Master of Commerce (Management)

• To introduce students to the main body of concepts and theories in the management field they choose to research;
• To assist students to develop the capacity to critically evaluate the research literature in that field;
• To provide students with the capacity to pursue independent research by providing training in research methods;
• To provide students with a knowledge of contemporary developments in the professional practice of their chosen management field;
• To produce a shorter thesis based on original research that reveals an awareness of the latest research and theoretical directions within their chosen management field; and
• To provide an appropriate foundation program for students intending to proceed to a PhD program.

Course Structure

The Master of Commerce in Management (by Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) consists of one Thesis subject and two Advanced Seminar subjects.

Thesis 20 000 - 22 000 words:

325-639 Research Methods Seminar and Thesis (yearlong subject)

Two Advanced Seminar subjects:

In consultation with your supervisor, students will choose two postgraduate subjects from the Department of Management offerings.

Assessment

Overall assessment in the Master of Commerce in Management (by Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) will be a weighted average of each of the percentage marks gained in the two Advanced Seminar subjects (25% of the overall mark) and the Shorter Thesis subject (75% of the overall mark). Master of Commerce in Management students should note that the overall pass grade for the Master of Commerce course is 65%. The overall average of the subjects taken towards the degree of Master of Commerce are calculated as follows:

H1 80-100%
H2A 75-79%
P 65-74%

Candidates achieving an overall average of H1 or H2A will be awarded the Master of Commerce (Honours) degree.

Entry into the program normally requires either:

(a) A four year honours degree of at least second class honours (70-74%) standard; OR
(b) Successful completion of a preliminary course, normally a relevant postgraduate diploma, at an overall standard at least equivalent to that required for secondclasshonours.

Admission is subject to the availability of appropriate supervisory resources.

Commencement is only available at the start of semester one (February/March) of any given year. Candidates must commence their studies within the first two weeks of semester.

The Faculty of Business and Economics welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Faculty policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Faculty’s programs.

The BCom and Masters degrees of the Faculty of Business and Economics equip graduates with the knowledge and technical skills necessary to understand and participate in the modern business world. The degrees include the following academic requirements for study:

(1) The ability to explain and evaluate concepts, theories, institutional arrangements and operations of modern mixed economies;
(2) The ability to critically evaluate the economy, commerce and business in the broader social and political context;
(3) The ability to explain and apply concepts across a range of commerce and business disciplines in solving business and policy problems; and
(4) The ability to contribute positively to the development of organisations and society in relation to business, government and the commercial professions.

All students of the Faculty’s courses must possess intellectual, ethical, and emotional capabilities required to participate in the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the Faculty. Candidates for the BCom degree and for FBE Masters degrees must have abilities and skills in communication; in conceptual, integrative, and quantitative dimensions; and in behavioural and social dimensions.

I. Communication: The student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and/or written form. A student must have the ability to clearly and independently communicate knowledge and application of a discipline, principles or practices during assessment tasks, and in some discipline streams.

II. Intellectual‐Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: The student is expected to have the ability to develop problem‐solving skills and demonstrate the ability to establish study plans and priorities. These abilities include measurement, calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. Students should also have the ability to comprehend complex disciplinary and cross disciplinary information related to the BCom and Masters degrees.

III. Behavioural and Social Attributes: A student must possess behavioural and social attributes that enable them to participate in a complex learning environment and the emotional health required for full utilisation of his/her intellectual abilities. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students. Integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest, and motivation are all personal qualities that are deemed necessary for students enrolled in FBE courses.

Students who feel their disability will prevent them from participating in tasks involving the inherent academic requirements of the BCom and FBE Masters courses are encouraged to contact the Disability Liaison Unit. Adjustments can be provided to minimise the impact of a disability, but students should participate in the course in an independent manner.

NA

Entry to 202-AM Master of Commerce in Management (by Advanced Seminar and Shorter Thesis) will not be available to new students from Semester 1, 2010. Please see the entry for the new program F10-AA Master of Commerce (Management).

In regard to all University of Melbourne Masters by Research thesis examinations, Academic Board recently approved the following: • The adoption of a 65% pass mark. • The use of the MPhil grading system.

New Grading System : 80 -100% First Class Honours (H1) 75 – 79% Second Class Honours, Division A 70 – 74% Second Class Honours, Division B 65 – 69% Third Class Honours < 65% Fail

Current assessment for M Com (Management) and Masters of Commerce by Research (Actuarial)

H1 80-100%
H2A 75-79%
P 65-74%

Candidates achieving an overall average of H1 or H2A will be awarded the Master of Commerce (Honours) degree.