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UNIVERSITY OF CANTERBURY
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha
CUAP Proposal-New Qualification/Subject
Section A
Proposal Description
Purpose of the proposal
To introduce a Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership (PGCertStratLdrship).
Justification
Discussions with current students, practicing managers and human resource professionals suggest that there is a need for
module-based leadership development within the Christchurch and South Island business communities. It is likely that
this need will increase during the post-earthquake rebuilding process. Business schools throughout New Zealand meet this
need through the provision of diplomas and certificates that offer part of the content of their full MBA programme. In
many cases, these diploma and certificate programmes account for the majority of MBA course enrolments. The
University of Waikato, for example, had an average of 150 students in its Postgraduate Diploma of Management between
2008 and 2010. This diploma, in turn provides, a pool of high quality students who are eligible to transfer into Waikato’s
full MBA programme, receiving credit for the MBA courses already completed as part of the Diploma. More than fifty
percent of Waikato’s current MBA students have transferred from its Postgraduate Diploma. A similar pattern is evident
at the University of Otago.
In keeping with the diploma and certificate programmes of other New Zealand universities, the proposed Postgraduate
Certificate in Strategic Leadership would be available to experienced managers who do not necessarily possess a
Bachelor degree. Entry for such managers would be subject to MBA Director’s and Dean’s approval. It is intended that
students who complete the academic requirements of the Postgraduate Certificate with a B average would be eligible to
transfer into the full MBA programme. The Postgraduate Certificate’s content will be based on the following six MBA
courses: Business Strategy; Responsible Leadership; Leading Change; Leading Sustainable Enterprises; Managerial Skills
and Organisational Behaviour; and Managing People and Performance. While Maori and Pasifika leadership models are
not addressed specifically in these courses, the emphasis on sustainable practice, responsible leadership and holistic
approaches to leadership (including spirituality and character) have a strong resonance with Maori and Pasifika managers.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership would meet the needs of managers and organisations in the
Christchurch region and more broadly throughout the South Island. It would provide a staircase to the UC MBA and, in
so doing, would enhance the career prospects of students and strengthen the pool of applicants for the UC MBA.
Acceptability
The proposal is based on discussions with practising managers and human resource professionals. These discussions
point to a developmental need that could be met by offering aspects of the UC MBA in certificate form. Meetings have
been held with past and present student groups who unanimously support the proposed certificate. The idea of
professional executive development courses received support from the College of Business and Economics Advisory
Group when raised in 2010. A recent discussion with the chair of the Advisory Group, Gerard Quinn (CEO Canterbury
Development Corp) confirmed his support for the proposed certificate. A number of senior managers from around the
region responded via email and the comments below are representative of their views:
“The block course format is ideally suited for us and is definitely preferred, especially by the more senior managers who
find this much easier to accommodate with the demands of their roles. The other element that was important to us was
the ability to convert the certificate or diploma to credit towards the requirements for an MBA if desired.”
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Wayne Coumbe, Human Resources Manager, Airways New Zealand
“I feel there is urgent need for management development outside of the [full] MBA programme. The environment we are
working in has significantly changed in the last two years with the global financial crisis, our economy, climate change
pressures and the uncertainties of the future. A block course format will open the doors to many working managers. The
Friday/Saturday format is also a good idea as most companies are supportive of development but like to see the employee
put a little of their own time into the mix as well, as it adds into the buy in. I look forward to seeing how this shapes out.”
Erik Barnes Group Manager - Services and Assets, Southland District Council.
“I like block [courses]. Your point of differentiation reads like a leadership programme for specialist managers [wanting
to build leadership capability]. I think there would be a market for that...”
Richard Copeland, Human Resources Manager, Tait Radio Communication.
“The course sounds great and is something I might even consider myself. The content is appropriate to what managers
are currently experiencing in the business environment. The block course element is appealing for busy managers and I
am pleased that Canterbury University is considering study at this level for managers based on experience. In my view,
this has been missing locally and has forced people to look elsewhere to further their skills/education via
correspondence.”
Lichelle Guyan, Southern Area Manager, Land Information New Zealand.
Also of interest was the feedback from a number of managers of local NGOs. These managers were asked for general
feedback but most responded by saying they would like to enrol in the programme.
“The title as a diploma, rather than certificate, would seem to give it more weight. Being able to cross credit to an MBA
is very attractive. Block courses [are] a good idea but [I] have a mixed response to the idea of a module on a Saturday
due to this interfering with family responsibilities. To be attractive, the courses would need to have a strong practical
component in terms of being relevant to day-to-day work and increasing capability. [It is] important the courses are
linked to ensure that that the whole course hangs together. Overall it would seem to be a flyer.”
Don Mortensen, General Manager, STOP Trust.
“I myself would be interested in taking a closer look at this qualification. Block courses work really well for me.”
Mike Field, Director, CYDP.
“I would certainly be interested, especially if it was possible to get a clear idea if the courses are purely
theoretical/classroom based or have practical components, and if they will recognise prior/current learning in the context
of our work environment.”
Jono Campbell, Te Orahou.
“Thanks for looping me into this opportunity. I would be keen to explore this further.”
Chris Mene, MD, The Active Room.
“Thanks for sending this information through. I am very interested. I have an undergraduate degree and also currently
[am] one course short of a Postgrad Diploma and was looking at the MBA as a next step, so this way of accessing the
programme and information would be fabulous!”
Tina Mackie, Manager, Youthline, Central South Island
“A few thoughts are....I like:
* The concept , That it's local, That it can be cross-credited and lead to further study, That the courses are (relatively)
short, The mixture of taught and self-study, "Block" design, The areas covered by the course.
“Not sure about:
* Whether this is for managers in general, or targeted to those in NGOs, Health etc, or whether this matters, Whether I
want to give up Saturdays I would prefer working week.”
Trevor Batin, Waipuna Trust.
In-depth discussions with programme directors at Waikato and Otago have provided strong support for the Certificate
concept and have revealed a perplexity as to why we did not offer such programmes years ago.
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The proposed Certificate has been extensively discussed by the College Executive, the College Postgraduate Committee
and the Commerce Faculty. This discussion has fitted within the wider context of the College’s plans to develop a
sustainable suite of professional and executive courses aligning with the needs of local stakeholders. Also within the
University, the proposal has been circulated to the Deans and Academic Managers of other faculties, the PVC Learning
Resources, the Director of the Academic Development Group, and to the UCSA.
Goals of the programme
The key purpose of the proposed programme is to build the, knowledge, skills and capabilities of managers in the South
Island region. This aim is consistent with the mission of the UC MBA which is “to develop leaders who create vibrant,
internationally competitive organisations and contribute to the well-being of their communities”. It is also in alignment
with the university’s mission in that it is designed to impart knowledge in an important “chosen area” to managers who
have a high “potential to make a difference”. It is aligned with the university’s strategic plan in that it is meeting a
specific “societal need” for accessible and relevant executive education. In so doing, it will stimulate greater engagement
with the local and regional business communities and enhance the capability and career prospects of practicing managers.
Graduate profile
1. Graduates will have in-depth knowledge of the tasks and skills required for effective, strategic leadership and the
national and global context within which the role of the manager is located.
2. Graduates will understand the need for, and the practice of sustainable and responsible leadership.
3. Students will be proficient at setting direction, building teams, engaging people and leading change in complex
organisational environments.
4. Graduates will understand the personal foundations of Strategic Leadership, particularly those relating to
emotional intelligence, spiritual intelligence, resilience and character.
5. Graduates will have high levels of awareness of their capability as leaders, including a clear sense of direction
and a comprehensive plan for their future learning and development.
Outcome statement
Graduates will be able to demonstrate enhanced skill and capability as managerial leaders. They will be able to analyse
critically and practice the tasks and skills of Strategic Leadership within both the national and global contexts. They will
understand the need for sustainable management and, within this context, be capable of setting direction, developing
strategy, building teams, motivating high performance, engaging people and leading change and innovation in complex
organisational environments. As such, graduates will be able to provide effective leadership to a wide range of
organisations in both the public and private sectors.
Programme overview
Admission to the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership programme will require a Bachelors degree and/or at
least five years equivalent practical, professional or scholarly experience of an appropriate kind. Students will be required
to complete six courses focused on building knowledge and developing skills in responsible leadership. The six courses
will be modular versions of established MBA courses, each of which is at NZQF level 8. Each course will be taught in
two sessions of one and a half days (i.e., two sets of a Friday afternoon and Saturday amounting to twelve hours per set)
with a four-week break between them. Flexibility and accessibility will be key features of the programme and students
will be able to take the courses in any sequence. Upon completion of all six courses and attaining an overall B average,
students will have the option of transferring to the full UC MBA programme with credit for the above MBA courses
already completed.
Proposed new regulations and prescriptions (use the Calendar Form at the end of Section A)
See attached Calendar Form
Proposed teaching/delivery methods
The Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership will comprise six 10 point courses. (For course details, please see
Calendar entry). Each course will be taught in modular format via two sessions of one and a half days on Friday
afternoons and Saturdays, totalling 24 contact hours per course. Three courses will be offered in each semester. Students
may commence the programme in either semester and may complete the courses in any order. The modular (Friday
afternoon/Saturday) format is designed to be as accessible as possible to part-time students from Canterbury and the
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broader South Island region. Teaching will involve interactive lectures, workshop sessions and group exercises.
Assessment procedures
Assessment methods will be tailored to meet the learning outcomes of each course. Overall, a range of assessment
methods will be used including written assignments, case studies, project work with written and oral presentations,
reflective journals, development plans and invigilated, closed book examinations.
Predicted student numbers/EFTS
The former UC Graduate Diploma in Management (Industry Stream) was a comparable programme which regularly
attracted 15-20 students per year. With the greater focus on leadership development, the option of subsequent access to
the UC MBA and effective marketing, the proposed Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership should attract
between 20 and 30 students per year.
Resources
The proposed Certificate in Strategic Leadership will require six teaching staff. We have an excellent team of permanent
and adjunct staff who already teach the UC MBA programme. These people will be available to teach the six certificate
courses. Students will mostly rely on course materials, but access to some library resources (particularly digital) will be
required. It is also usual to provide morning and afternoon refreshments for students. A comfortable, quiet, well-lit
teaching space will be required for each of the courses.
Plans for monitoring programme quality
Oversight of the programme will be the responsibility of the Director of Postgraduate Management Development
Programmes, supported by the existing MBA Board and Advisory Committee which comprises staff, students and
sponsoring organisations. These bodies will review and develop the programme on an ongoing basis in consultation with
the professional accreditation body AMBA. All courses will have class and teaching evaluations conducted annually. The
Director will maintain a close relationship with teaching staff.
Confirmation that Section B has been prepared and is available to CUAP on request
Section B is available on request.
For New Qualifications – TEC/NZQA/NZVCC Requirements
EFTS value of qualification
0.50 EFTS
NZSCED code
080301
NZQA exit level of qualification to go on the New Zealand
Qualifications Framework
.
NZQF Level 8
Statement regarding funding
The proposed qualification meets the requirements for funding under Rule SAC066 in that the programme:

Builds on the undergraduate degree of the same or similar discipline at level 8.

The curriculum is presented at an equivalent level to the first year of a master’s degree.
Duration of the Qualification
Minimum number of points to complete the qualification
60 points
Vacation/recess weeks
3 weeks
Work experience/placement hours per week
N/A
Tuition/teaching (full-time equivalent) weeks (including exam and study weeks)
144 hours
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Teaching hours per week
9 hours
3 hours
Self-directed learning hours per week
Calendar Form
New Qualification Regulations
UC Calendar 2011: p.90
Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership (PGCertStratLdrship)
See also General Course and Examination Regulations
1. Qualifications required to enrol in the Certificate
Every candidate for the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership shall have:
(a)
i. qualified for a degree of this University or another New Zealand University, or
ii. been admitted ad eundem statum as the holder of such a degree, and
(b) completed a minimum of five years of practical or professional work experience, preferably in a managerial position,
and
(c) been approved as a candidate for the Certificate by the Director of Postgraduate Management Development
Programmes in the College of Business and Economics
Note: Exceptionally, candidates who have not qualified for a University degree may be permitted to enrol in the
Postgraduate Certificate subject to the approval of the Director of Postgraduate Management Education. Such
candidates will be required to produce evidence to the satisfaction of the Academic Board of qualification for entry to the
award through extensive practical or professional experience of an appropriate kind.
2. Structure of the Certificate
(a) The course of study for the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership shall comprise courses equivalent to 0.50
EFTS (60 points) as listed in the Schedule to the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership
(b) Subject to the approval of the Director for Postgraduate Management Development Programmes, a candidate who
fails a course may repeat that course. A candidate who fails two courses, or who fails the same course more than once will
fail the Certificate.
3. Exemption of Prerequisites
Normal prerequisites for any course may be exempted at the discretion of the Director of Postgraduate Management
Development Programmes.
4. Time Limits
To qualify for the award of the Certificate all requirements must be completed within three years from the date of initial
enrolment. In exceptional circumstances, a candidate may be granted an extension of time by the Director of Postgraduate
Management Development Programmes.
5. Transfer from PGStratLdrship to MBA
With the approval of the Director of Postgraduate Management Education and the Dean of the Faculty of Commerce a
candidate may elect to have courses passed with a B grade or higher for the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic
Leadership transferred to the Master of Business Administration in lieu of being awarded the Certificate, if the candidate
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meets the eligibility criteria of the MBA.
With the approval of the Director of Postgraduate Management Education and the Dean of the Faculty of Commerce a
candidate who holds a PGCertStratLdrship may be exempt 0.5 EFTS (60 points) and complete the MBA with 1.5 EFTS
(180 points) if the candidate meets the eligibility criteria of the MBA.
Schedule to the Regulations for the Postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Leadership
A minimum of 60 points from courses from the schedule and approved by the Director of Postgraduate Management
Development Programmes.
Course
Code
MBAD 642
MBAD 615
MBAD 631
MBAD 605
MBAD 643
MBAD 663
Course Title
Points
EFTS
Responsible Leadership
Managerial Skills And Organisational
Behaviour
Innovative Business Strategy
Managing People And Performance
Leading Change
Sustainable Enterprises
10
10
0.0830
0.0830
10
10
10
10
0.0830
0.0830
0.0830
0.0830
Prerequisites
Restrictions
MBUS 613
MBUS 615
Subject to approval by the
Director of Postgraduate Management
Education
MBUS 624
MBUS 625
MBUS 633
Course prescription entry
UC Calendar page 493
MBAD 642: Responsible Leadership
10 Points 0.0830 EFTS
The course will examine leadership from a holistic perspective. It begins with a description of international trends in
leadership. It then examines the tasks and skills of leadership, drawing on New Zealand research and paying particular
attention to the emerging discipline of “Positive Leadership”. Students will explore in detail the leadership models that
have been successfully employed internationally. The course also explores the personal foundations that are required to
build resilience in the leadership role. These foundations include clear aligned vision personal resilience and character
along with an understanding of the potential “dark side” of leadership.
P: Subject to approval by the Director of Postgraduate Management Education
R: (1) MBUS 613
MBAD 615: Managerial Skills and Organisational Behaviour 10 Points 0.0830 EFTS
This course enables students to critically analyse complex organisational behaviour topics at individual, group and
organisational level. A simulation is used throughout the course to understand the complexities of human behaviour in
greater depth.
P: : Subject to approval by the Director of Postgraduate Management Education
R: (1) MBUS 615
MBAD 631: Innovative Business Strategy
10 Points 0.0830 EFTS
This is an application-focused course detailing the tools and methods available to strategy practitioners. The course
provides experience in applying the strategic tools and methods to business situations particularly as they relate to the
development of innovative products and services. It works to develop a holistic, long-term perspective along with the
skills in analysis, presentation and debate required by effective strategic leaders seeking to bring about change and
innovation in an organisational environment.
P: : Subject to approval by the Director of Postgraduate Management Education
R: (1) MBUS 624
MBAD 643: Leading Change
10 Points 0.0830 EFTS
This course provides students with an insight into the excitement and challenge associated with introducing and managing
change, especially strategic change, in organizations. The course is based on the change management model that views
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change management as addressing four complex tasks: (a) Appreciating change, (b) Mobilizing support, (c) Executing
change and (d) Building change capability.
P: Subject to approval by the Director of Postgraduate Management Education
R: MBUS 633
MBAD 605: Managing People and Performance
10 Points 0.0830 EFTS
The effective management of an organisation’s human capital and the sustainability of that human capital are major
management responsibilities. This course promotes an understanding of organisations’ human capital systems and critical
thinking and reflection on the key elements of these systems. The course aims to explore what may be expected of both
managers and HR professionals in the joint pursuit of improved organisational and individual performance.
P: Subject to approval by the Director of Postgraduate Management Education
R: (1) MBUS 625.
MBAD 663: Sustainable Enterprises
10 Points 0.0830 EFTS
This course will introduce a strategic planning framework based on whole systems thinking that allows organisations to
understand the ‘rules of the game’ for long-term success on a finite planet, use that understanding to develop an inspiring
vision of what their company will look like when it is sustainable, then assess current realities against this vision and
design a strategy to fill the gap.
P: Subject to approval by the Director of Postgraduate Management Education
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