9/3/2009
Aston Business School in
Birmingham is experiencing a significant growth in its executive
development programmes, with nearly 50 per cent more applications than
this time last year.
Aston’s Masters in Business Administration
programme (MBA) has so far seen 113 applications for its September 2009
entry courses compared to 65 at this time last year. Aston Business
School has also chosen this time to launch its Aston Executive DBA
Programme The Docorate of Business Administration ( or DBA) is a
professional research degree that combines study with work.
Dr
Naomi Brookes, Director of the DBA, believes that despite the global
recession, now is the time to invest in executive development:
“Business Schools worldwide are undoubtedly seeing a counter-cyclical
effect in the current economic downturn and I’m predicting an even
stronger year of applications for 2009. It is proven over the years
that executive development programmes become much more important to
senior managers in difficult times”.
The latest statistics
released by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) highlights
that worldwide, 77 per cent of business schools registered an increase
in applications to MBA programmes for 2008 entry, compared to 2007 -
the highest increase in five years.
“Prospective students,
including many senior business executives, are increasingly deciding
that a period of development is a good option in an increasingly
turbulent economic market. Approaches like the DBA can really make
knowledge work for individuals and organisations in difficult times,”
said Dr Brookes.
The Doctorate in Business Administration
programme (DBA) is an elite programme attracting very senior managers
who wish to combine innovation with the ‘day job.’. Aston’s own
Executive DBA is one of only five programmes worldwide to be accredited
by the Association of MBAs, an independent authority which sets
rigorous standards for postgraduate business education.
Dr
Brookes, said, “The flexible, distance-learning nature of Aston’s
Executive DBA, allow senior executives to combine a busy work schedule
alongside study. It’s designed to give managers a fresh business
perspective and an essential mix of theory and practice that is needed
to make real and lasting improvements in organisations.”
Commander
Mike Young, who is in charge of Continuous Improvement for the Royal
Navy undertook a DBA to improve the way the Navy recruited and
developed leaders. Speaking at the launch event for the Aston Executive
DBA , he outlined how his own DBA has formed the foundation to
revolutionise Royal Navy leadership training. His work has been
rewarded with both a promotion and an MBE.
“The DBA can
undoubtedly have a dramatic effect on the lives of its graduates. It’s
a qualification that will serve you as a practical and theoretical
management guide for the benefit of your own career and your
organisation,” said Commander Young.
For further information on
DBA and MBA courses at Aston, log onto www.aston.ac.uk/abs or contact
the Aston Business School on 0121 204 3000
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