Press Releases

Standing - left to right: Susan Gibson, Samantha Harrison, Joe Plaistow, Derek Norton, Professor Roger Carey, Dr Augustine Okanlawon, Stephen Curphey, Jane Mooney and David Cavendish. Sitting - left to right: Cameron Christie, Mike Stanton and Daniel Cashen.

The International Business School has reached another significant landmark in the history of its development - the launch of the MBA programme at the end of January. 

The MBA programme has arisen out of an academic partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, tailored to the meet the development needs of senior managers from all sectors of business - both from the Isle of Man and worldwide. 

The pioneering cohort of ten participants (see photograph) embarking on the part-time MBA course will attend six 'Executive Block' study weekends during their first semester.  In September of this year, the MBA will also be made available on a full-time basis. 

Dr Augustine Okanlawon, Programme Leader for the MBA, said that he was delighted with the calibre of participants in the first cohort, "It is important to have a group of MBA participants who are from a wide range of career and educational backgrounds and I am pleased that both public and private sectors are represented in this cohort.  One of the many recognised benefits of the MBA study process is the breadth of experience and knowledge that belonging to a peer based support group can bring."

Participants follow an identical syllabus to the MBA programme offered at Liverpool John Moores University which leads to a generic MBA qualification.  In addition, participants at the International Business School are also offered the option to study specialist financial and 'offshore' modules.  All of the teaching is carried out on Island by the International Business School's experienced academic staff and participants also have access to the same extensive on-line resources as participants at JMU. 

Director of the International Business School, Professor Roger Carey said, "There are many qualifications available to the aspiring senior manager, but the MBA has become the globally accepted qualification in the field of management.  I am very pleased that the International Business School is now able to offer the Island's business men and women the opportunity to add new perspectives to their working lives, not only by providing deep and meaningful understandings of the major functions of business, but also by providing valuable networking opportunities which will endure over a lifetime. 

The availability of this programme 'on Island' also assists Isle of Man plc in its aim to raise the level of workforce skills - and we are pleased to play our part in this.  The investment made by participants, their employers and the Government will be of benefit to all in the future - an 'everybody wins' situation."

Weblinks: www.ibs.ac.im