General Philosophy
Gaining competitive advantage is the key to our world today. Rapid contemporary change in economic policies and structures, including the globalization of industries and markets, is driving countries, organizations and individuals to continuously search for a competitive edge.
Managerial ability is proving to be the most critical building stone of tomorrow's Firm Specific Advantages. Those fulfilling a managerial task, or performing a
managerial role in our business structures today, will most likely require a vast mix of skills that will certainly differ considerably from traditional wisdom. Without these skills they may not be able to either gain or maintain the competitive advantage essential for survival and growth. Geographical boundaries and stage of economic growth may not have as significant an impact as we have witnessed so far. The essence will be the demonstration of excellence and a striving for comparative advantage. These are the underlying principles that influenced the
University of Nicosia/Intercollege in the design and operating philosophy of its MBA program. The Masters in Business Administration program is designed to offer an insight into professional possibilities and modern organizations functioning in the context of today's competitive world. The pace of the program is vigorous. It aims to provide participating students with the skills necessary to guide both their short and long term decisions.
The curriculum aims at integrating theory with practice. Each of the core and specialization modules involves lectures, discussions, project assignments, role-playing, case studies and applied class work. The participants consistently deal with realistic managerial and professional problems. The curriculum also includes
visits by Executive guests from business and industrial corporations.
The University of Nicosia MBA program offers the possibility of four concentrations, namely:
■ Management
■ Marketing
■ Finance
■ Management Information Systems (MIS)
As of 2008, IntercollegeIBS has entered into partnership with City University of Seattle-USA (C.U). C.U has been present in Romania for over 10 years through the MBA in Financial Management. With the help of this partnership, C.U will offer yet another concentration, Marketing with emphasis in Banking and Financial Services.
MBA Program Accreditation
The MBA University of Nicosia Program is locally accredited by CEEA (SECAP), the Ministry of Education of Cyprus and KYSATS.
University of Nicosia Business School is a member of AACSB - International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business - U.S.A.
The MBA Program Structure
The University of Nicosia MBA Program requires students to complete 46 credit hours in order to obtain the MBA Degree. In addition, our MBA Program offers
free foundation courses. These foundations are scheduled twice a year.
MBA Foundation Courses
MBA 510 Foundations in Economics
MBA 520 Foundations in Accounting
MBA 530 Foundations in Statistics and Research
Students with the appropriate qualifications may be exempted from the Foundation Courses.
The University of Nicosia MBA Core Program consists of 9 Core Courses. These Core Courses are designed to provide the student with an integrated education in all the fundamental areas of business.
CORE COURSES (30 credits)
MBA-604 Decision Making Methods & Tools 4
MBA-606 Global Economics 4
MBA-607 Organizations and HR Management 4
MBA-621 Financial: Managerial Accounting 4
MBA-622 Financial Management 3
MBA-640 Global Marketing 3
MBA-670 Operations & Quality Management 3
MBA-680 Strategic Management 3
MBA-790 Project Research Methodology 2
Specialization Electives (12 credits)*
Students get to choose one of the four specializations offered: Management, Marketing, Finance and MIS (Mana ge ment Information Systems)
Choose four out of the six courses:
OPTION A - MANAGEMENT CONCENTRATION
MBA-701 Organizational Behavior 3
MBA-702 Corporate Governance 3
MBA-703 Business Ethics 3
MBA-704 Labor Relations 3
MBA-705 Consultancy Process 3
MBA-706 Managing Corporate Change 3
OPTION B - MARKETING CONCENTRATION
MBA-711 Relationship Marketing 3
MBA-712 Market Research 3
MBA-713 Consumer Behavior 3
MBA-714 Communications Management 3
MBA-715 Entrepreneurship 3
MBA- 716 Marketing of Services 3
OPTION C - FINANCE CONCENTRATION
MBA-721 Portfolio Analysis 3
MBA-722 Financial Markets & Institutions 3
MBA-723 Financial Risk Management 3
MBA-724 Global Financial Strategies 3
MBA-725 Commercial Banking 3
MBA-726 Working Capital Management 3
OPTION D - MIS CONCENTRATION
MBA-731 Computer Systems Architecture 3
MBA-732 Database Management Systems 3
MBA-733 Web Design & Development 3
MBA-734 Managing E-Commerce Systems 3
MBA-735 Computer Networks &
Communication Systems 3
MBA-736 Information Systems Development 3
PLUS INTEGRATION (4 credits)
MBA-799 Final Project (Thesis) 4
TOTAL 46 credit hours
* Each concentration is offered subject to sufficient demand.
Admission Requirements
The main admission criteria for the MBA are:
1. An accredited Bachelorʼs degree (European, American or equivalent).
2. Proficiency in English - students satisfy the English requirements if their first degree was taught in English. Otherwise, they would need to present at least a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based or 213 computer-based, or GSCE “O Level” with “C” or IELTS with a score of 6.5.
3. Standardized Test Scores - The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required for all students with a minimum score of 400. Students with a CPA of 2.5 higher on the 4-point system or 2.2 for UK standards or equivalent, or three years of professional experience will be exempted from the GMAT. A candidate without GMAT may be provisionally admitted and be allowed to take a
foundation course but such students will be accepted as MBA students only upon submission of the GMAT score as stated above.
4. Academic Background - applicants with a non business background can be accepted but they may be required to take preparatory foundation courses.
5. Letters of Recommendation - two recommendation letters from persons who have known the applicant in his/her educational and professional environment.
6. Individual Interviews - is the standard practice for all students. The interviews elicit motivation, leadership, potential and personal mission. In special cases, evidence and data on the applicant’s past work experience, maturity and personality are assessed to the best possible degree.
Course Duration
This is an intensive programme which requires 12-24 months of study.There are two intakes to the programme, Fall and Spring. Students may commence their studies in either of these two intakes.