Manchester Business School, one of the longest-established business schools in the UK, celebrates the 50th anniversary of its exceptional research-led business education and its outstanding record of shaping business leaders of the future.
“When we opened our doors back in 1965, we couldn’t have imagined we would grow to be the biggest full-service business school in the UK, nor could we have imagined that today, we would have a global footprint that extends our presence to seven international locations,” says Prof. Fiona Devine, Head of Manchester Business School (MBS).
The world-recognized school was established following the publication of the Franks report which recommended two graduate management business schools to be created in Manchester and London respectively.
In the past 50 years, the school has been developing their pioneering approach to transnational business education, and their part-time Global MBA program stands out as a sought-after qualification.
Truly international and flexible to suit today’s busy executives, the Global MBA program is delivered from a number of international centers with a blend of the latest teaching methodologies – The Manchester Method. From the program, participants from a diverse, international background gain a fully global perspective and enjoy the flexibility to undertake their studies through a mix of interactive online tutorials with pre-eminent academics and business leaders, and face-to-face
‘From our first steps in Manchester to making our mark on the world’ is not only the key theme of MBS’s 50th anniversary celebrations, but also a genuine summary of MBS’s rich history.
Hong Kong’s unique position
In 1992, MBS extended its strategic reach to Asia by setting up its first overseas centre in Hong Kong. “Our program’s strength has always been in finance,” says Ms. Christina Siu, Regional Director of East Asia Centre, Manchester Business School. “There was no better place than Hong Kong, an international financial hub located at the heart of Asia, to launch MBS’s first overseas centre.” Christina also points out that Hong Kong and the UK share similar political, legal and education systems, allowing for a seamless cultural exchange between the former UK colony and the school.
Following the overwhelming success of the Hong Kong centre (East Asia centre), MBS continued to expand its global network by bringing top-quality education and exceptional business minds to five other overseas centres across the globe.
Christina cites two particular achievements that have made her proud of the East Asia centre. “When it comes to encouraging corporate social responsibility, our Team V Care broke the Guinness World record for the tallest cupcake tower in the world last Christmas, to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus’s annual MBA challenge and perpetuate the spirit of Christmas giving and of ethical business,” says Christina. “It also offered a ‘learning by doing’ opportunity for students from the Global MBA program to apply what they have learnt from school to actual practices.”
“The second achievement is the founding of MBS Alumni Association in Hong Kong ten years ago,” continues Christina. “Our alumni community features a group of active volunteers who organize entertaining events for students and alumni to expand their professional network and continue their contribution to the school. We are probably the most active alumni association among top educational institutions in Hong Kong.”
Standing proudly for over 23 years in Hong Kong, the centre is now responsible for overlooking MBS development in East Asia region. It is also the most popular overseas centre for workshops, providing ample learning opportunities while attracting many professionals from all over the world to contribute to an impressive profile of international student mix in Hong Kong.
MBS’s future plans
“We have ambitious plans,” says Prof. Devine. “In line with The University of Manchester’s strategic objectives, we will cement our standing as a school that delivers excellence in business and management research and education.”
MBS is renowned for its host of worldclass teaching colleagues and building on this success, the school recently launched the second recruitment campaign, attracting even more world-leading colleagues to join the school.
Prof. Devine also adds that they will continue to strengthen their Talent Management Partnership program, which helps companies attract, develop and retain the next generation of corporate leaders across the world. “For example here in Hong Kong, we were delighted to recently welcome The Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA) and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) as partners in this program,” says Prof. Devine.
“We are continuing to invest in facilities around the world. Work is underway on a new Executive Education Centre and hotel in Manchester, due for completion in 2016,” continues Prof. Devine. “A landmark donation from Lord Alliance of Manchester will be invested into the new building development and to drive our research agenda forward. Lord Alliance’s long-standing relationship with the University and business school will be recognized in September when the school will become Alliance Manchester Business School.”
