Master of Business Administration – Project Management Major

Program Aim

This program provides students with advanced and integrated understanding of a complex body of knowledge to give graduates the ability to demonstrate expert judgement, adaptability and responsibility as a practitioner or learner.

Program Rationale

Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a graduate degree that provides theoretical and practical knowledge about business and management. This program is designed to help graduates gain a better understanding of general business management functions. The MBA program has a general focus (without major) or a specific focus in fields such as accounting, information systems and project management (with major). This program is aimed at developing graduates with analytical and decision-making skills which will enable them to demonstrate advanced judgement and enable them to be responsible practitioners or learners. The graduates of the proposed MBA program are expected to go on to develop careers in the management of large, medium, and small businesses in government and private sectors, both domestically and internationally.

Program Learning Outcomes

Master of Business Administration graduate will be able to:

  • Apply contemporary management practices in a manner consistent with organisational sustainability and ethical management behaviour;
  • Research and present theoretical concepts and complex ideas in both written and verbal formats appropriate for a range of stakeholder audiences;
  • Critically analyse, integrate and reflect advanced theoretical, technical and practical knowledge of business disciplines and professional practice;
  • Demonstrate mastery of discipline-specific knowledge and technical and research skills relevant to business decision making and the management of organisations and engage in lifelong learning;
  • Apply discipline-relevant knowledge and skills to challenges relevant to professional practice in a substantial project;
  • Work individually and in groups to propose collaborative, innovative and responsible solutions to complex real world business challenges.

Industry Needs

Master of Business Administration (MBA) has developed into an internationally recognised degree designed to develop the skills required for careers in business and management and has strong industry demand from a wide range of sectors. It is expected that CIM MBA program will prepare students for senior-level management and leadership positions with intellectual, analytical, organisational and interpersonal skills. A Master of Business Administration graduate will be qualified to pursue a range of exciting domestic and international career opportunities, which include business planning and management, marketing management, marketing, financial management, business consultant, market research, business analysis, project management, and many others.

Graduate Career Outcomes

A good career path for an MBA graduate is one where qualification keeps delivering value. The Canterbury Institute of Management (‘the Institute’) qualifications are aimed at providing a broad-based foundation for graduate positions that can lead to a wide range of rewarding careers. MBA graduates upon their graduation at CIM will be eligible for following roles:

  • Business Development Manager
  • General Manager
  • Business Analytics Consultant
  • Operations Manager
  • Finance Manager
  • Product Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Program Manager

Program Structure

The Master of Business Administration program will have the following delivery structure:

  • 2 years full-time, face to face classroom-based teaching in delivery over 4 semesters;
  • No work-based training involved;
  • Each semester will run over 12 weeks;
  • 12 courses;
  • Each course has 4 contact hours per week broken down into lecture and tutorial components (2 hours lecture + 2 hours tutorial);
  • 20 credit points (cps) per course;
  • 240 credit points to complete the program.

Program Location

This program is offered at our campuses in Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.

Program Progression Rules

Semester 1

  • Contemporary Management & Leadership
  • Accounting and Financial Management
  • Process and Change Management

MGMT401

Course Information

Professionals in this field need to be able to demonstrate an advanced understanding of leadership theories, concepts, and practice, including both traditional and contemporary forms of leadership and management.

This course provides you with essential theoretical and conceptual knowledge relevant to organisational theories and practices in the context of the contemporary business environment. It will cover topics related to management theory, management processes, leadership, managing people and contemporary issues in management.

You will develop abilities to effectively communicate and apply relevant leadership principles to address the diverse needs of various stakeholders. You will be able to think critically about core management theories and evaluate and communicate their relevance to contemporary management practice in a complex, diverse and rapidly changing globalised workplace.

The aim of this course is to develop your understanding of the role of leadership in shaping the organisational vision, strategy, culture & values for successful and sustainable management relationships.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Explain how key management concepts, principles and theories can support ethical, inclusive and sustainable management practices in culturally diverse workplaces.
  2. Effectively disseminate outcomes to various stakeholders using highly developed communication skills as an individual or as a part of team.
  3. Source and evaluate empirical scholarship reporting on contemporary management issues.

ACCT401

Course Information

Professionals in this field need to be able to conduct measurement of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, and income in day-to-day operations and explain their relevance to business decision making.

This course develops your understanding of the accounting and financial management discipline in an integrated manner dealing with financial accounting, management accounting, social and environmental accounting, finance, and business decision making using quantitative and qualitative information technology and business communication skills. You will gain an understanding of the accounting principles underlying the accounting process and the uses and limitations of financial statements published by business entities. Accounting and financial management issues faced by management and some of the techniques used by managers in decision making will also be addressed.

This course develops your abilities to critically evaluate and analyse key interpretative techniques used in accounting and financial management. You will develop knowledge and skills in analysing, evaluating, and implementing business decisions related to capital investment appraisal, financing alternatives, capital structure and dividend policies.

The aim of this course is to provide you with the accounting knowledge to understand the principles of accounting and how it relates to the internal and external financial decision making of an economic entity in Australia and internationally.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Explain accounting principles and how they relate to the financial decision making of an organisation in Australia and internationally.
  2. Critically analyse how financial information is used by organisations to make socially and environmentally sustainable decisions.
  3. Critically evaluate accounting and financial management issues faced by management and the key techniques used by managers in decision making.

MPMG404

Course Information

Business professionals play a key role in the success of organisational change such as changes to business processes, technologies, organisational structure, job roles and systems. They need to be able to implement change management strategies to ensure a faster rate of adoption while minimising resistance to change.

This course develops students’ abilities of organisational design, organisational change and development through contextualisation of common challenges for change in both traditional and new organisational forms. The course will cover advanced leadership principles and their application, styles and design and implementation of leadership and change management plans.

By the completion of this course, students are expected to have advance knowledge of diagnostic skills, competencies and processes in assessing the need for change, and the development, implementation, and evaluation of change strategies at all organisational levels. Solutions to complex change management problems will be derived in a socially and culturally responsible manner, where students will advocate and substantiate recommendations grounded in scholarly literature to demonstrate professional responsibility and accountability.

The aim of this course is to develop students’ abilities to explore approaches to understanding and to managing the organizational change process, and to identify practical approaches to effective change implementation.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course. The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below. The CLOs are:

  1. Discuss and critique process and change management theory and principles.
  2. Analyse skills required in change management processes to meet emerging challenges posed by new situations and contexts.
  3. Individually and as a member of a team, critically review the components and processes of organisational change and their implications, including ethical implications, for managers in contemporary organisations.
  4. Apply expert communication skills to articulate the value individuals bring to securing new projects and building working relationships.

Semester 2

  • Strategic Management
  • Corporate Governance, Ethics & Sustainability
  • Marketing Management & Research Methods

MGMT402

Course Information

Professionals in this field need to be able to review and evaluate the evolution of ideas and practices leading to the development of strategic management and its relationship to other management practices and principles.

This course provides you with essential theoretical and conceptual knowledge relevant to strategic management. It provides an overview of the debates in strategic management; Strategy analysis (i.e., the external environment analysis, the internal environment analysis); Strategy formulation (i.e., business- level strategy, corporate-level strategy); Strategy implementation and evaluation (i.e., strategies for change, leadership requirements for strategic change, implementation and evaluation of strategic change)

You will develop abilities to demonstrate critical thinking, logical thinking, and analysis through identification of and capacity to propose solutions to unpredictable and complex problems in the key components of the strategic management process. You will develop abilities to evaluate the importance of developing strategically appropriate relationships between people, processes, functions, structures and even organisations.

The aim of this course is to develop your understanding of how effectively managing the diverse range of technology and integrated business management disciplines helps to be more effective in achieving the organisation’s strategic goals in a rapidly changing and technologized organisational environment.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Analyse the internal and external environments in which businesses operate and assess their significance for future initiatives.
  2. Apply the theories, concepts and tools that support strategic management in organizations
  3. As an individual and/or member of a team, critically evaluate and argue the importance of developing strategically appropriate relationships between people, processes, functions, structures and organisations.

CGES401

Course Information

Professionals in this field are required to identify and practice good corporate governance principles, comply with regulatory processes whilst promoting ethical practices. Professionals will be required to demonstrate their ability to chart sustainable business and corporate socially responsible practices.

This course will develop your comprehension of the requirements for corporate governance, whilst furthering your ability to consistently apply corporate governance principles that promote ethical and socially and environmentally sustainable business practices in a global environment. The core concepts of leadership, stewardship, accountability, transparency, conflicts of interest, effectiveness, roles and responsibilities, participation, diversity, environmental, social, and economic development will be addressed.

You will develop knowledge of the legal regulation of companies and skills to pro- actively identify and evaluate the legal and ethical challenges arising in the corporate world and respond to them in a sustainable manner, with an emphasis on strong corporate governance.

The aim of this course is to develop your abilities to navigate and apply matters of corporate governance, ethics and sustainability in relation to the organisations you govern within the society and environment they operate.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Recognise the corporate governance, ethics, and sustainability frameworks available and explore their impact on organisational management and leadership.
  2. Critically evaluate and compare the role of stakeholders and corporate managers’ in the governance of organisations, the application of ethical ideals and sustainable economic, environmental and social considerations.
  3. Apply different business strategies that promote corporate governance, ethical, social, environmental, and economic sustainability.
  4. Critically reflect on your own values and practices and your role as a potential agent of positive change.

MGMT403

Course Information

Professionals in this field need to be able to identify, evaluate and develop relevant marketing tools and processes that apply marketing theories and principles to resolve business challenges and promote business development.

This course develops students’ abilities to understand the role of market research and metrics in the formulation of marketing strategy in response to specific market conditions. It will address principles and practices of marketing management, both local and international and the role of marketing in business as well as non-business settings. The Course will also cover the tools of marketing such as positioning, segmentation, targeting, pricing, distribution, and promotion.

Students will develop abilities to communicate professionally about marketing related issues in a range of modes to achieve targeted outcomes. They will develop confidence and autonomy in making evidence-based marketing decisions as well as the capacity to work collaboratively in problem-solving and delivering a coherent professional marketing communication.

The aim of this course is to develop students’ abilities to understand foundational principles and elements of marketing and research methods from a management perspective in the context of a global and rapidly changing environment.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Analyse critically research methods in marketing from a management perspective in the context of a global and rapidly changing environment.
  2. Apply market research and metrics to the formulation of marketing strategy in response to specific market conditions.
  3. Synthesise and evaluate research problems, develop a research proposal for that problem and recommend appropriate research methodologies for domestic, international, and indigenous business enterprises.
  4. Effectively disseminate research outcomes in oral and written contexts about marketing related issues in a range of modes to achieve targeted outcomes.

Semester 3

  • Project Portfolio and Project Management Techniques
  • Economics for Managers
  • Elective Course

MPMG405

Course Information

Project management professionals in this field need to be able to provide strategic and operational advice and is essential for ensuring that projects are delivered on time, on budget and to the client’s quality expectations.

This course develops students’ abilities to understand how an organisation strategically applies management techniques to select, initiate, prioritise, executes and controls initiatives through portfolio alignment, monitoring and control. The course will also consider how an organisation can benefit from delivering multiple projects in a Program environment including governing, controlling and supporting the organisation’s strategy through Program Management.

In this course, students will develop abilities in management of one or more portfolios, and involves identifying, prioritising, authorising, managing, and controlling projects, programs, and other related work, to achieve specific strategic business objectives.

The aim of this course is to specifically address how organisations deliver strategic goals and objectives through the selection of a balanced portfolio and programs of multiple Projects. This course outlines how participants can gain competence in managing the balance of today’s requirements with tomorrow’s needs.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Explain to key audiences the theoretical and conceptual framework of portfolio management and be able to recommend changes to align it with organisation’s strategic and business objectives.
  2. Critically analyse the practical challenges to overcome those challenges in executing project portfolio management.
  3. Individually and as a member of a team, implement a practical methodology to build and manage a project portfolio to maximise business value and return on investment.
  4. Reflect on issues relevant to project management techniques, including ethical issues, to select, initiate, prioritise, executes and controls initiatives through portfolio alignment, monitoring and control.

ECON401

Course Information

Professionals in business management need to be able to demonstrate an understanding of the economics model of decision making, particularly pricing and investment decisions in contexts characterised by uncertainty.

This course introduces you to a problem solving and business decision making approach to become informed regarding practical managerial pricing and firm investment decisions. The course emphasises the relevance of the conventional economics model to the formulation of sound business decisions on pricing and investment when an understanding of consumer and rival firms’ behaviour is necessary. A comprehensive explanation of firm profit maximising pricing behaviour in various market structures and under different market conditions is presented and critiqued.

You will develop abilities to organise and analyse conventional economics models and communicate key messages appropriate to audience, purpose and medium. You will develop skills in critical thinking and problem-solving which will assist you in sustainable decision-making.

The aim of this course is to develop your understanding of pricing decision making in the conventional economics model of choice and apply the model in a real-world business context.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Research and apply the economics model of decision making, particularly pricing and investment decisions in contexts characterised by uncertainty.
  2. Evaluate core principles of market structures and factors shaping microeconomic and macroeconomic environments in which businesses operate.
  3. Analyse critically real-world issues that affect national economies, including economic growth, unemployment, inflation, and monetary and fiscal policies.
  4. Investigate relevant economic theory and related information for making informed business decisions using highly developed communication skills.

Please choose your elective course from the list below:

  • MPMG401 – Principles of Project Management
  • MPMG402 – Managing People and Organisations
  • MPMG403 – Project Resource Planning
  • MPMG406 – Project Risk, Finance and Procurement
  • MPMG407 – Project Scheduling and Control
  • ACCT409 – Accounting for Projects
  • MGMT404 – Financial Risk Management

Semester 4

  • Managing Project Quality - Capstone
  • Elective Course
  • Elective Course

MPMG408

Course Information

Project management professionals need to be able to provide leadership and support to the entire team and ensure consistency of approach and standards. That involves determining quality requirements, implementing quality control and assurance processes, and using review and evaluation to make quality improvements in current and future projects.

This course describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage quality in projects. It involves determining quality requirements, implementing quality control and assurance processes, and using review and evaluation to make quality improvements in current and future projects. Students will learn about the background, principles, and components of global approaches to quality management; and Australian and International standards relating to quality management and project quality management.

Students will be able to integrate project quality management into the entire project life cycle by applying quality strategies and skills to real-world scenarios. Students will practice concepts, tools and techniques using modularized case studies that require immediate and direct application of skills learned.

The aim of this course is to introduce students to the essentials of project quality management

and its vital link to business success, with a focus on the tools and essentials of effective quality management that work for the organization, regardless of the industry.

Course Level Aims and Learning Goals

The Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) specify what you should know and be able to do by completion of this course.  The CLOs aim to contribute towards your attainment of the Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) and Graduate Attributes (GAs), discussed further below.  The CLOs are:

  1. Individually and as a member of a team, assess and report on project quality objectives with input from stakeholders and guidance of a higher project authority, to establish the basis for quality outcomes and a quality management plan.
  2. Critically analyse the project quality issues in various project settings from geographical, ethical and cultural perspectives.
  3. Evaluate and implement strategies and outputs that would contribute to the successful management of quality in a project.
  4. Reflect on quality control and assurance processes for a defined project using a range of tools and methodologies.

Please choose your elective course from the list below:

  • MPMG401 – Principles of Project Management
  • MPMG402 – Managing People and Organisations
  • MPMG403 – Project Resource Planning
  • MPMG406 – Project Risk, Finance and Procurement
  • MPMG407 – Project Scheduling and Control
  • ACCT409 – Accounting for Projects
  • MGMT404 – Financial Risk Management

Please choose your elective course from the list below:

  • MPMG401 – Principles of Project Management
  • MPMG402 – Managing People and Organisations
  • MPMG403 – Project Resource Planning
  • MPMG406 – Project Risk, Finance and Procurement
  • MPMG407 – Project Scheduling and Control
  • ACCT409 – Accounting for Projects
  • MGMT404 – Financial Risk Management
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