MAKING IT TO the top in today's business world requires an astute combination of theoretical knowledge, practical experience and the ability to spot industry-shaping trends in a changing environment.
To help leaders and senior executives meet these diverse challenges, the University of Newcastle in Australia developed and launched an online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programme in early 2003. The course accepts about 100 students each year and is available in Hong Kong through the Hartford Institute, which acts as an agent for GraduateSchool.com, the university's online provider.
'Online study provides the opportunity to study anywhere, anytime,' said Scott Holmes, who is dean of graduate studies and professor of accounting at the University of Newcastle, as well as chief executive of GraduateSchool.com. 'For those who are unable to attend classes due to location, work or lifestyle, or simply prefer the online mode of study, it provides the equivalent of the corresponding on-campus programme.'
The primary goal of the DBA is to develop the competencies of practising managers and business professionals. It also aims to equip them as effective leaders in their own organisations and industries, and in the community at large.
'The ultimate goal is to take graduates' careers and capacity for complex, strategic thinking and research to an even higher level,' Professor Holmes said.
Ivan Mak Kwok-sing, who is working as a financial controller, was among the first to join the programme in 2004. He wanted, in particular, to further his professional knowledge and enhance his academic research skills. As someone who already holds six degrees from various universities in Australia and Britain, Dr Mak had little trouble going back to school online and has found it possible to fit the course requirements even into a busy work schedule.
'You can study at your own pace,' he said. 'Coursework mainly consists of learning the concepts, while assessment is done by online essays and assignments.'