Study-Unit Description

Study-Unit Description


CODE MGT4102

 
TITLE Business Simulation

 
UM LEVEL 04 - Years 4, 5 in Modular UG or PG Cert Course

 
MQF LEVEL 6

 
ECTS CREDITS 4

 
DEPARTMENT Management

 
DESCRIPTION This study-unit is a holistic, practice based module engendering a hands-on learning experience by drawing from various academic fields of study.

The study unit has two components.

The first component is an intense four full-day business simulation where cross-functional teams of students are each engaged on an on-going business simulation exercise. Each team is in charge of a distinct (competing) company with specific (dynamic) micro and macro environmental conditions and parameters. In the light of ever changing environmental and competitor conditions, each team must strive to effectively manage and steer their company by effectively utilising resources at their disposal and taking complex decisions drawing on their knowledge of the functions of finance, operations, marketing, strategy and human resources among others. As a ‘live simulation’, decisions taken shape and modify the continuously changing dynamics within which each company operates. The simulation involves intense work to tight deadlines over several days – with the student teams working on their strategies into the night.

The second component is a rigorous and researched individual assignment (maximum 3,000 words) presenting a critical evaluation of the applicability of the business simulation experience as a medium to promote academic and professional managerial development.

- Teaching Methodology

A learner-centred, team-based and problem-solving approach is applied to ensure maximisation of learning and knowledge generation.

Suggested Reading:

For students to apply course material to current issues, promoting critical evaluation and debate, regular review of management journals and publications in the popular business press is recommended.

A selection of current research papers from peer-reviewed academic journals will be recommended at the beginning of every course

Suggested periodicals include:

- The Economist
- Financial Times
- Harvard Business Review
- Malta Business Weekly

 
ADDITIONAL NOTES This study-unit is offered to Management (Hons) students only.

Pre-requisites: Undergraduate Management courses.

 
STUDY-UNIT TYPE Lecture

 
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Assessment Component/s Sept. Asst Session Weighting
Performance Yes 50%
Assignment Yes 50%

 
LECTURER/S Nathaniel P. Massa

 

 
The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints.
Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice.
It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years.

https://www.um.edu.mt/course/studyunit