THE ESSEX ONLINE

AMBA
Accreditation by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) is bestowed upon
educational programmes of the highest international quality. It is held
by only 2% of the world’s business schools – including Essex Business
School.

As one of the only 100% online MBAs accredited by AMBA, this

provides recognition of our commitment to both outstanding teaching
and excellent student employability and progression. Employers looking
to recruit top talent will seek out candidates with an AMBA-accredited
MBA on their CV.

Our students join a worldwide AMBA community of over 45,000

students and alumni based in over 150 countries. This broadens their
international network and allows them to connect with fellow MBA
graduates who have completed a similarly impressive programme.
EXCELLENCE
IN EDUCATION.
EXCELLENCE
FOR OUR STUDENTS.
We’re making ripples in the world of online education.

We’re the only exclusively online provider to have received a gold

rating in the government’s Teaching Excellence and Student
Outcomes Framework for consistently delivering outstanding
teaching, learning and outcomes for our students.

Our Virtual Learning Environment is leading the way in online

learning technology.

Our awarding body, the University of Essex, is part of the elite

group of ‘dual intensive’ universities for teaching and research
excellence. Essex is rated 29th in The Times and The Sunday
Times Good University Guide 2019 and were selected as
University of the Year (Times Higher Education Awards 2018).
 CONTENTS
THE VALUE OF AN MBA HOW YOU WILL STUDY OUR STUDENTS

MBA online 4 Director’s Workshops 9 Who they are 12

Career destinations 7 Study tools 10 Testimonials 15
Assessments 11 Graduation 18

COURSE OVERVIEW STUDYING WITH US ESSENTIAL INFO

MBA modules 20 Essex Online 25 Entry requirements 30
Online perks 26 Fees and funding 31
University of Essex 27 Next steps 33
 THE VALUE OF AN MBA
CULTIVATE CRITICAL MANAGERIAL AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Practise inspiring management techniques to lead your team.

INNOVATE AND DISRUPT IN A MODERN BUSINESS WORLD

Be at the forefront of responding to the global business challenges with unconventional solutions.

ENHANCE PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL GROWTH

Gain a highly regarded and worldwide recognised qualification that will take you beyond academic
achievements enhancing your personal development.

BOOST YOUR EARNING POTENTIAL

Take a step to progress to a senior leadership role or head up your
own business.

GROW YOUR NETWORK

Collaborate and foster meaningful business relationships with
professionals from diverse cultures and professional backgrounds from
75 different countries.

GAIN A WORLD-CLASS QUALIFICATION

The Essex Online MBA focuses on innovative entrepreneurship and
sustainable international business.

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A WORLD-CLASS

THE VALUE OF AN MBA

ONLINE MBA
Developed with the academically-rigorous team at Essex
Business School, our world-class MBA is designed for students
with entrepreneurial spirit.

Our students don’t just want to progress their careers, they strive to harness
the power of business knowledge to transform the world. They have a desire
to create real change in their careers and in the companies they work for.

Professor Nicolas Forsans, Director, The Essex MBA

“Immersive in its nature, the Essex Online MBA is a dynamic learning
environment. You will take part in a collaborative and truly international
learning experience in which you will learn as much from your peers as
you do from our top-class faculty and industry practitioners.

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COLLABORATIVE

THE VALUE OF AN MBA

STUDY APPROACH
Flexibility is built into the foundation of our online
and part-time MBA, allowing students to combine

THAT FITS AROUND YOU

studies with their work, family and other
commitments.

This prestigious course is taught through our state-

of-the-art collaborative virtual learning environment,
providing the means for you to interact with your
peers and subject tutors. They’ll bring their own
business knowledge and experiences to your group
sessions meaning you learn from each other’s
expertise and expand your horizons.

Unique to the Essex Online MBA, you’ll take

advantage of collaborative live Director’s
Workshops. They will allow you to interact with
expert guest speakers from diverse industries as well
as apply learnings to a variety of business issues
from multiple perspectives. This will equip you with
practical skills, strategies and approaches to respond
effectively to real-world business matters.

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CAREER DESTINATIONS

THE VALUE OF AN MBA

An MBA sets you up for success in the dynamic
environments of the modern business world.

Our graduates work in executive and senior

management roles in finance, human resources,
corporate strategy, marketing and sales
management, research and development and
management consultancy
among others.

There’s a strong focus

on career improvement
and development within
our course. Many of our
students have started
their own businesses,
while others have
progressed to senior
level roles in companies David Dixon BSc (Econ) MA
PGCE, Academic Director
such as BP, United Arab “Studying alongside your existing work
has other benefits – you don’t need to
Bank, Dell, Emirates and wait until after graduation to progress in
your career! Our students can apply their
the United Nations. learning from day one and many take on
new roles during the course.”
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 HOW YOU WILL STUDY
Our MBA is tailor-made for online
delivery, combining essential online
resources, peer collaboration activities
as well as interactive live sessions with
tutors and industry experts.

The course adopts a range of

innovative assessment methods
and offers a wealth of expert
academic and dedicated pastoral
support to every student.

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DIRECTOR’S

HOW YOU WILL STUDY

WORKSHOPS
Our Director’s Workshops bring industry
leaders and outstanding speakers before our
entire MBA student population for a week-
long engaging experience.

It’s a unique opportunity for students to apply

their knowledge to a variety of commercial
scenarios and explore real-world business
challenges from different perspectives.

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 STUDY LECTURECASTS DISCUSSION

HOW YOU WILL STUDY

FORUMS

TOOLS
Course content is delivered via lecturecasts, offering
you a modern and accessible way to interact with
Throughout your study, you’ll get to know
multimedia content and check your understanding via
your course matter, share your experience
engaging, interactive activities.
and learn from your fellow students through
regular participation in Discussion Forums.

STUDENT
SUPPORT
You will be assigned a dedicated Student ONLINE
Adviser who will be your mentor and guide
RESOURCES
from admissions through to graduation.
Our experienced tutors are also available
LIVE Q&A SESSIONS In addition to gaining access to the
during dedicated contact hours for you to Our tutors host weekly live Q&A sessions throughout your modules giving you University of Essex library, you will get all
arrange one-to-one consultations. an opportunity to ask questions and discuss course materials in greater depth. core e-books completely free of charge.

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 HOW YOU WILL STUDY
You’ll be assessed in a
variety of different ways
throughout your studies,
allowing you to demonstrate
your diverse skillset and
understanding of the
business subjects.

ASSESSMENT
ASSIGNMENTS DISCUSSION FORUMS
The majority of assessment is through written assignments – usually submitted at As well as contributing to your understanding of the subject matter, your
the end of each module. contribution to discussion forums will be reviewed by your tutor and used to assess
your depth of understanding of the topics.
You will also complete a 15,000 word dissertation on a business issue or
opportunity you choose and research into yourself.

EXAMINATIONS
JOURNAL ENTRIES Some modules are assessed via timed open-book examinations. These are
You will be asked to complete individual reflective journal entries throughout each completed via our online platform from the comfort of your home, so no travel is
module. required.

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 OUR STUDENTS
REBELS WITH A
CAUSE
Our students challenge “why” and have
the courage and energy to shape the
world around them.

INQUISITIVE
Curiosity is in our students’ DNA. They’re
willing to break intellectual boundaries
and together extend the frontiers of
knowledge.

INDEPENDENT
THINKERS
Exploring beyond conventional wisdom,
our students collaborate and generously
share their ideas to inspire others.

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 IDEA
GENERATORS

OUR STUDENTS
Brave enough to have ideas and generous
enough to share them; that’s our students
in a nutshell.

SOCIALLY MULTI-TASKING
RESPONSIBLE Many of our students have active family
Our students are eager to understand how to lives or demanding work commitments, but
deliver sustainable business on a global scale. they still put 100% into their study.

AMBITIOUS
Our students won’t be spoon-fed a degree;
they will earn it through an intellectual,
cultural and social journey that demands
hard work and commitment.

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OUR

OUR STUDENTS
STUDENTS
SET
THE
WORLD
ALIGHT

75
COMING FROM

DIFFERENT
COUNTRIES

Here are some of their stories…

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ERIN’S STORY

OUR STUDENTS
Erin Lovell, 28, Bermuda, 2018 MBA graduate

“If you’re waiting for the right time, it’s

now. There will never be a “perfect time”
– so today is as good as any.”

Thanks to the things she learned during the course, Erin

has opened a sports centre with a business partner,
hosting the first full-sized boxing ring in Bermuda. She
also started a new job part way through her course, as
Senior Project Analyst for the Bermuda Monetary
Authority, and credits the MBA for preparing her for the
challenging role.

Erin says: “I knew that ultimately I’d like to own a

number of businesses and work for myself. The course
itself was great, I took something valuable away from
every module. It’s an incredibly practical course and you
will be able to apply the things you learn right away.”

“I really enjoyed the financial module - which is ironic “You are smart, capable, and strong. Repeat that to
because that's the only one I was really dreading when I yourself as many times as you need to until you
first saw the syllabus!” believe it.”

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 EZZAT’S STORY

OUR STUDENTS
Ezzat Omar Habra, 37, United Arab Emirates,
current MBA student

“The course definitely needs dedication

and hard work.”

Career development was the key reason advertising

professional Ezzat chose to study an MBA. After he
finishes his studies, he’s hoping to pursue a career in
project management.

Ezzat says: “One of the important things I learnt

throughout the course, is that change is a must and we
must constantly look for change and changes around us.”

“Online reading requires different styles of studying, while

at the same time it allows you more freedom to choose
when to study. You build many positive habits, like being
very organised and punctual which is essential in many
parts of life.”

“A great journey filled with challenges and “The HR, research, marketing and strategy modules all
excitement. It is important to keep learning and have applications within my personal life as well as my
expand your knowledge.” professional career, as they help define, build and shape
the way to manage your life.”

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VICTOR’S STORY

OUR STUDENTS
Victor Ugwuh, 37, Nigeria, 2017 MBA graduate

“I have benefitted both personally and

professionally.”

For Victor, deciding to go back to school 10 years after

completing his undergraduate study was not an easy
one. But in an industry as competitive as corporate
consultancy, an MBA was a great way to gain a
professional advantage.

Victor says: “My MBA journey has facilitated positive

change in my organisation. It also helped me grow
personally.”

“From Leadership, Human Resources, Marketing, and

Research modules, I can now relate to any problem,
with a view to finding possible solutions. I have also “In the course of my MBA, I came across the most
patient, understanding and encouraging tutors as
come to the realisation that innovation is key to the
well as interesting students from different parts of
sustainable cycle of our organisation. We have to think
world, some of whom I have maintained as personal
of new concepts to remain competitive.”
contacts.”

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GRADUATION

OUR STUDENTS
Upon successful completion of your MBA, you will be invited to attend a
graduation ceremony at the University of Essex Colchester Campus.

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Graduates from around the world travel to Colchester to attend

OUR STUDENTS
their ceremony and receive their University of Essex degree
certificate.

CELEBRATE YOUR
ACHIEVEMENT
Completing your MBA is a very special milestone in your life. Graduation is an
opportunity to celebrate your hard work and dedication while also recognising and
acknowledging the support received from friends, family and classmates.

MEET YOUR TUTORS AND

STUDENT ADVISER
For our graduates, this is likely to be the first time they meet in person the staff
members who have been integral to their study.

EXPLORE OUR CAMPUS

The beautiful University of Essex Colchester campus is home to 16 academic
departments and schools and more than 13,000 students. Graduation takes place in
July, and we’re usually very lucky with the weather!

RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE

You will receive the same certificate as students who studied on campus - the mode
of study is only mentioned on your transcripts that accompany your final grades.

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 COURSE CONTENT
Our online MBA has been developed
with the world-class team at Essex
Business School and provides a
career-transforming step in a world
that demands life-long learning and
personal development.

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 MBA

COURSE CONTENT
Leadership and Business Performance (10 credits)
You will gain a deep understanding of the factors which differentiate outstanding
organisational performance from average, and develop an appreciation of the
critical levers which drive and facilitate change and value in a business.
MODULES
Business Research (10 credits)

Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative approaches, this module will

encourage you to think about key issues of method, research design and
analysis. It will provide you with the appropriate foundations for carrying out your
final project.

Entrepreneurship (10 credits)

You will acquire information, knowledge and a critical understanding of

economic, sociological, psychological and managerial theories of enterprise
creation and development and how they apply in practice in the world of
business and other organisations.

Business Strategy (10 credits)

You will reflect on a variety of issues relating to business strategy, such as the
nature of business strategy, the approaches to strategy development, the
implications of strategic choices, stakeholder interests and the wider context of
strategy.

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Marketing in a Global
Economy (10 credits)
The module aims to help you develop
a critical awareness of general
marketing principles and practices. It
also examines the facets of
international marketing strategy and
planning as well as their implications
for entrepreneurial activity.
International Business
Environment (10 credits)
This module is designed to provide
you with an advanced understanding
of the external context within which
international businesses operate and
the opportunities and challenges it
poses to entrepreneurial firms.
People and Organisations
(10 credits)
This module encourages students to
consider many of the key human
aspects of management that are, so
often, taken for granted and in so
doing provides students with an
understanding of core issues that
shape the management of
organisational performance.
COURSE CONTENT
Accounting and
Managerial Finance
(10 credits)
The central consideration of this
module is the informational outputs
of accounting systems and financial
management techniques, and how
their application underpins
managerial, financing and
investment decisions.
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Strategic Online
Marketing Management
(10 credits)
This module covers the key
digital marketing concepts,
theoretical frameworks and their
practical applications, providing
you with the skills, knowledge
and confidence to strategically
lead online marketing campaigns.
Business Planning
(10 credits)
This capstone business planning
and management module brings
together strategy, marketing,
accounting, and entrepreneurship
by challenging you to create and
implement in a simulated
environment, a plan for your own
business.
Managerial Economics MBA Project (50 credits)
COURSE CONTENT
(10 credits)
The outcome of the MBA Project
Defined as the discipline which
is a written report of a suitable
deals with the application of
management issue, problem or
economic theory to business
business opportunity which is
management, this module covers
critically discussed or evaluated,
two important aspects of
with reference to existing
organisations: the economics of
research and the research you
corporate architectures as well as
have conducted yourself.
their governance and control.
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 COURSE CONTENT
Sustainable Operations (10 credits)

You will be introduced to a range of models that will help you manage
operations from high volume batch processing to low volume
bespoke businesses, including both production and service
organisations.

Director’s Workshops (10 credits)

These interactive sessions will address a wide range of current and

critical management issues, including local and national industrial
figures discussing current issues; academics discussing their
research and how it impacts business and student-led discussions on
business topics specific to their own industry or geography.

Synchronous Attendance (0 credits, 120 hours)

A key component of the MBA learning experience is the opportunity

to interact in real-time with your fellow students and tutors. These
real-time interactions allow you to contribute, share and reflect upon
experiences and insights drawn from the different industrial,
geographical and cultural perspectives represented in the MBA
course community. You can choose from a variety of different
sessions and topics, provided you meet the minimum requirement of
120 hours over the course of your study.

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 STUDYING WITH US
University of Essex Online courses are available to both UK and overseas students
and enable you to benefit from a flexible approach to study, while maintaining the
quality and support you would expect from a top UK university.

We’ve received a gold rating in the Teaching Excellence

Framework (TEF) for delivering consistently outstanding
teaching, learning and outcomes for our students,
demonstrating the highest teaching quality found in the UK.

University of Essex Online
courses are delivered by Kaplan
Open Learning, an experienced
online learning provider. The
University of Essex and Kaplan
Open Learning have developed a
partnership since 2007 to offer
high quality online courses.
You're in safe hands with us - we
received a 89% rating for student
satisfaction in the National
Student Survey 2019 – among the
highest in the UK.
An Executive Scholarship of up to
£6,000 is available to all students
and are awarded on the basis of
individual merit.
To ensure a consistently high
quality of teaching, class sizes are
restricted to 20 students. We
provide feedback on assignments
within 7 days so that students can
quickly adapt and improve their
work.

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 ONLINE FLEXIBLE AFFORDABLE

STUDYING WITH US
Whether you have a full-time job, a busy family Student loans are available to

PERKS
life, or an action-packed travel schedule, our
online and part-time courses utilise the latest
technology to fit around your busy lifestyle.
eligible students based in the UK.
For those self-funding their studies,
we offer flexible monthly payment
plans, a range of discounts and
scholarships.

DEDICATED SUPPORT
Your dedicated Student Adviser will be your mentor and guide from
admission through to graduation. On-going academic support is
available from experienced subject and industry leaders.
FREE TRIAL AVAILABLE
We offer an opportunity for all students to try online studies and if after
21-days you decide it’s not for you, you will receive a full refund.

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UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX

STUDYING WITH US
Part of an elite group of ‘dual intensive’ universities gold rated for teaching excellence (TEF2017) and top 20 for research
excellence (REF2014), Essex is 29th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019.

Over five decades we’ve created a truly global community for original thinkers.
We’re also top 20 globally for international outlook (THE World University Rankings
2018) and top 15 for student satisfaction (National Student Survey 2017).

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 BUSINESS AS USUAL?

STUDYING WITH US
At Essex Business School we champion responsible management and sustainable business. We
use creativity and innovation to drive organisations forward and make them better places to do
business. It’s our mission to offer a transformative education and research excellence that has a
positive impact on business and society.

We have almost 10 years of experience in delivering The Essex MBA. Through it we seek to develop socially responsible
entrepreneurs delivering sustainable business. The course provides an academically rigorous business education informed by
real-world expertise. We want to do more than simply advance your career; we’ll help you harness the power of business to
shape a better world.
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 ESSENTIAL INFO
All the important info about entry
requirements, finance, funding
and how to apply.
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

We know that a lot of people with and without traditional
academic backgrounds would excel on our MBA, so we offer
two different entry routes:
ACADEMIC ENTRY ROUTE
In order to satisfy the Academic Entry Route requirements for our MBA
programme you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:
• a 1st, 2:1 or 2:2 undergraduate degree from an approved institution equivalent
to a UK Honours degree or a relevant professional qualification.
• at least three years’ relevant, professional work experience post graduation.
ESSENTIAL INFO
As our courses are delivered in English, a thorough
grasp of the language is essential for students.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE
REQUIREMENTS
If English is not your first language, you should have IELTS (Academic)
6.5 or equivalent. If you do not hold an IELTS or equivalent
qualification, we require you to pass our free online English test.

WORK EXPERIENCE ENTRY

ROUTE
If you don’t meet the minimum academic standards above, you may still be
eligible to enrol via our Work Experience Entry Route. For this we require at least
five years of relevant managerial experience.

Your application will be considered on an individual basis taking into account your
motivation for doing the course, prior work experience and other relevant
qualifications that demonstrate your ability to successfully complete the
programme.

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FEES AND PAYMENT OPTIONS

ESSENTIAL INFO
FUNDING
Most UK or EU nationals living in England are eligible for a
government-backed postgraduate student loan. See page
32 for more details.
We know that cost is a huge
If you are not eligible for a tuition fee loan, we offer a
factor in any decision you
simple monthly payment plan to spread the cost of your
make to study. That’s why we
tuition fee.
have a range of funding
Alternatively, you may pay your course fee up-front. We
options to choose from, and a
offer a 10% discount to anyone who pays the course fee
knowledgeable team on hand
payment up-front.
to help you make the right
decisions about financing your
studies. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
COURSE FEES We stand behind the academic quality of our online

Our world-class MBA is competitively priced, and studying courses and are committed to ensuring that you are

online is an incredibly cost-effective way to gain this prestigious enrolled on a course that’s right for you; that’s why we offer

qualification. We also offer a £6,000 Executive Scholarship a 21-day money back guarantee.

that all students are eligible to apply for. If you decide the course is not for you within the first 21
days then you will receive a full refund. Terms and
Year Full course fee conditions apply.
2019/2020 £19,500 (£13,500 with scholarship)

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FEES AND
FUNDING
SCHOLARSHIPS
We are pleased to offer a part-scholarship for the 2019-2020
academic year.
SCHOLARSHIP AMOUNTS
An Executive Scholarship of up to £6,000 is available to all 2019-2020 MBA
applicants.
APPLYING FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
Scholarship applications are assessed on a merit basis. You will be asked to
write a statement in support of your scholarship application and we will be
looking for evidence of:
• academic ability
• professional experience and career progression
• ideas on sustainable and entrepreneurial business
• your ability to communicate experience and ideas
• your plan to utilise the Essex Online MBA experience after the course
If you wish to be considered for a scholarship, simply mention it to your
Admissions Adviser when discussing your application.
STUDENT LOANS
ESSENTIAL INFO
Most UK or EU nationals living in England are eligible for a
government-backed postgraduate student loan.
Postgraduate student loans are paid directly to you, and you can choose how
much you borrow (depending on the current maximum loan limit set by the
Student Loans Company).
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility is determined by the Student Loans Company. For students living in
England, requirements include:
• being under 60 on the first day of the first academic year of your course
• being a UK or EU national, or have ‘settled status’
• having been living in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3
years before starting your course
• not having already obtained a postgraduate degree or taken out a
postgraduate student loan
Are you eligible for a student loan? Click here to find out.
If you are not eligible for a student loan, you can take advantage of our flexible
monthly payment plans and range of scholarships and discounts.
LOAN REPAYMENTS
You’ll also only start making repayments if your income is more than £21,000 a
year and any outstanding balance will be written off after 30 years. If your
circumstances change and your annual income drops below £21,000, your
repayments will stop.
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SECURE YOUR PLACE
Apply online now to secure your
place on our next MBA intake.

TRY A TASTER
We have a free taster course on
Sustainable Operations so you can
try out our Learning Environment.

ANY QUESTIONS?
Get in touch with our Admissions
Team via LiveChat, phone or email.

MORE INFORMATION
Visit our website for more
information.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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