Edinburgh Business School Heriot Watt MBA

Leadership Theory and Practice

Entrepreneurship and Creativity

This course develops the students' appreciation for factors that influence how people behave at work and how these link to performance. Emphasis is placed on understanding individual differences, how these differences affect group dynamics and how organisational factors affect individual behaviour. Students are equipped with the skills and knowledge to positively impact individual, team and organisational performance in a variety of dynamic organisational contexts.

This course equips managers and business professionals with the knowledge, skills and competence to manage projects effectively using integrative concepts, tools and techniques. The fundamental concepts of the project management discipline are covered including how to set the decision-making mindset and how to assist organisations in materialising their strategic and change objectives.

The course critically examines the concept of leadership in organisations, explores major theoretical developments in how leadership is understood and provides opportunities for managers to reflect on real-life leadership issues. Across eight modules, key developments in leadership theories and how they apply to modern organisations are explored. The course hones in on some example settings for practice, including creative industries and projects, to explore alternative approaches to leadership. The role of leadership in setting and shaping organisational strategy is also examined, and contemporary issues of gender, culture and ethics are discussed. 

This course introduces students to fundamental economic concepts and the workings of the market system. Different market structures and their impact on organisations are reviewed and the role of government in the economy is examined. Macroeconomics is explored in the context of business impact and decision-making and international economic issues are also discussed.

The philosophy underlying this course is that marketing-oriented companies put customers first, are geared for long-term success and that this orientation must be championed by top management and infused throughout the whole organisation. Students are introduced to the requisite strategic marketing techniques such as strategic analysis and planning, implementation - via a number of integrated and synergistic marketing functions and activities - and marketing control, aided by an array of marketing metrics and digital developments. 

The course begins with a closer look at the current ‘financial landscape’ before examining the application of financial and management accounting tools relevant to critical financial decisions. These tools include: key performance indicators, break-even analysis, working capital management techniques and the budgeting process. Students also examine financial management techniques and consider the decisions that organisations face on investment, finance and dividend, and how an organisation ultimately makes those decisions.

This course is the capstone course in the online MBA programme. The core areas of strategic management are covered and the general management setting is used to integrate ideas across the core disciplines covered in the other MBA courses. Developing and Executing Strategy examines the evolution of management and academic thinking around strategy and strategic management over the past 50 years, reviews the diversity of contemporary strategy theory and practice and examines the role of strategy in the management of different types of organisations.

The course then examines different aspects of strategy including strategic intent, analysis, strategic options and implementation. The other management disciplines such as: leadership, organisational behaviour, economics, marketing and finance are also considered. Finally, an integrative framework for strategic decision-making is presented, which facilitates a holistic approach to complex business and management issues.

It is a flexible globally recognised program, blending academic rigor with practical business insights, tailored for real-world applicability.

Yes, the program is recognised at Level 9 on the Irish National Framework of Qualifications

The program is flexible, typically taking 2 years to complete, but can be extended for those balancing work or personal commitments.

Candidates typically need a recognised undergraduate degree (Level 8), or a Level 7 qualification with management experience. Professional Certifications are also taken into consideration. An up to date C.V is required as part of the application process. 

Non-native English speakers must demonstrate English proficiency through an IELTS assessmen

Yes, the program is delivered part-time from Griffith College Limerick. 1-2 evenings per week. If you can’t attend classes in person, classes are available live, online, providing flexibility for professionals.

The curriculum includes core business disciplines like Economics, Finance, Marketing, and Leadership. More details can be found under Course Details at https://griffith.ie/mba 

The MBA programme is only available to Irish/EU students or anyone holding a Stamp 4 Visa in the Republic of Ireland. 

The program is modular, allowing students to study at their own pace, with a focus on self-directed learning. Each module has one evening class per week delivered over 13 weeks. 

With the exception of the entrepreneurship course, all courses are examined by written examination. Assessment includes objective questions (where appropriate), case studies and essays. All courses are examined three times per year aligned to Heriot-Watt University's two semesters and the summer period. Exams are open book and take place over a 24hr period. 

The cost for the full program is €13,500. The cost per module is €1,500.

Students can pay the full amount up front, or pay by module.

Yes. This course has been approved by Next Level Skillnet for a fees subsidy of up to 40% for students whose company is a member of the Next Level Skillnet Network and who meet their eligibility criteria.  

Please note that we cannot guarantee funding as there are only a limited number of subsidies available.

How can your company sign up?

Click here for more information

www.nextlevel.ie

Graduates can pursue leadership roles across various sectors, leveraging their enhanced managerial and strategic skills.

The curriculum includes case studies, practical assignments, and projects to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts.

Students have access to a range of support services, including academic guidance and career advice through the Griffith College support Network.

The program offers vast networking opportunities, including interactions with a global student body and alumni network.

While not a requirement, professional experience is valued as it contributes to a richer learning environment.

You can apply online through the College’s application portal at https://www.griffith.ie/apply-online/course/3495

There are two intakes for the program, January and September each year.