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The Fast-Track MBA

Designed for busy working professionals, this fully online MBA course is highly flexible and delivered with interactive, bite-sized content and personalised student support.

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GRADUATE DIPLOMA IN MANAGEMENT (GDM)

MBA EXIT POINT

The Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM) is a postgraduate diploma which is a nested qualification and optional exit point from the Fast-Track MBA. Within the MBA, the GDM consists of 8 subjects in total which explore strategic business knowledge and management skills in greater breadth and depth. Studied 100% online, this AIB qualification offers genuine flexibility, industry insights and support when you need it to help you achieve your career goals.

The GDM represents the second stage of the MBA which follows completion of the first stage – the Graduate Certificate in Management (GCM). A prestigious qualification within itself, completion of the GDM is a milestone that represents that you’re only a short time away from achieving the MBA. However, should you not wish to complete the final stage to earn the MBA, the GDM offers an exit point from the MBA journey, earning you a highly-respected postgraduate qualification.

GDM – The second stage of your MBA

Within the Master of Business Administration (MBA), the Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM) represents the second of three stages and follows completion of the Graduate Certificate in Management (GCM) stage.

4 Subjects

Graduate Diploma in Management

4-8 months

GDM Subjects

Exiting the MBA with a Graduate Diploma in Management (GDM) involves the successful completion of 8 subjects including Leadership (first subject) and Strategic Management (second subject), plus 6 subjects of your choice from the list of GDM optional subjects.

GDM Compulsory Subjects
GDM Optional Subjects

Complete the 2 compulsory subjects listed below. Additionally, you’re required to select 6 subjects of your choice from the optional subjects.

Leadership (First Subject)

The subject provides a scholarly and in-depth knowledge of the dynamics of leadership and how it applies to contemporary leadership practice. Modules covered include: nature and importance of leadership, leadership traits, behaviours and attitudes, leadership styles, leadership culture, ethical issues, leadership when creating change in organisations.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of leadership theories, concepts, and practice, including both traditional and contemporary forms of leadership.
  • Critically evaluate various modes of leadership with consideration of ethical and socially responsible practice.
  • Effectively communicate and apply relevant leadership principles to address diverse needs of various stakeholders.
  • Develop a critically reflective leadership model for your own development.

Strategic Management (Second Subject)

This subject provides comprehensive knowledge of the strategic management process and gives exposure to the concepts and frameworks that are used in understanding a company’s competitive position in domestic and international markets, and the development of new strategies.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of contemporary strategic management theory, concepts and principles.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how strategy formulation and strategy implementation processes work in contemporary organisations
  • Conduct an analysis of the internal and external environment of the selected organisational context, using appropriate strategic management theories and frameworks to inform future direction.
  • Critically evaluate different strategic alternatives and suggest an appropriate and ethical pathway for a business to build and sustain competitive advantage.

Select 6 of the subjects below to complete in addition to the 2 compulsory subjects.

Marketing Management

This subject discusses the importance and strategic role of marketing in today’s globalised and digital business environment. Students learn practical skills that impact on business growth, like how to analyse the market context in which a business or enterprise is operating, segment the market, select an appropriate target market and recommend strategic and tactical plans that co-create value for the selected target market.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of contemporary marketing theory and practice.
  • Identify a variety of relevant sources of data to undertake a context analysis of the market.
  • Create an evidence based, ethical and innovative marketing solution that aligns with customer value.
  • Communicate marketing knowledge, skills and ideas to others clearly, persuasively and credibly.

Operations Management

This subject provides an in-depth knowledge of issues critical for the efficient and effective management of operations in service, public, manufacturing, not-for-profit, and other sectors.  The subject covers operations management principles, frameworks, and contemporary topics including: process perspective; operations for strategic impact; designing process and operations; delivering services and goods through the supply chain; simplifying and improving operations; risk, resilience, and sustainability in operations and, operations digitalisation.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of operations management principles, frameworks, and contemporary topics.
  • Critically analyse and evaluate operations management issues.
  • Clearly, concisely and credibly communicate operations management knowledge to others.
  • Apply relevant principles and frameworks to develop innovative and evidence-based solutions for complex operations management issues.

Financial Management

This subject prepares students for effective and efficient planning and management of financial resources in organisations. The subject considers how a manager can utilise understanding of accounting and finance concepts in decision making. Modules covered include: understanding and evaluating financial statements, cost management concepts and break-even analysis, working capital management, time value of money, risk and return, basic capital investment decisions, capital structure and the cost of capital.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of core contemporary financial management theory, techniques and practice.
  • Critically evaluate and effectively communicate recommendations to address financial management issues.
  • Apply financial management theory and techniques to professional practice in an ethical manner.

Strategic Human Resource Management

The subject is designed to provide understanding of the formal relationship between the employer and the employee and of the techniques and methods aimed at making that relationship more effective so that organisational goals and objectives are achieved. Modules covered include: introduction to strategic HRM, global labour markets, the changing nature of work, work design and diversity management, workforce planning, Talent management and selection, Talent retention and development, performance management, Remuneration and rewards, Evaluating HRM and return on investment.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of strategic human resource management theory and its application in practice.
  • Critically evaluate, and recommend improvements to existing human resource management strategies.
  • Design and effectively communicate an evidence based human resource management initiative with consideration to ethical concerns.
  • Identify and evaluate different perspectives, value systems and contemporary trends and their impact on strategic HRM.

Corporate Governance*

This subject examines the development, concepts, and significance of the concepts and practice of Corporate Governance, and organisational governance within the context of organisational capacity building.

Pre-requisites: Three AQF Level 8 subjects must be completed before attempting Corporate Governance

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary corporate governance theories, principles and regulatory frameworks.
  • Use corporate governance theories and frameworks to interpret the key corporate governance responsibility, structure and function in practice.
  • Critically evaluate corporate governance structure and practices with consideration of needs of various stakeholders, corporate ethics and social responsibility.
  • Effectively apply and communicate relevant theories and frameworks to ensure sound and ethical corporate governance decisions in practice.

Project Management*

This subject provides the skills and knowledge required to successfully manage projects in service, public, not-for-profit, private and other sectors. The subject covers various practical frameworks and emerging topics including: contemporary approaches to project success; defining the project; project estimation, scheduling and strategies for reducing project duration; project risk management; managing project teams; project progress and performance evaluation; project closure and benefits realisation; project governance and ethics in project management; introduction to non-traditional project management methodologies and approaches such as agile project management and critical chain; and, overview of project management software tools.

Pre-requisites: A minimum of three AQF level 8 subjects which must include Operations Management must be completed before attempting Project Management.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of project management principles, frameworks, and contemporary topics.
  • Critically analyse, reflect on, and synthesise complex information, problems, principles and frameworks related to project management.
  • Research and apply relevant principles and frameworks to develop innovative, ethical, and evidence-based solutions for complex project management issues.
  • Clearly, concisely and credibly communicate project management knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences to inform practice.

Artificial Intelligence for Business

This subject provides an essential overview of Artificial Intelligence (AI) types and their strategic application and integration in industry that is transforming business practice. In the context of organisational leadership in the age of digital disruption, this subject explores the challenges and opportunities of AI as well as the capabilities, limitations and ethical considerations.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the principal concepts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in a business context.
  • Critically evaluate the capabilities and limitations of AI types and their ethical challenges.
  • Analyse the strategic functional, organisational, and industry needs that can be addressed by AI solutions.
  • Develop, justify and effectively communicate appropriate approaches for the deployment of AI.

Cyber Security for Managers

The aim of this subject is to provide in-depth insight into the increasing dangers and frequency of cyber-attacks on businesses and government and how best to prevent or mitigate the damaging outcomes. The likely sources of attacks will be outlined along with the methods more commonly used, inherent weaknesses in systems, examine the risk factors and outline manager’s responsibilities. How to create policies designed to mitigate attacks and how to manage them are included along with disaster planning and recovery. This is not a technical subject on the detailed workings of attacks but rather a management approach to cyber resilience, cyber disaster planning and recovery methods.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Describe the need for cyber security in context of the risks, threats, and attack vectors on an organisation’s digital information systems.
  • Analyse weaknesses and vulnerabilities in an organisation’s digital information systems to determine threats and controls for risk management.
  • Design cyber security policies that help mitigate the weaknesses in digital information systems, define organisational data governance protocols and comply with legal obligations.
  • Critically analyse and effectively communicate a complex cyber disaster recovery and contingency plan and recommend improvements to inform professional practice using contemporary cyber security threats, best practice models and/or frameworks.

Business Analytics for Managers

This subject provides an overview of business analytics concepts and their applications in the business environment.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of fundamental concepts and methods in business analytics and what business analytics can do for a business.
  • Critically evaluate and reflect on the business analytics maturity of organisations and organisational readiness for implementing business analytics.
  • Research and apply relevant business analytics methods and frameworks to address strategic, operational, and tactical decision problems in organisations.
  • Effectively communicate business analytics requirements and the relevant findings with various stakeholders including their data expert.

Entrepreneurship

This subject provides scholarly, practical and in-depth knowledge of contemporary entrepreneurial professional practice and entrepreneurial mindsets. By exploring the key life cycle stages of an entrepreneurial venture and the drivers of entrepreneurial culture, students are provided with insights into the process of entrepreneurship and into developing the resource base needed to pursue entrepreneurial initiatives. The subject draws on experiential and collaborative learning to build and strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Examine contemporary entrepreneurship theory and practice to create insights  into potential entrepreneurial opportunities.
  • Reflect upon, and apply contemporary entrepreneurship approaches, techniques and ethical perspectives, that develop an entrepreneur’s: leadership, mindset, capabilities and pathways to an entrepreneurial career.
  • Evaluate the external and internal environmental factors and contexts of an entrepreneurial venture to create and formulate well-informed decisions that will ensure the success of the venture.
  • Communicate entrepreneurship knowledge, skills and ideas to others clearly, persuasively and credibly.

New Product Design*

This subject takes the student through new product design from conception to launch of a new product or service. The subject aims to provide in-depth knowledge and application of traditional and innovative tools and frameworks used in a successful new product design process.

Pre-requisites: Marketing Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of contemporary new product design theory and practice.
  • Demonstrate an ability to apply innovative approaches and techniques as well as ethical perspectives throughout the development of new product design.
  • Evaluate complex business concepts and issues to deliver an evidence-based rationale for new product design.
  • Communicate new product design knowledge, skills and ideas to others clearly, persuasively and credibly.

Business Consulting

The subject provides scholarly and practical in-depth knowledge of the business practices, processes and management for external consultants, owners of consulting firms and those with expertise considering consulting as a profession who are wanting to start, run or scale a business consulting enterprise.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary business consulting theory, process and practice.
  • Apply innovative approaches and techniques as well as ethical perspectives throughout the development of a consulting service.
  • Evaluate complex business and enterprise concepts and issues to make evidence-based recommendations.
  • Communicate business consulting knowledge, skills and ideas to others clearly, persuasively and credibly.

Corporate Finance*

The objective of the subject is to provide an integrated framework and analytical tools that are used by the firm managers to make financial decisions that improve firm value.

Pre-requisites: Financial Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary corporate finance theory, analytical frameworks and practice.
  • Critically analyse and effectively communicate complex corporate finance issues and recommend improvements to inform professional practice.
  • Plan and prepare a substantial evidence based corporate finance report in an ethical manner.

Financial Markets and Institutions*

This subject presents a detailed overview of the features of modern financial and monetary systems, and enables an in-depth understanding of complex institutions, markets, and securities that are part of them.

Pre-requisites: Financial Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary financial markets and institutions theory, analytical frameworks and practice.
  • Critically analyse and effectively communicate improvements relating to financial markets and institutions issues.
  • Plan and present a substantial evidence-based financial markets and institutions report in an ethical manner.

Investment Management*

The objective of the subject is to provide comprehensive theoretical and practical knowledge on investment management. The subject covers major theoretical concepts, namely, modern portfolio theory, diversification, and equilibrium models of security prices. The subject also includes macroeconomic and industry analysis, pricing of main financial derivatives, and evaluation of portfolio performance.

Pre-requisite: Financial Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary investment management theory, analytical frameworks and practice.
  • Critically analyse and effectively communicate complex concepts, investment management issues and recommend improvements to inform professional practice.
  • Plan and undertake a substantial evidence-based report in an ethical manner.

Organisational Learning and Development

This subject provides scholarly, practical, and in-depth knowledge to support and critically evaluate contemporary approaches to organisational learning and development (OLAD). Drawing on adult learning theory, students will be involved in diagnosing an organisation’s learning and development needs. Subsequently, they will gain an insight into the process of design, implementation, and evaluation of learning and development initiatives in line with the organisation’s strategic direction. Implications for fostering capabilities for the development of human capital for sustained competitive advantage will be examined.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Identify and evaluate organisational learning and development and its strategic application in practice.
  • Diagnose learning and development needs that align with the organisation’s strategic focus.
  • Design an evidence-based organisational learning and development initiative to address current and future organisational needs whilst maintaining professional integrity.

Managing People in a Global Context*

This subject explores how globalisation has influenced and impacted human resource management practices in multinational enterprises (MNEs).

Pre-requisites: Strategic Human Resource Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary international HRM theories, principles and concepts.
  • Critically analyse international HRM practices and their application in a global context.
  • Identify and evaluate different contemporary perspectives, value systems and trends and their impact on international HRM policy and practice.
  • Design and effectively communicate an appropriate evidence-based international HRM strategy which takes into account socially responsible and ethical practice for an organisation.

Managing Change*

Managing Change focuses on organisational change: why it occurs, how it occurs, how it can be managed, and what forms it can take. The complexities of change present real challenges for managers and leaders and, hence, challenges for managers and leadership in times of change are also addressed.

Pre-requisites: Strategic Human Resource Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of theories of planned change, a range of established change management approaches and their applicability in organisational settings.
  • Assume a leading role in critically evaluating organisational and behavioural issues that may affect the change process and recommend strategies to combat these issues.
  • Analyse complex organisational issues including any ethical considerations in relation to a planned change initiative.
  • Formulate, effectively communicate and implement change initiatives and strategies for organisations.

Consumer Behaviour*

The subject highlights the importance of consumer behaviour and customer experience concepts and theories in understanding the consumer decision making process as well as the customer journey. The subject addresses knowledge and analytical skills to assess the influence of various factors in consumer decision making and understand the importance of integration and measurement of customer experience.

Pre-requisites: Marketing Management

  • Critically analyse the influence of various factors on consumer decision-making and purchasing behaviour.
  • Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, synthesise and apply innovative approaches, techniques and perspectives to consumer behaviour and customer experience management.
  • Recommend appropriate marketing strategies in a variety of marketing scenarios based on in-depth analysis of consumer behaviour within target markets.
  • Communicate customer experience knowledge, skills and ideas to others clearly, persuasively and credibly through customer journey mapping, deriving recommendations to enhance customer experience.

Digital Marketing*

There is an expectation that modern enterprises engage in digital marketing providing positive brand experiences for their customers and other stakeholders. Digital marketing is increasingly important to understand, because customers engage online and offline with brands. This subject is designed to provide students with an understanding of digital marketing. Students will learn about the various types of digital marketing as well as to how to plan, deploy, manage and evaluate a digital marketing strategy.

Pre-requisites: Marketing Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of contemporary new digital marketing theory and practice.
  • Examine digital marketing theory, measures and practice to create a comprehensive digital marketing audit.
  • Critically analyse various metrics, innovative approaches, techniques and ethical perspective to design a digital marketing strategy.
  • Communicate digital marketing strategies, tactics and measures to others clearly, persuasively and credibly.

International Business

This subject provides a contemporary understanding of international business and its complexities including the role of multinational firms. Students will gain insights into the roles played by formal and informal institutions on the performance of their firm. Students will examine how countries trade with each other and how organisations implement various international strategies to compete globally and obtain competitive advantage.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of contemporary International Business theories, concepts and principles, and their application in practice
  • Critically evaluate the role and impact of country-level macro environment and institutions to make appropriate recommendations for a business operating internationally.
  • Critically evaluate various international strategies and entry modes and make appropriate recommendations for a business operating internationally.
  • Plan and effectively communicate a relevant and evidence-based international business activity for an organisation with ethical considerations.

Procurement and Global Logistics Management*

This subject focuses on the design of effective procurement and global logistics systems and how such systems can be improved during periods of uncertainty. It covers areas such as customer relationship management, warehousing and packaging, and transportation. It explains how these elements combine to form a logistics network. Students will analyse the impacts and opportunities of uncertainty on procurement and logistics management.

Pre-requisites: Operations Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Critically analyse procurement and global logistics systems in the times of uncertainty using relevant theories and frameworks.
  • Develop evidence-based recommendations to improve procurement and logistics systems.
  • Synthesise and communicate procurement and global logistics management knowledge to inform practice.

Global Supply Chain Management*

Today’s business and economy happens in a global and circular supply chain. Successful organisations in various sectors (e.g. service, public, NFP, manufacturing) strategically collaborate with their local and/or global supply chain partners to  gain competitive advantage and create more value for the end customers. Well-managed adaptive supply chains help them win and retain customers, unravel opportunities, and leverage digital trends to achieve and sustain long term value creation. This subject takes a strategic and global approach to Supply Chain Management and covers key principles, frameworks, and contemporary topics.

Pre-requisites: Operations Management

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of global supply chain management principles, frameworks, and contemporary trends.
  • Critically analyse, reflect on, and synthesise complex information, problems, principles and frameworks related to supply chain management at the strategic and global level.
  • Research and apply relevant principles and frameworks to develop innovative, evidence-based and sustainable solutions to navigate the supply chain landscape.
  • Clearly, concisely and credibly communicate strategic and global supply chain management knowledge to specialist and non-specialist audiences to inform practice and showcase competencies as future ready SC leaders.

Directed Study*

Directed Study requires students to undertake a specific project to further their disciplinary study and theory application in addition to the final MBA Project. The Directed Study is an individual project which is supervised by one or more academic staff member(s), based on topics that are aligned with the discipline expertise offered at AIB. The topic and assessment pieces are developed in consultation with the academic supervisor(s).  Meetings between the student and the staff member(s) are periodic and at the request of the student or the staff member(s). The staff member(s) may set milestones and timelines for the student to meet. The subject provides scaffolding for the design and development of an individual research project and for the application of theory in a practical workplace context. Please note, Directed Study is not intended to be a replacement for an existing subject.

Pre-requisites: All AQF Level 8 subjects.

On completion of this subject participants should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced understanding of the design and implementation of an individual project.
  • Evaluate and synthesise existing research to enable the creative planning and execution of scholarship in a practical, real-world context.
  • Design and implement an individual project for the application of theory in a practical workplace context.

*When scheduling your timetable, please note that some subjects have pre-requisites that must be successfully completed prior to commencing the subject. For further information on MBA specialisations or available elective units, view the MBA Subject Guide.

How you will learn

In today’s fast-moving business environment, our study schedule lets you study 6 subjects in a year and complete your MBA online in 2 years or the GDM in 16 months, even while you work. With the option to accelerate, you can study up to 2 subjects at once when life allows to speed up your study timeline, subject to meeting concurrent study criteria. If life gets in the way of your studies, there is no need to worry – you can adjust your study timetable.

At AIB we run multiple intakes for the GCM and MBA throughout the year so you can start the program when it suits you.

Each term runs for 8 weeks and during this period you’ll complete 1 subject. An 8-week period contains a mix of interactive assessments including, but not limited to, assignments, quizzes and evaluated forum participation along the way, plus one week to reflect and recharge.

Learning materials are made available 14 days prior to the subject start date so you can pre-plan your online studies around your family life, work and social commitments.

*The below timeline is an example only – assessment mix may change from subject to subject.

Course overview diagram

Access your learning materials on the go

100% Online Learning

Rather than expecting you to fit around us, we’ve found innovative ways to make our subjects fit around you.

Our innovative Student Learning Portal is your ultimate digital resource for everything you’ll need to successfully complete your online MBA course with the flexibility to access your learning materials, videos, podcasts and other multimedia. You’ll engage with fellow students and have key concepts explained by your Online Facilitators in webinars and forums.

In addition to the Student Learning Portal, the myAIB app allows you to download modules and full subjects to view offline to save your cellular data, receive notifications for assessments and webinars, listen to audio versions of modules through Soundcloud and enjoy many other useful features.

The myAIB learning portal app is available on Google Play and on the Apple App Store.

At AIB, I was able to use actual projects that I was working on and this was a real benefit. I chose to study topics I could apply directly to my work.

AIB supports your success

When you study with AIB, you’ll be supported by our skilful team of over 180 academic, student support and professional staff, who will be with you every step of your learning journey.

Student Learning Portal

  • Our innovative Student Learning Portal provides all the resources and support you’ll need to successfully complete your studies

AIB Assist

  • Personalised student support service including counselling, wellbeing advice, and personal strategy management

Academics

  • Highly qualified and experienced academics
  • Practice-centric curricula, innovative learning resources and realistic assessment techniques

Study Tools

  • Access to tools you’ll need to successfully complete your degree and excel in your career including Office 365, LinkedIn Learning, Scite_, GrammarlyEDU and Endnote

Student Support

  • Dedicated student and enrolment teams
  • Supporting you with any issues big or small from orientation to graduation

Online Facilitators

  • Each class has a dedicated Facilitator (OLF) and a limit of just 60 students to ensure you’ll benefit from high levels of interaction, relationship building and learning

Accredited and Recognised

AIB’s GDM is accredited by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), highly regarded internationally and catered specifically to working professionals. 

AIB’s graduates are seen by employers as valuable leaders that drive business growth.

Here’s a snapshot of our memberships, listings and registrations:
  • International Association of Universities (IAU)
  • Independent Higher Education Australia (IHEA)
  • Australian Human Resource Institute (AHRI)
  • Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA)
  • International Council for Open and distance Education.

AIB’s Global Community

The Australian Institute of Business (AIB) is a truly global community with over 16,000 students, alumni, academics and industry experts from 95 countries. It’s Australia’s largest online MBA community.

20,060

Business school qualifications awarded globally

12,457

Business school graduates globally

11,810

MBA graduates around the world

8,198

GCM graduates around the world

3,626

Business school students studying in 2021

183

Academic, support and professional staff

Note: All graduate, student and academic head-count numbers were true as at 3rd February, 2022.

Interested in doing a full MBA?

The Graduate Certificate in Management and Graduate Diploma in Management are the perfect combination pathway into the Australian Institute of Business’s fully online Fast-Track MBA program.

Build upon the management skills you gain in the GCM and GDM with the in-depth and well-rounded business and leadership skills the Fast-Track MBA will give you.

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