MBA in Shipping and Logistics shortlisted for Times Higher Education Awards

The MBA in Shipping and Logistics, from Lloyd’s Maritime Academy and Middlesex University, has been shortlisted for the 2011 Times Higher Education Awards in the category “Outstanding Employer Engagement”.

The Awards celebrate the excellence and achievements of UK higher education institutions, and this particular category recognises strategic and innovative approaches to delivering employers’ workforce development needs.

“This is a significant achievement,” says Gina Taylor, Head of Distance Learning at Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, “as it recognises the success of our pioneering collaborative programme with Middlesex University that fills a need in the market and truly responds to employer needs.”

“A significant number, if not all of our MBA participants would not be able to attend regular MBA classes and we are able to provide these individuals with an online distance learning programme tailored to their unique situation. It is this high quality, flexible provision which makes our MBA truly responsive to employer and employee needs throughout the global shipping and logistics industries.”

The MBA in Shipping and Logistics was launched in 2009, and the first cohort have just submitted their final Business Transformation Project. This is a key component of the programme, making it particularly relevant to employers wishing to develop the capabilities of their workforce. The project allows students to analyse a current issue affecting their company or industry sector, applying their newly-acquired management skills and presenting a practical solution of value to their employer or their own career progression.

To date, 230 students have enrolled in the MBA representing 67 separate countries, with 70 individuals starting in the 2011 cohort. Students represent a wide range of organisations and roles across the shipping sector and related logistics businesses. This diversity brings benefits recognised by the Times Higher Education Award shortlisting.

“Central to MBA study is the ability to network and the opportunities this can bring,” explains Dr. Kristian Sund, Programme Leader of the MBA in Shipping and Logistics at Middlesex University. “Communication between students is required on a near-daily basis using asynchronous discussion tools, with students working in groups according to time zones to maximise potential for cooperation.”

Designing an industry-specific management qualification and making it available to a globally widespread workforce has made the MBA in Shipping and Logistics a leader in flexible and responsive education for employers and employees alike, and a worthy contender for this prestigious Times Higher Education Award.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner in London on Thursday 24 November 2011.