DBA Handbook 1: The Course Stage (Financial Management)

DBA Handbook 1: (MSc. Financial Management)

1. Introduction to the DBA and the course stage This booklet covers the structure and nature of the DBA. It considers in some detail the course stage of the programme, credit transfers of courses, and assessment. Information on the research stage of the programme will be provided in subsequent publications. 2. Programme structure The structure of the DBA is different from that of a traditional doctoral programme. A traditional PhD from a British university takes around three years to complete and consists almost entirely of pure research. While the student spends a considerable amount of time communicating with the supervisor, there is no formal taught stage. The DBA comprises a combination of formal courses and research, the course stage and the research stage. The course stage requires you to complete 5 core strategic courses, 3 research-based courses and 3 elective courses. The research stage requires you to work under the supervision of an EBS-appointed expert to review literature, design a research method, collect data, and analyse results. A mentor will assist you in the initial phase, which leads up to the appointment of a supervisor. At key stages, you submit work to the School for approval or acceptance. Just as in a traditional PhD, student and supervisor will work together to produce a thesis for the award of the DBA, which is of equivalent standard to the PhD. 3. Nature of a DBA You should appreciate from the outset that the EBS DBA should only be undertaken after careful consideration. The time demands are likely to be considerable and there will be constant and changing pressures as you progress through the programme. In the later stages, the structure of the programme means that you will be simultaneously working on a series of demanding courses from the course stage and on the research proposal from the research stage. The research stage is not to be taken lightly because it requires skills, which you may not have had to exercise before. This may be the first time you have faced such a combination of demands. It may also be the longest time that you have worked on a single project alone and without the support of a team and other resources. 4. The course stage The course stage provides the theory, knowledge, tools and techniques that underpin the subsequent applied research stage. There are five compulsory Finance courses, three compulsory courses in the introduction to business research and several electives in related subjects. The courses provide the skills necessary to apply the tools and techniques of the discipline in a rigorous manner and in a wide range of settings.


You are strongly advised to complete all five core courses and three electives before attempting the first of the business research courses. Experience has shown that the core courses enable you to frame a suitably integrated and coherent research focus. The three business research courses must be completed in numerical order. The Core Courses The courses are summarised below. For more detailed information about the courses, you should consult http://www.ebsglobal.net/. Finance Kenneth Boudreaux Different investment projects generate different cash flows and different levels of risk. The problem is that choices have to be made among competing uses for funds because businesses typically face constraints on the availability of capital. Financial tools make it possible to reduce a bewildering array of cash flows spread over a variety of time periods to a single set of numbers: the net present values. These tools enable the efficiency principles of economics to be applied in a rigorous manner. Financial concepts also provide the link between company operations and capital markets: it is impossible to understand the behaviour of the stock market without a grasp of the principles of financial analysis, quality trade-offs to be made and project management tools and techniques are essential in keeping change processes on track. The fact is that most managers are unaware that many of the dynamic processes at work in the organisation are actually projects and are therefore subject to many nasty surprises when things do not turn out as they expected; the application of rigorous project management techniques will not solve all problems but they will clarify the process of achieving what you set out to achieve. Accounting Niall Lothian & John Small What do profit and loss accounts and balance sheets tell you? They are valuable sources of insight into the financial strength of competitors but you have to know what you are looking for; in fact, many managers are unaware of the financial position of their own organisations. How much should you charge for your products? To decide this you have to know how much they cost and this is notoriously difficult to determine. An understanding of financial and management accounting techniques, and their strengths and weaknesses, is essential for effective decision making. Financial Risk Management Peter Moles Managers with a finance responsibility are expected to have a working knowledge of the principles and practices of financial risk management. Whereas in the past such managers devoted their time to financial reporting, this is now seen as less important than skill in financial decision making. The rationale for the Course is straightforward: In today’s environment the


observed volatility in financial and commodity markets is testimony to the inherent risks firms face. Financial risk management is the discipline that aims to analyse, control, and – if necessary – reduce those risks to an acceptable level. Derivatives Peter Moles This course introduces the derivative product set of forwards, futures, swaps, and options. The features of each are examined and the pricing of each derivative is developed. The practical use of derivatives is explored. Many new derivatives are variations on the basic set of derivatives; you will be able to ‘unpackage’ these ‘new’ derivatives. Credit Risk Management Ken Brown & Peter Moles Credit risk is a major concern to market participants. This course provides an understanding of the credit process, from good credit to bad, and the management of financial distress. The course examines credit risk modelling, the assessment of credit risk and managing credit risk, through to the problems that companies face in financial distress and bankruptcy. The Elective Courses The course stage contains a series of DBA elective courses. You choose 3 electives to assemble the prescribed final number of courses required for the DBA. The electives allow greater depth of study in areas related to the core elements. The subjects of the electives have been chosen to elaborate vital contemporary issues of concern to those who operate at the highest level. You are encouraged to use your choice wisely. This should primarily be dictated by what might be useful in the conduct of your research. Following personal interest is clearly desirable. You may wish to emphasise those electives of immediate interest to your work. A long term view rather than a short-term benefit should guide the choice. The elective courses include: Corporate Governance Katherine Vagneur The modern corporation operates within an ever changing framework of law and is subject to the direct control of the Board of Directors. The Board must ensure the law is adhered to while simultaneously ensuring that strategies for long term success are set and implemented but doing both successfully can be very difficult to achieve. It is therefore necessary to achieve a balance and alignment among external and internal controls, risk management and competitive behaviour. Mergers & Acquisitions Alex Roberts, William Wallace and Peter Moles It is well known that mergers and acquisitions rarely result in an effective outcome in terms of creating shareholder value. So why is it so difficult? There


are three answers to this. First, organisations need to be clear about their strategic fit. Second, the price paid is often too high in the sense that potential gains are included in the bid. Third, the change processes necessary to achieve successful integration are typically not identified up front. Practical History of Financial Markets Andrew Smithers, Stephen Wright, Gordon Pepper, Peter Warburton Joachim Goldberg, Herman Brodie, Barry Rile &, Russell Napier There are important lessons from history which are typically locked up in the heads of older practitioners in the field and which each succeeding generation appears to find it necessary to learn afresh. The intention of this course is to set out these important lessons and provide fund managers with an historical context within which current events can be interpreted. A valuation of markets section explores the basic valuation methods and rejects these in favour of a sound economic valuation structure. A monetary theory of asset prices is developed by Gordon Pepper, which provides you with the tools to recognise major changes in financial markets. Investor psychology is a major element in moving financial markets. This is explored in behavioural finance, which goes on to identify many of the investment biases within investors. Recognition and amending these biases will lead to better decision making. Understanding the implications of behavioural finance will help understand finance theory and practice. Quantitative Methods David Targett Finance can be a highly quantitative subject; this course provides a sound business analytical framework in mathematics and statistics. This will provide skills and techniques necessary for the analysis of markets and financial securities. Strategic Planning Alex Scott The major problem facing chief executives is to make sense of a spectrum of information and apply appropriate tools and techniques in driving an organisation through a complex and continually changing competitive environment. The complexity of real life can be structured as a process involving objective setting, analysing competitive positioning, choosing a strategy, implementing it and adapting to feedback over time. Clearly all of these steps are crucial and organisations succeed or fail depending on the robustness of their strategic processes. This means that there are no easy answers to strategic problems and the solutions offered by business gurus can be seen for what they are: popular appeals to intuition which are largely devoid of any conceptual or empirical basis. Strategic planning is above all about thinking effectively and using the strategic process approach requires a sound understanding of other disciplines.


Core Courses Introducing Business Research The research courses are intended to provide sufficient guidance so that you can, with the assistance of the supervisor, develop the research to the standards and detail required at each stage. The core research courses are designed to instruct you through the consecutive stages of developing a thesis. They provide an all round basic grounding in research design and methods. These courses will bridge the gap between your existing research experience and the specialist research guidance provided by the research supervisor. Introduction to business research 1: the research proposal Alex Roberts, William Wallace & Patrick O’Farrell Most MBA graduates will have done no in-depth postgraduate research whatsoever. It is therefore necessary to establish a basic understanding of what research is and how it is done. This course examines significant elements such as empirical theory, research techniques, research management and planning, choosing a research focus, and writing a research proposal. It sets out the application to business research. Introduction to business research 2: the literature review Alex Roberts, William Wallace & Patrick O’Farrell This course concentrates on developing an understanding of the concept of a methodology and literature review from a business perspective in order to produce a hypothesis or theory which is related to a direct business issue. The course explains the concept and execution of a literature review and how to progress from this to literature review synthesis and theory development. Introduction to business research 3: research methodology, data collection and analysis and results and conclusions Alex Roberts, William Wallace & Patrick O’Farrell This course concentrates on developing the statistical techniques that are necessary for data collection and analysis so that conclusions can be generated. It also provides insights into literature re-evaluation and theory refinement as well as formulation of results validation studies. 5. Course Order It is recommended that your study programme starts with Finance and Accounting. If you require Quantitative Methods, this should also be taken towards the start of the programme. Financial Risk Management follows next and then all remaining core and elective courses can be taken in any order. The business research courses are the final stage of the course stage.


You are strongly advised to complete all five core finance courses and three electives before attempting the first of the business research courses. Experience has shown that the core courses enable you to frame a suitably integrated and coherent research focus. The three business research courses must be completed in numerical order.

Stage 1 – Core Courses Finance

Accounting (Quantitative Methods if required by student)

Stage 2 – Core Courses Financial Risk Management

Credit Risk Management Derivatives

Stage 3 – Elective Courses (three to be chosen) Corporate Governance

Mergers and Acquisitions Practical History of the Financial Markets

Quantitative Methods Strategic Planning

Stage 4 – Research Courses Introduction to Business Research 1 Introduction to Business Research 2 Introduction to Business Research 3

6. Assessment Each course is assessed by formal examination. The assessment of each course is derived entirely from your performance in a single examination lasting 3 hours. To complete a course successfully you must obtain at least 50% in the examination. The EBS Research Committee may require a student who fails an examination in a core course twice to withdraw from the programme. 7. Next steps MSc. in Financial Management After successfully completing nine courses including, all core courses, 3 electives and the first business research course, you are eligible for the award of MSc. in Financial Management. In this context ‘successfully complete’ means pass all the examinations. This award is also subject to the conditions that you pay all due fees and comply with all other EBS and University requirements. Development of research proposal and mentoring At this stage you may start developing the research idea. You may wish to return to the idea included in your application, or you may find that you wish to


refashion this idea to take account of what you learned during the course stage. In effect, you start to prepare a research proposal which sets out your research ideas in a coherent form. An appointed Edinburgh Business School mentor will guide you to select a research field, set research aims and objectives and develop the necessary research background. The format of the research proposal is described in detail in Introduction to Business Research 1. The research proposal must be submitted to the EBS Research Committee for approval. Approval is the end point of this part of the research. As well as developing the research proposal to a level where it is accepted by the EBS Research Committee, you have to complete the remaining two Introduction to Business Research courses of the course stage, pay all due fees and comply with all other EBS and University requirements. The EBS Research Committee may reject a research proposal on a maximum of 3 occasions before recommending that you withdraw from the programme. 8. Guidance Notes The following is a brief guide to the regulations of the DBA programme. Full details of the programme regulations are included in Appendix 1. The Regulations and Ordinances of the University are updated on a regular basis. The Internet editions, available at http://www.hw.ac.uk/ordinances/, replace all previous editions. Registration (Matriculation) You should register as a matriculated student of Heriot-Watt as soon as you are eligible to do so. To matriculate, you must sign and return the Registration Form which accompanied your offer letter. Student ID & Registration Numbers Upon commencement of the programme you are allocated a Student Identification number (SID) and a Registration Number (RegNo). These numbers are unique to you and will remain with you for the duration of your studies. You should use your SID in all communication with EBS and its partners. The numbers are also used as access codes to the Course Website and Student Services. The SID number is used as a username for both websites. You will need to use the last 5 digits of your Registration number as your password for the Course Website and the full number as your password for the Student Services site.


Credit transfers & Exemptions Heriot-Watt MBA Alumni are permitted a maximum of four credit transfers for courses completed in the MBA and which form part of the DBA programme. Exemptions from specific core courses may be granted to holders of recognised academic or professional qualifications if they are of degree level and if they have been obtained by examination. Exemptions will be awarded if holders of approved qualifications can provide evidence of comparability of course content. There is no provision for exemptions from elective courses. Typically, a maximum of one exemption is granted for an undergraduate degree majoring in a subject relevant to one of DBA courses; for example, a bachelor's degree in finance may lead to an exemption from the Finance course. Professional qualifications, obtained by examination, may also lead to exemptions. For example, ACCA Part 3 holders may be eligible for exemptions in Accounting and Finance. In addition, those holders which passed the ACCA Part 3 courses in Advanced Taxation and Audit & Assurance Services may receive two credit transfers. Eligibility for exemption is based on academic achievement only, not on work experience. If you wish to apply for an exemption you should download and complete the Exemption Application form and send it with supporting documentation and required fee to Edinburgh Business School, the sole authority on this matter. Where EBS rejects an application for an exemption, the fee paid is used to cover the examination fee in the relevant course. Examinations All examinations are subject to rigorous scrutiny by both Heriot-Watt University examiners and by external examiners from other leading UK universities. Examination Centres The University holds examinations for all DBA courses in June and December at more than 350 examination centres, located in over 140 countries, worldwide (major diets). Centres are not fixed in advance but are arranged in response to students’ requests at the time of application. Whilst some travel may be required, the University endeavours to arrange examinations as near to the locations requested by students as is practical, on a worldwide basis. In March and August, minor diets of examinations are offered in selected subjects in a small number of examination centres. The full examination timetable is available from the Student Services web site at https://cws.ebsmba.com/studentservice/.


Special arrangements You are permitted to record your answers by an appropriate alternative means approved by the School if you suffer from a disability that, in the opinion of the School, prevents you from completing an examination paper in writing. You are allowed extra time in which to complete your examination if you suffer from a disability that, in the opinion of the School justifies it. You must contact the School in advance of the exam deadline providing certified copies of medical evidence confirming your particular disability. Examination applications The deadline dates for examination applications are 1st March & 1st September for the June and December major diets respectively. The deadline date for the minor diets in March and August are 7th February and 24th July respectively. If you have purchased a course the home page of the Student Services website will offer you the option to 'Apply to sit an Exam' in that course. Clicking on this option will open an electronic form you complete and submit electronically. The exam fee of £100 per course will be collected from your credit card, using the information you provide. If you have purchased a course through an Approved Support Centre you should contact them as they may have special arrangements for exam applications. If you do not wish to use the online exam application facility you can arrange an examination over the phone. Alternatively, you can request an Examination Application Form from EBS Administration. Please ensure that you send the forms in good time and by a secure method of posting. The School cannot be held responsible for applications going astray in the postal services. The School can accept forms only if they are accompanied by the required fee. Incomplete/incorrectly completed application forms will be returned to you and cannot be accepted unless they are correctly completed and returned to the School by the closing date. The School will acknowledge receipt of your examination request within 3 weeks of receiving it. Please check the accuracy of the information contained in the acknowledgement letter and contact Edinburgh Business School if the information is incorrect. You can also check if your exam request has been processed in the ‘Exam Service’ section of the Student Services website. Approximately one month before the examinations you will receive confirmation of the location and time of your examinations. This letter, which will include your scanned photograph, is proof of your entry and must be taken with you to the examination centre on the day of examination. Failure to produce this letter could result in the centre refusing to allow you to sit


the examination. If for any reason you do not receive this letter, please ensure that you have alternative proof of identification which includes a recent photograph such as your passport. Examination payment The School can only accept payment for examinations in Sterling (£). Payment for entries processed on-line is by credit or debit card. Please note that the following are acceptable: Visa, MasterCard, Delta, JCB, Switch and Solo. Please provide your credit card number in full, the 3 digit security number and the expiry date of your card, ensuring that the expiry date is at least two months after the examination entry deadline date. If you do not hold one of the above cards or are returning a green/examination entry form, you can make payment by a cheque or Sterling bank draft, drawn on a UK bank, or a credit or debit card. If you are paying by cheque or bank draft, it should be made payable to Edinburgh Business School. Examination deferral If, having applied to sit an examination, you wish to defer your entry until a future diet; you may do so without financial penalty, provided that you advise the School before the appropriate deadline date. The deadline dates for deferring examinations, without incurring any cost, are 1st May and 1st November for the June and December diets and 7th February and 24th July for the March & August diets respectively. You may defer an entry in writing, by e-mail, fax or in the ‘Exam Service’ section on the Student Services website. You will automatically be entered for the following major diet unless you specify an alternative diet. If you defer an entry after the deadline for deferral, you will not be entered automatically for the next main diet of examinations. To re-apply you must submit, by the relevant closing date, confirmation of the diet you wish to enter, your preferred examination centre and the relevant examination fee (£100 per subject). This can be done in writing or via the ‘Exam Service’ section of the Student Services website. Absence Absence from an examination is not considered an attempt at the subject. However, your examination fee will not normally be credited and you will be required to pay the current exam fee at the time of re-applying to attempt the subject. To re-apply you must submit, by the relevant closing date, confirmation of the diet that you wish to enter, your preferred examination centre and the relevant examination fee (£100 per subject). This can be done in writing or via the ‘Exam Service’ section of the Student Services website. Absence on medical grounds If you are absent due to illness you must confirm this by sending a certified true copy of your medical certificate to the University, within four weeks


of the end of the diet of examinations. If the University accepts that you were unable to attempt the examination due to illness, your examination fee will be credited and you will automatically be entered for the following major diet, unless you specify an alternative diet. Re-sits If you have failed an examination at the first sitting, you may re-attempt the subject at the diet of your choice. You can apply to re-sit through the ‘Exam Service’ section of the Student Services website. Results Examination results will be despatched directly to you, at the last mailing address notified, approximately eight weeks after the end of the diet of examinations. Thus

• December examination results will be despatched by the end of January

• March examination results will be dispatched by the end of April • June examination results will be despatched by the end of July • August examination results will be dispatched by the end of September

You may also access your examination results and register for notification of their release in the ‘Exam Service’ section of the Student Services web site.

• Please do not contact the University about your results prior to the above dates.

• Under no circumstances will we release examination results by phone or e-mail.

Appeals If you have failed an examination you will receive a fail report and solutions to the relevant case studies/essays. This will provide you with an indication of the standard required to pass the course and help you to prepare for a possible re-sit. After considering the fail report, if you wish to dispute the decision of the Board of Examiners you should write to Business School as soon as practicable after notification of the result, stating your reasons for disputing the decision. Your result will be reconsidered and you will be informed of the outcome. Please note that on a re-grade marks can be deducted as well as added. If you are still not satisfied you can request an analytical report on each case and essay question. You will be required to indicate this by correspondence and to include a fee of £100 for each course for which the report is requested.


• Under no circumstances will examination scripts be returned to you after the examination.

Appeals on Medical Grounds You should notify the Head of School, as soon as possible after the examination, of any illness or other circumstances which may have adversely affected your performance and which you would like the examiners to take into account in making their decision.

Transcripts and Certificates You will receive a Certificate of Achievement for each course you pass. A transcript can be obtained from [email protected] for a charge of £10 Sterling. Transcripts contain the date and grade of each successful examination but not the mark obtained. Certificates and transcripts make no reference to the mode of delivery or language of instruction. Graduation When you have met the requirements for the MSc or DBA degree, you will be sent information regarding the appropriate congregation for the conferment of degrees ceremony. You are not considered to be a graduate until the degree has been conferred at this ceremony. Ceremonies are held every July and November in Edinburgh. Data protection policy Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt University and its commercial partners work in partnership to deliver the Courses and Programmes. To ensure this Programme is managed efficiently and students supported effectively, some information recorded as you progress in your studies will be shared between Edinburgh Business School and its partners. Your Approved Support Centre will use this information for academic programme support, for administration and for the provision of information to students; Edinburgh Business School will use this information for academic programme management; commercial partners will use this information for operational and administration purposes only.

Change of contact details You are responsible for notifying us of any changes to your contact details. You can do this directly through the Student Services site. Changes in name should be notified to us in writing together with a copy of the legal documentation that confirms this change (marriage certificate, deed poll certificate). On-campus tuition Some courses are taught at the Heriot-Watt campus on the outskirts of Edinburgh.


• Intensive 4 day tutorials are delivered at Edinburgh Business School. These seminars are based on the School’s experience of teaching to corporations, and 10 years experience delivering the full and part-time MBA. The seminars assume prior study of the course materials, and provide practical applications and contextualisation.

• A schedule of 2 day revision seminars in selected subjects are also

delivered on campus at Edinburgh Business School. These 2 day seminars are conducted by Edinburgh Business School and give advice on examination preparation.

Contact EBS for more information on how to apply to join these sessions. See also www.ebsglobal.net for details Changes to Fees and Programme Structures EBS reserves the right to make changes to its fees and the structure of the programme at any time. Students will be given advanced notice of any changes and steps will be taken to ensure that existing students are not disadvantaged.


Appendix 1: University Regulations Regulation 9 (New) Assessments and Examinations 1. This regulation is made in pursuance of Ordinance 5. 2. Applicability

2.1 Paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 shall apply to examinations in a course of study leading to a first degree. 2.2 Paragraphs 6, 7, 8 and 11 shall apply to examinations in a course of study leading to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy or a higher degree of Master or a postgraduate diploma.

3. Methods of Assessment and Examination

3.1 The different methods permitted for assessment and examination are designed to determine the successful completion of a course. They shall be mutually exclusive. 3.2 The particular method adopted for each course will be recorded in the Schedules to Regulation 3. 3.3 Modular Written Examination 3.3.1 A modular written examination shall be a written examination of at least two hours duration and shall be the sole method of assessment of a course. 3.3.2 A modular written examination shall not form part of a synoptic assessment. 3.3.3 A modular written examination shall be held in the term in which the course has been studied. 3.3.4 A modular written examination shall be held during a scheduled diet of examinations (see paragraph 4). 3.4 Continuous Assessment 3.4.1 Continuous assessment is the assessment of assignments set during the period of a course. 3.4.2 Continuous assessment may include written, oral or practical examination. 3.4.3 Where a written examination forms part of continuous assessment it shall be of at least one hour's duration and shall be held in a scheduled diet of examinations. The proportion of the overall mark allocated to the written examination shall be specified in the course structure and approved by the Senate. 3.5 Synoptic Assessment 3.5.1 Synoptic assessment is the assessment of material covered either in a set of two or three linked courses or in a course and its co-requisites other than by modular written examination or continuous assessment. 3.5.2 Synoptic assessment shall contain written examination of at least two hours but may additionally include written, oral, or practical assignments set during the period of the course.


3.5.3 Written examination shall take place at the end of the last course in a linked set or at the end of the term containing a course and its co-requisites. 3.5.4 When a written examination is the sole method of assessment it shall be of at least three hours duration. 3.5.5 When a written examination forms only part of synoptic assessment the proportion of the overall assessment allocated to it shall be specified in the course structure and approved by the Senate 3.5.6 All written examinations in terms of paragraphs 3.5.3, 3.5.4 and 3.5.5 shall be held during a scheduled diet of examinations (See paragraph 4). 3.6 Project/Dissertation 3.6.1 This is assessment of a submitted project (which could be studio work) or an extended dissertation. 3.6.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 5.3.6 of Regulation 9, the assessment may be of a single course, a set of linked courses, or of a course and its co-requisites (which may be increased to 3 for this purpose alone). 3.6.3 The assessment may include oral, written or practical examination.

4. Diets of Examinations

4.1 There shall be four diets of examinations in each academic year. 4.2 The diets of examinations shall be called the December Diet, the March Diet, the Summer Diet and the Autumn Diet. 4.3 The December Diet and the March Diet shall be held in the tenth week of the first and second terms respectively. 4.4 The Summer Diet will be held in the ninth and tenth week of the third term except that in the fourth and fifth years of study a written examination may be held at other times with the prior approval of the Senate. 4.5 The Autumn Diet will normally be held in August/September.

5. Enrolment

5.1 A candidate is not required to enroll for an examination of the December, March or Summer Diet if he or she is attending the course and has paid the tuition fee. 5.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 5.1 a candidate for an examination of the December, March or Summer Diet who has been permitted to proceed to a subsequent year of his or her course of study carrying up to three courses is required to enroll for the examinations and to pay the prescribed examination fee by the prescribed date. 5.3 A candidate for an examination which is due to be held in the December, March or Summer Diet of examinations and who is not attending the relevant courses is required to enroll and to pay the prescribed examination fee by the prescribed date.


5.4 A candidate for a degree examination of the Autumn Diet is required to enroll and to pay the prescribed examination fee by the prescribed date. 5.5 The prescribed dates for enrolment and payment of examination fees shall be as follows: 31st October for examinations of the December, March or Summer Diet 10th August for examinations of the Autumn Diet 5.6 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraphs 5.5 a late application may be accepted on payment of an additional prescribed late fee up to and including the seventh day after the prescribed date. 5.7 A candidate who is required to be re-assessed in a course which was originally continuously assessed may be required to be re-examined by a written paper or may be required to submit work similar to that which was originally continuously assessed.

6. Timetables

6.1 The Examination Officer, in consultation with Heads of Schools or their nominees, shall prepare timetables of degree examinations. 6.2 The timetables shall be issued by the Examinations Officer not later than the following dates:

14 November for December examinations 28 February for March examinations 28 February for year four and year five examinations of the

Summer Diet 30 April for the examinations of years one, two and three of the

Summer Diet 10 August for examinations of the Autumn Diet.

6.3 For the December March and Summer Diets the timetable shall state the date, the time and the location of the examinations. For the Autumn Diet the timetable shall state the date and the time. 6.4 A statement of the locations of the examinations of the Autumn Diet shall be issued by the Examinations Officer not later than the seventeenth day of August. 6.5 The timetables shall be displayed in the University and the Examinations Officer shall send the relevant sections to each candidate who has enrolled in terms of paragraphs 5.2, 5.3 or 5.4. 6.6 It shall be the responsibility of a candidate to familiarise him or her self with the date, the time and the location of all relevant examinations.

7. Conduct

7.1 The provisions of paragraphs 7.2 to 7.22 shall apply to all written examinations and where appropriate to oral and practical examinations. 7.2 For each examination there shall be one or more invigilators and there may be one or more examination assistants. The method of appointment of invigilators and examination assistants and their duties other than those stated below shall be as prescribed in paragraph 9 of this Regulation.


7.3 A candidate shall act in accordance with any instructions issued by an invigilator. 7.4 A candidate shall not be permitted to introduce printed or other material into the examination room except such as may be authorised by the examiners. Mobile telephones and other electronic equipment shall be switched off and shall be deposited with other personal items in an area designated by an invigilator. Random checks may be made of any material or equipment brought into the examination room. A candidate found to be in possession of a mobile telephone or other unauthorised electronic equipment may be liable to a fine 7.5 The University provides a standard calculator for each candidate in examinations where they are essential to the completion of the examination. Heads of School may allow candidates to use other calculators in specifically designated examinations. A candidate shall not remove the University provided calculator from the examination room. 7.6 A candidate shall bring his or her matriculation card to an examination and shall display it on the desk for the duration of the examination. 7.7 A candidate shall be admitted to the examination room not earlier than fifteen minutes before the start of the examination. 7.8 A candidate shall not normally bring food into the examination room but may be allowed to bring in a non-alcoholic beverage. 7.9 A candidate shall not be admitted to the examination room later than half an hour after the start of the examination except with the permission of an invigilator. 7.10 A candidate shall not leave the examination room earlier than half an hour after the start of the examination except with the permission of the invigilator and shall not leave the examination room during the last fifteen minutes of an examination. A candidate shall remain in his or her seat at the end of an examination until the invigilator has collected all the examination scripts and, where appropriate, any equipment belonging to the University. 7.11 A candidate who has to leave the examination room temporarily shall be accompanied by an invigilator or an examination assistant. 7.12 A candidate shall normally remain in his or her place whilst in attendance at a written examination except in circumstances provided for in paragraphs 7.10 or 7.11. 7.13 All absences from the examination room during the examination or late arrivals at and early departures from the examination room shall be noted on a candidate's examination script by the invigilator. 7.14 A candidate may begin writing and shall stop writing on the instructions of an invigilator. 7.15 At the start of an examination a candidate shall receive an attendance card on which he or she shall immediately write his or her name, course and matriculation number, the subject of the examination and the date and which he or she shall sign.


7.16 A candidate shall write answers in the answer-books or other examination stationery provided. At the end of an examination a candidate as instructed by an invigilator shall return all answer-books together with any other material with which he or she has been supplied, or on which he or she has written or drawn during the examination. 7.17 The answer books completed by a candidate during an examination shall thereafter become the property of the University and shall not be released except in accordance with the due process of law. 7.18 A candidate ready to leave the examination room shall remain in his or her place until the invigilator has collected his or her examination scripts and where appropriate, any equipment belonging to the University and has given any other relevant instructions. When he or she receives permission to leave the examination room a candidate shall do so expeditiously and quietly. 7.19 A candidate may not communicate with, receive assistance from or copy from the paper of another candidate or use any other unfair means during an examination. 7.20 A candidate may be required by an invigilator to withdraw from an examination for good cause. The invigilator shall as soon as possible report any such withdrawal to the appropriate Dean, the Head of the candidate's School or his or her Director of Studies and the Head of the School offering the course. 7.21 The answer-book of a candidate who is required to withdraw shall be sent by the invigilator to the Head of School offering the course together with a note explaining the circumstances of the withdrawal. 7.22 A candidate whose examination scripts are judged to be so illegible that assessment is impossible may be required to dictate them to a typist under supervision and at his or her own expense. A request from the examiners for such action shall require the approval of the Head of the School offering the course. 7.23 A candidate in any examination who for special reasons wishes to type or dictate his or her answers may apply for permission to the Head of the School offering the class. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 9.1 an amanuensis who is not a member of the academic staff may with the approval of the Head of School act as invigilator. The candidate may be required to bear the cost of any special arrangement. 7.24 A candidate who disregards the procedures in this regulation concerning the introduction of electronic equipment, mobile telephones and calculators (other than those authorised by a Head of School) into an examination room, may be liable to disciplinary action.

8. Attendance

8.1 A candidate shall attend all examinations prescribed for his or her course of study. 8.2 A candidate who is prevented through illness from taking an examination shall submit to the Head of School a certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner.


8.3 When a candidate for an examination is unable through illness or other good cause to take a written examination on the date and at the time and location specified, the Dean of the University may, on the recommendation of the Head of the appropriate School, and in the case of illness, of a registered medical practitioner, make other arrangements, provided that an invigilator nominated by the Head of the School and appointed by the Dean is present throughout the examination. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 9.1 the invigilator need not be a member of the academic staff. The candidate may be required to bear the cost of the invigilation and any other expenses incurred.

9. Invigilation

9.1 For each examination in a particular course the Head of the School offering a course, or responsible for the greater part of the course, shall appoint an invigilator from among the members of the academic staff of his or her School. He or she may also appoint from among the members of the academic staff one or more additional invigilators. Before an examination the Head of School shall provide the Examinations Officer with a list of the members of staff in the department who will act as invigilators. On the recommendation of the Examinations Officer, the Vice-Principal shall appoint a chief invigilator for each examination venue. 9.2 At least two invigilators shall be present if there are more than thirty candidates in an examination room. 9.3 For each examination the Head of School in consultation with the Examinations Officer shall ensure that there is available an adequate number of examination assistants who shall work under the direction of the invigilators. An examination assistant need not be a member of the academic staff of the University. 9.4 The Head of School or his or her nominee shall be responsible for the collection of examination papers from the Academic Registry. 9.5 The chief invigilator shall report to the examination room at least thirty minutes before the start of an examination and shall ensure that sufficient quantities of the examination paper, answer books and other materials necessary for the examination have been provided; such preparation shall be completed before any candidates are admitted to the examination room and at least five minutes before the advertised start of the examination. 9.6 At the beginning of each examination the chief invigilator shall draw the attention of candidates to the rubric printed on the back page of the answer book which gives information to candidates on the conduct expected of them during the examination and the penalties for cheating, and shall give any other necessary instructions. 9.7 Not later than half an hour after the start of an examination an invigilator shall collect the attendance cards and shall compare them with the list of students eligible to take the examination. He or she shall


record any discrepancies on the list and immediately report the matter to the Head of the School offering the course. 9.8 At the end of an examination an invigilator shall collect the answer books from each candidate together with any other material relevant to the examination on which a candidate has written or drawn during the examination. 9.9 For the duration of an examination an invigilator shall not be engaged in activities inconsistent with his or her duties. 9.10 At the end of an examination the chief invigilator shall ensure that the answer books and other material from each candidate are given to the Head of the School offering the course or to a member of the academic staff nominated by the Head of the School. 9.11 An invigilator shall not discuss an examination paper with a candidate individually but he or she may make a general announcement to all candidates in order to explain any typographical errors in or omissions from the examination paper or to convey other instructions from the examiners. 9.12 An invigilator shall ensure that all regulations relating to the conduct of examinations are observed. 9.13 An invigilator shall report any unusual incident or any apparent breach of the regulations on the prescribed form to the Head of the appropriate School as soon as possible. The invigilator shall also report what action was taken as a result of the incident.

10. Examinations Officer

10.1 There shall be an Examinations Officer who shall be appointed by the Secretary of the University from among the members of the University administrative staff. 10.2 The responsibilities of the Examinations Officer shall include the following: 10.2.1 the preparation and issue of examination timetables as specified in paragraph 6 of this regulation 10.2.2 the preparation and presentation of examination marks schedules 10.2.3 the issue of examination results. 10.3 At least fourteen days before an examination the Examinations Officer shall send to the Head of the School responsible for the examination copies of the list of candidates eligible to take the examination. 10.4 The Head of the School shall give a copy of the list to the invigilator of the examination and shall return a copy to the Examinations Officer in due course showing the examination mark which the Examiners have agreed to award to each candidate.

11. Results

11.1 The procedure to be followed for the preparation, adjudication and announcement of the results of examinations taken by a candidate pursuing a course of study shall be as determined from time to time by


the Senate on the recommendation of the Undergraduate Studies Committee or Postgraduate Studies Committee as appropriate.

12. Special Circumstances

12.1 A candidate may notify the Head of his or her School of any illness or other circumstances which may have adversely affected his or her performance and which he or she would like the examiners to take into account in making their decision.

13. External Examination

13.1 A code of practice relating to the appointment and role of external examiners -contained in an Appendix to this regulation.


Regulation 36 Student Appeals 1. This Regulation is in pursuance of clause (h) of paragraph 8 of Statute XII and clause (r) of paragraph 4 of Statute XIII and sets out the mechanism to be followed when dealing with student appeals. 2. A student may make an appeal under any of the categories detailed in this Regulation and the procedures prescribed shall be followed. 3. Appeals relating to progress

3.1 A student registered on a taught course or for a degree by research may appeal to the Undergraduate Studies Committee or the Postgraduate Studies Committee as appropriate against the application of the rules on student progress. 3.2 A student who wishes to appeal must lodge his or her appeal by writing to the Convener of the Undergraduate Studies Committee or of the Postgraduate Studies Committee care of the Academic Registry and send a copy to the Head of his or her School who shall send a statement relating to the case to the Convener of the Undergraduate Studies Committee or of the Postgraduate Studies Committee. 3.3 An appeal shall be accompanied by any documentary evidence upon which it is based and unless the Convener of the Undergraduate Studies Committee or of the Postgraduate Studies Committee considers that there are exceptional circumstances, all appeals shall be submitted by the following dates: 3.3.1 For undergraduate courses, by 30 September in the year of study to which the appeal relates 3.3.2 For postgraduate taught courses, within seven days of notification of the decision of the Examiners 3.3.3 For research degrees, including degrees wholly or partly by research, within one month of notification of the decision of the Examiners. 3.4 Following consideration of the appeal the decision of the Undergraduate Studies Committee or of the Postgraduate Studies Committee shall be transmitted to the student and reported to the Senate.

4. Appeals relating to Examinations or Assessments

4.1 A student who wishes to dispute a decision of a Board of Examiners or, in the case of a degree being carried out wholly or partly by research, the decision of the Examiners, should write in the first instance to the Head of his or her School as soon as practicable after notification of the decision of the Board of Examiners or the Examiners, stating his or her reasons for disputing the decision and where appropriate should provide verification. Medical and other matters, which could have been brought to the attention of the Examiners or the


Board of Examiners prior to the disputed decision being taken, shall not normally be considered at this stage. 4.2 Taught courses In the case of taught courses the Head of School or his or her nominee shall invite the Board of Examiners and the External Examiner(s) to consider the student’s stated reasons for disputing the decision and to reconsider their decision. The Head of School or his or her nominee shall inform the student of the outcome of the Examiners’ reconsideration. 4.3 Research degrees In the case of a degree carried out wholly or partly by research the Head of School or his or her nominee shall invite the Internal and External Examiners to consider the student’s stated reasons for disputing the decision and to reconsider their decision. The Head of School or his or her nominee shall inform the student of the outcome of the Examiners’ reconsideration.

5. Appeals to the Senate Appeals about Performance

5.1 A student who is dissatisfied following reconsideration of his or her performance under paragraphs 3 or 4 above may appeal to the Senate. 5.2 An appellant wishing to appeal shall send to the Academic Registrar a full statement which sets out (a) the grounds of his or her appeal, (b) the reasons for dissatisfaction with the outcome of the previous stage and (c) details of and, where appropriate, copies of any supporting evidence. 5.3 The appellant shall be entitled on request to receive copies of Examiners’ reports and relevant extracts from Examination Board Minutes. 5.4 Appeals against decisions made in terms of paragraphs 3 and 4 of this Regulation shall be made within two months of the decision of the Examiners or of the Undergraduate Studies Committee or of the Postgraduate Studies Committee, except in the case of design-based courses, where an appeal shall be made within seven days of the decision of the Examiners.

Other Appeals

5.5 A student may appeal to the Senate against any decision, which affects his or her academic work. A student wishing to appeal shall send to the Academic Registrar a full statement which sets out (a) the grounds of his or her appeal, and (b) details of and, where appropriate, copies of any supporting evidence. Appeals under this paragraph shall be made within two months of the information, which forms the basis of the appeal coming to the student’s knowledge.

Appeals Procedure

5.6 All appeals to the Senate shall be dealt with in the following way:


5.6.1 The Academic Registrar shall ask the Vice-Principal to examine the appellant’s case, taking such evidence as appropriate from the appellant, members of staff and others involved. 5.6.2 The Vice-Principal shall decide whether or not there is a prima facie case to be considered. 5.6.3 If the Vice-Principal decides that there is not a prima facie case the Vice-Principal shall make a report to the Senate. If the Senate confirms the Vice-Principal’s decision, the Vice-Principal shall inform the appellant that further consideration of the appeal is not justified and that the appeal has been refused. The Vice-Principal’s decision shall be in writing, shall set out the reasons for his or her decision and shall be sent to the appellant. 5.6.4 If the Senate does not confirm the Vice-Principal’s decision, the Vice-Principal shall take such other steps as the Senate may determine. 5.6.5 If the Vice-Principal decides that there is a prima facie case the Vice-Principal shall recommend to the Principal and Deans Committee that an ad hoc committee of enquiry should be set up. 5.6.6 On receipt of such a recommendation the Principal and Deans Committee shall set up such a committee comprising three elected members of the Senate from Schools other than that of the appellant. Each of the appointed members shall have been either a member of a Board of Examiners for a taught course or an Examiner for a research degree as appropriate. The Principal and Deans Committee shall appoint a member to be the convener of the committee. The Academic Registry shall provide a clerk. 5.6.7 The ad hoc committee in dealing with an appeal shall follow the procedures detailed below. (a) The clerk shall invite the appellant to state whether there is any further information to be added to the statement made under paragraphs 5.2 or 5.5 above and if so to provide such further information and, where appropriate, copies. The clerk shall send any further information to the members of the committee along with the appellant’s statement under paragraph 5.2 or 5.5 above. (b) The committee shall then meet to consider the appellant’s statement and any further information that has been provided under paragraph (a) above and shall determine whether the appellant should provide further information; if the committee so determines the clerk shall write to the appellant requiring the provision of the information within a specified time. (c) The committee may provide members of staff involved and, where appropriate, the External Examiner(s) with copies of the appellant’s statement and any further information received under paragraph (b) above and invite their written comments. Any comments received shall be copied to the appellant who shall be invited to respond thereto within a specified period. (d) Having considered the appellant’s statement, any further information, the written comments of any members of staff or External


Examiner(s) and any response thereto, the ad hoc committee may recommend that the appeal be upheld. In such cases, no hearing is required but a report containing the committee’s recommendations and reasons therefore shall be made to the Senate. The appellant shall be advised in writing of the Senate’s decision. (e) In the event of an appeal not being upheld under paragraph (d) above, having considered the appellant’s statement, any further information, the written comments of any members of staff or External Examiner(s) and any response thereto, the ad hoc committee shall convene a hearing, giving not less than 14 days’ notice. (f) The clerk shall write to the appellant and any member of staff required to attend giving notice of the date, time and place of the hearing and shall inform the appellant of his or her right to be accompanied and/or represented by a person of his or her choice and not less than 7 days before the date of the hearing the appellant shall advise the clerk of the name and the capacity of the person who will represent or accompany him or her at the hearing. (g) The appellant and his representative or companion shall be entitled to be present throughout the hearing. (h) The convener of the committee shall ensure that the hearing is conducted fairly and justly. (i) The committee shall deliberate in private and although the clerk shall be present during the committee’s deliberations he or she shall play no part in its decision. (j) The convener of the committee with the clerk’s assistance shall prepare for approval by the Senate a written report containing the committee’s recommendations and reasons. (k) Following approval by the Senate, the appellant shall be advised in writing of the Senate’s decision and the reasons therefore.

6. Appeals to the Court

6.1 In terms of clause (h) of paragraph 8 of Statute XII the Court is empowered to review any decision of the Senate on any matter within its competence which may be appealed against by a member of the Senate, or other member of the University having an interest in the decision. 6.2 A student may appeal against a decision of the Senate made in terms of paragraph 5 of this Regulation. 6.3 Any such appeal shall be intimated in writing to the Secretary of the University not more than 28 days after notification of the decision appealed against and shall contain a full written statement including the grounds of the appeal. 6.4 An appeal to the Court shall be dealt with in the following way: 6.4.1 The Court shall appoint a member of the Court not employed by the University (hereinafter referred to as 'the moderator') to examine the appellant's case, taking such evidence as considered appropriate from the student and from members of staff and others involved. The


moderator shall form a view on the question of whether there is a prima facie case. 6.4.2 If the moderator decides that there is not a prima facie case the moderator shall make a report to the Court. If the Court confirms the moderator’s decision, the moderator shall inform the student that further consideration of the appeal is not justified and that the appeal has been refused. The moderator’s decision shall be in writing, shall set out the reasons for his or her decision and shall be sent to the appellant. 6.4.3 If the Court does not confirm the moderator’s decision, the moderator shall take such other steps as the Court may determine. 6.4.4 If the moderator decides that the student has established a prima facie case the moderator shall recommend to the Court that an ad hoc committee of enquiry be set up. 6.4.5 On receipt of such a recommendation the Court shall set up an ad hoc committee containing three members of Court of whom one shall be the convener. 6.4.6 In considering the appeal the ad hoc committee shall follow procedures similar to those described in paragraph 5 of this Regulation.

7. Non-Graduation pending Appeal

7.1 Where an appeal under paragraphs 4, 5 or 6 of this Regulation is by a student who is recommended for the award of a degree, diploma or certificate which he or she would be eligible to receive at a congregation of the University, the student shall not be permitted to graduate until the outcome of the appeal has been confirmed or the student in writing withdraws the appeal and thereby agrees to accept the award. 7.2 A student who receives an award at a congregation or in absentia may not subsequently appeal against the award.

REGULATION 41* Degree of Doctor of Business Administration


1. This Regulation is made in pursuance of Ordinance 4.

2. The degree of Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) may be awarded by the University.

3. Admission 3.1 To be eligible for admission an applicant shall hold at least one of the following qualifications: 3.1.1 a degree of Master of Business Administration (MBA) of the University 3.1.2 a degree of MBA or other similar qualification of any other University approved for this purpose 3.1.3 any other qualification and/or experience deemed by the Senate to be acceptable for this purpose. and, normally at least five years’ relevant business experience 3.2 A candidate accepted in terms of paragraph 3.1.2 or 3.1.3 may be required to complete satisfactorily qualifying examinations before being accepted for admission to the course of study. 3.3 An applicant for admission shall comply with the provisions of Regulation 2.

4. Matriculation 4.1 A candidate shall matriculate as a student of the University.

5. Supervisors 5.1 The Senate shall appoint for each candidate a primary and a secondary supervisor of whom the primary supervisor at least shall be a member of staff of the University. [The Senate has empowered the Postgraduate Studies Committee to make decisions in terms of paragraph 5.1]

6. Examiners 6.1 The Senate shall appoint for each candidate one or more External Examiners and one or more Internal Examiners who shall be the examiners and shall submit a report or reports to the Senate. If an Internal Examiner is also the Supervisor of a candidate or if the candidate is a member of the full-time academic staff of the University the Senate shall appoint at least two external examiners. 6.2 The recommendation for the appointment of external examiner(s) for the degree shall be initiated by the supervisor(s) of the candidate and signed by the Head of School. The recommendation shall be made to the Academic Registry on the appropriate form. [Forms are available from the Academic Registry]


[The Senate has empowered the Postgraduate Studies Committee to make decision in terms of paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2]

7. Course of Study 7.1 A candidate shall pursue a course of study approved by the Senate and shall present himself or herself for such examinations and at such times as the examiners may require. 7.2 The course of study shall comprise: 7.2.1 completion of a programme of study consisting of examined EBS courses which aim to provide the theory, knowledge and techniques necessary to underpin the applied research in the thesis. This may comprise standard approved specialist MSc programmes or, for suitably qualified candidates, a specific combination of courses from the EBS suite, Students are subject to the standard assessment regulations governing EBS courses. 7.2.2 supervised research leading to the submission of a thesis. 7.2.3 for those candidates who do not follow a standard specialist MSc programme under 7.2.1, the EBS Research Committee shall draw up a Requirements Profile, comprising the EBS courses to be taken which shall be based on the candidate’s needs and aspirations. 7.2.4 Exceptionally, subject to the approval of Senate, a candidate who has met the requirements of 7.2.1 may be admitted directly on to the supervised research element. 7.3 In order to be permitted to submit a thesis normally in the range of 45,000 to a maximum of 80,000 words (as provided for in Regulation 8.1.6), a candidate shall have completed satisfactorily 220 credits at Masters level, SCQF Level 11), which may include credit for prior qualifications . 7.4 A candidate shall submit an outline proposal of the subject of research which shall be submitted to the Senate for approval when the candidate first registers for the degree. The final title of the thesis shall be submitted to the Senate for approval not less than one month before the submission of the thesis. 7.5 There shall be an oral examination, except that the examiners may dispense with an oral examination if the External Examiners adjudge the thesis to be of exceptional merit. 7.6 A candidate may be accepted to pursue the course as a full-time student or as a part-time student or by distance learning or by any combination of these three.


7.7 Full-time Students 7.7.1 The duration of the course of study shall be at least twenty-four months in the case of a candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.4, or at least thirty-six months in the case of a candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.1. 7.7.2 The course of study shall normally be pursued in the University but the Senate may grant to a candidate leave of absence from the University for special purposes connected with his or her study. 7.7.3 A candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.4 shall normallyl present his or her thesis within four years from the date of first registration for the degree. A candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.1 shall normally present his or her thesis within five years from the date of first registration for the degree. In exceptional circumstances the Senate may extend this period. 7.8 Part-time Students 7.8.1 The duration of the course of study shall be at least thirty-six months. 7.8.2 A candidate shall undertake such work in the University as may be required by the supervisor and approved by the Senate. 7.8.3 A candidate shall review the progress of his or her work with his or her supervisor at least once in each term. 7.8.4 A candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.4 shall normally present his or her thesis within eight years from the date of first registration for the degree. A candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.1 shall normally present his or her thesis within ten years from the date of first registration for the degree. In exceptional circumstances the Senate may extend this period. 7.8.5 The Senate may reduce the required period of study of thirty-six months when the candidate is a member of the full-time staff of the University or in other exceptional circumstances. 7.9 Distance Learning 7.9.1 The duration of the course shall be at least thirty-six months. 7.9.2 A candidate who is permitted to prepare a thesis for submission, shall review the progress of his or her work with his or her supervisor at least once in each term during its preparation. 7.9.3 A candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.4 shall normally present his or her thesis within eight years from the date of first registration for the degree. A candidate pursuing a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.1 shall normally present his or her


thesis within ten years from the date of first registration for the degree. In exceptional circumstances the Senate may extend this period. 7.9.4 The Senate may reduce the required period of thirty-six months when the candidate is a member of staff or in other exceptional circumstances. 7.10 The Senate on the recommendation of the Head of School may permit a candidate to suspend his or her registration for such a period and on such conditions as the Senate shall prescribe. [The Senate has empowered the Postgraduate Studies Committee to make decisions in terms of paragraphs 7.7.2, 7.7.3, 7.8.4, 7.8.5, 7.9.3, 7.9.4 and 7.10] 8. Thesis 8.1 The thesis shall comply with the following conditions: 8.1.1 The thesis or dissertation shall form a contribution to the knowledge of the subject and afford evidence of originality, shown either by the discovery of new facts or by the exercise of independent critical power. 8.1.3 The greater portion of the work submitted therein shall have been done subsequent to the registration of the candidate for the degree of Doctor of Business Administration. 8.1.4 The thesis shall be written in English. The literary presentation shall be satisfactory. The thesis shall be suitable for publication either as submitted or in an amended form. 8.1.5 The thesis or dissertation shall be the candidate's own account of his or her research and shall be accompanied by a declaration to this effect signed by the candidate. It may describe work done in conjunction with the supervisor or other persons provided that the candidate clearly states his or her personal share in the investigation, and that his or her statement is certified by the supervisor. 8.1.6 The thesis shall not normally exceed 80,000 words and shall not normally exceed 400 pages in length including Appendices. In exceptional circumstances, and provided that permission is sought at a sufficiently early stage, the Senate may permit a candidate to exceed the stated maxima. [The Senate has empowered the Postgraduate Studies Committee to make decisions in terms of paragraph 8.1.6.] 8.2 A candidate shall normally be required to submit three copies of the thesis which will become the property of the University. A candidate


shall submit a fourth unbound copy for microfilming purposes. The thesis shall conform in layout, binding and presentation to the requirements prescribed by the Senate. The thesis shall contain an abstract, preferably not exceeding 200 words. One additional copy of the abstract on the appropriate form shall be submitted for library purposes. 8.3 Before a candidate submits a thesis, his or her supervisor shall seek, using the appropriate form, the approval of the Postgraduate Studies Committee for the thesis title. [Forms are available from the Academic Registry] 8.4 The Library copy of a thesis shall normally be available for consultation in the Library. In exceptional circumstances, for example in the case of certain commercial or sensitive works, the Head of School may make a recommendation to the Postgraduate Studies Committee for restricted access. The Postgraduate Studies Committee shall decide whether or not the thesis should be placed on restricted access and if restricted the length of the period of restriction. The length of the period may be reviewed at any time during the period or at the end of the period of restriction. Approval of commercial or sensitive research may be sought from the Postgraduate Studies Committee in advance of the research being undertaken. 8.5 The degree of Doctor of Business Administration shall not be awarded in respect of a thesis or published work already submitted to this or any other University in support of an application for a degree.

9. Attendance and Performance 9.1 A student admitted to a course of study shall satisfy the requirements for attendance and performance and take all the examinations prescribed for the course of study. [Regulation 1, paragraph 6, specifies procedures to be followed in cases where illness has affected attendance.] 9.2 If in the opinion of the supervisor a candidate fails to satisfy the requirements for attendance and performance the supervisor shall write to the candidate so informing him or her and advising him or her of the possible consequences. He or she shall send a copy of the letter to the Head of the candidate's School and at the same time report the name of the candidate to the Postgraduate Studies Committee. 9.3 If a candidate continues not to satisfy the requirements for attendance and performance he or she may after due warning by the decision of the Senate on the recommendation of the Postgraduate Studies Committee in consultation with the supervisor be instructed to withdraw from the University.


9.4 A candidate may notify the Postgraduate Studies Committee in writing of any illness or other circumstances which may have prevented his or her attendance or adversely affected his or her performance and which he or she would like to be taken into account before the Postgraduate Studies Committee makes a recommendation in terms of paragraph 9.3.

10. Recommendations of the Examiners 10.1 The examiners shall recommend to the Senate either: 10.1.1 that the degree be awarded, or 10.1.2 that the degree be not awarded 10.1.3 that the degree be awarded subject to minor corrections being made to the thesis to the satisfaction of the Internal Examiner. 10.2 If the examiners recommend that the degree be not awarded, they shall further recommend one or more of the following: 10.2.1 that the candidate be not allowed to submit his or her thesis or dissertation in a revised form 10.2.2 that the candidate be allowed to submit his or her thesis in a revised form within a specified period not exceeding twenty-four months from the date of the relevant decision of the Senate, in which case the examiners shall state specifically the reasons for and the extent of the revision required 10.2.3 that the candidate be not allowed to present himself or herself for further examination 10.2.4 that the candidate be allowed to present himself or herself for further examination within a period not exceeding six months in which case the examiners shall state the form of the examination. 10.2.5 that exceptionally the candidate be allowed to submit his or her thesis or dissertation for a higher degree of Master of Philosophy. The examiners for each candidate who has been allowed to submit his or her thesis in a revised form in terms of paragraph 10.2.1 shall recommend one of the following regarding the resubmitted thesis: 10.3.1 that the degree be awarded, or 10.3.2 that the degree be not awarded. 10.3.3 that the degree be awarded subject to minor corrections being made to the thesis to the satisfaction of the Internal Examiner. 10.4 The Senate may accept any or all of the recommendations of the examiners. 10.5 The Senate shall authorise or refuse to authorise the award of the degree to a candidate.


11. Publication of Results 11.4 The names of the persons who are authorised to receive the degree of Doctor of Business Administration shall be published in alphabetical order. If a student chooses to exercise his or her right, in terms of the Data Protection Act 1998, to have his or her name omitted from any published list of awards, he or she shall give authorisation for such by completing the appropriate section on the University registration form at the start of each academic year.

12. Award A candidate who has completed a course of study in terms of paragraph 7.2.1 and 7.2.4 and has complied with all the conditions of award shall be entitled to receive the degree of Doctor of Business Administration. In accordance with Regulation 15 a degree is conferred at a Congregation of the University.

13. Posthumous Awards 13.1 Any award of the University may be conferred posthumously and accepted on the student’s behalf by a parent, spouse or other appropriate individual. The normal conditions of award must be satisfied or, if varied, the variation must be approved by the Senate. [The University’s policy on posthumous awards is available on the University’s website at http://www.hw.ac.uk/internal/policy/posthumous_awards_policy.pdf; copies are available from the Academic Registry] Regulation approved 29 January 2003 (SM/03/10.1) Amendments approved: 28 January 2004 (SCM/04/9.7); 16 June 2004 (SCM&SM/04/13.6); 25 January 2006; 17 May 2006 (SCM/06/41.4)

DBA Handbook 1: The Course Stage (Financial Management) · DBA Handbook 1: (MSc. Financial...

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Transcript of DBA Handbook 1: The Course Stage (Financial Management) · DBA Handbook 1: (MSc. Financial...