| Q : |
How is WOU's CeMPA different from the normal MPA programmes? |
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| A : |
The WOU CeMPA is distinguished on account of
- Programme offered as an Open and Distance Learning Programme with attendant access and flexibility elements suited to the requirements of working adults in Malaysia.
- Content developed collaboratively through participation of COL and leading open Universities in Asia
- Global content adapted suitably to local public sector scenario
- Learning supported by highly interactive and well designed learning support system including Face to Face tutorials, online and telephonic tutoring, video conferencing support, threaded discussions and possible interaction with public sector managers.
- Programme delivery by qualified university faculty
- High level of application orientation through use of case studies and project work component.
- • Open entry option with specific eligibility available for those working in supervisory positions but not possessing degree qualifications.
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| Q : |
Who is the awarding body of the CeMPA degree? |
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| A : |
WOU is the awarding body for CeMPA. |
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| Q : |
What are the eligibility requirements for the CeMPA Programmes? |
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| A : |
- Bachelor’s degree with honours or its equivalent in any field of study
- Bachelors degree with two years post-graduate working experience at a supervisory level
- Candidates above 35 years with minimum qualification of STPM/ equivalent can apply through the system of Open Entry. The candidates should have two years working experience at a supervisory level and pass the diagnostic test which is known as CeMAT.
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| Q : |
Does WOU's CeMPA come with selected majors? |
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| A : |
As of now it is a generic programme with no specialisations
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| Q : |
Is WOU's CeMPA recognised globally? |
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| A : |
It is like, any programme offered by an accredited university, recognised as a valid qualification. It is already offered by 5 countries in Asia and is being prepared for launch by another 4 partners in Africa. Steps for international accreditation are being undertaken.
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| Q : |
Are there any prerequisites to be fulfilled before enrolling for any of the
CeMPA courses? |
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| A : |
There are no prerequisites for any of the courses in CeMPA but the way the programme is designed, the project course can be undertaken by a student only in the last semester, after he has been exposed to the inputs in core courses and the Research Methods course
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| Q : |
Is the student allowed to register for a specific CeMPA course without having to complete the
programme? |
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| A : |
Provided he meets all the entry criteria, a student can register for one or a few courses. Since the registration is on a course-wise basis, a student could decide to leave the programme after completing one or a few courses. However, as of now, certification at different exit points has not been planned and therefore the University will not be able to give a specific certification for the attainment. |
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| Q : |
Does the student need to submit a thesis at the end of the
programme? |
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| A : |
Yes. A project report submission, in the form of a dissertation is a requirement of the project course, a 6 credit course to be undertaken towards the end of the programme. |
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| Q : |
What do you mean by "threaded discussion forums"? |
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| A : |
Threaded discussion forums are online discussions with the students on a topical theme or a current issue posted on the LMS by the tutor/CC, where students can express their considered view on the subject related to their organisational practice or even critique a view being presented. Normally in such threaded discussions there is a time period for which a discussion can be kept live, and then is replaced by the next topic. Under the WOU scheme, we propose each discussion to be linked to the themes covered/related to the contents in the 5 Units for each course. |
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| Q : |
Are there any assignments throughout the CeMPA programme? |
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| A : |
All CeMPA courses require the submission of assignments known as TMAs i.e. Tutor Marked Assignments. The CeMPA requires only 2 TMA submissions per course. |
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| Q : |
In signing up for WOU's CeMPA, can you advise me on the probable career paths? |
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| A : |
This being a fairly contemporary MPA programme, you are prepared to take up managerial responsibilities in a wide range of industries both manufacturing and services. If you are already working ,the
CeMPA provides you opportunities for vertical progression in your own organization or a shift to better opportunities in other organizations in middle or top level managerial positions. |
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| Q : |
Are there any special classes that WOU will organise as part of the course study for the
CeMPA programme? |
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| A : |
The "classes" are organised as 5 face to face tutorials per course in the initial semester and a mix of face to face and online tutorials in later semesters. A detailed interaction session in the form of a weekend residential session is also to be held each semester with leaders from public sector and academia. |
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| Q : |
Is it possible for me to fast-track my CeMPA programme from the stated 2.5 years to say, 1.5/2.0 years? |
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| A : |
As of now, fast tracking of the programme is not envisaged as a possibility, as the credit load of the programme and therefore the time period of completion of the programme have been worked out keeping in mind the work life commitments of working Malaysian adults. We assume most of our students for this programme, being working adults, will have work related commitments and it may not be realistic to expect them to take a study load of more than 3/4 courses each semester, each with a credit weightage of 3 credits. |
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| Q : |
Can I study any course at anytime? |
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| A : |
In general, the University allows students to enrol for a maximum of 3 courses per semester (except for semester 4). Applicants should check with the University for information on the courses which are offered each term. Not all courses are offered each semester and students should plan their study schedule accordingly. |
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| Q : |
What are the technical requirements needed to enrol in the CeMPA? |
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| A : |
It is preferred that students have access to a standard PC, with Internet connection and a sound card. The PC should be equipped with a Java-enabled browser such as Internet Explorer 5+ or Mozilla Firefox and the Macromedia Flash plug-in (freely downloadable from the Internet). This is necessary to ensure students get access to the Learning Management System (LMS). |
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| Q : |
What is the difference between an MPA and an MBA? |
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| A : |
The MPA is meant for students who wish to work in or around government--whether directly for government, for non-profits, or for government relations offices within for-profit businesses. Although some of our students do work for business, the MPA programme is designed to allow students to understand the government and non-profit worlds and challenges of managing public systems. These have different organisational structures, incentive structures and goals than for-profit businesses. |
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| Q : |
What are the course components of CeMPA programme? |
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| A : |
Core courses
- Managing Information Systems
- Management in Organisations
- Managing Human Resources
- Quantitative Techniques
- Economic Environment of Business
- Public Systems Management
- Policy Analysis and Implementation
- Contemporary Administrative Systems
- Public Policy
- Development Planning and Administration
- Research Methods
Electives (choose 3 out of 6)
In WOU, students are required to choose 3 of the following 6 elective courses:
- Electronic Commerce
- Disaster Management
- Project Management
- Marketing Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Ethics and Governance in Public Systems
Required Course
Students are required to complete a 6 credit-unit Project/Case Study
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| Q : |
Can you please help to explain how I can calculate my GPA and CGPA for my CeMPA courses? |
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| A : |
The GPA and CGPA are worked out as per WOU rules |
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| Q : |
What are the graduation requirements of CeMPA programme? |
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| A : |
- At least 48 credit hours (15 courses), AND
- A minimum grade "C" for Project course, AND
- A CGPA of at least 3.0
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| Q : |
What is the CeMAT? |
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| A : |
The CeMAT is a Management aptitude test, designed to judge applicants' capability of successfully taking the programme. This aptitude test has four sections and comprises 200 questions. The diagnostic management aptitude test (CeMAT) consists of the following areas:
- General awareness (30 questions)
- English language (50 questions)
- Test of reasoning (70 questions)
- Analytical and quantitative skills(50 questions)
*The total duration of the test is 3 hours. The test is held as a proctored examination at all Regional Office (RO) locations of the University
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| Q : |
Are there any preparatory materials in sitting for the CeMAT? |
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| A : |
There is no preparatory material. However applicants are welcome to refer to GMAT, TOEFL and GRE materials when preparing the various CeMAT sections. An awareness of the general environment of the country through regular reading of newspapers will also help. For helping the students to prepare for the test, GMAT test books are provided in all ROs. |
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| Q : |
Are there any fees for sitting for the CeMAT? |
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No |
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| Q : |
When are the CeMAT administered? |
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| A : |
The CeMAT is held at least thrice before each intake and generally one test per month is scheduled to give aspirants ample opportunity to prepare. For the July 2008 intake, the tests are scheduled to be held in May, June and July. |
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Q : |
What if I complete the CeMAT, but cannot begin studies in that year? |
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| A : |
The CeMAT score is valid for a period of 6 semesters. Anyone who has completed the CeMAT can enrol in that semester or the subsequent ones.
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