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 sectors, there is increasing use of information technology. As it becomes more pervasive, skill in the application and management of that technology is increasingly in demand.
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 students 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, three electives (one of which must be a residential elective), two comprehensive exams, one applied project, and to attend a weekend 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 three years. 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. Students undertake comprehensive exams at the end of Phase 1 and at the end of Phase 2. 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, three-credit courses; Phase 2 consists of four, three-credit courses; and Phase 3 consists of three, three-credit electives and an applied project equivalent to nine credits.
Admission to the MBA (ITM) program occurs three times each year with admission dates usually falling in the months of January, May, and August/September. Students complete the required individual courses in a predetermined order. Students may not 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 may modify the list of available courses at any time.
A minimum grade of 60 percent is required for both the assignments and participation components in each course. The comprehensive exam is graded on a pass / fail basis, with an overall grade of 70 percent required to 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 successful completion of Phase 1, including the comprehensive exam, and submission of the Application for Graduation Form, students may be
awarded the Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the program must hold one of the following: a first degree from a recognized university or college or an acceptable professional designation such as Chartered Accountant (C.A.), Certified General Accountant (C.G.A.), and Certified Management Accountant (C.M.A.); Purchasing Management Association of Canada (P.M.A.C.) designation; Canadian Information Processing Society Information Systems Professional (C.I.P.S.); Certified Human Resources Professional (C.H.R.P.) designation; or an Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management from Athabasca University.
Other Requirements
Students holding a recognized first degree must have least three years of acceptable managerial experience that may include supervisory and professional experience with management-level responsibilities. Students holding a professional designation must have at least five 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, students must pay the required
admission fee.
Exceptions
Applicants who do not meet the above educational requirements but who can demonstrate to the CIM Admissions Committee that they have substantive managerial experience and relevant education or training, will be considered for admission to the MBA (ITM) program on an exception basis. Discuss prior learning assessment in graduate studies programs at Athabasca University with a CIM staff member.
Additional Requirements
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 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 advanced standing must be made to the CIM Admissions Committee at the time of application to the program. The Director of CIM must approve exemptions to these requirements.
Students awarded with advanced standing in a course are: a) provided with full course materials; b) remain responsible for full program tuition; and c) remain responsible to know and understand all components of the course and to demonstrate this knowledge in the comprehensive exams.
Those with C.A., C.G.A., and C.M.A. designations are normally not required to take FACT 504 and MACT 601. Students with advanced standing are responsible for demonstrating their knowledge and understanding of all course materials covered in the comprehensive exams. Applicants to the MBA (ITM) program who hold the AGDM 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 Graduate Management Program Council (GMPC) 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 GMPC 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 one weekend school and one residential elective during the course of the program. Schools from the regular MBA program will meet the residency requirement for the MBA (ITM) program. If minimum enrolment is not met, Athabasca University may cancel the weekend schools or residential electives.
| Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of required courses and available elective courses at any time. |
Phase 1
STMT 500 Strategic Management (3)
ANTS 501 Analytical Tools (3)
HRMT 502 Human Resource Management
FACT 504 Financial Accounting (3)
MKMT 504 Marketing Management (3)
OPMT 505 Operations Management (3)
COMP 506 AGDM Comprehensive Exam for Phase 1(0)
Phase 2
INTS 602 Information, Technology, Strategy (3)
ITHF 601 Human Factors in Information Technology (3)
ITPM 602 Project Management for Information Technology Projects (3)
ITEC 603 Electronic Commerce (3)
COMP 606 MBA (ITM) Comprehensive Exam for Phase 2 (0)
School
WSCH 589 Weekend School 1
It is recommended that the weekend school be completed in Phase I of the program.
Phase 3
| Phase 3 requires students to complete the applied project and three electives, one of which must be a residential elective. Students may choose electives from the regular MBA program, however, two of the three elective requirements must be IT electives. Residential electives will also be offered. |
EISI 604 Systems Integration (3)
EIKM 605 Knowledge Management (3)
Week-long Residential Elective (3)
APRJ 699 Applied Project (9)
Application fee: $165
Comprehensive examination fee (repeats): $250
Course reregistration fee: $1,875
(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: $11,250
Phase 2: $7,500
Phase 3: $9,335
Transcript fee: $10
Transfer credit fee: $250
Weekend school fee: $700
Program discontinuation fee: $500
| A 20 percent 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 school and residential elective fee rates when such programs are delivered outside of Canada; charge for late cancellation of attendance at weekend schools and residential electives; and/or suspend students if their program fees are overdue. Refer to Section 8.4.3. Delinquent Accounts).
|
Program start dates are subject to change.
| 2001 |
| May 21 |
May program starts |
| May 21 |
Victoria Day, Centre closed |
| June 15 |
Last day for receipt of admission materials for September 2001 start dates |
| July 2 |
Centre closed in lieu of Canada Day |
| Aug. 6 |
Civic Holiday, Centre closed |
| Aug. 13 |
August/September program starts |
| Sept. 3 |
Labour Day, Centre closed |
| Oct. 8 |
Thanksgiving Day, Centre closed |
| Oct. 15 |
Last day for receipt of admission materials for January 2002 start dates |
| Nov. 12 |
Centre closed in lieu of Remembrance Day |
Dec. 24/01-
Jan. 2/02 |
The Centre will close at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 24, 2001 and will reopen at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002. |
| |
| 2002 |
| Jan. 7 |
January program starts |
| Feb. 15 |
Last day for receipt of admission materials for May start dates |
| Feb. 18 |
Family Day, Centre closed |
| Mar. 29 to April 1 (inclusive) |
Easter break, Centre closed |
| May 20 |
May program starts |
| May 20 |
Victoria Day, Centre closed |
| July 1 |
Canada Day, Centre closed |
Registration Information
Courses will be offered (in sequential order within each phase) by the grouped-study method, meaning there are 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 a program of study, students 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) STMT 500 Strategic Management, which must be successfully completed before a student can progress to any other course; and b) INTS 602 Information Technology Strategy, which must be successfully completed before students can progress to any Phase 2 course or elective.
Students register for electives and residential schools on an individual basis. Schedule and registration information is posted to students on a regular basis.
Deferrals
Students who have commenced their studies and find themselves with changed circumstances in either their business or personal lives, may defer their studies with payment of the applicable fee. 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 registered.
- Payment of the applicable fee is required.
- Deferral will not occur by default. Deferral requests must be submitted by a student to the appropriate areas, before the 21-day expiry period.
| Course deferrals do not apply to elective courses (refer to Elective Withdrawals below).
|
Incomplete Status
Students who are unable to complete a course in which they are currently registered, within the allowable time frame may: a) request a deferral (refer to Deferrals above); b) request an incomplete status; or c) withdraw (refer to Withdrawal and Re-enrolment below) from the program.
Under extraordinary circumstances, students may receive permission for an incomplete status for a course. These students must submit such a request to the academic coach before the end date of the course. The academic coach will seek approval from the course manager to grant incomplete status. If approved, students will have up to 30 calendar days to complete the outstanding individual written assignments (as approved). Group assignments and participation components of the course are not included under this policy.
Elective Withdrawals
Students may withdraw from an elective at any time up to the 21st day of the course start date without academic penalty, providing they meet the following criteria:
- Students 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 students withdraw within 21 days of the start date, the record of registration will be deleted from their record. If students withdraw after the 21 days, they will receive a failing grade. Students failing to formally withdraw will 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 following criteria.
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, students 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, students will be charged both the elective withdrawal processing fee and the course materials and handling fee. The course materials will remain the student's property and should not be returned.
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 after the 21 days by students withdrawing from an elective course and hoping to obtain a refund, the course materials will not be returned to the student and become the property of Athabasca University.
The refund will be processed approximately 45 days after the elective
course withdrawal.
Reregistrations and Repeats
Students who fail a course in the MBA (ITM) program may repeat that course only once. Full tuition for the particular course failed 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 program discontinuation fee will be withheld before any refund will be made.
Students who fail 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 exam 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, students must complete and achieve a successful passing grade in at least one course in their program of study within a 12-month period (if a student has been inactive for six months, he or she has only six more months to remain active). This includes the applied project requirement of the program. The comprehensive exams are part of the requirement for maintaining active status; the weekend school is not. A student who does not maintain active status will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program.
Withdrawal
Students may withdraw from any phase of 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 30 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 discontinuation fee. Students who withdraw from a program after the 30 calendar-day period from the start of the program will:
- have the withdrawal recorded on their transcripts
- be required to pay a program discontinuation fee
- pay the tuition portion for courses completed and in which they are currently registered.
Re-enrolment in the Program
Re-enrolment in the 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 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.
Refunds
Tuition paid is refunded after the applicable program discontinuation 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
Students undertake comprehensive exams at the end of Phase 1 and at the end of Phase 2.
These exams are scheduled at least twice each year, as determined by the Graduate Management Program Council. The comprehensive exams are graded on a pass / fail basis, with a grade of 70 percent required to pass. Review Reregistrations and Repeats above, for exam re-write information.
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 percent 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% | |
| INC | Incomplete status | |
MBA (ITM) Applied Project
The applied project is normally associated with Phase 3 of the MBA (ITM). However, students may begin work on their applied project during Phase 2 of their program. The applied project is completed in two consecutive phases. In the first phase, students register in a course that guides them through the prepartion of their applied project porposal. Once the proposal has been approved, each student is assigned to an academic advisor who supervises the project through to completion. The applied project normally requires six months. This time may be extended or shortened with the approval of the Director of CIM or delegated academic manager.
Completion Time Limits
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.
| Athabasca University reserves the right to modify the list of required courses and available courses at any time.
|
Phase 1
Refer to Phase 1 MBA course descriptions.
Phase 2
INTS 602
3—Information, Technology, Strategy
Building on Phase 1, 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 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 (PM) techniques and develop application skills.
This course reviews PM theories in light of the significant difficulties reported in managing information technology projects. The course text provides a framework for discussion of the topic by introducing the "hard" and "soft" concepts of project management. Current research stimulates discussion of alternatives and improvements in traditional approaches. Students also critique these methods based on their own experience with different approaches. Students leave the course with a deeper understanding of PM concepts and a breadth of insight into the particular issues of importance for IT projects.
ITEC 603
3—Electronic Commerce
Looking at the business context of the electronic commerce, relevant models of electronic commerce, and the place of electronic commerce and Electronic Data Interchange in the supply chain, this course will develop student capabilities in electronic business. Students will explore relevant technology and design issues and investigate the security, privacy, and ethical and legal dimensions of electronic commerce.
COMP 606
0—MBA (ITM) Comprehensive Exam for Phase 2
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 completed during the last three days.
Schools
WSCH 589 Weekend School 1
Phase 3 MBA (ITM) Electives
| Phase 3 requires students to complete the applied project and three electives, one of which must be a residential elective. Students may choose electives from the regular MBA program, however, two of the three elective requirements must be IT electives.
|
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.
EIKM 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 Elective
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 individual follow-up 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 in advance.
APRJ 699
9—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.
Library
Athabasca University Library also serves the needs of graduate students. See Section 10 Stduent Support Services.
Tuition and Education Tax Credit Receipts Information
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. In February, T2202 tax forms for the educational tax deduction, along with the tuition tax receipts, are mailed to the address on record. Full-time students may be eligible for the education tax credit for each month of full-time registration.
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 of Canada or the US, documentation that attests to its equivalence to a Canadian baccalaureate degree, is required. Such documentation may be obtained from
International Qualifications Assurance Services
4th Floor, Sterling Place
9940-106 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 2V1
E-mail: iquas@gov.ab.ca
Regulations and Appeals
Athabasca University policies and regulations governing academic conduct and appeals apply, to all students. Refer to Section 12 Student Code of Conduct and Right to Appeal. Athabasca University's policies, regulations, and procedures governing the release of transcripts and confidential information apply also to graduate students. Refer to Section 5 Undergraduate Admission, Transfer Credit, and
Assessments.
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.
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)
** This page is an official publication of Athabasca University **
Public Affairs
