Grads with globalised MBA
CDC Management Development chairman Nizar Idris believes that we live in a global world and that talent is no longer local.
In the era past globalisation, one realises that a graduate must not only be worthy of the local market but must also stand tall over international hopefuls.
The corporate ladder reaches across borders. Thus, in the formative years of education, a student has to obtain recognition acknowledged by almost all international parties.
In business, the three largest accreditation bodies evaluating institution performance are the Association of MBAS (AMBA) based in UK, the European Foundation for Management Development (EQUIS) based in Brussels and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) based in US.
Less than one percent of schools in the world meet the criteria set by all three accreditation bodies.
Currently in Malaysia, University of Strathclyde offers the oldest foreign MBA program in Malaysia, which is triple accredited by AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB.
With AMBA, a graduate earns recognition in UK while EQUIS and AACSB blankets the European and US region respectively.
The MBA by Strathclyde is progressive, practical and rigorous to train the leaders of tomorrow in strategy and management.
The University of Strathclyde was founded in the 17th Century by Prof Anderson in Glasgow, Scotland.
He had the vision of establishing an institution of useful learning.
“What this means is, when we conduct the MBA, we think, can you use it and implement it? Can you think strategically and will it be useful for you in your business?” said Nizar.
The MBA prides itself in teaching across functions.
A student with a pharmacy degree might have the drive to climb the corporate ladder but does not have the training to deal with management tasks.
The MBA at Starthclyde builds on the foundation of such students and imparts knowledge in areas such as financial accounting.
Recognised globally, the MBA by Strathclyde was ranked third in the world for Corporate Strategy by Financial times in 2009.
“We prepare the students with scenario planning,” said CDC Management Development chief executive officer Soon Thiam Lam. “We bring in clients as case studies. “We had Cognis Oleochemicals who deals in oil palm consulting if they should go into e-business.
“Students will commonly interview them to research the history and such.
“Then, the parties will give their recommendations to the CEO,” said Soon.
The applicant needs three years of working experience prior to applying for the course. The MBA also stresses on reading as well as examinations for assessment.
The MBA offered by Strathclyde can be completed between two to six years.
We understand that at work sometimes the students are executing a big project and they might not be committed to their studies. Therefore, they have a period between two to six years to complete the MBA, said Soon.
The progressive nature of the MBA extends to the structure and design.
Enrolled students of the Strathclyde MBA might rise in the corporate ranks during pursuit of the MBA. Strathclyde offers a system that intends to accommodate the high-flyers.
The Strathclyde MBA is standardised where content remains the same regardless of centers, nations and continents.
“The teachers fly into the country, conduct the classes and then they move to the next location,” said Soon.
International students who were transferred to Malaysia and work here value the duality of the accreditations, as it is valued across the world, said Nizar.
“If you work in China but it is an American company, the MBA at Strathclyde will open the first door,” said Nizar.
For details, visit www.cdc.edu.my or call 03-7660 8950 ext 111 (Cristina Magat) or 109 (Pan Ju Yit).