Published on 27 March 2018
Billions could be added to the UK economy by creating a new generation of business ‘super-leaders’.
That was the message from a leading University of Sunderland academic who is working to stop companies falling behind their international competitors.
Professor Lawrence Bellamy, Academic Dean for the Faculty of Business, Law and Management, believes better business practice could add a staggering £130billion to the country’s economy.
To help address the issue, the University of Sunderland is launching a new course designed to better equip the business leaders of tomorrow.
The MBA Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship aims to stretch and challenge people to help them develop new ways of thinking about themselves as leaders.
Professor Bellamy said: “Whilst we have some outstanding companies we also have many which fall behind in their adoption of best practice.
“The estimate equates to £130bn added value for the UK economy if improvements were made. The only way to deal with this is to create better managers and leaders.”
Participants on the programme will come out fully equipped to address head-on the challenges of a globalised economy.
And how will it help employers?
Employers will be able to use the programme to recruit, develop and retain talent in their workforce, helping boost overall business.
The course has been specifically designed for any individual moving into, or already working in, a senior management role.
Professor Bellamy added: “This is a unique way to obtain an MBA. Our programme focuses very much on developing the individual so that they can make the difference within the organisation.
“This is done through our applied approach to learning and personalised features such as mentoring and individual diagnostics.
“As candidates develop their knowledge and critical thinking skills they are in the position to make a greater contribution to the organisation, helping to drive it forward. It’s a win-win situation.
“The programme has been put together after extensive consultation with industry through our outstanding advisory group. It meets the required academic rigour but is absolutely grounded in the need to have ‘real-world’ value.”
Among those in industry consulted was Chris Fairs, Head of Human Resources at the Articulated Trucks division of Caterpillar. He was invited to be involved in the development of the new programme.
Chris said: “As part of that involvement, I spent a day at the University with other employers and academics to actually plan out and give feedback on what the course content should be and how it should be delivered.
“My advice to any companies considering working with the University of Sunderland on degree apprenticeships is ‘just do it’.”
The course will be delivered from the University’s Sunderland and London campuses.
Dr Rob Worrall, Lead for the Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship Programme, said: “We are keen to build on our already substantial engagement with business, using our skilled academics, research and sector knowledge to further contribute to succession planning and talent development .”
For more information on the new MBA Senior Leader Masters Degree Apprenticeship contact: 0191 515 3555 apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk