Lancaster became the latest school to hear the call of Africa yesterday. Their new Global EMBA program will educate busy executives in Ghana and equip them for MBA jobs in the region.
The schools’ Global Executive MBA program will be taught in the sub-Saharan state on a part-time basis from July this year, reflecting a growing trend in the business school community.
Demand for business degree programs in the African region has never been higher and LUMS is collaborating with the Lancaster University Ghana (LUG) to deliver the program, which is tailored to the busy executive.
While the rise in full-time African programs has been driven by prosperous economic outlooks and a growing culture of social entrepreneurship, executive MBA programs are also a more attractive option for today’s business leader.
As global demand for MBA programs and competition in the MBA jobs market increases, schools are finding ways to cater to those that would prefer not to leave their careers. Interest in part-time MBA study has risen to a high of 27.8 per cent, while interested in full-time programs has declined by about 1 per cent.
The Graduate Management Admission Council also reports that more GMAT tests are being taken in the African region. Throughout 2012-2013, more than 5,000 tests were completed, which is more than in the entire Eastern Europe area.
Professor Mark Shackleton, Associate Dean for Postgraduate Studies at LUMS, says the best programs cater to busy executives. “The best MBAs have been able to teach executives flexible yet practical thinking tools that allow them to achieve complex goals in increasingly complex and strategic business areas,” he says.
Ghana is also a popular destination for European and Asian schools. China Europe International Business School has a campus in Accra, the country’s capital city. CEIBS offers an EMBA program and a Women Entrepreneurship and Leadership for Africa program.
The IMF forecasts that Africa will experience 6 per cent growth this year, while Ghana’s medium-term outlook remains healthy, with projected GDP growth of 8 per cent in 2013 and 8.7 per cent in 2014, driven largely by new oil revenue.
Designed to fit around participants' working lives, the new LUMS program will allow students to further their managerial education without leaving their jobs – and the program design also gives them flexibility to take modules in other locations where the Lancaster MBA is delivered.
Scheduled to start in July 2014, the Global Executive MBA Combines the expertise of Lancaster University in delivering programs with local knowledge of how to transfer this learning to the context of Ghanaian business.
Professor John Grainger, Provost of LUG, says the school wants to cater to Ghanaians. “Lancaster University Ghana is committed to providing quality programs to ensure that Ghanaians as well as Africans have access to world-class tertiary education, without having to travel abroad,” he says.
The school has bases in Jordan, Singapore and Malaysia and the program in Africa will draw on that experience, says Professor Steve Bradley, Lancaster University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor (International). “The faculty who will teach on the program bring a wealth of experience, having taught the program in Malaysia, Jordan, Singapore and Zambia,” he says.
Students will be taught general management theory with a focus on strategy, change and leadership. EMBAs will also gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of the organisational and business environment, although they will be taught by a contingent of experienced UK-based educators.
Professor Mark added that the new program will attract candidates from a wide range of backgrounds. “[It will] provide a rich and fertile context on which excellent faculty facilitators can build, by drawing out learning and discussion during class contact time,” he says.
“The Global Executive MBA will provide students with invaluable integrative skills which are increasingly essential in a fast-changing world, where barriers to management innovation can prevent organisations from competing effectively.”
Most schools have responded to the African demand. But how long before the rest catch up?
Great university for academia – not great for 'entrepreneurs'
Please keep in mind that my review is nuanced by my expectations of an Entrepreneurship degree :) I came to Lancaster University because it was one of the top universities to have a course in Entrepreneurship. After 4 years in this degree, my most valuable experience has been my placement and not the actual course. The course is heavily focused on impractical elements, which is a bit odd for an Entrepreneurship degree. There are some modules that involve hands-on work but the faculty support for such things has not been great. My course also involved a lot of teamwork which has been fantastic and really prepared me when it comes to dealing with the diversity of opinions. In terms of career prospects, the management school does A LOT to host events, workshops and support sessions to help you build up your employability skills. Although, I wish there was more acknowledgement of SMEs/startups as a viable career option. The entrepreneurship team which is meant to support budding businesses is really stepping up their game with tons of guest speakers, workshops and pitching opportunities. The location is a concern if you're not in STEM, Law or Accounting and Finance. Business requires networking with the broader community. However, for Lancaster students, the best bet is a trip down to Manchester or London. On the flip side, living in Lancaster is much cheaper! Overall, if the purpose of your university experience is to receive top academic education and have great facilities at your disposal, Lancaster is a great choice. But if you want to be in business and entrepreneurship, I would look elsewhere.
Jesse
Verified
28/09/2018
An exceptional educational establishment in the North West of England.
This university has been a fantastic life experience as well as a great academic one. I first decided to go to Lancaster University Management School due to its exceptional business education facilities and have not been disappointed. I recommend the university to anybody that wants to put themselves in a strong position for a career upon graduation.
Student
Verified
24/11/2022
On Campus
Student Ambassador
Overall, the instruction is decent, however it also depends on your department. The people are friendly, in my opinion. The sporting events are enjoyable, and there is a good sense of community. Although the city is quite remote, it is nonetheless attractive.
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
Lancaster University honest review
The education system in the university is excellent especially that of the Management School. The campus has great facilities for students to study and live in a relaxed manner. The students can engage in various activities through the socities.
Student
Verified
17/06/2020
Great opportunities to think beyond
Lancaster University provides a lot of good opportunities to think beyond.There Entrepreneurship in residence program helps students to meet and seek guidance about entrepreneurship and the challenges.Their Work in progress program help to fabricate your startup idea and further to pitch to the potential investors.Apart from that there are lot of programs like Enactus, guest lectures and guidance from seniors to help and shape your career needs.
They provide lot of opportunities to shape up your employability skills.
Student
Verified
9/10/2020
On Campus
A top university in the UK for management science!
If you’re interested in management science studies, Lancaster University is one of the top universities in the UK. The faculty is renowned and have a sterling reputation for research in management science. Candidates specifically interested in Forecasting would find the Centre for Marketing Analytics and Forecasting especially relevant to their field. Besides, the ROI is good as the overall cost compared to other universities is less.
Student
Verified
10/04/2019
Great university for academia – not great for 'entrepreneurs'
Please keep in mind that my review is nuanced by my expectations of an Entrepreneurship degree :) I came to Lancaster University because it was one of the top universities to have a course in Entrepreneurship. After 4 years in this degree, my most valuable experience has been my placement and not the actual course. The course is heavily focused on impractical elements, which is a bit odd for an Entrepreneurship degree. There are some modules that involve hands-on work but the faculty support for such things has not been great. My course also involved a lot of teamwork which has been fantastic and really prepared me when it comes to dealing with the diversity of opinions. In terms of career prospects, the management school does A LOT to host events, workshops and support sessions to help you build up your employability skills. Although, I wish there was more acknowledgement of SMEs/startups as a viable career option. The entrepreneurship team which is meant to support budding businesses is really stepping up their game with tons of guest speakers, workshops and pitching opportunities. The location is a concern if you're not in STEM, Law or Accounting and Finance. Business requires networking with the broader community. However, for Lancaster students, the best bet is a trip down to Manchester or London. On the flip side, living in Lancaster is much cheaper! Overall, if the purpose of your university experience is to receive top academic education and have great facilities at your disposal, Lancaster is a great choice. But if you want to be in business and entrepreneurship, I would look elsewhere.
Jesse
Verified
28/09/2018
An exceptional educational establishment in the North West of England.
This university has been a fantastic life experience as well as a great academic one. I first decided to go to Lancaster University Management School due to its exceptional business education facilities and have not been disappointed. I recommend the university to anybody that wants to put themselves in a strong position for a career upon graduation.
Student
Verified
24/11/2022
On Campus
Student Ambassador
Overall, the instruction is decent, however it also depends on your department. The people are friendly, in my opinion. The sporting events are enjoyable, and there is a good sense of community. Although the city is quite remote, it is nonetheless attractive.
Student
Verified
3/08/2020
Lancaster University honest review
The education system in the university is excellent especially that of the Management School. The campus has great facilities for students to study and live in a relaxed manner. The students can engage in various activities through the socities.
Student
Verified
17/06/2020
Great opportunities to think beyond
Lancaster University provides a lot of good opportunities to think beyond.There Entrepreneurship in residence program helps students to meet and seek guidance about entrepreneurship and the challenges.Their Work in progress program help to fabricate your startup idea and further to pitch to the potential investors.Apart from that there are lot of programs like Enactus, guest lectures and guidance from seniors to help and shape your career needs.
They provide lot of opportunities to shape up your employability skills.
Student
Verified
9/10/2020
On Campus
A top university in the UK for management science!
If you’re interested in management science studies, Lancaster University is one of the top universities in the UK. The faculty is renowned and have a sterling reputation for research in management science. Candidates specifically interested in Forecasting would find the Centre for Marketing Analytics and Forecasting especially relevant to their field. Besides, the ROI is good as the overall cost compared to other universities is less.
Student
Verified
10/04/2019
Great university for academia – not great for 'entrepreneurs'
Please keep in mind that my review is nuanced by my expectations of an Entrepreneurship degree :) I came to Lancaster University because it was one of the top universities to have a course in Entrepreneurship. After 4 years in this degree, my most valuable experience has been my placement and not the actual course. The course is heavily focused on impractical elements, which is a bit odd for an Entrepreneurship degree. There are some modules that involve hands-on work but the faculty support for such things has not been great. My course also involved a lot of teamwork which has been fantastic and really prepared me when it comes to dealing with the diversity of opinions. In terms of career prospects, the management school does A LOT to host events, workshops and support sessions to help you build up your employability skills. Although, I wish there was more acknowledgement of SMEs/startups as a viable career option. The entrepreneurship team which is meant to support budding businesses is really stepping up their game with tons of guest speakers, workshops and pitching opportunities. The location is a concern if you're not in STEM, Law or Accounting and Finance. Business requires networking with the broader community. However, for Lancaster students, the best bet is a trip down to Manchester or London. On the flip side, living in Lancaster is much cheaper! Overall, if the purpose of your university experience is to receive top academic education and have great facilities at your disposal, Lancaster is a great choice. But if you want to be in business and entrepreneurship, I would look elsewhere.
