Learning to connect the worldwide dots
Executive MBA Kaplan Higher Education/University of Hull
The Executive MBA (EMBA) offered by Kaplan Higher Education, in collaboration with the UK’s University of Hull, focuses on the concept of “connected thinking”, where students build knowledge and understanding of the complexities that can arise in a globalised business world.
“The course doesn’t just concentrate on theories. We encourage students to apply the knowledge that they learn to real situations occurring in the workplace,” says programme consultant Alvin Lam. “This way of thinking helps individuals develop the capability to recognise the connections which allow them to lead change in a trustworthy way on the global commercial stage.”
The programme had earned a “Triple Crown” accreditation – from the Association of MBAs (AMBA), the Association of MBAs European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
The programme also aims to help students progress along their career path towards top management positions by broadening their business networks.
“One of the essential elements of a successful MBA programme is networking. Over the years, the University of Hull has nurtured numerous professionals who are highly influential business figures,” Lam says.
“More than 1,500 programme alumni in Hong Kong are in upper management levels across various industries. The local alumni association organises various activities, such as dinners, seminars and wine-tastings, so that current students and alumni can get to know each other,” he adds.
The EMBA programme covers a range of entrepreneurship skills. Modules covering marketing, HR management and strategic management are especially helpful in training students to think and act like successful entrepreneurs, says Lam.
The entire programme can be completed within two years. It consists of 12 modules spread over the first 18 months and a dissertation that should be completed in the final six months.
To cater for students with busy schedules, the programme is designed to be intensive. Every module contains 36 hours of lectures, taking six weeks to complete. During the first two weeks, students can go online to go through the learning materials and seek advice from professors. From the third week, students will attend class lectures at Kaplan Higher Education.
Applicants should have a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and at least three years of managerial experience. Applicants without a degree, but with at least eight years’ senior-level work experience, will also be considered. Applicants should submit a portfolio to demonstrate that they can benefit from, contribute to and succeed on the programme.
Steve Au, regional relations manager at CLP Power Hong Kong, is a graduate of the EMBA programme. He believes it helped him find direction in his career.
“I chose this programme because it covers a variety of management topics that I thought would help in my career development. The EMBA covers a large amount of professional knowledge and skills, including leadership, operational management and strategic thinking. These are all vital attributes I need to tackle daily problems I face at work. Many of the skills can also be applied in my decision-making processes,” he says.
“I also have a clearer vision and mind when developing business plans. I truly feel that my management skills have significantly improved. Now, I can confidently manage a wider spectrum and scope of work,” Au adds.
Another graduate, Katty Fung, general manager of finance and leasing at the food and beverage DiVino Group, says the programme’s schedule is perfect for busy executives and provides great networking opportunities.
“Since I need to work during the day, I needed a programme without a busy schedule. I think this EMBA is quite easy to handle as part-time study,” she says. “The programme also helped me with a good professional network. Most of my fellow students were at management or senior levels, which helped me to create a higher-level network.”
