9.5 The Master of Business Administration (Information Technology Management)
The Master of Business Administration (Information Technology Management) [MBA (ITM)] program is offered by electronic delivery by Athabasca University's Centre for Innovative Management (CIM), a strategic business unit that also delivers the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management and Master of Business Administration programs from its offices in St. Albert, Alberta.
This program is intended to support the development of managers of information technology. In both the private and public sector today there is increasing application of information technology. Skill in the application and management of that technology is increasingly in demand as it becomes more pervasive.
While extensive provisions exist for the development of technical skills for employees in this environment, there is little provision for the development of managers. A number of roles exist within organizations in which a combination of general management and information technology management would be valuable. These include managers of IT services and general managers within companies that rely on extensive IT applications. It is expected that those enrolled in this specialization will be employed in IT professional roles, IT management roles or general management positions when they commence the program. The program will prepare you to better perform these roles in the future and to move into more senior IT-oriented managerial positions, such as that of chief information officer.
The MBA (ITM) program requires students to complete ten courses, two electives, two comprehensive examinations, one applied project, and to attend a week-long summer school and two weekend schools. The program is structured as a sequence of phases, each building on the work completed in the previous phase. Students will normally complete the MBA (ITM) program in two-and-a-half to three years. The regulations state that students must complete their MBA (ITM) studies within six years of their initial enrolment in the program.
The MBA (ITM) program is divided into three distinct phases. At the end of Phase 1 and Phase 2, the student undertakes a comprehensive examination. Phase 3 is completed with an applied project. A total of 48 credits is required for the completion of the MBA (ITM) program: Phase 1 consists of six 3-credit courses; Phase 2 consists of four 3-credit courses; and Phase 3 consists of two 3-credit electives and an applied project equivalent to 12 credits.
Admission to the MBA (ITM) program occurs three times each year with admission dates usually falling in the months of January, May and September. Students move through the program in lock-step fashion, completing the required individual courses in a predetermined order. Students are unable to take two courses concurrently without permission from the Director of CIM. Students may undertake an elective course once they have successfully completed Phase 1 of the program. Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of available courses at any time.
A minimum grade of 60% is required for both the assignments and participation components in each course. The comprehensive examination is graded on a pass / fail basis, with an overall grade of 70% required to be awarded a "pass." Progression to Phase 2 of the program is conditional upon successful completion of Phase 1 requirements. Phase 3 electives can be taken once a student is in Phase 2 of the program. Upon completion of Phase 1, including the comprehensive examination, and submission of the Application for Graduation Form, you may be
awarded the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management.
Education Requirements
Applicants to the program must hold a first degree from a recognized university or college or an acceptable professional designation such as C.A. (Chartered Accountant), C.G.A. (Certified General Accountant), and C.M.A. (Certified Management Accountant); P.M.A.C. (Purchasing Management Association of Canada); C.I.P.S. (Canadian Information Processing Society Information Systems Professional); or an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management from Athabasca University.
Other Requirements
Students holding a recognized first degree must have completed at least three (3) years of acceptable managerial experience that may include supervisory and professional experience with management level responsibilities. Students holding a professional designation must have completed at least five (5) years of acceptable managerial experience that may include supervisory and professional experience with management level responsibilities.
Students must also ensure that they have access to an environment where IT is applied. This environment is necessary for students to apply their learning. Applicants must complete all application requirements as outlined in the current CIM application package. Applicants must also pay the non-refundable application fee and confirm access to a computer system that meets the program's requirements. Upon acceptance to the program, all students must pay the required
admission fee.
Exceptions
Students who do not meet the aforementioned educational requirements but who can demonstrate substantive depth and breadth of experience in operating a business or in managing within an organization will be considered for admission to the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management (AGDM) program on an exception basis. (The AGDM comprises Phase 1 of the MBA and MBA (ITM) program. See Section 9.3 - Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management Program.) Check with CIM about prior learning assessment in graduate studies programs at Athabasca University.
Additional Requirements for the MBA (ITM) Program
Students applying to the MBA (ITM) program may be required to demonstrate competency and proficiency in the English language.
Advanced Standing
There will be no direct transfer of core course credits into the MBA (ITM) program, from credit-courses previously completed at other accredited degree granting institutions. At the time of admission, however, graduate students may, at the discretion of the CIM Admissions Committee, be awarded advanced standing in the specific courses in light of their combined prior learning and experience. Requests for advance standing must be made to the CIM Admissions Committee at the time of application to the program.
Students awarded with "advanced standing" in a course are: a) provided with full course materials; b) remain responsible for full program costs; and c) remain responsible to know and understand all components of the course, and to demonstrate this knowledge in the comprehensive examinations.
Those with C.A. (Chartered Accountant), C.G.A. (Certified General Accountant), and C.M.A. (Certified Management Accountant) designations are normally not required to take FACT 504 and MACT 505. Students with advanced standing are responsible for demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of all course materials covered in the comprehensive examinations. Applicants to the MBA (ITM) program who hold the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management are eligible to transfer directly into Phase 2. A transfer fee of $100 is applicable.
Transfer Credit: Elective Courses
Subject to the approval of the Director of CIM, and payment of the appropriate fee, students may take one of their required MBA (ITM) elective courses from another post-secondary institution, (or apply for transfer of credit) if such a course is relevant, and equivalent to courses in the MBA (ITM) program at Athabasca University. A written request including a detailed outline of the course must be sent to the CIM Director at least one month before the
registration deadline for the course. Upon successful completion of the course (with the appropriate passing grade), students must submit an official transcript in order to obtain credit for the course.
Residency Requirement
Students in the MBA (ITM) program must attend two weekend schools and one week-long summer school during the course of the program. Schools from the regular MBA program will meet the residency requirement for the MBA (ITM) program. The University reserves the right to cancel any weekend of summer school due if minimum enrolment requirements are not met.
| Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of required courses and available elective courses at any time. |
Phase 1
STRT 500 Thinking About Strategy
STMK 501 Strategic Marketing
HRMT 502 Human Resource Management
OPDM 503 Operations and Decision Making
FACT 504 Financial Accounting
MACT 505 Managerial Accounting
COMP 506 Advanced Diploma Comprehensive Examination for Phase 1 (0)
Phase 2
INTP 602 Information Technology and Performance
ITHF 601 Human Factors in Information Technology
ITPM 602 Project Management for Information Technology Projects
ITEC 603 Electronic Commerce
COMP 606 MBA ITM Comprehensive Examination (0)
Schools
WSCH 589 Weekend School 1
WSCH 689 Weekend School 2
SSCH 698 Summer School
Phase 3
| Phase 3 requires students to complete two of the following list of electives and an applied project. Students may choose electives from the regular MBA program, however, one of the two elective requirements must be an IT elective. Residential electives will also be offered. |
EISI 604 Systems Integration
EIKM 605 Knowledge Management
Week-long Residential Electives
APRJ 699 Applied Project (12)
Application fee: $165
Comprehensive examination fee (repeats): $250
Course re-registration fee: $1,777
(course tuition less $170 course materials handling fee [if applicable])
Deferral fee: $150
Admission fee: $550
Elective withdrawal processing fee: $150
Letter of Certification fee: $5
Program extension fee: $500
Program fee for
Phase 1: $10,660
Phase 2: $7,106
Phase 3: $5,500
Transcript fee: $10
Transfer credit fee: $250
Summer school fee: $2,420
Weekend school fee (two @ $550): $1,100
Withdrawal and expulsion processing fee: $500
| A 20% surcharge will be charged on all fees (with the exception of the $165 application fee) for programs delivered outside of Canada. Fees are subject to change. The University reserves the right to: apply a surcharge to posted weekend and summer school fee rates when such programs are delivered outside of Canada; charge for late cancellation of attendance at weekend and summer schools; and/or suspend students if their program fees are overdue. (See Section 8, 8.4. 2. d) Delinquent Accounts).
|
| 2000 |
| May 1 |
May program starts for MBA (ITM) students. |
| May 22 |
Victoria Day, Centre closed. |
| June 15 |
Last day for receipt of admission materials for MBA (ITM) program for September start dates. |
| July 3 |
Canada Day, Centre closed. |
| Aug. 7 |
Civic Holiday, Centre closed. |
| Aug. 28 |
September program starts. |
| Sept. 4 |
Labour Day, Centre closed. |
| Oct. 9 |
Thanksgiving Day, Centre closed. |
| Oct. 15 |
Last day for receipt of admission materials for MBA (ITM) program for January start dates. |
| Nov. 13 |
Centre closed in lieu of Remembrance Day. |
Dec. 23/00-
Jan. 2/01 |
Centre closed. |
| |
| 2001 |
| Jan. 8 |
January program starts. |
| Feb. 15 |
Last day for receipt of admission materials for MBA (ITM) program for May start dates. |
| Feb. 19 |
Family Day, Centre closed. |
Apr. 13-16
(inclusive) |
Easter break, Centre closed. |
| May 7 |
May program starts. |
Program start dates are subject to change.
Registration Information
Courses will be offered (in sequential order within each phase) on a paced basis with specified start and completion dates. Subject to the approval of the Director of CIM, students may be permitted to take more than one course at a time. Upon admission to his or her program of study, each student will receive a timetable outlining course start and completion dates for the cohort group to which the student belongs.
Subject to approval, students may be permitted to take courses within the same phase in any order except for: a) Thinking About Strategy, which must be successfully completed before a student can progress to any other course; and b) Financial Accounting, which must be successfully completed before taking Managerial Accounting. Students register for electives and residential schools on an individual basis. Schedule and registration information is posted to students on a regular basis.
Incomplete Status
If you are unable to complete a course (within your current phase) within the allowable time frame you may (a) request an incomplete status; (b) request a deferral (see Deferrals below); or (c) withdraw (see Withdrawal and Re-enrolment).
Applications for incomplete status must be made to the academic coach before the completion date of the course the student is enrolled in. The student will then have up to a maximum of one (1) additional calendar month to provide all necessary work required to complete the course. Failure to produce this work and complete the course will result in a failing grade being awarded for the course. Incomplete status will only be awarded where extenuating circumstances are evident and at the discretion of the academic coach.
Deferrals
Students who have commenced their studies can find themselves with changed circumstances in either their business or personal lives. In such circumstances, studies may be deferred. With the payment of the applicable fee, the University permits a student to defer their MBA (ITM) studies.
The following rules govern deferral status.
- Deferral must occur within 21 calendar days of the start of a course in which a student is registered, otherwise the student will be considered enrolled.
- Payment of the applicable fee.
- Deferral will not occur by default. Deferral requests must be submitted by a student to the appropriate areas, before the 21-day expiry period noted.
| Course deferrals do not apply to elective courses.
|
Elective Withdrawals
You may withdraw from an elective at any time up to the 21st day of the course start date without academic penalty, providing you meet the following criteria:
- You must formally request to withdraw from an elective course; simply not completing the course requirements does not constitute a withdrawal.
- Students formally withdraw from an elective course by supplying written notification to their Cohort Coordinator in Registration and Records. Such notification may be submitted by e-mail or fax.
- If you withdraw within 21 days of the start date, the record of registration will be deleted from your record. If you withdraw after the 21 days, you will receive a failing grade. Students failing to formally withdraw will automatically be assigned a failing grade.
Refunds
There are two levels of refund available to students who withdraw from an elective course either before the start date or no later than 21 days after the start date providing they meet the certain criteria explained in this section.
Refund A: Course Materials Undamaged. If the course materials are completely
unmarked, able to be issued to another student, and received by CIM within 30 days of the processing of a refundable withdrawal request, you will receive a refund of tuition paid less the elective withdrawal processing fee.
Refund B: Course Materials Damaged, Marked, or Missing. If the course materials
have been damaged, marked, or some are missing, do not return the material. You will be charged both the elective withdrawal processing fee and the course materials and handling fee and are entitled to keep the material.
There are no refunds for students who withdraw more than 21 days after the course start date
- if the course materials are returned to CIM by students withdrawing from an elective course and hoping to obtain a refund, the course materials will not be returned to the student. Returned course materials become the property of Athabasca University;
- your refund will be processed approximately 45 days after the elective
course withdrawal.
Re-registrations and Repeats
Should you fail a course in the MBA (ITM) program, you may repeat that course only once. A re-registration fee will be required for each course repeated. In all cases, the higher of the original or repeat grade will be counted. Students who fail the same course twice will be expelled from their program of study, with no opportunity for re-enrolment. The applicable expulsion fee will be withheld before any refund will be made.
A student who fails a comprehensive exam may repeat the exam only once. An appropriate fee will be charged for repetition of exams and the student must wait until the next scheduled offering of the examination to re-write it. Students who fail the second writing of either Phase 1 or 2 comprehensive exams will be expelled from their program of study with no opportunity for re-enrolment.
Active Status and Continuation
To maintain active status, a student must complete and achieve a successful passing grade in at least one course in his or her program of study within any given twelve (12) month period. This includes the applied project requirement of the program. For active status definition purposes, the comprehensive examinations are considered as part of the requirements for maintaining active status; weekend schools or summer school do not. A student who does not maintain active status will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.
Withdrawal from the Program
Withdrawal from a Particular Phase.
A student may withdraw from the MBA (ITM) program by notifying the University in writing. Students who choose to withdraw from the MBA (ITM) without record of registration, must do so within thirty calendar days of the commencement of the program. A withdrawal occurring in this time will not be recorded on the student's transcript, however, the student will be required to pay a program withdrawal fee. A student who withdraws from a program after the thirty calendar day period from the start of program will:
- have this withdrawal recorded on his or her transcript
- be required to pay a program withdrawal fee and
- pay the tuition portion for courses completed and currently registered in.
Re-enrolment in the Program
Re-enrolment to a program can occur, subject to re-application, review and approval by the Graduate Management Program Council and payment of all applicable fees. Students will be required to pay the applicable re-enrolment fee and any fee increases that occur between the time of last enrolment and re-enrolment. Credit for courses previously completed, will be re-evaluated and applied to the program requirements, where appropriate. Additional extensions
and alternatives may be granted by the Graduate Management Program Council only in exceptional circumstances and on payment of the appropriate fee.
Refunds
Tuition paid is refunded after the applicable withdrawal fee and the tuition portion for the courses completed and currently registered in, are processed.
Computer System Requirements
Access to a microcomputer is mandatory for the completion of assignments and contact with other students, faculty, and CIM. Students must be computer literate and possess or have access to computer equipment that will run the software used in the program. Contact CIM to obtain a listing of the acceptable computer equipment.
Exams
You must undertake a comprehensive exam upon the completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2. These exams will be scheduled on at least two occasions per year, as determined by the Graduate Management Program Council. The comprehensive exams are graded on a pass / fail basis, with a grade of 70% being a pass. A student who fails the comprehensive exam may repeat the exam only once. An appropriate fee will be charged for repetition of the exams and the student must wait until the next scheduled offering of the exam to re-write it. Students who fail the second writing of the comprehensive exam will be expelled from their program of study with no opportunity for re-enrolment.
Grading System
Each assignment and participation component that is to be counted towards the final grade for a course shall be given a percentage grade (the following scale is used for conversion). Comprehensive exams and the applied project are graded on a pass / fail basis, with an overall grade of 70% required to pass.
| A+ | 90 - 100% | |
| A | 85 - 89% | |
| A- | 80 - 84% | |
| B+ | 77 - 79% | |
| B | 74 - 76% | |
| B- | 70 - 73% | |
| C+ | 67 - 69% | |
| C | 64 - 66% | |
| C- | 60 - 63% | |
| F | 0 - 59% | |
| IN | Incomplete status | |
MBA (ITM) Applied Project
The applied project is normally associated with Phase 3 of the MBA (ITM). However, students may commence work on their applied project during Phase 2 of their program. The applied project is completed in two consecutive phases: the time allowed for proposal development and completion of the applied project is normally six months. This time may be extended or shortened with the approval of the Director of CIM or delegated academic manager. The applied project is graded on a pass / fail basis, with a grade of 70% being a pass.
Time Limits for Completion
Students must complete their MBA (ITM) studies within six years of their initial enrolment in the program. Extensions of up to one year will be considered by the Director of CIM in exceptional circumstances and will require the payment of a fee.
Graduation Requirements
To be awarded the MBA (ITM) program, a graduate student must: a) successfully complete the program course structure set out at the time of admission into the program; b) successfully complete the comprehensive examinations; c) complete an application for graduation form; and d) meet all other regulations. In addition, students must have paid all necessary fees owed to the University and have returned all library resources.
Library
Athabasca University Library also serves the needs of graduate students. See Section 10.8.
Income Tax Deductions
Application and tuition fees can be used to reduce income tax. Only fees paid and expended during the calendar year can be reflected in the tax receipt. Canada Customs and Revenue Agency regulations permit the University to issue an education tax credit receipt only for amounts greater than $100. Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration. T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction along
with the tuition tax receipts are automatically mailed in February to the address on record.
Appeal Information
All students at Athabasca University, whether undergraduate or graduate, are bound by the same policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals. Refer to Section 12 Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal.
Transcripts and Confidential Information
Graduate students, like undergraduate students, are bound by the institution's policies, regulations, and procedures governing the release of transcripts and confidential information.
International Transcripts
Applicants submitting any official documents (e.g., transcripts) in a language other than English must provide an official translation of such documents. If the credential being submitted has been earned outside North America, documentation attesting to its equivalence to a North American baccalaureate is required. Such documentation can be provided through the International Qualifications Assurance Services (IQAS) at the following address.
International Qualifications Assurance Services
4th Floor, Sterling Place
9940-106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2V1
E-mail: iquas@gov.ab.ca
http://www.aecd.gov.ab.ca/iqas/
Centre for Innovative Management
Athabasca University
301 Grandin Park Plaza
22 Sir Winston Churchill Avenue
St. Albert, AB T8N 1B4
(800) 561-4650 or (780) 459-1144
Fax: (800) 561-4660 or (780) 459-2093
E-mail: cimoffice@athabascau.ca
http://www.athabascau.ca/mba/index.htm
Office hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Mountain Time)
| Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of required courses and available courses at any time.
|
Phase 1
Refer to Section 9.4.1, Phase 1 MBA course descriptions.
Phase 2
INTP 602
3—Information, Technology, and Performance
Building on the Phase 1 courses, this course deals with the nature of effective information systems and the process of developing an effective information strategy for the management of an organization. Case studies on innovative information management systems will be used throughout this course.
ITHF 601
3—Human Factors in Information Technology
This course will examine the interface between people and technology from a psycho-social perspective. This will include workflow design, group issues and individual issues as well as some ergonomics. Some of the ethical, privacy and social implications of technology will also be addressed.
ITPM 602
3—Project Management for Information Technology Projects
Applied project management skills linked to technology innovation, technology infrastructure change and new ventures will be examined. This course will introduce project management techniques and develop application skills.
ITEC 603
3—Electronic Commerce
Looking at the use of EDI, Internet, supply chain management and customer support systems from a technological perspective, this course will develop student capability in an electronic commerce environment and its application within the student's own and other organizations.
COMP 605
0—MBA (ITM) Comprehensive Examination
This exam follows a different format from the Phase 1 exam. Instead of studying a text-based case, students work on an IT management business simulation. There is a group component and an individual written component to this exam. The entire exam process runs over two weeks, with the written component being performed over the last three days of the two-week exam.
Schools
WSCH 589 Weekend School 1
WSCH 689 Weekend School 2
SSCH 698 Summer School
Phase 3
| Phase 3 requires students to complete two electives and the applied project. One of the two required electives may be taken from the regular MBA stream electives. Residential electives will also be offered.
|
EISI 604
3—Systems Integration
This course will examine how different systems, and activities conducted through those systems, can be integrated. These will include telecommunications and manufacturing systems as well as computer-based systems.
IKM 605
3—Knowledge Management
A systematic look at how information is converted into knowledge within the corporation through groupware, learning systems, neural networks and related technologies, this course will provide a comprehensive understanding of knowledge management and how technology can be harnessed to aid implementation of knowledge management practices.
3—Week-long Residential Electives
The residential elective course is an intensive week-long session concentrating on a specialized topic. In some cases, the emphasis will be on group work with follow-up individual assignments to be submitted within 30 days following the residential week. Prerequisites and pre-course work may be required. Students are responsible for their own travel, accommodation, and meal expenses. Information and registration for residential electives takes place approximately two months before each individual elective.
APRJ 699
12—Applied Project
The MBA (ITM) applied project involves a systematic, critical review and analysis of a particular project, program, action or role within an organization or an industry. The project must have an IT focus. The aim of this project is to show how key concepts, methods, and approaches covered in the various courses in the program can be used to draw insights and develop solutions to actual business problems.
The applied project is a major piece of work completed by students in two phases. In the first phase, students register in a course that guides them through the preparation of their applied project proposal. Once the proposal has been approved, each student is assigned to an academic advisor who supervises the project through to completion.
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