University of Auckland
School of Business and Economics
Auckland

Auckland MBA

Start dates: Jan, Jun                         Length: 22 months (PT)*

First offered: 1983

Fees, excludes texts:       $35,199

& Study Tour

Objectives

To prepare graduates to succeed in a complex, uncertain and globally competitive world. Consequently, the Auckland Business School expects MBAs to have the following attributes:

Thinking and Inquiry – capacity for critical, conceptual and reflective thinking and inquiry including:

  • evaluate and apply underlying assumptions, theories and models
  • demonstrate intellectual openness, curiosity and originality
  • demonstrate the ability to apply theory to business problems
  • draw conclusions based on rigorous analyses

Managing Information –recognize when information is needed and have the capacity to locate, evaluate and use this information effectively through the use of:

  • analytical and search skills
  • information technologies
  • quantitative and qualitative techniques of data analysis

Consultative Values, Attitudes and Personal Qualities –understand and demonstrate behaviours including:

  • self-discipline and ability to plan and achieve personal and professional goals
  • personal and professional integrity
  • an ability to interact effectively with other people

Teamwork and Leadership – show understanding and demonstrate behaviours including:

  • ability to lead teams to new positions or objectives
  • an understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship
 
 

Particular strengths or unique aspects

In 2007, the Times Higher 2007 World University Rankings placed the University of Auckland at 50th, which positions it at 13th in the rest of the world outside North America and Europe. The University of Auckland has New Zealand’s most talented student body (as evidenced by high entry standards); the strongest cohort of research-active academics (as evidenced by research productivity and levels of contestable research funding); and the largest body of postgraduate scholars (The University of Auckland Annual Report 2005). The position of the University of Auckland as the country’s leading research-led university has recently been confirmed by the findings of the Performance Based Research Fund assessment exercise, published in 2007. The annual MBA Study Tour is highly regarded by students. Students also receive free two 2-day short courses from the University of Auckland available programmes to fill individual knowledge gaps.
 

Teaching method

Because of the different requirements of mature learners, a wide variety of assessment methods are adopted; these range from traditional essays through case-based teaching, projects with live organizations and research projects. Consequently there is:

  • emphasis on facilitating learning rather than teaching
  • combination of learning mechanisms are employed to create stimulation and an interactive learning environment
  • extensive use of case studies together with emphasis on the participant’s own organisation and real-time projects in other organisations
  • learning syndicates are an important element in the learning environment, also providing support and networks beyond the classroom
  • top local and international guest speakers and lecturers present regularly
  • purpose-built facilities supported by sophisticated teaching technology.

 

Participation of business and/or government sectors

There are a number of areas of involvement between business and government sectors with the MBA programme. Firstly, there is the International Business project. This is an opportunity for participants in the programme to get first-hand experience of one of the most important issues in growing New Zealand companies – doing business internationally. Secondly, there is the Entrepreneurship and Consulting project. This is a hands-on, practical consulting project, which gives exposure to the realities of developing a business and exemplifies the programme’s focus on enterprise. Thirdly, there is the capstone MBA Research Project. In this project students work on a strategic project of their choosing – typically within their own company – to make a significant difference to an organization. Other opportunities to interact with business and government come through the use of guest speakers and the MBA Business Breakfast Series where MBA participants get to hear and interact with leaders in the New Zealand business community.

 

 

In 2007
Number of faculty teaching              25 Classroom hours   492
Entering Students         
 111 
  Students enrolled   129
Graduating students   67 Total NZ Graduates   955


* Students may be admitted directly or after satisfactory completion (B+) of the Postgraduate Diploma in Bus Admin, which would lengthen the study time
 
Click here for specific information on the Auckland MBA