MBA in Shipping and Logistics

This module aims to equip students with a detailed understanding of the key developments in, and thinking derived from, the study of strategy. The contents of the module will;

• Explore models and theories of strategy and their application by practicing managers in today’s world; 
  
• Inform students of the key developments in, and thinking derived from, the study of strategy; 
  
• Critically appraise where and when such models are useful and how to utilise them; 
  
• Provide fascinating and relevant examples and exercises that illustrate these concepts with the intent of building students capability in strategic thinking and practice.

Exploring marketing and communication strategies in the context of shipping / logistics organisations, this module will:

• Equip students with the skills to analyse current marketing strategies and apply appropriate techniques based on insights gained; 
  
• Develop students’ ability to identify critical actions that enhance profitability;
  
• Help you create a communications strategy and plan, a marketing strategy and plan, and to outline the business case for such plans.

This highly topical module looks at the critical issues of finance and risk. Designed to build and enhance the knowledge of students in the financing of ships and the management of the major risks in shipping. In particular this section will:

• Evaluate the various finance methods available for shipping companies;
• Critically assess the techniques of investment appraisal under risky and uncertain situations in the shipping industry; 
  
• Explore the traditional and emerging methods of risk management and derivatives instruments in shipping.

The final taught module will focus upon the development of shipping within the logistics supply chain. It will build student skills in projects mastery, research and development (R&D) and innovation within the context of shipping logistics. The objective is to provide awareness, knowledge and insight into the organisations need for constant attention to technical, cultural, social and environmental change in the global shipping and logistics sectors. In particular this module will:

• Explore the role of research and development in the advance of historic, contemporary and future operations and technologies; 
• Define and delineate the key principles of maritime logistics; 
  
• Evaluate the need for innovation in the constant management of change; 
  
• Integrate and apply the principles of project mastery in attaining and sustaining operational and technical leadership in the maritime supply chain.

Undertake one of the elective modules below plus the Research Methods module and the Business Transformation Project

The first module will develop the students’ advanced understanding of the context in which the maritime world operates. It will lay the foundation for the programme and will focus on:

• The economics of the maritime industry, the characteristics of demand and supply and their interaction in the various maritime markets;
• The strategic environment of maritime policy and administration; 
  
• The key principles of maritime law. The oceans, seas and waterways are still the predominant conduits for international trade.

Focusing upon the critical issue of people and their performance in the particular context of the maritime industry, the module will:

• Illustrate how the processes of contemporary human resource management support organisational performance;
• Explore the key elements of the HR cycle resourcing, managing performance, developing and rewarding; 
  
• Identify areas of overlap between management and leadership and to investigate competences and behaviours associated with management and leadership; 
  
• Develop leadership behaviours that will enable students to manage performance as well as lead change to improve overall organisational performance.

This 15,000 word MBA project provides the student with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills gained on the MBA at an advanced level.

This module provides students with the means of further developing and integrating the skills and knowledge acquired on the MBA through application to a specific organisational issue or problem. It enables students to demonstrate proficiency in relation to scoping the issue(s)/problems, consideration of appropriate literature, collection and analysis of data, assessing the financial implications, including any cost/benefit analysis for justifying specific recommendations and consideration of implementation issues.

This module provides students with a means of further developing their skills in research. It presents the key elements and issues of research design, of processes of collecting evidence and analysing this, and of drawing conclusions. The module also introduces some of the key controversies of management research, so that the participant not only comes to understand the processes and problems of producing research outcomes, but also becomes a more sophisticated consumer of these in their various forms of dissemination.

One of the central features of modern management is that theories and practices continue to evolve and this creates new understandings of the management task. This module deals primarily with values and the contextual subjectivity of management practices. Issues such as ethics, social responsibility, managing with diversity, and managing across cultures are therefore the prime areas of the module. This module is designed to provide students with the critical tools and mindset to analyse and identify responses to such challenges, regardless of their nature or of the imperatives and fashions that drive them.

Knowledge and understanding of information technologies and systems used in organisations to manage information and decision making, are critical to work place success. This module provides you with the knowledge and skills to effectively navigate the information technology and systems minefield.

A challenging high level strategic dissertation of 10,000 words, with your sponsor company or with a focus of your choice if you are self funding, is one of the most exciting parts of the course for many students as you apply your learning to your particular interests. The Project is all about the transition from theory to real-life execution.

The project will incorporate many of the management lessons learnt during the course with key real life challenges and lay a thorough foundation for your future career progression. Although final submission of the Project is at the end of the course, throughout your study of each module you will undertake preparatory work to ensure that the Project is integrated into your learning.