mission and objectives. The university is capable of administrating an MBA program, despite the current curable (we hope) breach found in its core processes.. We as researchers believe that the university is capable to continue offering the MBA program with some changes that can help further promote the positive aspects if the program.

The researchers, therefore, believe that the concentric diversification strategy would be the most suitable and beneficial in the case of Birzeit University. In their professional opinion, this strategy is in line with the university's mission, objectives and vision. It is also due to the possibility of future growth and expansion, the diversified market needs, and the creation of diverse skills and specifications to satisfy for the diversified market needs.

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REFERENCES

Byrne, J.A., 1991, A Business Week's Guide: The Best Business Schools, 2nd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY.

Cook, J.D., Hepworth, S.J., Wall, T.D., Warr, P.B., 1981, The Experience of Work, Academic Press, New York, NY.

Glazer, B.G., Strauss, A.L., 1967, The Discovery of Grounded Theory, Aldine, Chicago, IL.

Krippendorff, K., 1989, Content Analysis: An Introduction to its Methodology, Sage, Beverly Hills, CA.

McClelland, D., 1961, The Achieving Society, Van Nostrand, Princeton NJ.

APPENDICES

Appendix I: Satisfaction Survey

Dear MBA Students

 

Hello from the MBA Program at Birzeit University!!

 

We hope this finds you well in your career.

 

As part of our on-going review and updating of the MBA Program, we would like for you to complete the attached survey. This survey will be extremely helpful as we seek to improve the program. The survey is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. You do not need to state your name. However, we would like to correspond with you and keep you abreast of happenings in MBA program. We will only use aggregate data so please be assured that your responses are held in the strictest of confidence.

Best Regards,

Strategic Management Group

 

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5. What is your gender?           Male                  Female

6. What is your current major?

         General Business                 Art                  Engineering                   Science

7. Rank in order of importance your reasons for choosing to attend MBA program.  (1 most important, 6 least important)

                  Get a promotion

          Get a new job

          Developing new managerial skills

          Increase in salary

          Enhance the understanding of the global dimensions of business

A. Measuring student satisfaction

Thinking only about the classes you have taken in the MBA Program, please rate your satisfaction with the quality of each of the following:

B. Measuring management process and Infrastructure

Please rate your satisfaction with the quality of the following according to the needs of your major.

Satisfaction Reality

1. Are you asked to compensate the hours that you get out of work to attend MBA classes?

           Yes                      No

2. Who cover your MBA costs?

                    Personal coverage

                    Work

                    Other( specify)

        

3. Do you often visit the library in your free time?           Yes                      No

4. Do you conduct own researches independently and without being asked from you instructor?

         Yes                      No

5. Do you try to apply what you learn in MBA in your work or life?         Yes                      No

 

6. Do you make your effort to attend all classes in MBA regardless of your working conditions?

         Yes                      No                                      

                                     

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Appendix II: Graduates Survey

Dear MBA Gradates,

Hello from the MBA Program at Birzeit University!!

 

We hope this finds you well in your career.

 

As part of our on-going review and updating of the MBA Program, we would like for you to complete the attached survey. This survey will be extremely helpful as we seek to improve the program. The survey is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. You do not need to state your name. However, we would like to correspond with you and keep you abreast of happenings in MBA program. We will only use aggregate data so please be assured that your responses are held in the strictest of confidence.

Best Regards,

Strategic Management Group

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1. What is your gender?                Male                                 Female

2. What year did you graduate from BZU University?         

3. How many different positions or jobs have you held since your graduation from BZU?

                  Zero                1                     2                      3                  4 or more

4. What is your current or most recent employment position? (Please provide job title)

                                                                                                               .                          

5. Is this occupation related to your MBA?                    Yes                      No

6. Have you been followed up by BZU after graduation? (Alumni)              Yes                      No

7. Rank in order the courses you find to be the most helpful for your career (1 most helpful, 5least helpful)

                    Management

                    Economics

                    Finance

                    Accounting

                    Marketing

                                   

        

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Appendix III: Market Survey

Dear Employers,

 

Hello from the MBA Program at Birzeit University!!

 

We hope this finds you well in your career.

 

As part of our on-going review and updating of the MBA Program, we would like for you to complete the attached survey. This survey will be extremely helpful as we seek to improve the program. The survey is STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. You do not need to state your name. However, we would like to correspond with you and keep you abreast of happenings in MBA program. We will only use aggregate data so please be assured that your responses are held in the strictest of confidence.

Best Regards,

Strategic Management Group

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1) How do the skills of BZU graduates or students compare with those of graduates of other universities (Please one circle for each statement)

        1.        Above average        2.        Average        3.        Below average        4.        N/A

 

        a.        Computer related knowledge/abilities        1        2        3        4

        b.        Internet/World Wide Web skills        1        2        3        4

        c.        Math or computational skills        1        2        3        4

        d.        Critical thinking and analytical skills        1        2        3        4

        e.        Writing ability        1        2        3        4

        f.        Oral communication and presentational skills        1        2        3        4

        g.        Ethical and moral values        1        2        3        4

        h.        Ability to work successfully in a team        1        2        3        4

        i.        Independence/ability to work without supervision        1        2        3        4

        j.        Leadership        1        2        3        4

  

2) Which category best describes your organization’s business?  (Circle one)

10. Accounting        
11. Advertising/Marketing                
12. Manufacturing                
13. Health        
14. NGOs
15. Computer/technology        
16. Government
17. Banking/financial services

3) Approximately how many employees are you responsible for?  (Circle one)

5. 0 to 5        
6. 5 to 10
7. 10 to 20
8. 20 and above        

 

4) Of those employees, how many positions require individuals with at least an MBA college degree?  (Circle one)

4. 0 to 2        
5. 2 to 5        
6. 5 and above

5) Of your current employees, how many individuals are studying MBA ?  (Circle one)

4. 0 to 2        
5. 2 to 5        
6. 5 and above        

6) In terms of those positions in your organization that require an MBA degree, please rate the importance of the         following skills according to the key below.  (Please circle one for each statement)

        1.        Very important        2.        Somewhat important        3.        Not important        4.        N/A

 

1. Computer related knowledge/abilities        1        2        3        4
2. Internet/World Wide Web skills        1        2        3        4
3. Math or computational skills        1        2        3        4
4. Critical thinking and analytical skills        1        2        3        4
5. Writing ability        1        2        3        4
6. Oral communication and presentational skills        1        2        3        4
7. Ethical and moral values        1        2        3        4
8. Ability to work successfully in a team        1        2        3        4
9. Independence/ability to work without supervision        1        2        3        4
10. Leadership        1        2        3        4

7) In terms of the hiring decision for a position in your organization that requires a college degree, please rate the importance of the following factors according to the code below.  (Please rank: 1 most important, 8 least important)

 

                  Grade point average (GPA)        

                  Interview performance        

                  Job experience in a related area        

                  Job experience in an unrelated area

                    Business or business-related major degree        

                  Involvement in a school-sponsored internship        

                  Business or business-related major degree        

                  General computer knowledge and skills        

8) Approximately how many BZU University MBA graduates have you hired or worked with in the past 5 years?  (Circle one)

6. 0                
7. 1 to 5                
8. 6 to 10
9. 11 to 20
10. Over 21

9) In general, do you think that your organization can cope with your MBA graduates professional development?  (Please circle one per statement according to the code below)

3. Yes
4. No

If yes, then how would the organization reward them by: (You can choose more than one)

6. Promotion
7. Salary increase
8. Providing further training
9. According to company capacity
10. Do nothing

Appendix IV: Interviews

Instructors:

• Admission Policy: Not good, no test, no interviews, no experience for the new students. Selection should be better
• Level of students: is curving down due to the lack of good admission criteria.
• Decision making process: bad and individually. No commitment from teachers. Load of teachers should be less.
• Equipment: not enough needs a lab, Ritaj is closed sometimes for the outsiders, rooms are small, too many students, low salary, and no full time teachers in the program. Faced a lot of troubles to get students into a computer lab. There must be fully-equipped rooms with laptop and LCDs.

The program management:

• Admission: The students overall averages if sufficient for the admission policy, no need for the exam. The number of acceptance is high due to the high dropout rates. The number of graduates is minor compared to the active number of students and dropouts.
• The question of the management process: There is good coordination between the program and the faculty of Graduate studies; however, there is no clear support from BZU administration. Many requests have been sent for the purchase of equipment, but no response.

 

BZU Administration:

• Admission: The great bulk lays   on the (head of the program and the faculty of graduate studies and the council of graduate studies.)The cancellation of the test was the decision of the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Level of students: the number of accepted students relays on the choice of both the program head and the graduate studies.(perhaps the graduate studies must be more restrictive on the criteria used, its their work)
• Teachers: BZU is willing to hire more teachers, they even restacked the overtime hours for the teachers with 6 as a maximum, and the problem is that the faculty is unable to find good teachers.
• Equipment: a computer lab is being organized for the History and Political Science department, but there was no formal request about computer lab from the MBA.
• Library resources: BZU is in the process of re-subscribing into different library resources including Elseivie, and the Emerald (if possible). The main problem is that many library resources require the university to first subscribe into the hardcopy so as to give the soft copy in a low price.
• Conclusion: the university is cooperating in all the aspects possible in order to help provided the necessary facilities; however, the process needs time & money.
• The cost of the hour per student is on average 90.75 dinars.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies

• Admission: the university's council has a say in the number of the yearly accepted students. The test was cancel due the year of the invasion, and it should be re-organized given that the MBA program asks that.
• Hosting of the Program: It's much better if the graduates programs in general are hosted each in its department. In this manner, the head of the department can distribute the loads on teachers with a better overall perspective.
• Equipment: a new lab is being constructed for the History program, an LCD and a laptop and overhead projector were purchased for the program.
• Market demand: he is in the process of combining the entire Thesis in BZU and put them in a booklet so as to be useful for different targets. Besides, they are trying to cope with and asses the market demand so as not to surplus of graduates.
• Teaching overload: regarding having full timers on the program, its not really good for the undergraduate students to have the professors teaching in the MBA only, as there will be no good transfer of knowledge.
• Conclusion: He was there for three months only. He is willing to listen to all the academic problems of students. In addition, he is trying to liaise with the different targets including the Heads of the program, and the University's Council, and the Graduate Studies Council not to enforce his decisions. Moreover, there is a problem in commitment from the Graduate Studies Council; it's not his sole responsibility to make the decision. Regardless if the program is generating profit, its all one university, and it’s the responsibility of the university to provide the needed facilities, equipment, and space.

The interviews were conducted with:

• Dr. Samir Baidoon, Head of the Business Administration, and also an Instructor in the program The Head of the MBA program: Dr. Nidal Sabri.
• Dr. Grace Khoury: Instructor at the MBA program.
• Dr. Faisal Awartani. A part time instructor at the Faculty in general and the MBA program in particular
• Dr. Abdel Latif Abu Hijleh, The Vice President for Academic Affairs
• Mr Ramzi Rihan. The Vice President for Planning &.Development.
• Dr. Carmela Omari: The Vice President for the Financial & Administrative Affairs
• Dr. Sami A;-Sairafi, Dean od the Faculty of Graduate Studies
• Mr. Yihia Yaish: Director of the Computer Center.
• Different people from the Registration Office.