Master of Applied Management

In recent years, the vulnerability of supply chains has been exposed, and they will continue to require innovative professionals to ensure business continuity and community resilience.

Logistics and supply chain management are relevant worldwide, Nelson offers a range of vibrant export markets, making this a great location to further your career.

By selecting this major, graduates will specialise in leadership and management in logistics and supply chain management.

Career opportunities

Major requirements

Learners take advanced management courses, research courses, and logistics and supply chain elective courses, ultimately creating a professional research thesis.*

Elective courses

LSC801 Storage and warehouse techniques (15 credits)

Learners will develop skills, strategies and knowledge to optimise an enterprise's storage and warehouse planning, management and performance. 

LSC802 Transportation, distribution and network management (15 credits)

Learners will develop skills, strategies and knowledge to optimise an enterprise's storage and warehouse planning, management and performance.

LSC803 Strategic procurement and inventory management (15 credits)

Learners will develop skills, strategies and knowledge to optimise an enterprise's storage and warehouse planning, management and performance.

If you have experience or a qualification in a healthcare-related career, this major is designed to take you to the next level in management. This major will teach you about global healthcare systems, trends and issues, focusing on New Zealand.

You will have the opportunity to appraise and critique the management and leadership approaches in the healthcare sector, equipping you with the knowledge to impact healthcare organisations in New Zealand or abroad positively.

Major requirements

Learners take advanced management courses, research courses, and healthcare management courses, ultimately leading to the creation of a professional research thesis in the discipline.*

Career opportunities

Elective courses

HCM801 Healthcare systems management
(15 credits)

Learners will develop a broad understanding of healthcare systems and their management, enabling them to develop the knowledge of designing and constructing suitable healthcare systems, enabling advanced care for patients, and aiming for effective and efficient delivery models.

HCM802 Contemporary healthcare leadership and management (15 credits)

Learners will develop knowledge, skills and strategies for effective leadership and management in various healthcare organisations.

Business analytics is a process of transforming business data into insights to inform decision-making. Mathematics, information technology, and business domain knowledge are emerging disciplines here.

In the increasingly competitive business environment, timely information gives organisations the edge. By selecting this major, graduates will specialise in business analytics in applied management, offering employers technical and advanced management skills.

Major requirements

Learners take advanced management, research, and business analytics courses, which ultimately lead to creating a professional research thesis in the discipline.*

Career opportunities

Elective courses

BAN801 Analytical models and data analysis techniques
(15 credits)

In this course, learners will develop a broad understanding of quantitative management tools and investigate the practical application of analytical models and data analysis techniques to real business problems.

BAN802 Data management and information chains
(15 credits)

Learners will develop value-adding data management strategies to support evidence-based decision-making throughout the organisation, effectively manage information supply chains by using advanced influential leadership skills, and professionally communicate data-driven findings to targeted stakeholders.

Research considerations

Our Business Analytics major contains two discipline areas, and the type of research you complete during your programme of study will depend on which entry pathway you choose (see entry requirements). Throughout your research journey, you will be supported by experienced research supervisors who will advise you on research design.

Pathway 1
Learners complete research in Data Management and Information Chains. This field will examine business analytics management, perceptions, and the operational side from an applied management lens. It is suited for confident managers and leaders.

Pathway 2
Learners complete research in Analytical Models and Data Analysis Techniques. This field applies complex business analytics methods to new business problems to create better business information. This pathway is suited for experienced and confident learners with data analysis and transformation using complex data, mathematics, and techniques.

This programme of study will allow you to customise your Master of Applied Management to give you a specialised skill set unique to your chosen career path.Building upon your qualifications and experience, you can select any courses* from all major disciplines as electives (listed below).

AMultidisciplinary Master of Applied Management gives you the academic freedom to explore research areas that will support your career aspirations. By selecting this major graduates will offer employers versatility and innovation in management and leadership roles.

Learners take advanced management courses and research courses and select elective courses across the programme, ultimately leading to a professional research thesis. Please note that this major name is not listed on the final award.

Career opportunities

Elective courses

MGT806 Agile Management
(15 credits)

In this course, learners will be enabled to use an approach to project management that draws on the Agile Manifesto and 12 Agile Principles in management. They will develop the skills to work iteratively in managing projects, using feedback and stakeholder participation to create products and services in a dynamic work environment.

WBP801 Work Based Project
(30 credits)

Learners will develop the skills to plan, lead, and execute a management project from start to finish. They will use advanced management tools and techniques to design, manage, and evaluate their project, which can be undertaken in their own workplace*. The course requires 20 hours of study per week and occupies 2 elective choice spaces.

MGT809 Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement
(15 credits)

Learners will investigate ways organisations can integrate sustainability into their strategies and increase the use of responsible business practices within and around their organisation by actively developing relationships with key stakeholders.

Elective courses from any of the majors

Choosing your electives 

We pride ourselves on the applied nature of our programmes, with teamwork and peer learning being key to embedding the transferable skills you will learn with us. 

To offer our learners the best study experience, we occasionally need to consolidate some of our elective courses to ensure we have a suitable number of learners in a class. This may result in some of our elective courses being offered more sporadically.

We encourage you to talk to us early about the electives you plan to take so we can develop a study plan with you.

Our advanced management courses at level 8 will give you versatility in navigatingdynamic roles and business environments andprepare you for your applied management research. These courses are compulsory for all majors and are completed in semesters one and two of the programme in preparation for the thesis.

Courses in Master programme:

MGT801 Critical Issues in Management
(15 credits)

Learners will examine emerging trends and confidently debate complex and current managerial issues while seeing them from different perspectives and facilitatingan understanding of the interests/priorities of various stakeholders.

MGT802 Design Thinking and Innovative Entrepreneurship
(15 credits)

In this course, learners will integrate innovation and design thinking into a multidisciplinary decision-making process and employ business strategies with an effective user-centred approach. They will develop products and services within the context of challenges such as inclusion, sustainability, diversity, and the drive to create successful and meaningful organisations.

MGT803 Managing in a Digital World
(15 credits)

Learners will be able to operate effectively with technology-informed management. Learners will be assistedin formulating new opportunities and strategies, process innovation, and in applying various digital tools to improve management in marketing and communication.

MGT804 Leadership and Managing Talent
(15 credits)

Learners can manage people, organisations, and themselves to build sustainable competitive advantage for selected business/professional practices. They will develop skills to manage talent effectively and to create a positive organisational culture. They will also implement systems to support the cultural relevance and ethical and sustainable achievement of organisational goals in line with their values, vision and mission.

As a Master’s learner, you must complete a research thesis offering new insight to your chosen discipline. We have a supported pathway to achieve your research starting in your first semester with RES801.

If you have selected a major in Healthcare Management, Business Analytics, or Logistics and Supply Chain Management, you will complete a small-scale research project in MGT811 (a multidisciplinary major can select MGT811 as an elective) in Semester 2 of the programme. Finally, in the third semester, you will create your Master Thesis in RES904. Throughout the research journey, learners are supported by experienced research supervisors and academic staff.

Courses

RES801 Applied Research Methods
(15 credits)

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of rigorous research practice. It will lay the foundations of research skills relevant to further study and research requirements. Learners will develop the skills to source, interpret, evaluate, and apply credible research evidence. This course aims to teach the theory and practical skills to enable learners to plan and execute rigorous research in their professional practice or chosen major.

MGT811 Special Topic
(15 credits)

Learnerswill develop and apply new skills and techniques to small emerging management problems in an applied business area and their chosen major in preparation for their thesis. The course aims to enable learnersto apply knowledge and skills independently in a scaffolding assessment structure.

RES904 Research Thesis
(60 credits)

Learners will develop and apply advanced skills to independently conduct in-depth applied research which addresses a complex practical management issue. The research involves synthesising theory, empirical evidence, and professional and scholarly sources. Learnerssubmit a final written report as a research thesis.

There are two entry pathways into the Business Analytics major, each leading to one of the two research areas. Below is a description of the entry requirements.

We encourage all applicants with the right skills, education, and experience to apply for the major. We may interview applicants as part of the application process.

Pathway One

• A bachelor’s degree or higher academic qualification in business, which includes at least 15 credits in mathematics and/or statistics.

AND

• At least one year of proven work experience that involved systematically analysing or managing business data as a key aspect of the role.

AND

• Genuine interest in researching business analytics management practices within New Zealand/Australia/Oceania.

Pathway Two

• A bachelor’s degree or higher academic qualification in statistics or a similar discipline (mathematics, data science, engineering) included at least 60 credits in mathematics and/or statistics.

AND

• Genuine interest in researching analytical models and data analysis techniques.

AND

• At least one year of work experience that involved managing people, processes, or projects as a key aspect of the role or any tertiary academic qualification, which included at least 15 credits in business or management.

Applicants must have

Relevant computer skills

Proficiency in computer use, including navigation and file management skills utilising Microsoft OneDrive (e.g., storing and editing files across multiple devices, version control, synchronisation, and sharing). Confidence in using Microsoft Word essential automation, e.g., text formatting using styles, leveraging dynamic table of contents, captions, and cross-references. Experience using Microsoft Excel for data analysis, e.g., absolute, relative, structured referencing, formula syntax, and chart design tools.

Mathematics and statistics fundamentals

A foundational understanding of core arithmetic operations (including exponentiation, extraction of roots, and logarithm), algebra (variables, functions), and statistical concepts (random variables, probability).

An understanding of business concepts

Knowledge of basic business terminology and concepts, such as financial performance, strategy generation and evaluation, business functions, and management practices.

Academic requirements 

• A Bachelor’s degree

OR

• Relevant skills and knowledge acquired through appropriate work or professional experience.

Alternative requirements

Applicants who are unable to evidence that they meet Academic entry requirements, but who can demonstrate acquired skills for postgraduate tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, may be approved for alternative entry by the Curriculum Manager (or delegate)

English language requirements

If English is not the applicant’s first language, applicants will need to provide a result from a test or qualification listed as an acceptable alternative by NZQA English Language Proficiency Outcomes(external link):

• IELTS 6.5 Academic (no lower than 6.0 in each band),

Note: Applicants who do not have evidence of English language skills and are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, may contact NMIT for an assessment

Interview

Applicants may be interviewed to assess their suitability for the programme.

Our Master of Applied Management is completed over three semesters and requires the completion of 180 credits of approved courses. During your first and second semesters, you will complete the advanced management courses, elective and compulsory major courses, and RES801 to complete 120 study credits. In your third and final semester, you complete independent research to create your research thesis for RES904. If you are a part-time learner, this duration will be longer.

General Completion requirement’s structure:

Advanced Management Course – Compulsory 60 credits, all majors

• MGT801 Critical Issues in Management
• MGT802 Design Thinking and Innovative Entrepreneurship
• MGT803 Managing in a Digital World
• MGT804 Leadership and Managing Talent

Major or Elective Courses – Compulsory 60 credits depending on selected major

• LSC801 Storage and Warehouse Techniques
• LSC802 Transportation, Distribution and Network Management
• LSC803 Strategic Procurement and Inventory Management
• HCM801 Healthcare Systems Management
• HCM802 Contemporary Healthcare Leadership and Management
• BAN801 Analytical Models and Data Analysis Techniques
• BAN802 Data Management and Information Chains
• WBP801 Work-based Project
• MGT806 Agile Management
• MGT809 Sustainability and Stakeholder Engagement

Research Courses – Compulsory 75- 90 credits depending on selected major

• RES801 Applied Research Methods
• MGT811 Special Topic
• RES904 Research Thesis

We have a dedicated Programme Support Team that will support you in selecting the right study plan to complete your Master's. Learners can enrol in the Postgraduate Certificate or Postgraduate Diploma and continue to the Master. Speak to our Programme Support Team about your options.

This programme is delivered following the 17-week semester model. Each semester, learners complete up to 60 credits of courses (please note that 60 credits per semester is required to be a full-time learner).

When will I attend class?

A student can expect to attend one, two-hour class each week per course on campus. These classes run between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

As a full-time learner, you will attend 8 hours of classes per week on campus. In addition to these classes you will have regular academic and research workshops to support you learning.

How much time do I need to spend studying each semester?

As a general indication, for each level 8 (15 credit) course, you can expect 150 total learning hours per semester.

• 30 hours of teaching in a classroom environment
• 120 self-directed learning (averaging 7 - 8 hours per week) working through course material and assignments outside of class time using Moodle

Thus, for each 15-credit course, each week, a student can expect 10 hours of study (comprised of 2 hours of classroom teaching and 8 hours of self-directed learning). For a full-time study with 4 courses in a semester, this means 8 hours of face-to-face classroom teaching and 32 hours of self-directed learning per week, for a total of 40 hours.

Choosing your electives

We pride ourselves in the applied nature of our business programmes, with teamwork and peer learning a key part of embedding the transferable skills you will learn with us.

To offer our students the best experience in their study, we occasionally need to consolidate some of our elective courses to ensure we have a suitable number of students in a class together. This may result in some of our elective courses being offered more sporadically, and students aiming to complete programmes in a short timeframe need to choose from a tighter range of elective courses and therefore majors.

We encourage you to talk to us early about the electives you aim to take, so we can work with you to develop a learning plan.

You will need to have a laptop or desktop (a laptop is preferred because it is easier to bring to campus) and your preferred method for taking notes in class. You will also require regular access to the internet for self-study activities in addition to the student Wi-Fi on campus.

Every course has a dedicated Moodle page, our education online platform, where learners can access resources and assessment instruction, submit assessments, and communicate with their tutor via forums. Learners also have access to Office365 and the NMIT library catalogue (print, ebooks, research databases).

As a Master’s learner, you will be required to use APA7 referencing, navigate research databases, and academic writing. Our Library Learner Services regularly run workshops throughout the programme to support learners in developing and refining these skills in preparation for the thesis.

Learners will also be required to read widely in academic texts and articles to complete assessments and support their research. Our Library Learner Services can help learners develop research reading techniques to efficiently read large volumes of academic texts.

Evidence of previous study or extensive work experience can be used to apply for recognition of academic credit (RAC), also known as Recognition of prior Learning (RPL) or Cross credit (CC) potentially allowing you to skip courses which you can show you hold the required skills and knowledge for already.

If you think you may be eligible for Recognition of Academic Credit (RAC), contact us about making an appointment to discuss this with our Student Learning Advisor. It is useful to bring along documentation such as:

• Previous academic transcripts
• Course Descriptors or Syllabus including Learning Outcomes
• Curriculum vitae and work history

The Student Learning Advisor will help you assess your eligibility for Recognition of Academic Credit and advise you on what further evidence you may need to provide and fees. It is recommended the RAC processes is started a minimum of eight weeks prior to the course start date to ensure time for assessment and processing.

Find out more about the NMIT Policies and Procedures(external link) around Recognition of Academic Credit.