PPU has maintained a strong tradition of self-examination and continuous-improvement since it was established in 1978. In 1990 the PPU start offering several B.Eng. programs in engineering, administration, and science. The College of Administrative Sciences and Informatics department of Administrative Sciences is most qualified department to stare offering graduate programs. However, the master's program will be administered by a committee having members form the College of Administrative Sciences and Informatics, Computer Science, and Information Technology teaching staff. In addition, the teaching staff of these programs will be actively involved in teaching the master's program course and supervising the master's thesis.

Executive Summary:

The decision to establish the College of Administrative Sciences and Informatics (C0ASI) has come as part of the Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU) interest in technology, creativity and entrepreneurship so as to educate, train and qualify the scientific cadres which is capable of coping with the new development and the ongoing change.

The College offers a variety of options in various areas of knowledge, depending on competitiveness through a range of disciplines that are primarily aimed at upgrading the capabilities and abilities of the students and provide educational opportunities that will achieve the desired future success for students after graduation. Moreover, the CASI’s staff, professors and researchers alike, are highly qualified and known for their high proficiency in the areas of teaching and research.

The proposed Master of Administrative Sciences (MAS) will provide students with unique hands-on training and research opportunities due to its close association with many well-equipped facilities. These facilities include many well-equipped and modern computer laboratories, research centers, and IT excellence center. In addition to the departments that promote and encourage research work such as the Deanship of Scientific Research and the Community Technical Services Department. These facilities can provide opportunities for students to participate in research related to leading scientific and engineering projects and allow them to achieve highly desired educational and research experiences.

The Master of Administrative Sciences program’s flexibility allows students to design a program of study that fits their specific needs. Unlike the MBA program, which have specific elective requirements, the MAS program allows students to choose their own course of study, pulling courses from a long list of electives which covers a variety of areas to satisfy elective requirements. Students may choose to concentrate in Accounting, Contemporary Business administration, Information Systems, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, or Project Management. The goal of the program is to help students acquire principles and techniques needed to develop creative solutions in a changing business environment, and contribute quickly to company success within their area of specialization.

An investigation of the Palestinian corporations shows that the majority of corporations prefer their employees to enroll in programs providing knowledge in administrative sciences focusing on one of business areas. Concerning the program’s output, the results show that the corporations’ interest focus on:

• The ability to manage time efficiently and effectively.
• Knowledge of technological skills.
• The ability to solve problems (providing innovative solutions)
• Proficiency in communication skills.
• The ability to think strategically.
• Proficiency in analytical and research skills.
•  Understanding the moral effects of administrative decisions on society and the surrounding environment.

These results imply that, the Master of Administrative Sciences (MAS) matches corporations’ needs and preferences.

 

1. Program Induction Card

University	Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU)
College	College of Administrative Sciences and Informatics
Degree Title	Master of Administrative science (MAS)
Program Duration	2 years. (36 credit hours).
Expected Starting Year	2017/2018
Person in Charge	Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Mustafa Abu Safa Email: vp-academic@ppu.edu P.O. Box 198 Tel: 02-2238442, Fax: 02-2236244

2. Background:

2.1 Introduction:

The decision to establish the College of Administrative Sciences and Informatics (CASI) has come as part of the Palestine Polytechnic University (PPU) interest in technology, creativity and entrepreneurship so as to educate, train and qualify the scientific cadres which is capable of coping with the new development and the ongoing change. The CASI is considered as the main artery for providing the labor market with trained, competent and highly skilled cadres in order to achieve sustainable growth and development in all the sectors of the community, and keep abreast of all the developments and challenges for the advancement of the national economy.

The College offers a variety of options in various areas of knowledge, depending on competitiveness through a range of disciplines that are primarily aimed at upgrading the capabilities and abilities of the students and provide educational opportunities that will achieve the desired future success for students after graduation. The college offers many programs, including Contemporary Business Administration, Project Management, Information Systems, Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Business, E-Marketing, Accounting, Business Economics and Multimedia and Graphics. The College is working now on an exceptional master's program in order to enable bachelor graduates to pursue their higher education.

Moreover, the CASI’s staff, professors and researchers alike, are highly qualified and known for their high proficiency in the areas of teaching and research; they contribute to the enrichment of the curricula and enhance it through their cognitive entity and their teaching and research experiences which will be reflected positively on the educational process outputs embodied in the formation of future leaders in the field of business.

The proposed graduate program will provide students with unique hands-on training and research opportunities due to its close association with many well-equipped facilities. These facilities include many well-equipped and modern computer laboratories, research centers, and IT excellence center. Also PPU has several in-place service departments that promote and encourage research work such as the Deanship of Scientific Research and the Community Technical Services Department. These facilities can provide opportunities for our students to participate in research related to leading scientific and engineering projects and allow them to achieve highly desired educational and research experiences.

A technical evaluation of the proposed program is presented.  This includes the program curriculum, hierarchy of missions, admission policy and procedures, program operational goals, program curricula outcomes, facilities, faculty, plans, and other related topics.

• institutions.

 

3. Program Information:

3.1 Degree Title & Certificate:

Master of Administrative Sciences

3.2 Program Duration:

Program duration will be at least 2 years.

3.3 Required Credit Hours:

36 credit hours.

3.4 Program Policy:

The program has two options and students can enroll in one of them, as follows:

1. A thesis oriented option: consists of a total of 30 credit hours of course work, and a thesis (6 credit hours).
2. A comprehensive exam oriented option: Includes consists of a total of 36 credit hours of course work and passing a comprehensive exam, as decided by a committee.

3.5 Graduation Requirements:

Students must successfully complete 36 credit hours.

Students who decide for the thesis-based option must successfully defend a research oriented thesis.  In addition, student must publish (or accepted for publishing) at least one research paper in a reputable journal, preferably indexed in Scopus or equivalent, or an accepted conference.

Students who decide for the comprehensive exam-based option must pass a comprehensive exam, as decided by a committee.

Details of further requirements can be found in the Master Program bylaw (rules and regulations) – attached.

3.6 Scope of the Master Thesis:

1. The master thesis should be equivalent to 6 credit hours.
2. Master thesis topic should be agreed upon by a committee selected from the staff.
3. The student should prepare a proposal for the subject matter of his/her research thesis under the supervision of an advisor.

The advisor and the committee follow the progress of the student in his/her thesis and finally the student defends it. Details can be found in the Master Program guidelines and instructions.

Program Justification:

Justifying the need (necessity) of the program and its consistency with the priorities of the national strategy:

The MAS program fit with the priorities of Palestine national strategy as it

• Higher Education Institution Capacity v the Quality: the number of master students who have enrolled at single relevant programs for the last three years are exceeding 20 students a year per program, which means that the institution utilize their capacity and may harm the quality.
• Developing critical thinking and problem solving mindset. New learning methods to equip the students with necessarily competences to get in labor market nationally and internationally are highly welcomed. The MAS make extensive use of learning by experience methods which known as enterprising in education.
• Meet the new workplace technology: as we moving to the fourth generation technology the MAS unlike other MBA contains high portion of technology.
• The need for variety: MAS receives students from different disciplinary and offer tracks, which is highly needed to meet the students’ diversity.
• Growing demand for master programs: According to the Ministry of Higher Education released data for 2018/2019, the number of new enrolled for master programs was 3006 students. Approximately third of them for Business related programs. In addition, 11 of the 15^th Traditional Universities offer at least one business related master program. Therefore, we can estimate the demand for MAS and related programs using the following equation: 3006/3/11 = 91 students yearly.

Differences between MAS and MBA:

MAS provides broad preparation for a variety of administrative positions in wide range of organization. An MBA provides more specialized preparation for positions that concentrate on finance and economics as well as other business related jobs.

MAS pulls courses from a variety of disciplines, including psychology, economics, political science, computer science, as well as business administration.

For an MBA, the majority of courses come from finance, accounting, marketing, economics and management.

MAS does not require the Graduate Record Exam of Graduate Management Admission Test. An MBA requires the GMAT.

MAS requires an understanding of financial accounting, and statistics. An MBA requires undergraduate courses in business, economics, accounting, marketing, finance, management information systems and statistics.

 

4. Program Specifications:

5.1 Program Objectives:

The general aim of MAS program is to foster the Palestine society social and economic growth and development through achieving the following objectives:

1. Provide the Palestinian society with qualified postgraduates in various administrative sciences disciplines.
2. Develop the business environment in Palestine.
3. Equip graduates with needed knowledge and skills to allow them to compete regionally and internationally.
4. Establish and improve active partnership with the Palestinian as well as international businesses for the advancement and prosperity of business sector.
5. Assist the various sectors and industries by providing innovative and entrepreneurial solutions.
6. Contribute in leveraging research and development within the administrative sciences framework for the benefit of both the nation of Palestine and the international community in general.
7. Develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills amongst the postgraduate students.
8. Equip the students with entrepreneurial competences to become more job creators.
9. Reinforce and promote the ethical behavior and social responsibilities in business practices.
10. Advances and promotes the managerial and business practices by incorporating it with the latest technology.

5.2 Program Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

By graduating from this program, graduates should be able to:

1. Knowledge and understanding:

By graduating from this program, student should have the knowledge and understanding of

1. Theories, tools, skills and techniques used within the administrative science (AS) context
2. Research-based and result-oriented methods and techniques.
3. Ethical issues related to AS
4. Environment analysis such as PESTL, within AS context.
5. International business and globalization (context)
6. Information search strategies for Market Research
7. Strategic planning concepts and context.
8. Business problem analysis and solving techniques and tools.
9. Importance and use of data and information within AS context.

2. Thinking and Cognitive Skills:

By graduating from this program, student should be able to:

1. Use appropriate theories, tools, skills and techniques within the AS context for shaping the business, with emphasis on digital business, in a strategic manner.
2. Demonstrate Research-based and result-oriented skills and abilities within AS context
3. Think critically and see the abstract picture when analyzing business environment.
4. Demonstrate Critical and innovative thinking in dealing with business problems, and offer innovative solutions

3. Professional Administrative Science Skills:

By graduating from this program, student should be able to:

1. Apply Theories, tools, skills and techniques within the administrative science (AS) context
2. Apply research-based and result-oriented methods and techniques and using appropriate data to find solutions for business problems.
3. Implement Ethics and good codes of conducts in business.
4. Analyze Environment for strategic purposes using appropriate techniques and tools.
5. Utilize internal and domestic resources for Internationalization of the business to gain new markets and/or to deal with global business threats.
6. Utilize and integrate digital information for the good of the business and industry.
7. Apply Strategic planning concepts for developing business strategy.
8. Synthesize problem solving techniques with other theories and tools to come-up with innovative solutions and answers.

4. Transferable Skills (life, communications, practical, inter-personal):

By graduating from this program, student should be able to (possesses:

1. Use communications tools and techniques within business context, both orally and in writing.
2. Compile business-oriented reports and studies.
3. Use inter-personal communication techniques in a professional manner
4. Conduct business negotiations in a professional way to achieve best results for the organization.
5. Continue learning and professional development all through.

5.3  Program Curriculum:

Students are required to pass 36 credit hours as follow:

• Core courses- 15 Credit Hours.
• Master thesis- 6 Crd. Hrs.
• Elective courses- 15-18 Credit Hours.
  • Elective courses are subdivided into the following concentration areas:

• Contemporary Business Administration
• Information Systems
• Accounting
• Managerial Economics
• Construction and Project Management
  • Students are required to pass 15-18 Crd. Hrs. from one concentration area, or from elective courses without focus on concentration area.

• Remedial courses: students of different undergraduate background might be required to enroll and complete (Pass/Fail) no more than 3 (THREE) courses of the following based on the committee decision after reviewing their undergraduate program:
  • Contemporary management Concepts
  • Accounting principles
  • Management information systems
  • Economics Principles

In addition to the remedial courses above, student who fail to present evident of English language mastery, such as TOEFL, must enroll in the “English for Graduate studies” course.

 

Course Number & Name	Credit Hours	Pre-Requisite
Remedial Courses (no more than 3 courses)
MAS-RM 01 Contemporary Management Concepts	0	NP
MAS-RM 02 Accounting Principles	0	NP
MAS-RM 03 Management Information Systems	0	NP
MAS-RM 04 Economics Principles 11	0	NP
Core Courses- 15 Crd. Hrs.		Prerequisite
MAS CO* 01 Business Ethics and Sustainability	3	NP
MAS-CO 02 Strategic Management & Decision Making	3	NP
MAS-CO 03 Business and Information Technology	3	NP
MAS-CO 04 Managerial Accounting	3	NP
MAS-CO 05 Scientific Research Methods for Business	3	NP

2. Elective Courses:

1. 15 credits for thesis track (excluding Seminar course within the concentration area i.e. students opting for the thesis cannot take Seminar course),
2. 18 credits for the comprehensive exam track (in addition to Seminar course within the concentration area).

Research 3-6 Crd. Hrs.		Prerequisite
2-a Thesis (for the thesis track)
MAS-TH 01 Master Thesis	6	COMPLETING 18 Hrs
OR 2-b Seminar (for comprehensive exam track) Students must take one of the following courses based on their concentration area:	3
MAS-BA 20 Seminar in Contemporary Business Administration	3	COMPLETING 24 Hrs
MAS-IS 20 Seminar in Information Systems	3	COMPLETING 24 Hrs
MAS-AC 20 Seminar in Accounting	3	COMPLETING 24 Hrs
MAS-CP 20 Seminar in Construction and Project Management	3	COMPLETING 24 Hrs
MAS-BE 20 Seminar in Economics	3	COMPLETING 24 Hrs
Elective courses- 15-18 Crd. Hrs.
Contemporary Business Administration (Concentration Area):
MAS-BA 01 Entrepreneurship	3	MAS-CO 02
MAS-BA 02 Human Resource Management	3	MAS-CO 02
MAS-BA 03 Operations management	3	MAS-CO 04
MAS-BA 04 Managing Change	3	MAS-CO 02
MAS-BA 05 Training and Development	3	MAS-BA 02
MAS-BA 06 Special Topics in Applied Management	3	MAS-CO 01 AND COMPLETING 18 Hrs
MAS-BA 07 Global Business Administration	3	MAS-CO 02
MAS-BA-08 Digital Business Management	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-BA 09 Corporate Governance	3	NP
Information Systems (Concentration Area):
MAS-IS 01 Advanced Database Systems	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 02 Big Data Analytics	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 03 Data Mining and Data Warehousing Applications	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 04 Knowledge Management and Intelligent Systems	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 05 Web Design & Development	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 06 Information Security	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 07 Healthcare Information Systems	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 08 Strategic Information Systems	3	MAS-CO 03
MAS-IS 09 Special Topics in Information Systems	3	MAS-CO 05 AND COMPLETING 18 Hrs
Accounting (Concentration Area):
MAS-AC 01 Accounting theory	3	MAS-CO 04
MAS-AC 02 Advanced Auditing	3	MAS-CO 04
MAS-AC 03 Advanced Financial & Accounting Analysis	3	MAS-CO 04
MAS-AC 04 Accounting information systems	3	MAS-CO 03 & MAS-CO 04
MAS-AC 05 International accounting- 3 Crd	3	MAS-CO 04
MAS-AC 06 Special topics in accounting	3	MAS-CO 05 & COMPLETING 18 Hrs
MAS-AC 07 International Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards	3	NP
MAS-AC 08 Advanced Financial Management	3	NP
MAS-AC 09 Advanced Financial Accounting	3	NP
MAS-AC 10 Advanced Cost Accounting	3	NP
MAS-AC 11 Financial and Monetary Markets	3	NP
MAS-AS 12 Financial Technology	3	NP
Business Economics (Concentration Area):
MAS-BE 01 Advanced microeconomics	3	NP
MAS-BE 02 Advanced macroeconomics	3	MAS-BE 01
MAS-BE 03 Applied econometrics for business research	3	MAS-CO 05
MAS-BE 04 Managerial economics	3	MAS-CO 02 & MAS-BE 01
MAS-BE 05 Special Topics in Economics	3	MAS-CO 05 AND COMPLETING 18 Hrs
MAS-BE 06 International Economics	3	NP
MAS-BE 07 Public finance	3	NP
MAS-BE 08 Mathematical Economics	3	NP
MAS-BE 09 Labor Economics	3	NP
Construction and Project Management (Concentration Area):
MAS-CP 01 Project Management in Engineering and Operations	3	NP
MAS-CP 02 Performance Management	3	NP
MAS-CP 03 Contracts and Procurement	3	NP
MAS-CP 04 Value & Risk Management	3	NP
MAS-CP 05 Construction Technology	3	NP
MAS-CP 06 Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources	3	NP
MAS-CP 07 Agile Project Management	3	NP
MAS-CP 08 Special topics in Project Management	3	MAS-CO 05 & COMPLETING 18 Hrs

 

5.4 Courses Description:

Core Courses- 15 Crd Hrs.

MAS-CO 01 Business Ethics and Sustainability- 3 Crd.  

This course demonstrates the theoretical and practical questions of morality, ethics and social responsibility in business and the general process of ethical decision-making. Topics covered include recognizing and analyzing ethical issues in business, promoting ethical behavior in corporations and institutions, the social responsibilities of business and ethics in the global economy. The objective of this course is to provide students with an understanding of ethical issues in business, and to provide students with a framework to guide analysis and decisions. Students will learn how to analyze and explore the ethical dimensions of business decisions, how to apply ethical principles and theories to contemporary business issues and how to develop and manage an ethical organization. It integrates business strategies with leadership practices that can propel corporate growth while contributing purposefully to the creation of a healthy and sustainable natural environment. The course provides insights and tools that enable an organization to cope with emerging business and societal challenges and generate positive business impact in the global marketplace.

MAS-CO 02 Strategic Management Decision Making- 3 Crd.

Examination of processes in organizational decision making; the state of theory; research and applications for the practicing administrator. Topics include administrative style and decision making, problem discovery and diagnosis, the search for solutions, evaluation and choice, group decision-making, decision aids and support systems and risk analysis.

MAS-CO 03 Business and Information Technology- 3 Crd.

This course aims to provide students with key concepts about information systems and technology. It will introduce students to information systems theories, strategies, IS/IT-business alignment. Topics may include IS/IT and the organization, competitive advantage through IS/IT, IS strategies, IS/IT-business alignment, utilizing IS/IT for business intelligence, IS/IT applications in organizations.

MAS-CO 04 Managerial Accounting- 3 Crd.

Managerial Accounting introduces students to various costing systems in the manufacturing and service sectors, the different types of cost behavior and their uses for decision making and planning via cost-volume-profit analysis. It further considers relevant costing in relation to pricing decisions, joint cost and service department cost allocations, budgeting, variance analysis, responsibility accounting and use of accounting measures for evaluating managerial and divisional performance. The course also emphasizes strategic importance of aligning accounting systems to firm technologies and goals.

MAS-CO 05 Scientific Research Methods for Business- 3 Crd.

This course covers several main aspects of research methodology. The first part introduces different scientific research approaches such as positivism (quantitative) and interpretivism (qualitative). The process of doing research, literature review and research design are also discussed in this section. The second part expands on this process and the related topics are survey, experiment, case study, ethnography, grounded theory and observation. The third part discusses key aspects of methodology such as questionnaire design, measurement and sampling. The final part concentrates on data analysis such as Chi square, ANOVA, Correlation, Factor Analysis and Regression.

 

MAS-TH 01 Master thesis- 6 Crd Hrs.

Thesis topic should be agreed upon by a staff committee. Student should prepare a proposal of the topic he/she is intending to research, within the concentration area, under the supervision of an advisor.  The committee and the supervisor monitor the progress of the student through-out the research journey before submitting the thesis for defense. The student defends the thesis before a committee consisting of the supervisor(s), program coordinator, internal examiner and an external examiner.

 

Elective courses- 15-18 Crd Hrs.

Students are required to pass 12 Crd. Hrs. even from one concentration area, or from elective courses without focus on concentration area.

 

Contemporary Business Administration (Concentration Area):

MAS-BA 01 Entrepreneurship- 3 Crd.

This course provides an overview on the principles of entrepreneurship. It is designed to introduce students to the core concepts and tools used to increase the likelihood of organizational success in launching and managing new ventures both in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Students will be required to develop and present a business plan for a new venture, including the production of market research, organizational needs, and financial statements to support an investment in the enterprise.

MAS-BA 02 Human Resource Management- 3 Crd.

This course provides students with knowledge of the key aspects of managing human resources in domestic and multinational organizations, including a consideration of labor relations and diversity management issues. Topics include, but are not limited to, job analysis, planning, recruiting, selection, training and development, performance appraisal, compensation and benefits, dispute resolution, legal frameworks for both the non-union and union environments, and human resource management in the global economy. Students will develop critical skills required to manage human resources in a multitude of workplace environments.

MAS-BA 03 Operations management- 3 Crd.

In today's business environment, the success of organizations depends on the effective and efficient management of operations. Methods to select, plan, and improve organizational processes will be examined. The application of optimal capacity decisions in supply chains, development production, and inventory plans and schedules will be performed. The student will learn quality management and improvement process to increase the efficiency of a process.

MAS-BA 04 Managing Change- 3 Crd.

This course analyzes the forces that drive organizations to change, examines impediments to change, and surveys a range of approaches for making organizational change more effective. Students will develop an understanding of the various change processes and develop practical skills for managing and leading change.

MAS-BA 05 Training and Development- 3 Crd.

This course covers the theories and techniques of training and development from strategic and operational perspectives. Emphasis is placed on employee needs assessment, program design, implementation and evaluation. Learning theories and long-term development for global competitiveness are discussed.

MAS-BA 06 Special Topics in Applied Management- 3 Crd.

A variable content course in Applied Management in which students pursue topics or subjects of current interest that are not part of the regular curriculum. A specific course description will be published in the Course Schedule for the semester the course is offered.

MAS-BA 07 Global Business Administration – 3 Crd.

Provides the student with the knowledge needed for operating effectively in a global economy. Examines the operations of firms functioning in the global market place. Focuses on how these companies function in a globally integrated economy through sophisticated networks of alliances, mergers and acquisitions, and integrated systems of knowledge and product flows. The course highlights the necessity for companies to balance the need for global integration while responding to national/cultural variations.

MAS-BA 08 Digital Business Management- 3 Crd.

This course aims to provide the student with the knowledge needed for uses technology as an advantage in its internal and external operations. ... This digital transformation has had a profound impact on businesses; accelerating business activities and processes to fully leverage opportunities in a strategic way study that is designed to foster and develop the knowledge and capabilities of highly skilled managers who will work with information technology in management decision-making during their careers.

MAS-BA 09 Corporate Governance- 3 Crd.

Corporate governance deals with the complex set of relationships between the corporation and its board of directors, management, shareholders, and other stakeholders which are relevant to the contemporary business environment. In the recent years, the regulators and legislators have intensified their focus on how businesses are being run. They are endeavoring to create a template for new corporate governance and disclosure measures, which is beneficial for both the stakeholders and controllers.

This course covers the fundamental theories and practice of corporate governance, and corporate social responsibilities. Main topics will cover concepts, essential principles, and stakeholders of corporate governance,  corporate Social Responsibility, citizenship and performance, boards of directors, the division of profit sharing and various forms of employee ownership and equity ownership among insiders, regulation, shareholder activism, the impact of takeovers and mergers and acquisitions on governance, ethical issues such as conflicts of interest and insider trading, international corporate governance, and policy developments likely to impact the corporation, and future directions for corporate governance and considerations in corporate decision-making.

 

Information Systems (Concentration Area):

MAS-IS 01 Advanced Database Systems- 3 Crd.

The objectives of this course are to equip students with principles and knowledge of distributed database systems, discuss in details the key concepts and practical issues in the implementation and application of distributed database systems, and equip students with principles and knowledge of object oriented database system design.

The course includes a review of database technology, distributed database systems, database design and query processing, transaction processing and concurrency control, database integrity and security, overview of object-oriented data modeling, concepts and implementation issues in object-oriented database systems.

MAS-IS 02 Big Data Analytics- 3 Crd.

The key objective of this course is to familiarize students with most important information technologies used in manipulating, storing, and analyzing big data. The emphasis of the course will be on mastering Spark 2.0 which emerged as the most important big data processing framework. NoSQL storage solutions, memory resident databases (VoltDB, SciDB) and graph databases (Ne4J). and initiating and designing highly scalable systems that can accept, store, and analyze large volumes of unstructured data in batch mode and/or real time.

MAS-IS 03 Data Mining and Data Warehousing Applications- 3 Crd.

This course aims at enabling students to make more effective use of data stored in databases, create a clean and consistent repository of data within a data warehouse, utilize various levels and types of summarization of data to support management decision making, and discover patterns and knowledge that is embedded in the data using different data mining techniques. Topics covered include Introduction to data warehousing and data mining, data warehouse and data warehousing, data warehouse architecture and design, data replication; data capturing and indexing; data transformation and cleansing, data mining and knowledge discovery, mining of association, classification, clustering, sequential data mining, computational intelligence techniques.

MAS-IS 04 Knowledge Management and Intelligent Systems- 3 Crd.

This course aims to develop and enhance students’ conceptual and practical understanding of the key aspects and the fundamental principles of Knowledge Management (KM) and, and a range of information technologies and analysis techniques which are used to support KM initiatives in organizations. Technologies likely to be considered are collaborative and social media tools; corporate knowledge directories, process automation, workflow and document management. The emphasis is on high-level decision-making and the rationale of technology-based initiatives and their impact on organizational knowledge and its use.

MAS-IS 05 Web Design & Development- 3 Crd.

This course focuses on the design and development of object-oriented web applications. The client-server model and 3-tier architecture are discussed and analyzed. Topics covered include object-oriented methodology, enterprise software application architecture, design patterns, Enterprise JavaBeans, database connectivity, and web and application server development and technologies such as servlets, JSP, XML, HTML, security, JDBC, RMI, and multithreading.

MAS-IS 06 Information Security Management - 3 Crd.

This course provides an in-depth study of the technical solutions necessary to support disaster recovery and business continuity in an enterprise networking environment. Course work includes the study of Risk and Business Impact Assessment (BIA), responding to a disaster, disaster recovery strategies, business continuity planning, and creating a recovery plan. Additional discussions will focus on designing a disaster recovery solution and surveying appropriate and current technologies and techniques, including RAID, SAN, clustering, backup solutions, LAN/WAN designs, and environmental impact.

MAS-IS 07 Healthcare Information Systems- 3 Crd.

Healthcare Informatics examines the unique challenges of clinical and patient care delivery in the healthcare industry, including the role of data management, emerging data standards and information technology in improving the quality and cost associated with healthcare. The focus of the course will be on healthcare IT including issues related to governance, data integration, and selection and management of healthcare IS.

MAS-IS 08 Strategic Information Systems- 3 Crd.

This course examines current issues, themes, and research related to the strategic use of information systems in organizations at a high level. It focuses on the use of information and information technology for competitive advantage in businesses, organizations, and nonprofits. The management of information as a resource and information systems planning and its relationship to strategic planning are discussed. Cases are used to illustrate the use of information systems to gain a competitive edge. Both successful and failed IT systems and projects, past and present, are studied. Topics include the use of strategic information systems for competition, business-IT alignment, global IT issues and outsourcing, knowledge management, and strategic information systems investment and evaluation. Various approaches to assessing the business value of information systems projects are presented. Practicing technology managers and executives share past experiences and their visions of the future of IT and strategy with students.

MAS-IS 09 Special Topics in Information Systems- 3 Crd.

A variable content course in information systems in which students pursue topics or subjects of current interest that are not a part of the regular curriculum. A specific course description will be published in the course schedule for the semester the course is offered.

Accounting (Concentration Area):

MAS-AC 01 Accounting theory- 3 Crd.

This course gives a balanced presentation between theoretical and practical issues of financial accounting. Topics to be addressed are: income concepts, income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, working capital, leasing, and disclosure.

MAS-AC 02 Advanced Auditing- 3 Crd

This course focusses on main cases in auditing, it cares about the theoretical sides for applying the process of auditing, in addition to enabling students to understand modern auditing approaches according to the international standards of auditing and quality control, other processes of confirming, and related services, with improving students critical analysis skills of significant issues that face the career, work ethics, testing and evaluating of internal control systems, and finishing of revision procedures.

MAS-AC 03 Advanced Financial and Accounting Analysis- 3 Crd

This course deals with the definition of financial analysis in terms of its aims, methods, tools, approaches, concerned parties, and using it in policies and decisions making. The course aims to provide students with the philosophical theoretical framework of the definitions of accounting financial analysis including the advanced concepts of financial reports and the request for accounting financial information and present it by analyzing financial statements using pre styles in financial analysis as analyzing the financial ratio of financial statements through evidences and applied issues, analyzing structures and evaluation tools ,and analyzing time series of necessary information for decisions making and prediction approaches and techniques of a financial failure and a Financial insolvency of firms and projects.

MAS-AC 04 Accounting information systems- 3 Crd.

This course covers the concepts related to information systems necessary to accountants. It covers the following topics: system concepts, system development, internal control, and business cycles (revenue, expenditure, Etc).

MAS-AC 05 International accounting- 3 Crd.

This course aims to introduce the students to the conceptual and practical issues regarding complicated matters in financial reporting and control from an international perspective, as well as the international differences between countries in accounting practices and systems.

MAS-AC 06 Special topics in accounting- 3 Crd.

A variable content course in accounting in which students pursue topics or subjects of current interest that are not a part of the regular curriculum. A specific course description will be published in the course schedule for the semester the course is offered.

MAS-AC 07 International Accounting and Financial Reporting Standards- 3 Crd.

This course is considered to be the main umbrella and reference for accounting students in different accounting cases over the international and local level. This course discusses international accounting strategies, international financial reports strategies, and the most important applications, updates and changes which they had.

MAS-AC 08 Advanced Financial Management- 3 Crd.

This course exchanges views about theoretical financial basis by analyzing a financial condition of companies and quality capital sources, and evaluating the long-term capital investment in case of uncertainty. It also converses about topics definition of Financial Management and Functions, financial Planning and Control, capital structure, cost of capital, dividend policy and theories, evaluation of securities, merger and acquisition.

 

MAS-AC 09 Advanced Financial Accounting- 3 Crd.

This course aims to introducing the merger of companies, and the procedures adopted in preparation of accumulated financial statements resulting from the merger, in addition to the accounting treatment of the transactions between the parent company and the subsidiary companies, and transfer the financial statements of branches in foreign countries to the parent company.

MAS-AC 10 Advanced Cost Accounting- 3 Crd.

This course covers subject related to cost accounting updates and differences between modern and traditional cost systems, also it discusses several topics like cost management strategies, cost allocation methods, cost lists, costs and its deviations, distribution of common costs, and target costs.

MAS-AC 11 Financial and Monetary Markets- 3 Crd.

This course aims to clarifying the nature of the financial and monetary market and their components, as well as clarifying the role of intermediaries in creating the financial market. The focus of this course is on financial and monetary markets as one of the basic components of the financial system. Moreover, this course will discuss topics like money markets, foreign exchange market, euro dollar markets, and short term debt instruments, financial institutions such as banks and Underwriting firms, and capital markets. He also looks at the impact of interest rates on the prices of dealing instruments. Furthermore its discus the stock index by identifying how it is calculated, its composition, its impact on investor and the national economy, Finally the course discus the financial market in terms of efficiency, most important crises experienced by financial markets in developed countries and emerging countries, and the role of globalization in the development and integration of the financial market.

MAS-AS 12 Financial Technology- 3 Crd.

This course covers the fundamentals of Fin. Tech, the effects of Fin. Tech on business models, digital banking and financing platforms, block chain and smart contracts, cryptocurrency and digital money, fundamentals of machine learning and artificial intelligence in finance and wealth management, big data in finance, insurance technology (Insur. Tech), regulation technology (Reg. Tech), and it will looks at international experiences in Fin. Tech with some insights on the practical applications of Fin. Tech in Palestine, then it will look at the future of Fin. Tech.

Business Economics (Concentration Area):

MAS-BE 01 Advanced microeconomics- 3 Crd.

This course provides a further examination of profit maximizing strategies by firms and individuals. Evaluation of consumer behavior, firms’ production decisions and market power. Special attention is given to asymmetric information consideration and game theory.

MAS-BE 02 Advanced macroeconomics- 3 Crd.

This course examines the differences between the economy in the short run and in the long run. A number of macroeconomic models are considered and the results are used to conduct macroeconomic policy discussion on stabilization policies and government debt.

MAS-BE 03 Applied econometrics for business research- 3 Crd.

This course provides students with necessary empirical skills. The course aims at preparing students to adequately analyze data themselves, as well as to critically assess results in existing literature. The focus in the course is on the econometric methods that are most commonly used in economics, such as panel data analysis and time series data.

MAS-BE 04 Managerial economics- 3 Crd.

Managerial Economics is concerned with the application of economic tools and methodologies to key management decisions within organizations. It provides principles to foster the goals of the organization, as well as a better understanding of the external business environment in which an organization operates. Managerial Economics is fundamentally a unique way of thinking about problems, issues and decisions that managers face in each of the functional areas of the organization as well as the strategic ones faced by general managers.

 

MAS-BE 05 Special Topics in Economics- 3 Crd.

A variable content course in economics in which students pursue topics or subjects of current interest that are not a part of the regular curriculum. A specific course description will be published in the course schedule for the semester the course is offered.

MAS-BE 06 International Economics- 3 Crd

Students are introduced to the theories with which to understand international trade patterns, examine trade policies, analyze the determinants of exchange rates and financial crises and address topical issues of international economic interdependence between states.

MAS-BE 07 Public finance- 3 Crd

Explores the role of government in the economy, applying tools of basic microeconomics to answer important policy questions such as government response to global warming, Social Security versus private retirement savings accounts, government versus private health insurance, setting income tax rates for individuals and corporations.

MAS-BE 08 Mathematical Economics- 3 Crd

This course concentrates on the mathematical methods that are required to understand current economics and to investigate economic models. Topics may include advanced matrix algebra, optimization with and without constraints, and dynamic optimization.

MAS-BE 09 Labor Economics- 3 Crd.

This course analyzes the supply and labor demand, theories and practice of wage determination, and how wage structures and wage differentials develop and evolve. Macro-institutional forces related to labor, labor markets, and wages are considered, including labor force participation, employment, and unemployment. Trends, measurement and analyses of labor productivity, labor mobility, labor market discrimination.

Construction and Project Management (Concentration Area):

MAS-CP 01 Project Management in Engineering and Operations- 3 Crd.

Project management is the discipline of planning, organizing and managing resources to bring about the successful completion of specific project goals and objectives. The course will cover various aspects of managing projects in engineering and operations environments including the critical path methods for planning and controlling projects, time and cost tradeoffs, resource utilization, organizational design, conflict resolution and stochastic considerations.

MAS-CP 02 Performance Management- 3 Crd.

This course uses a systems perspective to identify, select, develop, and evaluate solutions to document and improve the performance of individuals, groups, and organizations. Students will learn how to analyze performance problems and make recommendations at the employee, job, and organizational level that will assist the organization and its employees in achieving organizational goals and managing change. Students will also learn how to bridge the gap between organizational strategy, individuals, and departments.

MAS-CP 03 Contracts and Procurement- 3 Crd.

The aim of this course is to help students understand advanced procurement practices, the situations in which their use is appropriate and the contractual principles upon which they are based. The course will also introduce students to the mechanisms used by a typical standard for of construction contract (from the JCT05 suite) to control the risk exposure arising from the liabilities of contracting parties created by the contract and common law, as well as the flow of money and information between contacting parties. Subjects covered by the syllabus include: Introduction to Construction Project Procurement; Procurement Arrangement Options; Construction Contract Use in the UK; Principles of Contract Law; Partnering; Procurement through Public Private Partnerships; Claims; Negotiating; Managing Conflicts and Disputes; Towards Better Contracting Practices.

MAS-CP 04 Value & Risk Management- 3 Crd.

The course aims to introduce the concepts of value & risk management, apply them to strategic and tactical problems and illustrate their tools and techniques through case studies. Subjects included in the course syllabus include: VRM and the construction procurement process; introduction to value management; value engineering (function analysis and other VE tools); risk & uncertainty in the construction industry; Risk and procurement of PPP projects; risk management framework; sources, events and effects of project risk; tools and techniques of risk management; risk response and mitigation; client briefing.

MAS-CP 05 Construction Technology- 3 Crd.

The overall aim of this course is to provide students with a basic understanding of the different elements that make-up a building so that they can communicate effectively with construction professionals in the design and construction of buildings. Subjects include: Structural Requirements for Buildings; Substructure Design – Foundations; Substructure Design – Basements; Structural frames and suspended floors; Superstructure - External walls and cladding Superstructure – Roofs; Services in Buildings; Offsite construction; Low carbon construction.

MAS-CP 06 Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources- 3 Crd.

The aim of this course is to provide the students with a thorough understanding of the hydrological basis of water resources assessment, planning and management. In this regard, the course is designed to provide the learners with a board introduction to hydrological modeling, as well as a detailed appreciation of the following topics: Methods of meteorological data collection & analysis techniques; surface water resources; collection and analysis of low stream-flow data; reservoir planning & design; uncertainty analysis in water resources planning; groundwater occurrence, evaluation & management.

MAS-CP 07 Agile Project Management- 3 Crd.

Agile Project Management provides an in depth examination of project management principles and agile software development practices. The five process groups and ten knowledge areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) are examined in the context of agile systems development life cycles.

MAS-CP 08 Special topics in Project Management- 3 Crd.

A variable content course in project management in which students pursue topics or subjects of current interest that are not a part of the regular curriculum. A specific course description will be published in the course schedule for the semester the course is offered.

 

5.5 Program Technical Map (ILOs × courses):

The Palestine Polytechnic University has maintained a strong tradition of self-examination and continuous-improvement since it was established in 1978. The PPU usually follows two main approaches in programs assessments and new programs establishment and planning: outcomes-based assessment, and course-based assessment.

When establishing a new program, the PPU usually adopts a systematic technique to guarantee the success of the program to meet the needs of local community and the hierarchy missions of the university. After studying the market and getting many encouraging feedback from different local organizations, the PPU has developed the main goals and objectives of the proposed master program.

The technical study of the proposed master program considered the following parameters:

• The mission of PPU and its colleges.
• Palestine market needs study.
• Program Objectives (POs), which define what the program expects of its graduates two-to-three years after graduation.
• Program Intended Outcomes (ILOs), which define the attributes we expect of this program upon graduation.
• University technical facilities.
• University faculty staff.
• University policies and regulations.

Depending on University mission and the market needs, measurable POs and measurable ILOs has been developed. Since the proposed program is still in establishment and in the development phase, different assessments and evaluations have been conducted to assure the mapping, integration, and compatibility of all parameters above.

Building upon a PPU legacy of continuous course evaluation and improvement, the study chose to focus the PO assessment process on program course contents.  Therefore, the program has a defined goal and measurable objectives for each course; each of these objectives is then ‘mapped’ to one or more PO. Such course-based assessment requires attention to detail at the base basic level; to achieve this; each course will have a designated course director who is responsible for administering the course and all supporting instructors, and assessing student achievements.

To ensure that faculty, financial, and physical resources are available to attain POs and ILOs, the faculty found it necessary to also create Supporting Goals and Objectives. Assessing the achievement of Supporting Objectives serves as a measure of program ‘health’ beyond what is directly experienced by the students. Assessing recruiting, development, and support of faculty and staff ensure that the program’s human resources are sufficient to implement the academic program. Likewise, planning for and acquiring adequate facilities, supplies, and equipment is essential to support curriculum delivery and faculty/student research.

The program is designed to provide a challenging curriculum and supportive environment for every student. These well-defined processes ensure the curriculum, facilities, personnel, and support services necessary to meet the Program Objectives and the Program Intended Learning Outcomes.

The following matrix shows the cross matching between the outcomes of the program and the core courses. Elective courses will strengthen these outcomes.

 

5. PPU Library:

The University Library collection consists of over 35,000 items available for students. The computerized cataloging and reference system may be accessed by all instructors and students throughout the library. These resources include books, textbooks, senior graduate projects report, journals, periodicals, and an access to other databases useful to university-level researchers and students in all academic disciplines. Where, a complete inter-library loan and document delivery service exists for all faculty and students, making the library one of the best graduate and undergraduate research facilities available.

The collections of the university library are growing day by day, and all instructors are encouraged to submit their list of books or journals to be purchased and added to the library. As an average the total number of items is increased by 1000 items/year.

For the proposed program there is approximately 5476 items in the administrative sciences available for students and staff (Appendix 4: Library Books).

In addition to set of databases, periodicals and journals, for example:

• EBSCO Host that includes more than 35,000 book.
• CAMBRIDGE, that includes 380 journal.
• HINARY database that includes Science Direct databases and other databases.
• DOAJ, that includes free sources of books and journals.
• Edinburgh University Press that publishes over 40+ online journals 
• ProQuest Databases
• PPU DSpace that includes researches, thesis, and projects.

Where the submission to these online resource is easy using ezproxy.ppu.edy:8080.

• Be aware of and support appropriate faculty and staff aspirations and goals.
• Provide continuing professional development and research opportunities for faculty and staff.
• Strive to continuously improve the organizational climate.
• Maintain a long-range recruitment plan.

 

 

6. Admission and Regulations:

9.1 Admission:

The quality and performance of the students and graduates are important considerations in the evaluation of this master program. The University must have clear policies for: Student Admission, Transfer Students, and validation of courses taken for credit elsewhere. The University must also have and enforce procedures to assure that all students meet all program pre-requisite requirements.

9.2 Qualifications for Admission:

Maximum of 20 students will be accepted each year on a competitive basis.

Qualified student should:

 

a) Have a Bachelor degree from a recognized university in one of the following fields:

Business Administration

Information Systems

Economics

Accounting

Project Management

And other disciplines

Engineering

Or any equivalent certificate

b) Have GPA average of (70 on 100 scale) or better.

 

 

The general aim of MAS program is to foster the Palestine society social and economic growth and development through achieving the following objectives:

1. Provide the Palestinian society with qualified postgraduates in various administrative sciences disciplines.
2. Develop the business environment in Palestine.
3. Equip graduates with needed knowledge and skills to allow them to compete regionally and internationally.
4. Establish and improve active partnership with the Palestinian as well as international businesses for the advancement and prosperity of business sector.
5. Assist the various sectors and industries by providing innovative and entrepreneurial solutions.
6. Contribute in leveraging research and development within the administrative sciences framework for the benefit of both the nation of Palestine and the international community in general.
7. Develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills amongst the postgraduate students.
8. Equip the students with entrepreneurial competences to become more job creators.
9. Reinforce and promote the ethical behavior and social responsibilities in business practices.
10. Advances and promotes the managerial and business practices by incorporating it with the latest technology.

 

By graduating from this program, graduates should be able to:

1. Knowledge and understanding:

By graduating from this program, student should have the knowledge and understanding of

1. Theories, tools, skills and techniques used within the administrative science (AS) context
2. Research-based and result-oriented methods and techniques.
3. Ethical issues related to AS
4. Environment analysis such as PESTL, within AS context.
5. International business and globalization (context)
6. Information search strategies for Market Research
7. Strategic planning concepts and context.
8. Business problem analysis and solving techniques and tools.
9. Importance and use of data and information within AS context.

2. Thinking and Cognitive Skills:

By graduating from this program, student should be able to:

1. Use appropriate theories, tools, skills and techniques within the AS context for shaping the business, with emphasis on digital business, in a strategic manner.
2. Demonstrate Research-based and result-oriented skills and abilities within AS context
3. Think critically and see the abstract picture when analyzing business environment.
4. Demonstrate Critical and innovative thinking in dealing with business problems, and offer innovative solutions

3. Professional Administrative Science Skills:

By graduating from this program, student should be able to:

1. Apply Theories, tools, skills and techniques within the administrative science (AS) context
2. Apply research-based and result-oriented methods and techniques and using appropriate data to find solutions for business problems.
3. Implement Ethics and good codes of conducts in business.
4. Analyze Environment for strategic purposes using appropriate techniques and tools.
5. Utilize internal and domestic resources for Internationalization of the business to gain new markets and/or to deal with global business threats.
6. Utilize and integrate digital information for the good of the business and industry.
7. Apply Strategic planning concepts for developing business strategy.
8. Synthesize problem solving techniques with other theories and tools to come-up with innovative solutions and answers.

4. Transferable Skills (life, communications, practical, inter-personal):

By graduating from this program, student should be able to (possesses:

1. Use communications tools and techniques within business context, both orally and in writing.
2. Compile business-oriented reports and studies.
3. Use inter-personal communication techniques in a professional manner
4. Conduct business negotiations in a professional way to achieve best results for the organization.
5. Continue learning and professional development all through.

 

Areas of work are as follows:

• Planning and Development
• marketing, sales, customer service and public relations
• Project Management
• Human Resources
• Small and medium-sized enterprises management
• Management Consulting
• public sector
• non-profit organizations
• PHD study