MBA schools evolve to teaching entrepeneurship

Institutions today don’t just train students to chase after jobs.

If you have ever considered taking up further studies in business, chances are high that at some point you’ve been daunted by the sheer number of business schools and universities all over the world – thanks to globalization, educational options have never been so numerous. However, only a select number of institutions can provide the kind of training that can enable their students to successfully manoeuvre through the continually shifting business landscape. For those who are poised to take on a leadership role in a company, a definite competitive edge would be a Master’s Degree in Business earned from one of Hong Kong’s reputable business schools. “Quality and relevance to the real world are always the best selling points [of Hong Kong business schools],” says Dr Mak Wai-ming, Mac, MBA programme director at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, citing regular curriculum developments and international partnerships and accreditation as a major part of their effort to stay a few steps ahead of the global crowd. Cultivating an international pool of students and teachers at the school creates opportunities for cross-cultural interaction, an essential skill for developing leaders. A departure from the usual offering of management and training courses, entrepreneurship is an emerging trend in Hong Kong business schools. “More schools are introducing and paying more attention to entrepreneurship in recent years after the financial tsunami rather than just training students to chase after a job in investment banks,” says Lawrence Chan, director of Marketing & Student Recruiting at The Chinese University of Hong Kong Business School.

In order to develop leaders who can innovate, the programme must also be innovative. “Specialization is not a new thing. However, I think certain fields resonate better with this generation than prior generations,” says Sean Ferguson, program director at HKUST, noting that constant adjustments must be made in order to remain relevant. For instance, corporate social responsibility has become a central component in business curricula following the financial crisis in 2008.
Despite the progress brought about by the many changes in the Hong Kong MBA programmes, one directive remains constant: their MBA programmes are created to develop leaders who are well-rounded in terms of leadership and management ability. The difference lies in the goal of Hong Kong business schools to equip graduates with the necessary skills to achieve success in today’s competitive business world.

Who made it to HKB’s list?

Hong Kong Business’ annual list of HK’s largest MBA programmes based on total number of current students.

enrolled in the course is now on its second year. Data compiled from MBA providers show the basic information that potential students should know including the programme’s minimum cost, duration and number of intakes per year.

The University of Wales, Newport MBA offered by the International Academy of Management has the most number of students yet again with 800 enrollees. It is then
followed by University of Wales, UK MBA offered by The Hong Kong Management Association with 350 current students. The list provided in the next page is arranged alphabetically.