Excellence Recognised

The phrase “triple crown” doesn’t only apply to sporting achievements as faculty members of the Bradford University School of Management — which MDIS is affiliated with — will proudly tell you.

Just last month, the university joined the ranks of the world’s elite business schools when it was awarded its latest accreditation by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Its previously awarded EQUIS (European Quality Improvement System) and AMBA (the Association of MBAs) accreditations mean that the university has now attained the academic world’s “triple crown”.

Just 57 business schools had attained the academic triple crown globally as of April last year, so this is an achievement Bradford University School of Management is justifiably proud of.

Dr Sarah Dixon, who, as Dean, led the school through the accreditation process commented: “This American kitemark (symbol of excellence) recognises the quality of the school from our undergraduate to MBA programmes and our research to executive education.

“The assessors were impressed with ourglobal campus, which as an example means that students can study different modules of their MBA in Manila, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Perugia and Bradford.”

TOUGH REQUIREMENTS

A school with an AACSB accreditation is renowned for the quality of its faculty and curriculum as well as for providing unique career and educational opportunities.

Requirements are so stringent that according to the body’s website, less than 5 per cent of the world’s 13,000 business programmes have earned this accreditation.

“AACSB praised our strategy to help students and businesses develop new, sustainable business models for the future, and our research and teaching which make a difference to businesses,” said Dr Dixon.

Mr John Fernandes, President and Chief Executive Officer of AACSB International, added: “This represents the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards business degrees ... I commend the school for its dedication to management education, as well as its leadership in the community.”

The Bradford University School of Management’s excellent reputation and syllabus were key factors for one student when he was conducting research for a post-graduate programme.

THE LOGICAL CHOICE

Mr Ang Puay Yong had been awarded a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU). When he decided to further his studies, he naturally wanted to broaden his horizons. He is currently studying for a Master of Business Administration with the University of Bradford and attends classes at MDIS.

Said the 35-year-old Senior Manager at MOH Holdings: “Building a wider understanding of the business environment has become second nature to me; so taking an MBA is a natural progression in my career.” “Bradford University School of Management was in the process of working towards the ‘triple crown’ accreditation and its MBA is consistently ranked within the top 100 in the Financial Times Global MBA rankings.

“In terms of its syllabus, it has a very rich variety ranging from Accounting, International Finance, E-Business and Managerial modules.”

Two other considerations were timing and affordability, factors that helped Mr Ang choose MDIS’ programme with Bradford University School of Management.

Some schools conducted their programmes in intensive blocks that can be disruptive to work and personal commitments. MDIS’ classes, however, were well-paced — twice a week at weekday evenings — leaving time on weekends for family, friends and further studying.

Another important factor that tipped the balance in MDIS' favour? Reasonable course fees relative to what's on offer, according to Mr Ang. There have been other spin-off benefits to his post-graduate studies that have benefitted his personal and professional life.

"Despite devoting a significant amount of time to my studies, now I am actually better at multi-tasking and juggling family, work and studies," he said.

AWARDS AND ACCOLODES

The accolades for Bradford University School of Management haven't stopped at its prestigious triple-crown accreditation.

The latest Financial Times rankings continue to place Bradford among Europe's top 50 business schools. The Financial Times European Business Schools Rankings 2011 ranked Bradford University School of Management  first in the North England and eleventh in the United Kingdom.

Perhaps the school's sustained success can be summed up by AASAB's Mr Fernandes: "It has not only met specific standards of excellence, but also made a commitment to ongoing improvement to ensure that the institution will continue to deliver high-quality education to its students."

PRODUCED BY THE TODAY SPECIAL PROJECTS TEAM

For more information on the Bradford MBA, call 6247 9111/6372 1000, e-mail etc@mdis.edu.sg or visit www.mdis.edu.sg.

Management Development Institute of Singapore

Reg. No. 201001793H

20 May 2014 to 19 May 2018