the pathway to professional development

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the pathway to professional development

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Published Wednesday May 2, 2012

MBA

• Discover the MBA courses offered by local

and interstate universities

• Meet some current MBA students

• Learn about developing skills for the

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MBA

2

Editor: Louise Allan

Writers: Kathy Skantzos, Brooke Hunter

Design:Hayley Smith

Advertising: Afﬁ nee Lai, 9482 3497

Take the next step in your career

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a postgraduate business

degree for professionals who want to expand their professional career

into a leadership role and apply business knowledge to all sectors.

At ECU we offer generalist as well as

specialist MBAs focusing on disciplines

such as marketing, project management,

human resource management, international

business, professional accounting and

hospitality and tourism management, to

name a few.

Australian National University (ANU)

Professor Thomas Kalliath said those who

chose to complete an MBA were opting to

improve themselves through their willingness

to learn.

“An MBA from a reputed university such

as ANU sets them apart as talented

individuals with a high potential for career

advancement,” he said.

Since its establishment in 1994, the ANU

MBA has attracted high quality students

from around Australia and the world.

Professor Kalliath said graduates from

the program held leadership positions in

corporations and governments in Australia

and internationally.

If you’re aiming to work in a senior management role, an MBA will help you gain the experience and professional and personal skills you need to help you become a leader in your ﬁ eld.

Western Australian universities that offer MBA courses do so through their business schools and there are many courses available online externally. Applicants are encouraged to possess at least two years professional experience before beginning the degree and selection criteria is stringent across all universities. It is necessary to have a completed undergraduate degree, which can be in any ﬁ eld.

The MBA is aimed at individuals who are currently

in the workforce, already have an undergraduate degree and are interested in upgrading their qualiﬁ cations. Others may have worked in industry for a number of years and are interested in tackling university studies to increase their knowledge and professional possibilities.

Each MBA course is

formulated for people looking to develop and strengthen their business knowledge and practices.

The skills you’ll gain with an MBA in project management, risk management,

entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and strategic management can be applied to the industry you’re passionate about and will give you a foot forward in business.

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MBA

3 University of Sydney’s world-class Global

Executive MBA program provides senior

executives with leadership skills in a world

coping with the global ﬁ nancial crisis.

“We developed the program through

collaboration with the business industry

about what was needed in executive

education,” MBA Director and Associate

Professor Nick Wailes said.

“The University of Sydney worked with the

business sector and international peers to

identify an innovative way to help people

advance in their careers.”

Research to choose the

best option for you

Each university has different strengths, as evaluated annually by the Good Universities Guide – an independent information source detailing tertiary

education pathways and course comparison.See page 8 for more information.

According to the Good Universities Guide, there are over 35,000 MBA enrolments in Australia today. The numbers are much greater if MBA pathways programs are included – such as graduate certiﬁ cates and graduate diplomas in business administration, which can lead into an MBA.

With core business units designed to introduce students to the various areas of business – such as accounting, ﬁ nance,

marketing, human resources and operations management – students can study a broad general business course or select an area of specialisation offered through the university. “At ECU we offer generalist as well as specialist MBAs focusing on disciplines such as marketing, project management, human resource management, international business, professional accounting and hospitality and tourism management, to name a few,” Edith Cowan University MBA and Postgraduate Studies Program Director Associate Professor Maryam Omari said. Murdoch University offers specialisations including economic and environmental sustainability, general business management or specialised research.

Many universities offer the opportunity to study overseas, expanding international professional experience. ECU offers opportunities to study abroad or undertake student exchange with many international business schools in Asia, Central and South America, Europe and North America. Murdoch University offers overseas study in Singapore and Dubai and a ﬁ ve-week work placement in China with the MBA in International Business. If you’re worried about juggling work with study, many students study externally online or part-time. Many employers support postgraduate study advancement for full-time employees.

Murdoch University Business School Associate Dean of Postgraduate Degrees Dr Hermina HM Burnett said an MBA degree was ideal for professionals and junior executives who would like to move into supervisory or higher managerial positions in all sectors.

“An MBA is the only worldwide recognised degree at a master level that provides candidates with a broad enough skill set to move into general management positions,” Dr Burnett said. “If you’re aiming to work in a senior management role, an MBA will help you gain the professional and personal skills you need to succeed.”

Postgraduate degrees – including a master, diploma

or certiﬁ cate in business administration – are for individuals who are currently in the workforce and who already have an undergraduate degree. “It is for those who are interested in upgrading their qualiﬁ cations or have worked in industry for a number of years and are interested in tackling university studies to increase their

knowledge base and promotional possibilities,” Dr Burnett said. “We at Murdoch see the MBA as a ‘life changer’ as many students move into different careers after they have fi nished their degree. One student wrote: ‘This degree has provided me with new business connections, new personal connections, but most of all a new connection with myself.’” Dr Burnett said. ECU’s Associate Professor Maryam Omari said an MBA opened doors for everyone. “Students can benefi t from an MBA as it helps them to stay competitive in their chosen fi eld, move into managerial roles or seek a career change altogether,” Associate Professor Omari said. “For some industries and organisations, an MBA is the minimum level entry point for management positions. “An MBA is ideal for career climbers or career changers. It can help reinforce current skills and knowledge and develop new ones to help students and graduates remain competitive in the workplace.”

Image courtesy of ECU

We at Murdoch see the MBA as a ‘life

changer’ as many students move into

different careers after they have ﬁ nished

their degree. One student wrote: ‘This

degree has provided me with new

business connections, new personal

connections, but most of all a new

connection with myself.’

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MBA Director and Associate Professor Nick Wailes said the innovative program was developed in early 2010, in close partnership with Australian business leaders.

“We developed the program through collaboration with the business industry about what was needed in executive education,” Professor Nick Wailes said.

“The University of Sydney worked with the business sector and international peers to identify an innovative way to help people advance into their careers.”

Professor Wailes said the Global Executive MBA offered a

hands-on approach to real-life experiences internationally. “It is a distinct program for senior executives with at least 10 years experience who have been identiﬁ ed as future leaders in their companies,” he said.

Professor Wailes said the course had a strong emphasis on holistic learning, similar to those faced by CEOs in real-life contexts.

“The participants work on real-life projects and those experiences are the vehicles for learning,” he said.

The course is made up of ﬁ ve two-week modules held every

three to four months over an 18-month period.

“The structure of the degree is ﬁ ve two-week residential modules. The ﬁ rst two focus on leadership and management, while the next three take place in different countries and focus on different stages of the business lifestyle,” Professor Wailes said.

For each module, participants ﬂ y to Bangalore, India to explore new opportunities, observe issues in Silicon Valley and tackle organisational renewal and recovery in the French wine region.

“The program looks at different challenges participants endure in

Leadership

skills abroad

For the third

consecutive year, the

University of Sydney

is midway through a

world-class Global

Executive MBA

program, which

provides senior

executives with

leadership skills in a

world coping with the

global ﬁ nancial crisis.

MBA

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their leadership and management journey,” Professor Wailes said. “It’s really a chance for them to look at those challenges, apply it back to their own organisation and make a contribution to their company.”

The Global Executive MBA attracts a broad range of experienced people, from those in not-for-proﬁ t agencies to chief executive ofﬁ cers of major companies.

The two-week block structure of the degree makes it easier for business people to take the course.

“We have designed it in a way to make it capable for people

to complete in an 18-month period,” Professor Wailes said.

“There is no ‘homework’ between the ﬁ ve modules and the work is all done in the two-week period.

“The MBA might be a big step in one’s career. One previous participant was in business banking in New Zealand and now has become the head of his division. He said the success of the program had been phenomenal.

“We’re over enrolled for the third cohort as we only take 20 participants each time. We have already started to make offers for next year. The amount of

interest and the quality of people is great.”

Professor Wailes said the main aspect of the course was learning new information from others. “What is really nice is we have a fantastic diversity in participants. They have a substantial amount of commercial experience and are all on a leadership journey,” he said.

“When you do one of these programs, you want to make sure the people you do them with can contribute to your learning.

“I think students learn more from each other than they necessarily do from their instructors.”

We developed the

program through

collaboration with

the business industry

about what was

needed in executive

education,” Professor

Nick Wailes said.

“The University of

Sydney worked with

the business sector

and international

peers to identify an

innovative way to

help people advance

their careers.”

MBA

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THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

BUSINESS SCHOOL

THE

PEAK

EFFECT

GLOBAL EXECUTIVE MBA

True leaders have an impressive ability to make the right call when it counts – a demonstration of skills, knowledge, talent and ultimately confidence. This peak experience comes from getting the right type of exposure to new ways of thinking, environments and people. The Global Executive MBA has been uniquely designed to help challenge talented executives to transition into their peak zone, where a global view allows them to see things in a whole new way.

Learn across four continents Discover fresh perspectives Complete real projects Emerge more connected

Engage in 5 x 2 week face-to-face modules over 18 months

THE CHALLENGE. THE EXPOSURE.

THE PEAK EFFECT.

To find out more about the program and the student experience visit

sydney.edu.au/business/globalEMBA

Australian member of Accredited

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MBA

6

“By completing an MBA at Murdoch, students will learn theoretical as well as practical business skills that are necessary to lead an organisation and built networks that can change the direction of your life,” Murdoch University Business School Associate Dean of Postgraduate Degrees Dr Hermina HM Burnett said. “Our academics are very accessible and easy to get hold of and often go the extra mile to guide their students. Our new business school building and state-of-the-art new teaching facilities, makes it easy for both the academics and students to meet.

“A good MBA should be taught by academics as well as by industry experts to provide the student with a mix of theory and practice.

“This way, students can implement theory and develop real workplace and business ‘know-how’ and build networks that can change the direction of their careers, even their lives.”

Students are able to specialise in an area of study that interests them such as general business management, economic and environmental sustainability or research and can choose a range of electives to create a specialist qualiﬁ cation to suit their speciﬁ c goals.

Evening classes, external studies and summer or winter terms are available to suit other commitments.

The MBA classes are usually held in the evening (4.30pm-7.30pm) at the South Street campus to suit working professionals and all MBA core units and most of the elective units are offered externally. The MBA at Murdoch can be completed in 18 months full-time, by attending three semesters and a summer and winter term. Many students complete the MBA in around two or three years part-time. The maximum period in which a student may complete the MBA is six years.

“Students who work full-time are advised to take one or two units per semester in their ﬁ rst year,” Dr Burnett said.

“Students who have families or work in the resources sector often undertake the MBA in various modes. They would do some external delivery units online, or do an intensive mode unit in the summer school or winter school.”

An MBA qualiﬁ cation can be worked up to one step at a time, by completing a Certiﬁ cate and then a Diploma in Business Administration before enrolling in an MBA.

“We offer what we call ‘nested’ degrees. You can work up to an MBA qualifi cation one step at a time, by completing fi rst a Postgraduate Certifi cate (three units) and then a Postgraduate Diploma (six units) in Business Administration,” Dr Burnett said.

To qualify for an MBA at Murdoch, you are required to

Study your MBA at Murdoch

An MBA from Murdoch University will give you both theoretical and

practical business skills and allow you to build networks that will change

the direction of your career.

A good MBA should be taught by

academics as well as by industry experts

to provide the student with a mix of theory

and practice.

have at least two years relevant industry experience.

Current high-achieving ﬁ nal year undergraduate students who have workplace experience may be considering a continuation to further postgraduate studies with Murdoch Business School. Murdoch offers international programs in two locations in Singapore and there is a Murdoch branch in Dubai – in addition to the Master of International Business, which

gives students an opportunity to complete a work placement in China – giving students opportunities to extend their studies overseas.

Students have the option to either apply for FEE-HELP or pay upfront and mid-year intake is available.

For more information about studying an MBA at Murdoch call 1300 687 3624 or visit www.murdoch.edu.au/ Courses/Master-of-Business-Administration.

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Ms Oliver has worked in the geophysical service industry since completing her undergraduate degree and is now Managing Director of Fugro Ground Geophysics. Simultaneously, she is completing an MBA in Environmental and Economic Sustainability at Murdoch University.

“I decided to undertake the MBA so I could achieve a formal qualiﬁ cation and reﬁ ne the knowledge and skills I have obtained through my practical experience so I could be a better leader,” Ms Oliver said.

“I have found the MBA to be very enjoyable. I have met a lot of interesting people from varied backgrounds and degrees

of experience in business management. I have also found the return to learning very rewarding.

“I have reﬁ ned my ability to work in a team. As I’ve progressed up the management chain, the opportunity to complete work as part of a team has diminished. Returning to university, the focus is now towards group assignments and working in small groups, which is refreshing and enjoyable.”

Ms Oliver said some of the most challenging aspects of completing an MBA were getting back into the habit of study and preparing assignments and examinations.

“Juggling study and work commitments can be

challenging at times. You do need to be disciplined and organised to get the maximum out of the MBA whilst working full-time. Organisation is the key though to ensure you can meet all the deadlines for work and university,” she said.

“Murdoch University offers innovative, up-to-date and relevant specialisation options for its MBA.

“When deciding on an MBA, it was important for me to complete one that would offer more than just leadership, marketing or general management specialisation. I wanted something that would help me address the future challenges for businesses. The Murdoch MBA does just that.

Murdoch takes professional to the next level

Since completing a Bachelor of Science with honours in geophysics

and geology, Kathlene Oliver started a Master of Science but did not

continue as she decided practicing geophysics was not for her – she

wanted to be in management.

“I strongly believe the specialisation for my MBA (Economic and Environmental Sustainability) will provide new and exciting opportunities for me with my current employer as environmental and sustainability issues become more prominent in the business community. I also feel the theoretical knowledge I will gain from the MBA will cement my existing knowledge and develop my critical thinking abilities.”

Murdoch University offers innovative,

up-to-date and relevant specialisation

options for its MBA.

Students have the opportunity to take part in a ﬁ ve-week full-time industry placement in China as part of the International Development unit.

This includes the opportunity to be involved in an executive seminar program and participate in site visits to industry and government bodies in China. “This MBA provides the general foundation of the MBA but then specialises in Chinese business topics and takes students to China for ﬁ ve weeks to do a work placement,” Murdoch

Business School Dean Professor Malcolm Tull said.

“It provides students with extensive and intensive engagement with both Chinese and Australian senior executives in different industries in China.” Professor Tull said it was the only MBA in Australia that had a specialised focus on China. “This focus on China enables students to develop critical and in-depth knowledge of different industries in China,” he said. The ﬁ ve-week placement includes attending seminars

with various industry leaders in China and involves brieﬁ ngs from various state and federal government ofﬁ cials. There is a cross-cultural get-together with students from Chinese universities.

“It provides students with good networks and a platform through which they can enhance their skills and networks in China. The program allows students to develop their critical analytical skills and better appreciate the culture of Australia’s largest trading partner,” Professor Tull said.

International business focus on China

The MBA in International Business at Murdoch aims to develop

management skills with a focus on international business in China and

other areas of the Asia-Paciﬁ c region.

The ﬁ ve-week

placement includes

attending seminars

with various

industry leaders in

China and involves

brieﬁ ngs from

various state and

federal government

ofﬁ cials.

There is a

cross-cultural get-together

with students from

Chinese universities.

MBA

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MBA

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Program name Min completion time (years/FT)

Entrance requirements Tuition fees Domestic students

Tuition fees International students

Number of core units

Number of elective units

ECU MBA 1.5 Bachelor degree, 2 years

professional work experience, English proﬁ ciency

$27,600 $34,560 8 4

ECU MBA (International)

1.5 Bachelor degree, English proﬁ ciency $27.600 $34,560 8 4

Murdoch MBA 1.5 Recognised Bachelor degree or

higher, or satisfactory preparation through previous study; or professional experience; or IELTS 6

$28,000 $42,500 6 6

Murdoch MBA (International Business)

1.5 Undergraduate degree or 5-8 years relevant work experience; or IELTS 6

$28,000 $45,000 10 1

Australian National University MBA

2 Bachelor degree with 3 years

professional or managerial work experience. IELTS overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6

$44,928 $54,624 10 6

University of Sydney Executive MBA

2 Bachelor degree, graduate diploma, graduate certiﬁ cate or equivalent; 10 years business experience

$84,240 $84,240 6

MBA Overview:

All data derived from the Good Universities Guide to MBA and Management Courses 2012 edition (current).

Good Universities Guide

The Good Universities Guide independently ranks tertiary

education pathways – such as postgraduate courses like the

MBA – and career options in Australia annually.

Each Western Australian university that offers MBA programs has demonstrated strengths in different areas. Teasing out characteristics and strengths of each course, the ratings are speciﬁ c to the business school level, assessing the school in relation to every other business school in the country.

The 2012 full edition of the guide can be found at www.gooduniguide.com.au.

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CRICOS Provider Code 00125 J MK_MUR2821

The international world of

business is constantly evolving.

Here’s your chance to keep up.

There’s a reason we’re advertising our MBA here. Well, actually, there are a few. Our School is staffed by experts in their various ﬁ elds whose wealth of experience and knowledge is bolstered by renowned guest lecturers and visiting professors from across the world. It’s a global view we put into practice. You can study for a Murdoch MBA whether you’re in Dubai, Singapore or right here in Perth. It’s up to you.

To make a difference in the business world tomorrow, start in the right business environment today.

Visit Murdoch.edu.au/mba

email [email protected] or call 9360 6046 for more information.

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MBA

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He said those who chose to complete MBAs were opting to improve themselves through their willingness to learn. “An MBA from a reputed university such as ANU sets them apart as talented individuals with a high potential for career advancement,” he said.

Since its establishment in 1994, the ANU MBA has attracted high quality students from around Australia and the world. Professor Kalliath said graduates from the program held leadership positions in corporations and governments in Australia and internationally. “Since 1994, the MBA has undergone three main changes,” Professor Kalliath said.

“Firstly, it shifted from an almost exclusive focus on international students to a more balanced ratio of domestic to international. Secondly, it changed from a purely full-time program to one that may be taken full-time or part-time. The range of elective subjects also increased to include leadership, ﬁ nance, public sector management and project management.”

Now currently ranked as the top university in Australia and 16th in the world, ANU is distinguished nationally and internationally for its MBA. It is recognised by employers around the world and is a two-year, face-to-face program.

The program comprises 10 core units and six electives. Students have the option of choosing electives to specialise

in ﬁ elds such as ﬁ nance, leadership, marketing, project management and business of government.

Professor Kalliath said the main aspect of the MBA program was the Integrating Business Project, a real-life opportunity to develop and implement a new venture business plan for a company.

“Students work with companies and organisations based in Canberra and around Australia to assist them in developing new business ventures,” he said. “It is an opportunity to draw together and apply learning from the program.”

Professor Kalliath said a sizable number of ANU MBA students juggled work with study. “Most of them study part-time and are active in the workforce,” he said.

“Our MBA candidates have, typically, six to 12 years work experience and many have senior management experience. More than two thirds are Australian residents. Our international students come from many countries and have strong business or government backgrounds.”

Key prerequisites for entry into the program include a bachelor degree from a recognised university, at least three years full-time professional or managerial work experience, English language proﬁ ciency (for applicants from countries where English is not the medium of instruction) and two referee reports.

MBA: A badge of excellence

Australian National University (ANU) Professor

Thomas Kalliath refers to an MBA as a badge

of excellence.

Students pay a fee for each individual course within the degree as they go. The MBA program consists of 16 units. A single (6 unit) course costs $2946 at the 2012 domestic rate. Commonwealth Government FEE-HELP is

available to eligible students and, from time to time, Commonwealth Supported Places are available and awarded to applicants on merit. Domestic students who are eligible may defer their payment via FEE-HELP.

An MBA from a reputed university such

as ANU sets them apart as talented

individuals with a high potential for career

advancement.

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MBA

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Academic requirements – A Bachelor degree in any discipline from a recognised university. The relative ranking and/or reputation of the university may be taken into consideration. Applicants completing an Australian degree program must have achieved a minimum grade average of 65 per cent in their undergraduate studies. Students completing degree studies outside Australia will need to meet a similar minimum grade requirement, however due to variations in grading scales, the speciﬁ c requirements vary between countries. As an indication, examples of grades required include a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or Upper Second Class Honours degree.

Work experience – Applicants must have at least three years full-time professional or managerial work experience accumulated after the

completion of a bachelor degree or at least ﬁ ve years full-time work experience overall. The applicant’s work experience will be determined from

information supplied in the application form, CV, referees reports and answers to

additional questions. There must be clear evidence of career development.

English language – Applicants who are citizens of Australia, New Zealand, USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Singapore, Fiji, Kenya, Papua

New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Samoa, Zambia or South Africa can demonstrate English language capability by evidence of completion of their bachelor degree where the medium of instruction was English at a recognised, local university in their home country.

Applicants from all other countries and Australian permanent residents will usually be required to supply evidence of English language capability that meets the ANU requirements.

Referee Reports – Applicants must provide two referee reports, as these may be checked by ANU to verify candidates work experience. Referees’ contact details must be current.

Prerequisites for the ANU MBA:

Applicants

completing an

Australian degree

program must

have achieved a

minimum grade

average of 65

per cent in their

undergraduate

studies.

Students work with

companies and

organisations based

in Canberra and

around Australia

to assist them in

developing new

business ventures.

It is an opportunity

to draw together

and apply learning

from the program.

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MBA

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After the Second World War, the MBA spread past the US into Europe and went global, thriving in the 1960s.

In its inception, the MBA was a two-year full-time course aimed at giving new graduates basic preparation for life in the corporate world.

It included foundation units in accounting, business statistics and economics, for example, in addition to integrative studies in business strategy and general management, with electives to provide focus on particular skills or industries.

MBA programs have grown signiﬁ cantly over the years and there are now around 2500 MBA programs offered by more than 1300 universities and management colleges in 126 countries worldwide. In Australia there are more than 90 MBAs offered.

The core curriculum of the MBA remains fairly consistent across different institutions even though there are so many on offer. One of the main developments in the MBA is the addition of various new specialisations to apply to any industry.

The many specialisations on offer aim to give managers a particular focus to apply to their industry or job. Some specialisations include logistics management, human resource management, health services management, sports management, agribusiness, international business, marketing management, arts management and e-business.

The MBA has changed over time

According to the Good Universities Guide, the Master of Business

Administration (MBA) formula was established in the United States

early in the twentieth century and survived largely unchanged well

into the 1950s.

In addition, many institutions now teach new skills such as group dynamics, human communication and teamwork. Another major development is how people study the MBA. There are now ﬁ ve options – full-time, part-time, external (distance education), online and mixed mode (a combination of external and on-campus study).

Edith Cowan University MBA and Postgraduate Studies Program Director Associate Professor Maryam Omari said the MBA had progressed over time.

“Our courses, including the MBA, are always subject to change to ensure they remain

industry focused and relevant,” Professor Omari said.

“Over time, the unit mix in the MBA has changed to accommodate emerging disciplines and areas of interest to our markets locally and internationally.

“Flexible delivery is another feature of our program; this is in a constant state of change and improvement to make use of cutting edge technology and modern teaching and learning practices.”

Murdoch University Business School Associate Dean of Postgraduate Degrees Dr Hermina HM Burnett said Murdoch’s MBA had become more ﬂ exible.

Our courses,

including the MBA,

are always subject

to change to

ensure they remain

industry focused

and relevant.

“Our MBA used to be a small course, but has moved over the years into a more ﬂ exible delivery program, streamlining the MBA with the Master of Human Resources Management and the Master of Professional Accounting programs,” Dr Burnett said.

Dr Burnett said it didn’t stop at the MBA. “Many students are now pursuing another degree with us after the MBA, or move into a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) or PhD.”

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CRICOS #00120C | 2012Brand

learn.anu.edu.au

“I travelled to ANU because of the university’s international

reputation. This is the place where world-leading minds are

meeting down the corridor.

I want to make a real difference and I know that ANU

graduates do.”

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MBA

14

“ECU aims to develop the whole student; in addition to technical knowledge and skills, we focus on interpersonal, communication, analytical, critical thinking and leadership skills to propel the careers of our students to the next level,” Edith Cowan University MBA and Graduate Studies Program Director Associate Professor Maryam Omari said.

“An ECU MBA qualiﬁ cation can provide students and graduates with the conﬁ dence to apply the knowledge and skills learnt during the course to their current place of work, or develop skills that will allow them to transfer what they have learnt to another industry or to achieve a promotion.”

Based within the Faculty of Business and Law at the Mount Lawley campus, PGSB is focused on delivering high-quality, industry-accredited graduate business courses in a ﬂ exible and supportive, yet challenging learning environment. There are two convenient locations to study your MBA, with state-of-the-art facilities at the Mount Lawley and Joondalup campuses and a rural campus in Bunbury, with the option to also study externally.

“ECU’s MBA is currently available full-time or part-time and in an online learning mode,” Associate Professor Omari said. “As a modern tertiary institution,

ECU offers the MBA in a ﬂ exible format to allow students to juggle family, work and study.” There are opportunities to study your MBA overseas with an exchange placement. “Students study abroad or undertake student exchange with many international business schools in Asia, Central and South America, Europe and North America. ECU has a team dedicated to the Study Abroad and Exchange program to assist students from the enquiry stage right through to acceptance and visa documentation,” Associate Professor Omari said.

“International study is not a compulsory requirement of the course; it is an option available to students who wish to improve their global perspective and take advantage of ECU’s links with international universities.” There are different entry pathways and course levels available to cater for your existing qualiﬁ cations and work experience. PGSB recognises people with passion and potential, offering the right balance of practical knowledge and academic excellence. “We recognise prior learning. Upon successful completion of a graduate certiﬁ cate or graduate diploma there is the opportunity to enrol in an MBA and get credit towards future studies. Every student’s circumstances are different.”

MBA at ECU

The MBA program at Edith Cowan University’s

Perth Graduate School of Business (PGSB) is

designed to develop essential knowledge, skills

and attitudes in management, which will enable

graduates to be effective and productive as

leaders in the workplace.

There are a number of

specialisations available at ECU including: advertising, project management, human resource management, marketing, international business, professional accounting, innovation and enterprise, ﬁ nance, enterprise systems, information systems, hospitality and tourism management, sport management and event management.

“ECU’s MBA program is designed to equip students with the contemporary management knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a modern, global business environment,” Associate Professor Omari said. “ECU offers two different MBA programs for two different

niche markets. The MBA requires a bachelor degree from a recognised institution and a minimum of two years appropriate postgraduate professional work experience or equivalent prior learning including at least ﬁ ve years appropriate professional work experience.

“The MBA International (MBAI) is available to applicants with a bachelor degree from a recognised tertiary institution or equivalent prior learning including at least ﬁ ve years appropriate professional work experience.”

For more information on ECU’s MBA programs visit

www.ecu.edu.au/pgsb or call 134 ECU (134 328).

There are opportunities to study abroad

or undertake student exchange with many

international business schools in Asia, Central

and South America, Europe and North America.

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MBA

15

“I saw no career growth, so I decided to step aside and study a Masters degree,” Mr de Lima said.

Currently, Mr de Lima is studying an MBA at ECU as an international student from Mumbai, India.

He said he chose the university because of its close proximity to home and positive referrals from friends.

“I have a couple of friends who studied there a few years ago,” Mr de Lima said. “What they had to say about the university was more substantial than what I heard about other universities.” The special MBA course at ECU comprises 12 units. Eight units are general and four are specialised units. The core units emphasise fundamental business principles in management, leadership and business strategies.

“I chose to specialise in human resources as I have worked on projects involving process and technology, but aspire to work in the change management space,” Mr de Lima said. The human resources

specialisation is available at ECU’s Mt Lawley campus and gives students a broad introduction to elements of human resource management (HRM).

Students have a choice of four units to draw upon after discussion with the course coordinator and what is suited to their needs.

Mr de Lima is currently working part-time as a human resources ofﬁ cer at the Birchman Group while studying for his MBA. “Juggling work and study hasn’t been extremely tough,” he said. “I have set aside time for study during the week and try to stick to the plan.

“It is important to plan your studies when you get the unit plan at the start of the semester. My lecturers have been very understanding and are ready to defer a submission if I have a valid reason.”

Mr de Lima said he hoped the MBA would further his career development and attract a few exciting opportunities in change management.

He said the experience at ECU had helped him signiﬁ cantly along that path.

“Academic and support staff have been really helpful. It is good to have academic staff out in the ﬁ eld,” he said. “They share some great experiences and have also managed to bring in some very good guest lecturers.” Mr de Lima said although it was challenging learning the academic tools as an international student, the MBA

Excelling in human resources

When career growth and opportunities began to dry up for Edith Cowan

University student Nicholas de Lima during the global ﬁ nancial crisis, he

decided the best option would be to study an MBA.

led him to experience a range of opportunities.

“Other than just getting a degree at the end of the course, I have met people from different walks of life at university and have built strong professional relationships with them,” he said.

Juggling work and study hasn’t been extremely

tough. I have set aside time for study during

the week and try to stick to the plan.

Specialisation in Advertising:

Advertising is a critical component of marketing communications in a business environment. This specialisation provides students with strategic, creative, integrated and international perspectives of the advertising discipline. This could lead to a career as an advertising executive or advertising manager.

Specialisation in Finance:

Finance is imperative to business. This specialisation

includes units such as Principles of Personal Risk Management Planning, Financial Institutions Management and Credit and Lending Decisions.

Specialisation in Human Resource Management:

This specialisation gives students a broad introduction to elements of human resource management suitable to the context of the MBA. Specialised units include Recruitment and Retention, Employment

Relations, Workplace Training and Managing Employee Performance.

Specialisation in International Business: This specialisation explores the complexity of the international business environment and the functional requirements of ﬁ rms operating internationally. It looks into business in Asia, international communication and negotiation and an international business project and study tour.

Choose your specialisation at ECU

ECU offers a wide range of specialisations in the MBA to suit your

industry, while still providing a core business structure, which will

develop essential managerial and decision-making skills.

The areas of

specialisation

include:

• Advertising • Event Management • Finance

• Hospitality and Tourism • Human Resource

Management • Information Systems • Innovation and

Enterprise

• International Business • Marketing

• Project Management • Sport Management

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An MBA that takes you further

Advance your career at ECU’s Perth Graduate School of Business. Our MBA program is highly regarded and has everything you need to get ahead. And with a choice of specialisations, such as Professional Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management and Marketing, you can tailor your degree to suit your goals. ECU provides a supportive learning environment with ﬂ exible options to help you balance your study around your life. Our approachable staﬀ have a wealth of experience and are focused on helping you reach your full potential. Apply for mid-year entry now. For further information call 134 ECU (134 328), email [email protected] or visit our website.

To ﬁ nd out more, attend the Postgrad information evening. 6pm, 28th May, Mount Lawley Campus.