Business Administration, M.B.A. Student Learning Outcomes

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate business acumen and analytical skills: NIU MBA graduates will identify the impact of a problem on the relevant areas of business presented; develop a plan and utilize the resources from the relevant disciplines to bring about a solution optimal to all aspects of the organization; and derive a solution and/or interpret the final results. 
2. Communicate with impact: NIU MBA graduates will make compelling professional oral presentations that are organized, structured and free of errors; and write in a manner that is compelling, organized, structured and free of errors.
3. Assess key leadership skills, traits, styles, processes across various contexts and their own abilities related to each: NIU MBA graduates will recognize characteristics of effective leadership; identifies the contingencies of effective leadership, particularly with respect to different contexts; and assess their own abilities related to effective leadership (e.g., skills, traits, styles, and processes).
4. Identify ethical issues and the implications on business, society and individuals: NIU MBA graduates will identify ethical dilemmas; identify the potential impact of the dilemma on the business, society, and individuals; develop possible action that could be taken in the situation; and demonstrate an understanding of the responsibilities of a leader’s role as it relates to the ethical dilemma.
5. Assess global impact on business decisions: NIU MBA graduates will identify global factors; demonstrate a clear understanding of the increasing scope and influence of global business; and apply global business analysis in decision-making.

Format Specific Competencies

Executive MBA - Evaluate strategies aligned with internal and external conditions to achieve long-term organizational success: NIU Executive MBA graduates will identify the critical internal strengths and external conditions of the organization; evaluate strategies in line with internal and external conditions; evaluate performance metrics indicating long-term organizational success; and use analysis tools appropriate to situation and apply correctly.

Global MBA - Derive insights from data to inform global business decisions: NIU Global MBA graduates will demonstrate awareness of cultural competencies and blind spots, evaluate quality and potential biases; choose appropriate data analytic tools and methods to address the question; and think critically about how the results of data analysis inform global business decisions.

One Year MBA - Evaluate plans to bring a new product or service to market within an organization: NIU One Year MBA graduates will identify all stakeholders of a firm and prioritize stakeholders’ importance to the firm; assess market feasibility of a new product/service; and assess financial feasibility of a new product/service.

Online MBA - Identify and respond to opportunities: NIU Online MBA students will identify possible opportunities; analyze social, environmental, economic impact, and sustainability; and assess general and financial feasibility of opportunities.

Methods of Assessment

• Direct: MBA Body of Knowledge Exam
• Direct: MBA Situational Judgement Exam
• Indirect: MBA Alumni Survey
• Indirect: MBA Advisory Board
• Benchmark: GMAC Research and Industry Reports
• Benchmark: Eduvantis Market Analysis Reports