Bachelor of IBA

Bachelor of International Business Administration (BIBA)

Welcome to the Bachelor of International Business Administration (BIBA) programme, we offer the following degree:

1. Name of Degree

Bachelor of International Business Administration, BIBA

With Majors in:

• International Business
• Tourism Management
• Hospitality Management
• Accounting and Finance( to be introduced)

2.   Rationale

Global Business is everywhere among us. No matter if in multinational companies or in national businesses, in the public or private sector, in enterprises or in non-profit organizations, in industry or in the service sector - globalization concerns everyone. Such an environment needs people, who do not only have the basics of management, but also understand how to move in a diverse, multicultural world. In this context, the Bachelor of International Business Administration programme provides an educational response to the transformation of many businesses in this dynamic region into global enterprises, and will prepare students to succeed in the global business environment.

The irresistible forces of globalization also pose challenges especially for small open economies. How can a country like Oman, with a small population and striving to make the transition from oil dependence to a diversified economy, sustain high living standards? The answer is to look outside of Oman, which has been the case under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said that has changed the Oman's destiny, putting it firmly on a course for comprehensive development in every sphere of life. His Majesty's firm belief is also that this process can be enhanced through the power of education which is highlighted in the teachings of the Holy Quran: "the ignorant are not equal to those who know".

Therefore, the pathway towards "openness" requires of Omanis to understand the importance of International Business in order to support Oman's economic development and to further its integration into the world economy by preparing highly competent, internationally-oriented business leaders capable of working within the Omani economic environment, while adapting to the driving forces of business globalization, international competition, and international co-operation. The Bachelor in International Business Administration qualification would help aspiring international managers in Oman with the transformation of their business and their country.

3. IBA Degree Graduates Attributes

The key attributes are:

• Citizenship – graduates have developed awareness and holistic understanding of their role as responsible citizens in an increasingly globalised context by acquiring the generic skills like teamwork and social responsibility.
  
  
• Communication – graduates have excellent oral, aural, written, and electronic communication skills as well as numerical, technical and graphic communication skills.
  
  
• Connectedness – graduates think globally and thrive locally by acquiring the generic skills such as flexibility and leadership
  
  
• Critical thinking – graduates are able to engage real-world problems in a theoretically informed, rigorous, and questioning manner.
  
  
• Personal practical Knowledge – Graduates are able to identify, retrieve, evaluate, use relevant information and current technologies to advance learning and execute work tasks by possessing the following skills
  
  
  • Creativity: Can conceive of imaginative and innovative responses to future orientated challenges and research.
    
    
  • Knowledge Base: Have an understanding of the broad theoretical and technical concepts related to their discipline area, with relevant connections to industry, professional, regional and indigenous knowledge
    
    
• Commercial context – graduates recognise the importance of a broad understanding of the business environment and organisational context in which management decisions are made.

4.  Career opportunities

Career opportunities for international business graduates are many and varied, including the emerging Hospitality and Tourism industries which are truly international with graduates finding employment in the wide range of businesses and enterprises delivering services in these areas.

Graduates will have sufficient knowledge and skills to gain employment either domestically or internationally as described below:

4.1 International Business Management

International management is the field of management that deals with business activities that cross national boundaries. This encompasses the movement of goods, services, capital, technology and personnel. The dramatic liberalisation that has occurred in Oman in recent years means the relevant competitive arena for many organisations is now an international one. Oman's future dependence on international trade, growing links within the Asia Pacific Rim and product diversification means the quality and appropriateness of international business management education will be important influences on its international competitiveness.

Career Opportunities

• International Trade Policy Advisor
• International Trade Analyst
• International Counsellor or Adviser
• Industrial Development Analyst
• Business Development Advisor
• Management Positions, MNEs, SMEs
• International Marketing Analyst
• International Business Consulting
• International Corporate Assignments

Prospective Employers

• International and Government Organisations
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Ministry of National Economy
• Ministry of Tourism
• Multinational Enterprises
• Small-Medium sized Firms Operating Internationally
• Omani Centre for Investment Promotion and Export Development
• Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Import/Export Operators

4.2 Tourism Management

The study of tourism involves describing, explaining and forecasting the intentions, activities and experiences of people in leisure and travel pursuits, as well as understanding the social, cultural and environmental implications of tourism activity. The rapid growth of domestic and international tourism has led to an increasing demand for graduates who have a functional and critical understanding of tourism in its wider social, cultural, economic, and political contexts.

Career Opportunities

• Tourism Operations Manager
• Hotel and Resort Manager
• Regional or National Tourism Planner
• Local Authority Policy Analyst in Tourism
• Environmental Planning Researcher
• Events Planner
• Outdoor Leisure Manager
• Tourism Consultant
• Sport and Leisure Programme Promoter
• Sport and Leisure Facilities Marketer

Prospective Employers

• Tourism and Hospitality Organisations
• National and international Airlines
• Hotels and Resorts
• Leisure Organisations
• Tourism and Leisure Attractions
• Research and Tourism Consultancies
• Regional and National Tourism Boards
• Adventure Tourism Operations
• International Development Organisations
• Museums
• Universities and other Tertiary Organisations
• Government Departments such as the Department of Conservation and the Ministry for the Environment
• Sporting Organisations
• Special Events Management and Planning Organisations

4.3  Hospitality Management

Hospitality management is internationally defined as being the management of any business that supplies food, drink or accommodation for those away from home. This includes resorts, hotels, motels, recreation and holiday parks, conferance and convention  centres, restaurants, cafes and other related industries that deal with tourism and leisure.

Career Opportunities

• Front Office Manager
• Rooms Division Manager
• Food and Beverage Manager
• Hotel Manager
• Restaurant and Bar Manager
• Travel and Accommodation Facilitator
• Catering Services Manager
• Tourism Operator
• Airlines Industry
• Financial Controller

Prospective Employers

• Tourism and Hospitality Organisations
• Commercial Caterers
• Hotels and Resorts
• Tourism and Leisure Attractions
• Museums

5. Distinctive Features of Delivery

Distinctive features of the degree include:

• The chance to mix management and international language studies;
• Opportunities to engage in team based projects;
• Investigative research supported by business organisations is a core requirement;
• The development of analytical skills involving both quantitative and qualitative skills;
• Unique emphasis on developing a constructive and critical understanding of management.

6.   The Assessment Regime

All assessable work should reflect the learning objectives of the course and the basis of assessment is clearly communicated to students in the course outline plan.  Assessment usually involves a mixture of exercises, quizzes, tests, projects, essays, cases and examinations. A common assessment ratio is internal assessment 50 % and final examination is 50%.

7.  Degree Completion Requirements

To complete the degree, students must accumulate 128 credit hours during the four years of the programme. The BIBA degree plans and course descriptions are listed below where the courses are listed for both core studies and each component major