MBA the right tool to seize 'Asian century' opportunities

Australia must seize the opportunities of the forecast 'Asian century', says the University of Adelaide's new Director of the Adelaide MBA Program, Damian Scanlon.
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The new Director of the University of Adelaide's MBA Program, Damian Scanlon.
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Tuesday, 20 December 2011

As Australia positions itself to seize the opportunities of the forecast 'Asian century', the University of Adelaide's newly appointed Director of the Adelaide MBA Program, Damian Scanlon, is urging employers to start re-investing in postgraduate education for their senior staff.

"With our geography amidst the rapidly growing economies of Asia, there is significant opportunity for employers and ambitious managers to position themselves to take advantage of these projected economic opportunities and future transformations in our region, and the world more generally," Mr Scanlon said.

"For employers this means recognising it is never too early to start encouraging and supporting senior managers to gain postgraduate qualifications, recognising that with an MBA they will be instrumental in streamlining, restructuring or adapting activities in the new environment.

"Our graduates will be the people involved in developing new products, setting strategic visions and training existing personnel. We know that they will be the vital corporate and industry leaders of tomorrow," he said.

"They will be essential to Australia and Australian businesses capitalising on all that this 'Asian century' offers and our Asian neighbours are already realising the benefits of MBA graduates to their businesses and economies," Mr Scanlon said.

There has been an increase in numbers of people in Asia showing interest in MBA programs with almost 43,000 Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) score reports received by Asian business schools in 2010 from prospective students. According to Asian test administrators, that is more than double the amount received in 2006.

The GMAT is an aptitude test and entry requirement for top MBA Programs around the world including the Adelaide MBA program. Asian citizens also sent out an additional 277,000+ GMAT score reports to MBA programs on other continents in 2010.

Damian Scanlon begins his appointment as Adelaide MBA Director at the University of Adelaide in January next year. He is an Adelaide MBA graduate and has been part of the Australian business community for more than 25 years. With over 15 years' senior executive experience in Australian publicly listed companies as well as 10 years in the SME sector, he brings a unique perspective to the School.

Recently he has been credited with taking science organisation the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) from two to 22 employees and fully implementing their vision. Damian was also instrumental in overseeing the conversion of the old Adelaide Stock Exchange building into the RiAus Science Exchange, a building equipped for the 21st Century.

"We welcome Damian and are confident he will be a great asset to our MBA program as we continue to refine our program and focus on the elite students in the market," Head of the University of Adelaide Business School Associate Professor Barry Burgan said.

"The Adelaide MBA program is highly regarded in Australia and the region - our entry requirements for the program are rigorous, meaning those who are accepted are guaranteed high-level classroom discussions and to study with other experienced managers," he said.

"Our students are experienced in the workplace, not fresh from a bachelor degree, which means they expect and receive a high level of teaching - and when they graduate, they command high salaries," he said.

"We also have a campus in Singapore and affiliations with universities around the world offering short and longer term study tours and exchange programs."

Mr Scanlon said: "The MBA Program's class assignments include consulting projects commissioned by and delivered to organisations and businesses from South Australia, interstate and overseas. The program is designed to give graduates the practical experience and strategic insights to rise to the challenges and opportunities that the future global transformations present."

The University of Adelaide is a member of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of leading Australian universities, intensive in research and comprehensive in general and professional education. The Adelaide Business School's programs, including the Adelaide MBA, hold international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). AACSB Accreditation is known worldwide as the longest standing, most recognised form of specialised/professional accreditation that an institution and its business programs can earn.

For more information about the Adelaide MBA, go to: http://business.adelaide.edu.au

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