New generation embraces first full distance learning maritime MBA

News was prepared under the information support of Online Daily Newspaper on Hellenic and international Shipping "Hellenic Shipping News".

28 Feb 2009

Professional advancement remains high on the shipping industry’s agenda, despite the credit crunch and downturn in freight rates. Response to Lloyd’s Maritime Academy’s ground-breaking MBA in Shipping & Logistics – the first delivered entirely by distance learning – has been unprecedented, with the marked interest among the emerging economies of the Middle East, Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia.
The course, which begins enrolment in April and commences in October 2009, has been created to enable career progression for executives with management experience but also recognises technical and operational shipboard experience for those looking to come ashore.
Dimity Brassil of Lloyd’s Maritime Academy says the course should be seen as an
executive MBA for middle management but also provides access to learning for a new breed of maritime professionals.
“The MBA is designed for those people in middle management looking to move upwards but it also allows those with years of technical, but not necessarily management experience to apply. We recognise the skill and expertise already found in the technical elements of the shipping industry.”
Developed in association with Middlesex University, the MBA offers students from around the world the ability to study at their convenience using an online learning platform, at a significant cost saving, while gaining a fully-accredited qualification over two years.
The course leverages the track record of Lloyd’s Maritime Academy in providing a syllabus developed in close co-operation with the maritime academic and business community. The programme will include shipping-specific modules and case studies examining ship finance and economics, maritime law, marine insurance, environment, safety and security alongside the fundamentals of advanced business education.
Students will take advantage of the latest blended learning techniques, using the online platform to access interactive lecture sessions and webinars as well as filmed sessions and archive material. To provide the network opportunities so vital to a successful MBA, students will have the choice to attend two Lloyd’s Maritime Academy seminars or masterclasses of their choice, as well as interacting with their colleagues online.
Ms Brassil says the programme is designed to be as flexible as possible. “Using the online system to create networks to each other and the industry is important for ensuring there is no disadvantage to distance learning. It is a fully blended learning
environment with elements of interaction as well as the ability to download and take
away materials for self-study”.
A full prospectus for the MBA in Shipping & Logistics will be available from March 2009 and total course fees are £12,350, excluding textbooks. The MBA does not require travel or compulsory attendance at campus or examinations.
Entry requirements are preferably a second class honours degree or an overseas equivalent qualification. Students should also have a minimum of two years’ managerial or professional experience.

Source: Informa