Business Administration
The MBA program is based on the application of contemporary management concepts and strategies to industries where the University of Guelph has distinctive capabilities. Upon admission, participants choose an industry focus for their program. The three fields available to students are:
- Food and Agribusiness Management
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
- Sustainable Commerce
Administrative Staff
If you have any enquiry pertaining to the MBA Program at the University of Guelph, please contact:
Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies
Sean Lyons (303 Macdonald Hall, Ext. 58500)
slyons01@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator MBA Hospitality and Tourism Management
Mark Holmes (305 Macdonald Stewart Hall, Ext. 56309)
mholme07@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator MBA Food and Agribusiness Management
Andreas Boecker (314 J.D. MacLachlan, Ext. 53532)
aboecker@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Coordinator MBA Sustainable Commerce
Sean Lyons (303 Macdonald Hall, Ext. 58500)
lang.mba@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Program Assistant Team
lang.mba@uoguelph.ca
Graduate Faculty
The MBA program is administered and managed by the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, through the Executive Programs Office. The MBA currently has three fields;
- Food and Agribusiness Management;
- Hospitality and Tourism Management; and
- Sustainable Commerce
which are offered in partnership with academic units:
- the Department of Food, Agricultural and Resource Economics (in the Ontario Agricultural College),
- the Department of Management (in LANG),
- the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management (in LANG),
- the Department of Economics and Finance (in LANG) and
- the Department of Marketing and Consumer Studies (in LANG).
This list may include Regular Graduate Faculty, Associated Graduate Faculty and/or Graduate Faculty from other universities.
Paul Anglin
B.Sc. Toronto, MA, PhD Western Ontario - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Andreas Boecker
M.Sc., PhD Kiel - Associate Professor and Chair
Graduate Faculty
Nita Chhinzer
BA York, MBA, PhD McMaster - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Hwan-Suk (Chris) Choi
BA Chung-Ang (Seoul, Korea), MTA George Washington, PhD Texas A&M - Professor
Graduate Faculty
John A.L. Cranfield
B.Sc., M.Sc. Guelph, PhD Purdue - Professor and Associate Dean (External Relations), Ontario Agricultural College
Graduate Faculty
Brady J. Deaton
BS Missouri, MS Virginia Tech, PhD Michigan State - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Rumina Dhalla
MBA, PhD York - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Statia Elliot
B.Comm. St. Mary's, MA McMaster, PhD Carleton - Professor and Director
Graduate Faculty
Lianne Foti
B.Comm. Guelph, MBA EDHEC, DBA Bradford - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Getu Hailu
B.Sc., M.Sc. Alemaya, PhD Alberta - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Louise Hayes
B.Sc., MBA British Columbia, PhD Waterloo, CPA, CA - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Spencer Henson
B.Sc., PhD Reading - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Mark Holmes
B.Comm., MSA Ryerson, PhD York - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Kalinga Jagoda
B.Sc. Moratuwa (Sri Lanka), PhD Western Sydney (Australia), CPA, CMA - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
WooMi Jo
BS Kansas, MS Houston, PhD Kansas - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Marion Joppe
BA Waterloo, MA, PhD Univ.d'Aix-Marseille III (France) - Professor Emerita
Associated Graduate Faculty
Elizabeth Kurucz
BA McMaster, MIR Toronto, PhD York - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Nadège Levallet
Diplome Grenoble (France), MBA Ottawa, PhD Queen's - Assistant Professor, University of Maine, Maine Business School
Associated Graduate Faculty
Sean Lyons
BPA Windsor, MA, PhD Ottawa - Professor and Associate Dean (Research and Graduate Studies), Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
Graduate Faculty
Sara Mann
B.Comm. MBA McMaster, PhD Toronto - Professor and Associate Dean (Academic), Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics
Graduate Faculty
Bruce McAdams
B.Comm., MA Guelph - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
William C. Murray
BA Carleton, MBA Guelph, PhD Saint Mary's - Assistant Professor
Graduate Faculty
Norm O'Reilly
B.Sc. Waterloo, MBA Ottawa, PhD Carleton - Dean, Maine School of Business, University of Maine
Associated Graduate Faculty
Davar Rezania
M.Sc. Utrecht, MBA Derby, PhD Ramon Llull, CPA, CMA - Associate Professor and Chair
Graduate Faculty
Rakhal C. Sarker
B.Sc., M.Sc. Bangladesh, PhD Guelph - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Sandra Scott
B.Sc. Toronto, MBA McMaster, CPA, CA, CFA - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
Simon Somogyi
BWM, PhD Adelaide - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Francis Tapon
DES Paris, MBA Columbia, MA, PhD Duke - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Erna van Duren
BA Waterloo, M.Sc., PhD Guelph - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Michael von Massow
BA Manitoba, B.Sc., M.Sc. Guelph, PhD McMaster - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
John Walsh
BA Thames Polytechnic, MBA, PhD Western - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Alfons J. Weersink
B.Sc. Guelph, M.Sc. Montana State, PhD Cornell - Professor
Graduate Faculty
Agnes Zdaniuk
BA, M.A.Sc., PhD Waterloo - Associate Professor
Graduate Faculty
MBA Program
Admission Requirements
A four-year undergraduate degree or its equivalent (from a recognized university) with an average of at least a B- (70-72%) in the last two years of study and:
- At least three years of industry related experience including supervisory and managerial responsibility or
- At least three years of industry-related experience (without supervisory and managerial responsibility) and a GMAT (with a minimum score of 550-600).
Alternate admission may be offered to applicants with a three-year General degree, diploma and/or an acceptable professional designation AND having completed at least five years of relevant work experience.
Meeting minimum criteria for admission does not guarantee acceptance into the program. Limitations of funds, space, facilities or personnel may make it necessary for the University, at its discretion, to refuse admission to an otherwise qualified applicant.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Master of Business Administration program, graduates will have the capacity to:
- Demonstrate disciplinary competency by developing a capacity to identify and illustrate key concepts and ideas related to business administration.
- Apply specialization-specific knowledge to new business situations and contexts.
- Prepare and propose business recommendations and solutions to support decision making through evidence-based professional research.
- Develop as a business professional by demonstrating an ability to be adaptable and reflect on and manage their self-development.
- Communicate evidence-based ideas and information to various business stakeholders both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrate an ability to work in a team environment by effectively interpreting group dynamics and taking on different roles as appropriate in a group setting.
Program Requirements
The MBA program involves a core group of courses that build and develop key managerial skills. These courses allow students to apply concepts and skills to management situations in their chosen industry, and course work is followed by industry-related research culminating in a major project. Case studies are widely used. Program prerequisites include relevant experience in the participant's chosen industry.
MBA Online
The MBA online program combines online coursework with three on-site residential periods are held in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Online courses allow students to study anywhere, anytime with the flexibility that enables them to balance family, career and study priorities. Participants normally complete the online MBA within two years.
Core Courses
Participants complete nine core courses, which provide a foundation for graduate management education. These courses build and develop key managerial skills applicable in the private and public sectors of the economy. The core program is specifically geared to today’s manager- leader, team player, decision maker and coach:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BUS*6050 | Business Fundamentals | 0.50 |
BUS*6110 | Foundations of Leadership | 0.50 |
BUS*6140 | Foundations of Human Resource Management Resource Management | 0.50 |
BUS*6150 | Research Methods for Managers | 0.50 |
BUS*6180 | Financial and Managerial Accounting | 0.50 |
BUS*6200 | Financial Management | 0.50 |
BUS*6600 | Sustainable Value Creation | 0.50 |
BUS*6700 | Strategic Management and Business Game | 0.50 |
BUS*6790 | Operations Management | 0.50 |
Fields
Food and Agribusiness Management
The Food and Agribusiness Management field is designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in the food, agribusiness and production agriculture sectors.
Working with faculty from the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics, participants complete three advanced courses related to the food and agribusiness sector:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BUS*6100 | Food and Agribusiness Economics and Policy | 0.50 |
BUS*6120 | Food and Agribusiness Marketing | 0.50 |
BUS*6520 | Managing Price Risk | 0.50 |
In addition, the program allows participants to choose to complete the requirements for the MBA degree by taking two additional elective courses or by completing a major research project (BUS*6900 Major Research Project).
Hospitality and Tourism Management
The Hospitality and Tourism Management field is designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in the accommodation, food service and tourism industries.
Working with faculty from the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management, participants complete three advanced courses related to the hospitality and tourism sector:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BUS*6510 | Hospitality and Tourism Revenue Management | 0.50 |
BUS*6320 | Hospitality and Tourism Marketing | 0.50 |
BUS*6550 | Managing Service Quality | 0.50 |
In addition, the program allows participants to choose to complete the requirements for the MBA degree by taking two additional elective courses or by completing a major research project (BUS*6900 Major Research Project).
Sustainable Commerce
The Sustainable Commerce field is designed to prepare graduates for advanced careers in which sustainability is a key business objective
Working with faculty of the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics and the Department of Geography, participants complete three advanced courses related to sustainable commerce sector:
Code | Title | Credits |
---|---|---|
BUS*6300 | Business Practices for Sustainability | 0.50 |
BUS*6500 | Governance for Sustainability | 0.50 |
BUS*6850 | Marketing Strategy | 0.50 |
In addition, the program allows participants to choose to complete the requirements for the MBA degree by two additional courses for the course work option or by the completion of a major research project (BUS*6900 Major Research Project).
Major Research Project
The major research project (BUS*6900 Major Research Project) is comprised of developing a research proposal, researching an applied management problem and requires data collection, analysis and the ability to link understanding of the problem with an appropriate body of literature.
Program Time Commitment and Duration
Participants normally complete the MBA within two years. Courses are completed in sequence and each course is typically two months in length. Students are expected to devote 20 to 25 study hours per week to participate in the program.
Courses
Examination of theory, function, application, and practice of business with a particular emphasis on important skills, including strategy, communications, content, stakeholders, and decision-making. Course also includes study of critical business concepts such as ethics/ethical decision making; sustainable business development; ethical management; diversity and cross cultural management.
This course allows students to examine, analyze and discuss the evolving concept of sustainable development and "sustainability" in a transdisciplinary context and build upon their knowledge and experience in this area. We will examine various current issues that require a global understanding and explore the intersection of business, society and the environment using multi-disciplinary frameworks and perspectives. Students will apply concepts of sustainable development and the UN Sustainable Development Goals in analyzing the intersection of business and society.
An analysis of economic and policy issues relevant for food and agribusiness managers in affluent economies, with emphasis on the economic and policy environment that exists within North America.
The course will enhance students' interpersonal skills, expand their knowledge and understanding of the theory and research behind leadership and leader development. Leadership issues such as ethical decision-making, engagement, toxic leadership and the impact of team management and collaboration in the organization are explored.
A study of marketing decision-making in food and agribusiness firms, with emphasis on the formulation of strategic marketing plans.
This course examines the essential strategic and operational human resource management functions. Topics covered include the legal context, attracting, acquiring and building human capital, employee empowerment, engagement, and rights, globalization of HR, health and safety, labour relations, and legal compliance, in a variety of organizational settings.
Students learn to formulate a research problem and to select and use appropriate quantitative and qualitative techniques for the collection and analysis of relevant data. The course also covers ethical issues and responsibilities in research.
This course emphasizes the gathering and use of financial information to facilitate effective financial and management decisions by managers to contribute towards overall corporate vision and exercise fiscal responsibility towards overall corporate results and governance. This course takes an accounting information user rather than supplier perspective.
This course takes the viewpoint of a senior financial officer, focusing on cash management, accounts receivable, inventories and capital assets, and sourcing of funds through debt and equity. Business decisions impact on employees and customers, society and community, government relations, and the environment are considered.
An advanced course for those specializing in management, marketing or organizational behaviour. Deals with current and future topics, trends and problems in the industry, strategic planning, and the integration of management, marketing, and organizational behaviour.
An advanced course for those specializing in organizational behaviour. Deals with in-depth analysis of industry organizational behaviour, management of current and future problems, reorganizations, corporate cultures, multi-cultural organizations, and ethics.
This course focuses on critical strategic and managerial issues related to sustainability and introduces students to concepts linking organizational strategies and sustainability principles. It explores how managers can integrate consideration of the environment and society into business strategies and business practices to improve competitive advantage and create environmental, social and economic value.
Analysis and application of marketing foundations through integration of marketing variables with real-world situations and in-depth analysis of strategic marketing issues.
This course provides an introduction to Canadian business law and an understanding of legal principals as they apply to business organizations. After reviewing basic foundational concepts and sources of law in Canada, students will undertake a more in-depth review of practical legal issues and solutions that arise in various business environments. Topics include contracts, torts, employment law, class action and conflict resolution.
In this course, students learn how to analyze and visualize statistical data to make evidence-based business decisions. Students will work with data using established statistical techniques to generate findings and interpret and communicate those findings to make practical managerial decisions.
This course will survey the key issues related to doing business internationally including the cultural context for global business, cross border trade and investment, ethics, the global monetary system, foreign exchange challenges and effectively competing in the global environment.
This course introduces MBA students to the rise of environmentalism and state-led environmental management, and the evolving world of environmental governance. Coupled with this review is coverage of some key contemporary environmental issues of relevance to business executives such as climate change and fisheries decline.
This course discusses revenue maximization strategies and tactics that improve the profitability of businesses that work in fixed capacity environments, face time-varied demand, their product is homogeneous and their cost structure reflects a high proportion of fixed and a low proportion of variable cost items.
The course deals with the use of futures, options and other instruments for marketing, risk management and investment purposes. Emphasis is placed on the development and implementation of trading strategies and on the policy and corporate governance framework necessary to support effective management.
A holistic and interdisciplinary approach is used to explore the principles of service management. The course will enhance participants' understanding of what actually constitutes quality, the nature of service, and strategies for improving it.
Core concepts in organizational theory and their interrelationships as well as concepts such as group decision making and intragroup and intergroup dynamics are explored.
Many organizations have redefined their business strategies in line with principles of sustainability in order to maximize value creation for the organization and its stakeholders. In this course students will critically examine these sustainability drivers and strategic approaches to value creation.
This course examines the study of business in a global context through a "live case study," with specific emphasis on the strategic implications of food, hospitality, agribusiness, and sustainable commerce. This integrative course draws together the conceptual theories and models of the graduate program core.
This course delves into key decisions and techniques used to provide a good or service and deliver customer value in today's global environment. The focus is on modelling service and product delivery systems with emphasis on managerial problems in hospitality, tourism, food and agribusiness organizations.
This course is available to individuals or groups of graduate students. Students will complete a set of readings and an associated paper as approved by designated faculty. Specific learning objectives consistent with the University's will be developed each time the course is offered.
This course is available to individuals or groups of graduate students. Students will complete a set of readings and an associated paper as approved by designated faculty. Specific learning objectives consistent with the University's will be developed each time the course is offered.
This course is available to individuals or groups of graduate students. Students will complete a set of readings and an associated paper as approved by designated faculty. Specific learning objectives consistent with the University's will be developed each time the course is offered.
This doctoral seminar introduces students to the underlying philosophical assumptions that support empirical research methods within management studies. The challenge facing future researchers, leaders and managers is to distill vast amounts of information into meaningful and action oriented knowledge.
This doctoral seminar provides a survey of classic and contemporary management thought. The objective of this course is to explore foundational and emerging areas of inquiry that are influential in the realm of management theory and practice.
An advanced course for those specializing in marketing. Deals with marketing theories, models, and specific subsets of marketing such as pricing, consumer and industrial-buyer behaviour, distribution, services, and service-delivery concepts.
A detailed critical review of an area of study specific to the specialization of students in the MBA by course work and major paper option.