MBA Programme University of West London

Module details with Module leader profiles

Module: MANAGING PEOPLE
MODULE OVERVIEW
This module is pivotal to an understanding of the management and development of people within organisations.
Closely aligned with the CIPD’s Professional Standards, the module also provides you with a critical view of
HRM/D. What is known, said and done about the management of people in organisations is open to multiple
interpretations. This module enables you to engage with alternative paradigms and discourses that recognise
complexity and allow you to challenge the underlying assumptions associated with particular ways of thinking and
practicing HRM/D. The module introduces you to mainstream thought on HRM/ D and develops your critical
awareness of the complexity of leading, managing and developing people at work.

KEY TOPICS
• Nature of HRM
• Recruitment and Selection
• Developing Employees
• Performance Management and Reward
• Motivation and job satisfaction.
• Managing and Leading People
• Managing Change
• Organizational and job design
• Ethics

ASSESSMENTS
There are two assessments in this module; A group presentation weighted at 60% and an unseen
examination weighted at 40%

Module leader
Mr .Bennett Patternott B.com(University of Sri Jayawardenapura SL),MBA(University of Western
Australia - AU),Executive MBA(University of Colombia,USA)

30 Years of Senior Management level experience in Sri Lanka and Overseas in the field of HRM and
HRD and more than 10 year of lecturing experience. Involved in facilitating development of latent talents
of people and sharing knowledge.

Has been working as a consultant to business of repute; in developing management sta those include HSBC,
Gateway International School, Brandix. He has been GM- HR in Mercantile Credit, Americal President Lines and
Head of HR in Coca Cola. He also worked as a GM-HR in GTE International (Lanka Bell) and GM Group HR for
Carsons where he served as a director too.

Module : STRATEGY AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

MODULE OVERVIEW
This module provides a rigorous introduction to the concepts and frameworks used in strategic decision making
and provide students with the necessary tools to undertake strategic management.The module examines the
changing environment for businesses and introduces appropriate tools for analysing the opportunities and
threats that are emerging. Di erent, and complementary, approaches to assessing strategic capability are
developed. Analysis of the strategic position enables strategic managers to properly evaluate strategic
options and guides the choice of strategy – this module enables students to make such choices more e
ectively by introducing and developing appropriate tools and frameworks for evaluation. Throughout the
module, the emphasis is placed on enhancing understanding and application of concepts in order to develop
the ability of students to appreciate the role of strategy in any management context and improve the ability of
students to contribute to strategic development in the organizations in which they work.

KEY TOPICS
• The scope and importance of strategic management models and the development of strategy in practice.
• Analysing the business environment. PESTLE, Porter’s 5 forces, scenario planning and strategic groups.
• Analysing the strategic capability of the organisation. Value chain, core competences and financial analysis.
• Culture and the cultural web.
• Governance and CSR
• The basis of strategic choice. Generic strategy at the business unit level.
• Corporate level strategy. Portfolio analysis.
• Directions of strategic development – market penetration, market development, product
development, vertical integration and diversification.
• Methods of strategic development – internal development, joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers
and takeovers.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Implementation Issues in Strategy.

ASSESSMENTS
Assessment for the module consists of coursework weighted at 50% and a final assignment weighted at 50%.

Module leader
Mr. A.C Marcelline. (Academic Head Business Postgraduate Programmes) ACMA (UK), CGMA, MBA
(Manipal), ACCI (US), AMITD (SL), Doctoral Candidate (Management and Science University Malaysia)

Totaling more than 27 years of experience in the corporate world, Marcelline counts 9 years of experience in sales
and marketing, 9 years of experience in human resource management and 8 years of experience in supply chain.
Marcelline teaches a number of subjects including corporate strategy, finance and international management. He
is also a trainer specializing in areas such as customer service, change management, managing people and the
development of corporate and business level strategies. Marcelline holds an MBA and is a member of the
Chartered Institute of Management Accountants(UK) and he is currently a PhD candidate.

Module : GLOBAL MARKETING and DIGITAL BUSINESS

MODULE OVERVIEW
Understanding the dynamics of global marketing – globalization, environment, culture, branding,
positioning, segmentation and the increasing competitive threat – are arguably the most important
factors that a global company needs to manage, integrate and exploit new opportunities. This module
adopts a strategic approach to the study of marketing and communication in a global context. The
module builds upon the knowledge gained in the introductory marketing module or equivalent, and
applies these to the global marketing arena. It builds an understanding of the global trading
environment, di erences in buyer and consumer behaviours and it examines how global marketing
analysis, strategies, and programmes can be developed, organised and implemented. In summary, it
prepares a student to grasp a strong understanding of the essentials of global marketing.
KEY TOPICS
• Culture and its Impact on Global Marketing
• Global Marketing Research and Identifying Global Marketing Opportunities
• Branding in a Global Context
• Market Entry Strategies
• Global Consumer Behaviour and Ethics
• Global Product Management & Product Challenges
• Global Pricing Strategies and Pricing Challenges
• Global Communication Strategies & Challenges
• Digital Business

ASSESSMENTS
The module is assessed by two assignments. One with 40% weighting and final written assignment with
60% weighting.

Module leader
Mr. Chris Kariyawasam BBA (hons) (Brock University Ontario Canada, MBA (University of
Leicester UK, MCIM (UK), CPM (APMF Singapore)

Chris is an academically and professionally qualified marketer / manager with 18 years extensive brand
marketing, International marketing, Key Account Management, and New Product Management experience in
a management capacity at Nestle Lanka PLC (at present), Ceylon Tobacco Company (CTC), and Unilever
Sri Lanka and in Maldives. Chris has lectured at several reputed business schools in Colombo for
undergraduate and MBA programs. At present, Chris is employed with Nestle Lanka PLC as Key Account
Manager responsible for achieving top-line, bottom-line, and market share objectives for Nestle brands.

Module : BUSINESS ETHICS IN ACTION

MODULE OVERVIEW
Education in Business Ethics is crucial in order to provide students with a conceptual background and
help them to apply models to particular business situations. The title “in action” re ects the practical
orientation of this module that combines a solid theoretical foundation with accessible tools. Many case
studies will be discussed to facilitate decision-making about complex situations.

With this module, students can gain understanding of the business ethical dilemmas and how to address them.
Ethical awareness is crucial in MBA students as most of them will have managerial responsibilities.

Ethical leadership will be continually present in most of the sessions as the success of companies relies
on the human, professional and ethical quality of their people. For this reason, virtue ethics will be one
of the pillars of this module. Human dignity will be another pillar.

This module will have a very positive approach, not only addressing “problems” or “issues” but mainly
positive actions, as the main goal of ethics should be contribute to seeking human excellence.

KEY TOPICS
• The role of Ethics in Business legality, morality and beliefs (bribery, ‘pseudo-bribery’ co-op/green).
The importance of trust in organisations.
• Consequences of human actions. Decision making process. Triple Font theory.
• Ethical judgement and evaluation of decisions. Role of Normative theories and models.
• Understanding and explaining ethical decisions. Role of descriptive theories. Individual and
situational factors that in uence decisions.
• Wisdom in leading organisation. Ethical leadership. Virtue ethics. Role of prudence and main virtues
of a leader.
• Organisational Ethics. Stakeholders. Managing Business Ethics. Corporate governance. Ethical
codes. Ethical training programmes.
• Human work. Employees as stakeholders. Ethical issues in the workplace.
• Corporate Social Responsibility. Non-profit sector. Corporate volunteering. Social enterprises.
• Frequent ethical issues in Business.
• Marketing ethics. Ethical consumption. Sustainable consumption.
• Sustainability. Environmental business ethics.

ASSESSMENTS
There are two assessments in this module; Assessment 1 – Report carries 50% of module weighting.
Assessment 2 – Group Report carries 50% of module weighting which is an unseen exam.

Module leader
Dehan.R.T.SENEVIRATNE MBA(PIM), FCIM, UK
Management/Marketing Consultant

40 years of working experience in multinational and leading local companies, covering a wide range of
positions in senior Management and at board level, positions held: acting chairman/managing Director
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Health(GSK), Director Corporate A airs & Medical Marketing –GSK
Consumer Health, Director Marketing & Sales- GSK Consumer Health, Director/CEO Mackwoods
Health Care, Executive Marketing Consultant-I D Lanka Ltd.

Module : BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE

MODULE OVERVIEW
Business Intelligence will equip modern managers with the tools necessary for the assessment of risk,
the evaluation of competing strategies and to support the e ective allocation of resources. These
techniques will include risk analysis matrices, transforming of data and information in addition to the
technology availability as a valuable tool in organisation strategy and business operations. You will also
be exposed to the ideas of how technologies help better inform decision makers.

KEY TOPICS
• Introduce the information process cycle
• Gain a critical understanding of the concept of decision making and its importance
• Present the strategic importance of information systems and information technology in a firm to
improve decision making and gain competitive advantage
• Understand concepts and application of knowledge management
• Study risk associated with decision making

ASSESSMENTS
There are two assessments in this module; Report carries 50% of module weighting. Presentation
carries 50% of module weighting.

Module leader
Mr.Nishantha Hewavithana BSc (UOC), MBA (UOC)

Nishantha Hewavithana , Holds a BSc in Mathematics and Statistics from University of Colombo. He
has also earned an MBA in Finance from the same University. He has industry experience of 14 years
in research ranging from social, business and capital market research. He currently holds the position at
Colombo Stock Exchange as Head of Research and New Products.
Module : ACCOUNTING FOR DECISION MAKERS
MODULE OVERVIEW
This course will provide the essential knowledge of those key financial management issues and
concepts that are needed by successful Managers, Executives, Directors and Consultants. The
completion of this course will provide a good grasp of the key elements of Management Accounts and
Statutory Financial Accounts. It will also provide a sound theoretical financial knowledge base upon
which to build and acquire new and more advanced financial management skills.

All managers need a broad understanding of accounting to appreciate the financial implications of key business
decisions. This module looks at both financial (external) and management (internal) accounting, covering areas
such as measuring profit or loss, valuing tangible and intangible assets, contribution accounting, break-even
analysis, variance analysis and evaluation of the performance of both business units and their managers.

KEY TOPICS
• Prepare simple sets of accounts from basic information
• Interpret published financial statements intelligently
• Understand the impact of cash flow and its management
• Identify the financial information relevant to di erent business problems
• Use financial information e ectively for decision making, planning and control
• Recognise the main uses and limitations of financial information
• Recognise the e ect of decisions, transactions and events on financial performance

ASSESSMENTS
There are two assessments in this module; 2 Assignments carries 50% of module weighting.

Module leader :
Mr. Chathura Liyanage: B.B.Mgt (Acc) Sp(Kel),ACMA(SL),ACMA(UK),CGMA,PMP,MBA(Fin)Col.

Chathura Liyanage is a senior lecturer who has taught a large number of undergraduate and post graduate
students in Finance & Business Management subjects. He is having more than 10 years of corporate
experience in di erent companies such as Caltex Lanka Lubricants, Aitken Spence Hotel Mgt, Aviva
Insurance (UK) and WNS Customer Solutions Ltd. He holds an MBA from University of Colombo and a
member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants Sri Lanka and UK. At present Chatura is
employed with ANC as the Assistant Academic Head for Business programs and before he join ANC he was
heading the Business Process Excellence and Transformation team at WNS who is responsible on
deploying the quality Management system for Aviva & London Stock Exchange Sri Lankan operations.

Module: NEW VENTURE DEVELOPMENT

MODULE OVERVIEW
This module includes Enterprise and Innovation and includes the practical modeling (CANVAS). This
challenges students by showing specific tools for use in real entrepreneurial businesses.

Over the following weeks students will have the opportunity to explore a range of issues surrounding
this fascinating topic. This will include aspects of enterprise such as the entrepreneurial environment
and factors that contribute to the birth, survival or death, and growth of new ventures.

Entrepreneurship also shapes many aspects of running an entrepreneurial firm i.e. its business model, and those
elements tend to be di erent to the traditional ones. For example, marketing planning may involve a range of
specific decisions around product positioning, di erentiation, pricing and promotional strategies. Yet, activities and
resources need to be perfectly aligned to obtain such innovative and appealing propositions for the market.
KEY TOPICS
• Highlighting a range of pertinent issues to the understanding and analysis of entrepreneurship and
the small business sector.
• Understanding the importance of creativity and innovation within the small business sector.
• Developing the ability of creating and presenting business ideas in the form of a business plan.
• Mastering the process of translating successful business ideas into feasible business plans and models
• Developing a set of practical skills necessary to operate e ectively as an entrepreneur.

ASSESSMENTS
There are two assessments in this module; Assignment 1 business plan weighted at 60% and an
Assignment 2 business model weighted at 40%

Module leader
Mr Rizwan Anise MBA (Wales), MCIM (UK), CMSLIM (SL), Dip in Mngt.

Rizwan Anise, a seasoned and successful leader who holds multiple roles of Director in the largest
Finance and Leasing company in Sri Lanka and Chief Operating O cer / Head of Strategic planning and
Marcom , in two subsidiaries in a group and was the Vice President Marketing at PCH Holdings PLC

He is an accomplished marketing professional with broad marketing experience, encompassing

strategic planning, interactive marketing, brand development, Portfolio Management, Public Relations
and Channel Sales Management, with the ability and skill set to provide creative, innovative,
enthusiastic and forward-thinking leadership in a team environment and focused on achieving
continuous, improved business performance.

Module : MBA PROJECT including RESEARCH METHODS

MODULE OVERVIEW
This module is designed to introduce essential components of postgraduate research. As such, it will help
you develop skills and knowledge that will contribute to your successful completion of a dissertation. You will
be introduced to social science research across managerial disciplines. Irrespective of whether you are in
marketing, accounting, project management, human resource management or are out of full time
employment, this module o ers up multiple perspectives on researching business and management.

KEY TOPICS
• Investigation and managerial knowledge:.
• Philosophies of management research
• Research design
• Positivism
• Presenting your research proposal
• Quantitative research: collecting data & analysis
• Qualitative research: collecting data & analysis

ASSESSMENTS
There are 2 elements of assessment in this module: Individual Presentation and Research Proposal
(30%) and Project Report (70%).

Module leader for Research Methods: Dr Neavis Morais PhD (Development Studies), Asian Institute of
Technology, Thailand, 2009. MA (Economics), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, 1997 BA (Economics),
University of Ja na, Sri Lanka, 1992
Currently he is a Senior lecturer at the Open University of Sri Lanka. He counts for more than 15 years
of lecturing experience and specialized in the subjects of Microeconomics, Macroeconomics,
Development Economics, Comparative economics, International Trade & Financial Relations, and
Contemporary Economic Thought. Also, teach social research methods for MBA/MPhil/PhD candidates
and has published many research papers. He is PhD holder from AIT, Thailand.

DISSERTATION
MODULE OVERVIEW
A dissertation is often the core element of a Master’s degree because it allows you to develop your interests
and apply research skills. A demanding module, it reinforces your independent learning by enabling you to
explore your chosen topic theoretically and empirically. In some ways the dissertation is similar to other
modules because it will assess your ability to produce a persuasive discussion on a relevant management or
business topic. But the dissertation module also di ers from other modules because it requires you to put into
practice your understanding of research methods. It expects you to be independent and apply your learning.

Consequently, you will be assessed on what you know about your chosen topic and how it can be
studied empirically as well as what you do in your research. Simply, you will write about what you do,
rather that writing about what others have produced.

Module leaders : All the members of the current faculty