BUSINESS & ECONOMICS

Master of Business Development (Online)

MBusDev

 Develop the knowledge, skills, mindset and networks to advance your career in business development. This flexible masters programme is designed to fit around your work and personal commitments.

Entry Requirements

Taught 180-points:

A relevant bachelors degree with a GPA of 4.0 and at least three years’ relevant work experience. 

Taught 120-points:

A relevant bachelors honours degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in Business with a GPA of 4.0 

and at least three years’ relevant work experience. 

*Pathway options available for those who do not meet the above requirements.

 

Duration

Taught 180-points: 

  • 3-years (part-time)
  • 2-years (full-time)

Taught 120-points: 

  • 2-years (part-time)

Next start dates

  • 2024 Quarter Two – 8 April (applications close 25 March)

Domestic Fees

120-point: $10,342.80

180-point: $15,514.20

(Fees can be paid in quarterly instalments) 

International fees

Programme Overview

The Master of Business Development (MBusDev) is designed for early-to-mid career professionals engaged in business development seeking to gain knowledge and expertise in business development while building practical skills and capabilities in a specialist field. The MBusDev focuses on building the skills required to expand and grow businesses by developing new products or services, modifying or enhancing existing products or services, entering new markets, and partnering or developing strategic alliances. If your goal is to advance your career and acquire the knowledge, mindset, personal and professional skills required to achieve your potential in a dynamic, increasingly global and technology-driven business environment, this programme is for you.

Programme Brochure

Enter your details to get the Master of Business Development brochure instantly emailed to your inbox.

Dr Peter Smith (Senior Lecturer) explains what Business Development is and gives an overview of the different parts of the programme.

Rod B McNaughton (Professor of Entrepreneurship) speaks to the Innovation & Product Management specialisation.

The Master of Business Development specialisation in Innovation & Product Management develops the knowledge and capabilities needed to manage a product or product portfolio and bring new products and services to market. The specialisation will sharpen your competitive edge to enter or move up in this rapidly growing field with the latest theory and business practices, opportunities to hear from experienced product managers, meet like-minded students and instructors, and complete practical exercises and projects. You will develop the skills to gather customer insights, assess market opportunities, translate business-to-technical requirements, develop sustainable products, write compelling business cases, allocate resources effectively, lead a product development team, and much more!

A Postgraduate Certificate in Business Development specialising in Innovation & Product Management or Management is also available for those wishing to pursue a shorter qualification.

The 180-point MBusDev programme consists of 11 courses, and the 120-points MBusDev programme comprises 7 courses. Each course runs over a 10-week quarter, allowing you to take one course at a time and complete this programme in 2-3 years. The 180-point MBusDev schedule enables you to accelerate the programme by taking two courses per quarter for the first 120-points of the programme. 

The 180-point MBusDev programme is structured in three-parts. Part 1 locates business development with core business processes and develops practical skills to enable you to more effectively work across the business. Part 2 builds skills, knowledge, and capabilities in Innovation & Product Management. Finally, Part 3 extends the capabilities developed in Part 2 to leading applied business development projects, culminating in a large applied industry-based capstone project. The 120-point MBusDev programme structure comprises only parts 2 and 3.

Part 1: Business Development Core Courses (180-point MBusDev only) Part 2: Specialisation Courses in Innovation & Product Management Part 3: Capstone and applied project 
  • BUSDEV 711 
  • BUSDEV 712 
  • BUSDEV 713 
  • BUSDEV 715 
  • BUSDEV 721 
  • BUSDEV 722 
  • BUSDEV 723  
  • BUSDEV 724 
  • BUSDEV 780 
  • BUSDEV 781 
  • BUSDEV 782 A/B

 

Part Course Code Course Description Points 

Part 1: Courses in Business Development 

(180-point MBusDev only)

BUSDEV 711  Business in a Changing World Examines the implications of disruptive technologies such as AI, blockchain and deep learning. Focuses on enabling managers to understand various disruptive trends such as aging populations, global shifts in economic power and urbanisation. Analytical tools, concepts and perspectives are provided which help managers analyse and put forward recommendations on how to navigate disruptive trends and technologies. 15
BUSDEV 712  Financial Management  Develops an understanding of the financial implications of the decisions managers make and methods for ensuring clear communication of those decisions to various primary and secondary stakeholders. Fundamental techniques and tools required to manage finances and accounts are examined including assessing business feasibility, identifying suitable sources of financing and effectively communicating financial performance information. 15
BUSDEV 713  Sustainable Value Chains Explores the reasons for creating value for multiple stakeholders, while striking a balance between growth and sustainability in private and public organisations. Examines the ways in which sustainable value is created through effective and efficient operations, information systems, and supply chain management. Focuses on process design for productivity and sustainability, particularly in uncertain and complex business contexts. 15
BUSDEV 715  Contemporary Marketing  Explores highly dynamic business environments and how ongoing digital transformation creates dramatic changes in the role of marketing. Develops an understanding of how collaboration with various stakeholders (e.g. customers, partners and competitors) can create and sustain value. Focuses on the theory and practice of contemporary marketing. 15
Part 2: Specialisation Courses in Innovation & Product Management  BUSDEV 721 Innovation Management and Strategy  Examines various sources of innovation and the capabilities, processes and challenges of managing innovation and embedding it across an organisation. Focuses on the process of formulating innovation strategy and common elements of innovation strategies. 15
BUSDEV 722 Product Management  Considers the product manager’s role in developing and leading product strategy, managing a product portfolio, and helping to foster innovation. Develops capabilities to foster collaboration between functions, manage projects, develop persuasive business cases, and manage products throughout their lifecycle. 15
BUSDEV 723 New Product Development Processes Develops the knowledge and capabilities to lead new product development processes and launch products into the market. Examines practices for customer insight, design, prototyping, product planning, and go-to-market strategies. 15
BUSDEV 724 Designing for Sustainability  Addresses challenges in designing for sustainability, including lifetime and disposal costs, environmental and social impacts, compliance issues, and tensions between corporate responsibility and profit generation. Explores contemporary topics like eco-innovation, circular economy, and social enterprise. 15
Part 3: Business development project courses BUSDEV 780 Personal and Team Leadership Focuses on developing personal and team leadership capabilities within complex, uncertain and creative business contexts. Provides tools and techniques to develop leadership capabilities and self-awareness. Engages students in personal development experiences which enable them to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and encourages approaches to leadership that are well-suited to current and future work contexts. 15
BUSDEV 781 Managing Collaborative Projects Focuses on managers’ responsibilities and challenges when leading, organising and working within collaborative projects. Explores and evaluates various distributed collaboration tools used to establish and manage project teams. Planning, control, and execution models for capstone projects are reviewed and critiqued. Develops skills in the facilitation and effective management of complex collaborations and project team-dynamics within and beyond organisational boundaries. 15
BUSDEV 782A/B Capstone Project Working with a client’s real-world and real-time problem, students will choose, integrate, and apply theories, frameworks and tools to understand the problem, and subsequently generate and iterate possible solutions. Plans, reports and presentations will be produced and communicated with the intention of informing and influencing clients and affected stakeholders. 30
 

As a graduate of the Master of Business Development, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theories and practices of the business processes associated with innovation and product management, and effectively and justifiably apply that knowledge in the context of ambiguity and complexity.
  • Evaluate and synthesise evidence from multiple sources, integrate feedback into practice, and undertake critical and reflexive thinking when working through complex challenges.
  • Identify, diagnose and frame complex problems, and to use integrative thinking to iterate through the development of innovative solutions, selecting between alternatives, and implementing appropriate solutions.
  • Work effectively in teams and communicate orally and in writing using a range of media.
  • Demonstrate effective stakeholder communication and engagement strategies in order to achieve successful business development outcomes.
  • Work autonomously and ethically, demonstrating self-management, reflexivity and adaptability in the face of ambiguity.
  • Make business decisions that reflect a consideration of their environmental and social responsibilities, internal and external stakeholder interests, and of the principles underpinning the Treaty of Waitangi and sustainability.

The Master of Business Development specialisation in Innovation & Product Management develops the knowledge and capabilities needed to manage a product or product portfolio and bring new products and services to market. The specialisation will sharpen your competitive edge to enter or move up in this rapidly growing field with the latest theory and business practices, opportunities to hear from experienced product managers, meet like-minded students and instructors, and complete practical exercises and projects. You will develop the skills to gather customer insights, assess market opportunities, translate business-to-technical requirements, develop sustainable products, write compelling business cases, allocate resources effectively, lead a product development team, and much more!

A Postgraduate Certificate in Business Development specialising in Innovation & Product Management or Management is also available for those wishing to pursue a shorter qualification.

The 180-point MBusDev programme consists of 11 courses, and the 120-points MBusDev programme comprises 7 courses. Each course runs over a 10-week quarter, allowing you to take one course at a time and complete this programme in 2-3 years. The 180-point MBusDev schedule enables you to accelerate the programme by taking two courses per quarter for the first 120-points of the programme. 

The 2022-2023 Quarters are scheduled as follows: 

2022

  • Quarter 1: 10 January
  • Quarter 2: 4 April 
  • Quarter 3: 27 June 
  • Quarter 4: 19 September

2023 

  • Quarter 1: 9 January
  • Quarter 2: 3 April
  • Quarter 3: 3 July 
  • Quarter 4: 25 September 

The 180-point MBusDev programme is structured in three-parts. Part 1 locates business development with core business processes and develops practical skills to enable you to more effectively work across the business. Part 2 builds skills, knowledge, and capabilities in Innovation & Product Management. Finally, Part 3 extends the capabilities developed in Part 2 to leading applied business development projects, culminating in a large applied industry-based capstone project. The 120-point MBusDev programme structure comprises only parts 2 and 3.

Part 1: Business Development Core Courses (180-point MBusDev only)
  • BUSDEV 711 
  • BUSDEV 712 
  • BUSDEV 713 
  • BUSDEV 715 
Part 2: Specialisation Courses in Innovation & Product Management
  • BUSDEV 721 
  • BUSDEV 722 
  • BUSDEV 723  
  • BUSDEV 724 
Part 3: Capstone and applied project 
  • BUSDEV 780 
  • BUSDEV 781 
  • BUSDEV 782 A/B

 

Part 1: Business Development Core Courses (180-point MBusDev only)

Course Detail
Business in a Changing World (BUSDEV 711)
15 points
Examines the implications of disruptive technologies such as AI, blockchain and deep learning. Focuses on enabling managers to understand various disruptive trends such as aging populations, global shifts in economic power and urbanisation. Analytical tools, concepts and perspectives are provided which help managers analyse and put forward recommendations on how to navigate disruptive trends and technologies.
Financial Management (BUSDEV 712)
15 points
Develops an understanding of the financial implications of the decisions managers make and methods for ensuring clear communication of those decisions to various primary and secondary stakeholders. Fundamental techniques and tools required to manage finances and accounts are examined including assessing business feasibility, identifying suitable sources of financing and effectively communicating financial performance information.
Sustainable Value Chains (BUSDEV 713)
15 points
Explores the reasons for creating value for multiple stakeholders, while striking a balance between growth and sustainability in private and public organisations. Examines the ways in which sustainable value is created through effective and efficient operations, information systems, and supply chain management. Focuses on process design for productivity and sustainability, particularly in uncertain and complex business contexts.
Contemporary Marketing (BUSDEV 715)
15 points
Explores highly dynamic business environments and how ongoing digital transformation creates dramatic changes in the role of marketing. Develops an understanding of how collaboration with various stakeholders (e.g. customers, partners and competitors) can create and sustain value. Focuses on the theory and practice of contemporary marketing.
 
 
Part 2: Specialisation Courses in Innovation & Product Management
Course Detail
Innovation Management and Strategy (BUSDEV 721)
15 points
Examines various sources of innovation and the capabilities, processes and challenges of managing innovation and embedding it across an organisation. Focuses on the process of formulating innovation strategy and common elements of innovation strategies.
Product Management (BUSDEV 722)
15 points
Considers the product manager’s role in developing and leading product strategy, managing a product portfolio, and helping to foster innovation. Develops capabilities to foster collaboration between functions, manage projects, develop persuasive business cases, and manage products throughout their lifecycle.
New Product Development Processes (BUSDEV 723)
15 points
Develops the knowledge and capabilities to lead new product development processes and launch products into the market. Examines practices for customer insight, design, prototyping, product planning, and go-to-market strategies.
Designing for Sustainability (BUSDEV 724)
15 points
Addresses challenges in designing for sustainability, including lifetime and disposal costs, environmental and social impacts, compliance issues, and tensions between corporate responsibility and profit generation. Explores contemporary topics like eco-innovation, circular economy, and social enterprise.

Part 3: Business development project courses

Course Detail
Personal and Team Leadership (BUSDEV 780)
15 points
Focuses on developing personal and team leadership capabilities within complex, uncertain and creative business contexts. Provides tools and techniques to develop leadership capabilities and self-awareness. Engages students in personal development experiences which enable them to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses and encourages approaches to leadership that are well-suited to current and future work contexts.
Managing Collaborative Projects (BUSDEV 781)
15 points
Focuses on managers’ responsibilities and challenges when leading, organising and working within collaborative projects. Explores and evaluates various distributed collaboration tools used to establish and manage project teams. Planning, control, and execution models for capstone projects are reviewed and critiqued. Develops skills in the facilitation and effective management of complex collaborations and project team-dynamics within and beyond organisational boundaries.
Capstone Project (BUSDEV 782A/B)
30 points
Working with a client’s real-world and real-time problem, students will choose, integrate, and apply theories, frameworks and tools to understand the problem, and subsequently generate and iterate possible solutions. Plans, reports and presentations will be produced and communicated with the intention of informing and influencing clients and affected stakeholders.

 

As a graduate of the Master of Business Development, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theories and practices of the business processes associated with innovation and product management, and effectively and justifiably apply that knowledge in the context of ambiguity and complexity.
  • Evaluate and synthesise evidence from multiple sources, integrate feedback into practice, and undertake critical and reflexive thinking when working through complex challenges.
  • Identify, diagnose and frame complex problems, and to use integrative thinking to iterate through the development of innovative solutions, selecting between alternatives, and implementing appropriate solutions.
  • Work effectively in teams and communicate orally and in writing using a range of media.
  • Demonstrate effective stakeholder communication and engagement strategies in order to achieve successful business development outcomes.
  • Work autonomously and ethically, demonstrating self-management, reflexivity and adaptability in the face of ambiguity.
  • Make business decisions that reflect a consideration of their environmental and social responsibilities, internal and external stakeholder interests, and of the principles underpinning the Treaty of Waitangi and sustainability.

*Our Programme Advisors will provide all official programme information, including regulations about entry, enrolment, course fees, examinations and requirements for degrees, diplomas and certificates as per the University Calendar. Please note that the programme fees are indicative and estimates only. Fees are set in advance of each calendar year and will be updated on this website. Fees are inclusive of 15% GST, but do not include the Student Services Fee course books, travel and health insurance, or living costs. Fees will be confirmed upon completion of enrolment into courses.

Frequently Asked Questions – Master of Business Development

Who is the Master of Business Development suitable for?

This MBusDev programme is designed for graduates of the following faculties: Business, Engineering, Health sciences, Humanities, Science, Technology.

This programme is ideal for early-to-mid career professionals with at least three years of relevant experience, who wish to pursue further studies specialised in either Innovation & Product Management or Technology Commercialisation on a part-time basis.

What will the Master of Business Development teach you?

The MBusDev programme will teach you a diverse range of skills in Innovation and Product Management:

  • Customer insight 
  • Market assessment
  • Product design
  • Translating business-to-technical requirements 
  • Sustainable products
  • Resource allocation
  • Developing business cases 
  • Monitoring product performance 
  • And more! 
Where could the MBusDev take you?

The Master of Business Development is an interdisciplinary career-focused qualification. As such, this programme opens a wide range of career opportunities and associated careers are ideally suited to those who enjoy complex multi-stakeholder environments.

Jobs related to this programme

  • Business Analyst
  • Customer Success Manager
  • Entrepreneur
  • Business Line Manager
  • Market Analyst
  • Service Designer
  • User Researcher
  • Associate Product Management
  • Group Product manager
  • Lead Product Manager
  • New Product Development (NPD) Manager
  • Product Coordinator
  • Product Design Consultant
  • Product Development Manager
  • Product Engineer
  • Product Lead
  • Product Management Specialist
  • Product Manager 
  • Product Owner
  • Product Specialist
What are the entry requirements?

The GPA requirement for this programme is 4.0 (equivalent to a B- in New Zealand).
Your GPA will be based off your most recent qualification. You can calculate your GPA on our webpage here.

If your GPA is lower than 4.0 you can enter through the pathway programme (PGCertBusDev).

Can I apply for either the 120 or 180 point option?

You need at least 1 year of postgraduate study (e.g., honours, or a postgraduate diploma) to be eligible for the 120 point option. If you are applying with a Bachelor’s degree, you would complete the 180 point option.

What is the main difference between the MBusDev programme and an MBA programme?

The Master of Business Development focuses on the activities around growing new lines of business. Broadly speaking that means creating and developing new products or entering into new markets (or working with other firms to achieve that). People in these type of roles, typically see themselves as being grounded in their base-discipline’s expertise; the pharmacologist who now is the product manager for a range of medical diagnostic tests still considers themselves to be a scientist.

An MBA programme, in contrast, is about producing people who seek to be General Managers. They often have involvement in all areas of a firm, but are not normally considered to be a specialist or expert in any area; hence the title of General Manager.

Is the programme available to international students? (both in NZ and outside)

You are still welcome to apply for the programme if you are international, however, please be aware that the content is largely New Zealand-specific, and all deadlines will be in NZST.

International fees are charged at a higher rate to domestic fees.

Testimonials

“The business world is changing, it’s dynamic and volatile with developments in tech blurring industries and changing the way that businesses compete. This programme has taught me how businesses can navigate and thrive in this new world where the old management practices are lacking.

I particularly enjoyed the insights into new product and customer development, as well as the insightful and inspirational talks by a range of business leaders sharing their successes and advice. I’m confident this programme has given me the insight and ‘edge’ to help businesses innovate and grow in an effective and agile way.

Sarah

current MBusDev student

Graduating with an architecture background, I have always had an interest in how business and the world works. This course offers new information and knowledge that inspires me to think and explore possibilities from areas outside my industry, helping me to evaluate the world from a professional point of view.

David

current MBusDev student

Master of Business Development – Enquire Now

* indicates a required field

We collect your contact details so we can send you information about studying at the University of Auckland. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.