Learning Model
Royal Roads University has revised its MBA program to further meet the needs of today’s working professional.
In all, the program includes two three-week residencies, ten courses completed online with five Virtual Experience Labs, and an Organizational Management Consulting Project (OMP). This allows working professionals to benefit from the synergy of on-campus learning and direct interaction with leading faculty members, while still meeting the demands of career and lifestyle.
The entire program takes place over 18-months. The result is accessible, high quality learning with minimal professional disruption.
Pre-Residency
In preparation for the first MBA residency session and the MBA program at large, we require students to fully participate and complete all activities of an online pre-residency session called 'Getting Down to Business' (GDB). This session starts four to six weeks prior to the first on-campus residency, and guides students through a variety of technical and program-related activities relevant to a business program.
As the official start of the program, GDB is a gently paced, three-week online session that encourages exploration of the learning platform, formation of the online learning community, and introduction to subject matter specific to the MBA program. Topics covered in GDB include (but are not limited to) Accounting, Writing Skills, Economics, and team-based learning. It is critical that all students fully engage in the GDB session to best position themselves for success in the MBA program as a whole.
Classmates meet face-to-face for the first time at the beginning the first residency period and continue to work in teams during the distance modules as well.
As all students are not equally comfortable with the MS Office suite of software, students are encouraged to visit Computer Services Technical Training Tips to work through self-directed tutorials before coming to campus to attend their first residency. Students who need more formalized training may wish to register for an in-person course at a computer training institute.
Residency (Experience Labs)
Other tutorials for new students are Math Assessment Quizzes and Online Learning Readiness Assessment.
Formerly called Residencies, the face-to-face sessions in the MBA program are now called Experience Labs (EL). This reflects the applied aspect of the session, and creates an opportunity for students to practice their skills in a supported learning environment.
Experience Lab Workload
Students can expect the residency periods to be quite rigorous. The normal classroom schedule is Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Homework, readings, and team meetings are done outside of these hours. There will be some activities in the evenings, as well as during the normal workday. To gain the most from residency, students are well advised to avoid personal and other work commitments as much as possible and focus solely on the activities of the residency.
Final EL - International Option
In the past, students have had the opportunity to attend their final residency in Grenoble, France. We have engaged in a long and rich relationship with the Grenoble Graduate School of Business for these sessions, and will continue to look at international opportunities with the current MBA program. More details about international exchanges, or other events will be provided soon. Please check the site again for more information.
Distance Learning
The distance portions of our MBA Programs take place over the Internet. Prior to commencing each course, students are provided with a package of materials and readings. Following an asynchronous model, students work through the requirements of the course at their own pace, although there are a number of "real time" deadlines for assignments, exams, etc.
We utilize a number of different delivery methods, including textbooks, articles, case studies, interactive Internet learning, videotapes, and "chat" bulletin boards for correspondence with your team members - who may be on the other side of the country. Classmates meet during the first EL period and will continue to work in teams during the distance modules as well. While teams are formed by the MBA Program office, students work on several teams throughout the duration of the program.
Virtual Experience Labs
In between each distance learning session will be a two-day Virtual Experience Lab (VEL). This session will be primarily a synchronous session, using technology to connect students from around the globe. Some VELs will be held in Victoria, but others may be held in other cities. Students can attend the VEL in person, or virtually –whichever fits their need best.
Distance Study Workload
Students will take two distance courses at a time, for a period of eight weeks. Each such module will require a level of effort of approximately 12 - 14 hours per week. This means a total commitment of up to 24 - 28 hours per week. During the first distance courses, the amount of time required may be higher, as students familiarize themselves with our distance learning technologies.
