REQUEST TO COLLEGE CURRICULUM COMMITTEE FOR CURRICULAR IMPROVEMENTS
DEPARTMENT:
COLLEGE:
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Fall 2009
Business
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS
Academic Program
New degree*
New major*
New curriculum*
New concentration*
New certificate
New minor
Revised major
Revised minor
Admission requirements
Graduation requirements
Deletion
Transfer
Other (explain**)
Substantive Course Changes
New course
Prerequisite(s)
Deletion (required by others)
Course #, different level
Credit hours
Enrollment restriction
Course-level restriction
Prefix
Title and description
(attach current & proposed)
Misc. Course Changes
Title
Description (attach current & proposed)
Deletion (not required by others)
Course #, same level
Variable credit
Credit/no credit
Cross-listing
COGE reapproval
Other (explain**)
General education (select one)
Not Applicable
Other (explain**)
** Other: Master of Business Administration Degree to be offered in Beijing, China
Title of degree, curriculum, major, minor, concentration, or certificate:
Existing course prefix and #:
Proposed course prefix and #:
Credit hours:
Existing course title:
Proposed course title:
Existing course prerequisite(s):
Proposed course prerequisite(s):
Specifications for University Schedule of Classes:
a. Course title (maximum of 28 spaces):
b. Multi-topic course: No
c. Repeatable for credit: No
d. Mandatory credit/no credit: No
e. Type of class and contact hours per week (check type and indicate hours as appropriate)
1.
Lecture
3.
Lecture/lab/discussion
5.
Independent study
2.
Lab or discussion
4.
Seminar or
studio
6.
Supervision or practicum
f. Curriculum code:
g. Major code:
Chair/Director
Date
Chair, College Curriculum Committee
Date
Dean
Date
Catalog editor: Return to dean
Date
Forward to:
Chair, COGE/ PEB / FS President
Date
Date
FOR NEW DEGREE, MAJOR, CURRICULUM, OR CONCENTRATION
*
Approve
Disapprove
Chair, GSC/USC
Date
*
Approve
Disapprove
Provost
Date
Revised August 2003. All previous forms are obsolete and should not be used.
1.
Explain briefly and clearly the proposed improvement.
The Franklin Institute of Management (FIM) of Beijing, China has approached Western Michigan University (WMU) to
jointly offer a WMU Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program for Executives in Beijing. This is not a new
degree program. Graduates of the Beijing program will receive the Master of Business Administration degree, the
same degree that any individual would receive if he/she completed requirements at any WMU campus located in
Michigan. The principle differences are as follows: 1.) those enrolling in the Beijing program would all be Chinese
executives with at least seven years of managerial experience; 2.) the Beijing program will be offered in brief and
intensive modules rather than semesters; 3.) Beijing participants will not have an MBA concentration, but will rather
complete predetermined course requirements for a general MBA; 4.) successful applicants will not have to take the
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) since they will have at least seven years of managerial experience;
5.) successful applicants will not have to take the Test of English as a Foreing Language (TOEFL) since coursework
is offered in sequential translation; and 6.) students will probably be invited to visit WMU campus and nearby areas
upon graduation.
Although FIM would act as WMU’s agent in Beijing, WMU would have ownership over all aspects of the program.
The Beijing MBA Program for Executives would be general purpose, with predetermined “electives,” rather than
electives chosen by the participants. Participants will all hold degrees from Chinese universities (many, if not most, in
engineering), and will have at least seven years of post-baccalaureate managerial experience. Students will complete
a total of 16 courses, earning three credit hours for each course. The 16 courses would include: 1.) four Business
Core (prerequisites) courses; 2.) nine required courses; and 3.) three predetermined elective courses. Coursework is
the same as that completed by MBA students at either the Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, or Grand Rapids campus.
Because the degree will be conferred by the WMU Board of Trustees, HCoB will coordinate the specific courses to be
taught, and the material to be covered will be developed in concert with FIM.
At least twelve of the sixteen courses provided by the Haworth College of Business (HCoB) will be delivered by faculty
holding full-time appointments with the HCoB. If other faculty not regularly affiliated with the HCoB are used, they will
meet the HCoB standard We would like to invite the students to come to Kalamazoo at the end of the program to
participate in commencement ceremonies here.
Classes will be held intensively over a four day period of eight to ten hours per day, probably Thursday through
Sunday. In addition, students will expect two to four hours of homework per night, as well as some preparatory work
to be completed before each course begins. Courses could be offered once per month, except that we might want to
have two summer months in which two courses are offered. This would permit completion of the program in about 13
months. Courses will be offered in English, with sequential translation in to Mandarin Chinese. Exams, presentations
and other graded items will be offered and completed in Chinese. FIM will furnish translators and graders who are
both bilingual and experts in the functional areas.
2.
Rationale. Give your reason(s) for the proposed improvement. (If your proposal includes prerequisites, justify those,
too.)
First, we expect enrollment growth. There will be 30 students in each MBA cohort, and for the first two years there
will be one MBA cohort/year. This enrollment growth is consistent with the WMU Academic Affairs Plan for 20062008 titled “Building a Culture of Student Success.” This plan identified the University’s priorities as enrolling more
undergraduate and graduate students and retaining the students admitted, both within the context of WMU’s research
mission.
The second expected outcome is modest financial growth for the university. WMU will receive $21,000 per course, or
$40,000 if two sections of the course are offered. WMU will be responsible for faculty stipends and travel costs, in a
manner to be determined later. The Haenicke Institute will handle the processing of applications. The HCoB will also
provide WMU with 20% of the gross receipts from FIM ($4,200/course). After compensating faculty, paying travel
costs, and transferring 20% of gross receipts to WMU, we expect a small profit
The third outcome is internationalizing our faculty. Several years ago WMU delivered the MBA program in
Singapore. Faculty teaching in the Singapore program stated that it increased their international awareness and
allowed them to better understand other cultures and the challenges faced by international students studying in
southwest Michigan.
3.
Effect on other colleges, departments or programs. If consultation with others is required, attach evidence of
consultation and support. If objections have been raised, document the resolution. Demonstrate that the program you
propose is not a duplication of an existing one.
With the exception of one course, Western Michigan University faculty teaching in the MBA Program for Executives
will come from the Haworth College of Business. ECON 6010, Basic Economic Analysis, is offered through the
Economics Department. If the Economics Department is unable or unwilling to staff this course, we will staff it with a
local instructor or with a fully qualified faculty member from another university. With the exception of the Economics
Department, there is no effect on other colleges. All teaching in the MBA Program for Executives will be on an
overload basis. No faculty member will be required to teach in the Beijing program.
4.
Effect on your department’s programs. Show how the proposed change fits with other departmental offerings.
Beijing participants will complete courses chosen from among the same courses that might be selected by a student
completing an MBA at any of WMU's campuses.
5.
Effects on enrolled students: Are program conflicts avoided? Will your proposal make it easier or harder for students
to meet graduation requirements? Can students complete the program in a reasonable time? Show that you have
considered scheduling needs and demands on students’ time. If a required course will be offered during summer only,
provide a rationale.
We anticipate no program conflicts.
Our proposal would certainly make it easier for Chinese managers to complete WMU MBA degree requirements since
they will not have to travel to the United States to complete coursework for a WMU MBA.
Students can complete the program in about 13 months. This is faster than most students complete WMU's domestic
MBA program.
We have considered scheduling needs. Target dates are shown below:
1. Accounting 6010
2. Economics 6010
3. Law 6040
4. Finance 6020
5. Business 6150
6. Business 6160
7. Accountancy 6110
8. Finance 6120
9. Marketing 6130
10. Management/Marketing 6140
11. Business 6180
12. Management 6170
13. Elective
14. Elective
15. Elective
16. Business 6990
6.
September 2009
October 2009
November 2009
December 2009
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010
May 2010
June 2010
June 2010
July 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 2010
October 2010
Student or external market demand. What is your anticipated student audience? What evidence of student or market
demand or need exists? What is the estimated enrollment? What other factors make your proposal beneficial to
students?
We expect enrollment growth of 30 students in each Beijing MBA cohort. Participants will all hold the equivalent of
undergraduate degrees from Chinese universities (many, if not most, in engineering), and will have at least seven
years of post-graduation work experience. The FIM is very experienced in offering management education. We
believe that FIM is a valuable counterparty. Dean Shields worked with them while at the University of Houston, and
they have proven to be trustworthy, reliable and more than competent. In addition to the program with the University
of Houston, FIM has also offered MBA programs in China in partnership with the University of Iowa, the University of
Pittsburgh, and Purdue University.
Ms. Shushan Wu, FIM Executive Vice President, has had extensive experience working with American universities to
deliver programs such as the WMU MBA. She has a good understanding of the market demand for U.S. graduate
level education in Beijing as well as how to best price and position the WMU MBA for success. She enthusiastically
agrees that there is a need for the proposed MBA Program for Executives.
The Chinese economy is growing rapidly, and there is a need for professional managers. The MBA Program for
Executives will offer graduate level education for technically-trained executives.
7.
Effects on resources. Explain how your proposal would affect department and University resources, including faculty,
equipment, space, technology, and library holdings. Tell how you will staff additions to the program. If more advising
will be needed, how will you provide for it? How often will course(s) be offered? What will be the initial one-time costs
and the ongoing base-funding costs for the proposed program? (Attach additional pages, as necessary.)
All faculty teaching in the program will be from the Haworth College of Business. Faculty will volunteer to teach in the
program; no one will be required to do so.
FIM shall be responsible for:
a. Providing information about the companies sending students to the program to the extent it is available.
b. Providing satisfactory local accommodations for faculty. If the accommodations are not within easy walking
distance from the classroom, transportation between the hotel and the classroom will be provided by the FIM.
c. Arranging for a high quality executive education facility in Beijing. The classrooms will permit use of modern
instructional technology similar or superior to that available on the Grand Rapids’ or Kalamazoo campuses. All
classrooms will be equipped with two projectors so that material can be projected in English and Chinese
simultaneously.
d. Arranging for faculty, as well as students, to have internet access.
e. Arranging for all facility amenities and translated materials to be present, as needed.
f. Providing adequate student and faculty support services. Included in these are access to photocopying services
and a fax machine.
g. Arranging for the delivery of all participant materials.
h. Providing a dedicated program coordinator for the administration of the program.
i. Providing translation services of all lectures.
j. Underwriting the full cost of event production, including, but not limited to, classrooms, license fees,
refreshments/snacks, guest speakers, visitors, rehearsals, reviews, and graduation ceremonies.
k. Underwriting the full cost of participants’ (students’) expenses, including, but not limited to, binders, handouts,
textbooks, name cards, breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and the graduation banquet.
l. Underwriting the full cost of taxes and other regulatory requirements imposed by the Chinese government on the
HCB or any of its faculty.
m. Underwriting the full cost of faculty airport pickup and departure transportation service.
Western Michigan University will have full academic ownership of the program shall be responsible for all academic
issues, including:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
making admissions decisions
maintaining student records
assigning appropriately credentialed faculty
assigning a program director from the HCoB faculty who will ensure the success of the program
assessing faculty teaching and student learning
documenting achievement of expected outcomes
In short, students in Beijing will have access to the same level of learning resources and support services as students
studying in Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, or Grand Rapids. As indicated above, the agreement between WMU and FIM
stipulates that FIM will provide a dedicated program coordinator for the administration of the program. This individual
will deliver the same level of service as that currently provided by Ms. Caras-Tomczak, Dr. Ruhl, and Ms.
Heydenberk. The WMU/FIM agreement also specifies that FIM students will have access to a networked computer
lab. FIM will collect the tuition from each applicant or his/her employer, and will then compensate the marketing firm
for their efforts. FIM will also assume responsibility for books, food, lodging and classroom facilities, translation and
other items.
There is no financial risk for Western Michigan University. FIM will guarantee WMU $21,000 per course for 16
courses. FIM will be responsible for faculty stipend and travel costs, in a manner to be determined later. Total gross
receipts coming to WMU would then be $21,000/course X 16 courses = $336,000. We will also compensate WMU
(the Provost's Office and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education) at a rate of 20% of our gross receipts from FIM
(or, $4,200 per course). In exchange, WMU agrees to enroll students in the university and process records
appropriately.
Instructional cost per course will be approximately $14,000, which includes faculty salary and benefits, roundtrip
coach class airfare to Beijing, and lodging and per diem in Beijing. Since the MBA Program for Executives consists of
16 class modules, total instructional cost will be $224,000 ($14,000/course X 16 courses). HCoB Dean David Shields
plans to travel to Beijing in advance of the start of the first MBA class and for commencement exercises for the first
cohort. These additional travel costs would be about $3,500 for each trip or a total of $7,000. Thus, total costs
related to one cohort of Beijing MBA students would be $224,000 + $7,000 or $231,000.
Since gross receipts (calculated above) are $336,000 and total costs are $231,000, we anticipate a gross profit of
$105,000 ($336,000 - $231,000). WMU (the Provost's Office and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education) will
receive 20% of gross receipts of $67,200 ($336,000 X 20%). Thus, HCoB anticipates net profit of $37,800
($105,000 - $67,200).
Classes will be held intensively over a four day period of eight to ten hours per day, probably Thursday through
Sunday.
8.
General education criteria. For a general education course, indicate how this course will meet the criteria for the area
or proficiency. (See the General Education Policy for descriptions of each area and proficiency and of their criteria.
Attach additional pages as necessary. Attach a syllabus if (a) proposing a new course, (b) requesting certification for
baccalaureate-level writing, or (c) requesting reapproval of an existing course.)
NA
Catalog Copy
The Master Of Business Administration Program for Executives in Beijing, China
Western Michigan University has partnered with the Franklin Institute of Management (FIM) of Beijing, China to offer
the WMU Master of Business Administration Program for Executives in Beijing. The Beijing MBA would be general
purpose, with predetermined electives. Participants will have at least seven years of post-baccalaureate work
experience. They will complete a total of 16 courses and travel to Kalamazoo at the end of the program to participate
in commencement ceremonies.
Classes will be held intensively over a four day period of eight to ten hours per day, probably Thursday through
Sunday. In addition, students will expect two to four hours of homework per night, as well as some preparatory work,
to be completed before each course begins. Courses will be offered once per month, permiting completion of the
program in slightly more than one year. Courses will be offered in English, with sequential translation into Mandarin
Chinese. Exams, presentations and other graded items will be offered and completed in Chinese.
Admission Requirements
The students will be recruited by staff of the FIM supported by staff of the Haworth College of Business. The ultimate
enrollment decision for each student will rest with the HCoB. Successful applicants will have a minimum of seven
years of work experience.
The application form will be approved by both parties prior to distribution to applicants. FIM will receive applications
for admission to the program. A completed application file will include:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
A completed and signed application form;
A resume, statement of objectives and self-evaluation statement;
Official academic records in both English and Chinese;
Copies of Degree, Diploma Certificates, and English translation;
Two completed and sealed appraisal letters;
Four recent color photos (1` x 1`).
An official academic record must include:
a.
b.
Complete name;
Date of birth;
c.
d.
e.
Dates of attendance;
A complete record of all courses undertaken and all marks earned; and
Degree awarded and date of conferral.
FIM will screen the applications to ensure that they are complete. FIM will forward to WMU the applications of those
who meet the minimum standards along with a report concerning each applicant’s interview. A US$50 non-refundable
application fee paid by the applicant will accompany each application sent to WMU.
Language of Instruction
All instruction in the program shall be conducted in Mandarin Chinese, with sequential translation into English. All
course materials will be prepared in English and provided to the FIM at an agreed upon date for translation into
Chinese by the FIM.
Program Requirements
Students shall complete the following 16 courses:
1. Accounting 6010, Accountancy
2. Economics 6010, Basic Economic Analysis
3. Law 6040 , Legal, Regulatory, and Political Aspects of Business
4. Finance 6020, Corporate Finance
5. Business 6150, Global Business and Intercultural Communication
6. Business 6160, Business Policy and the Social and Ethical Environment
7. Accountancy 6110, Managerial Accounting
8. Finance 6120, Financial Management
9. Marketing 6130, Customer-Driven Marketing Management
10. Management/Marketing 6140, Business Process Management
11. Business 6180, Information Technology Management
12. Management 6170, Managing Human Resources and Behavior
13. Graduate Business Elective
14. Graduate Business Elective
15. Graduate Business Elective
16. Business 6990, Business Strategy