In a class of its own

Monash University's Master of Business Administration (MBA) course ranks among the top 100 MBAs in the world. Since it began in 1968, the course has been renowned for the provision of high-quality management education. KAREN STICHTENOTH reports.

MBA student Mr Cameron Abbott.

Cameron Abbott's decision to undertake a Master of Business Administration (MBA) stemmed from a desire to pursue a greater depth of knowledge beyond his legal training and to build on his management skills.

He investigated Australia's top four MBA courses before settling on Monash University. He began his studies in 2001 and expects to finish in 2004.

"In a legal practice with around 300 staff, management skills are just as important as legal skills," says Mr Abbott. "In law you are always leading teams, particularly for large cases."

A partner and IT law specialist at Middletons Lawyers in Melbourne, Mr Abbott also needed a part-time, high-quality course he could manage alongside his career. Monash offered him the flexibility he needed.

"Another major attraction of the Monash MBA was its integrated existence within the university. Aside from the core subjects critical to the MBA, I have been able to follow 'tracks' of specialisation in law, relevant to my area of expertise," he said. "An added consideration was knowing I could pursue subjects in the Master of Laws in combination with the MBA. By taking a few extra subjects I could achieve a double degree - an MBA and a LLM."

The internationally renowned MBA course is delivered at Monash's Caulfield campus and consistently ranks among the top such programs in Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. In August, Asia Inc magazine's 2003 ranking survey listed the course as the best of its kind in Victoria and one of the top three MBA courses available in Australia and New Zealand.

"The survey results justify Monash's vision for the MBA," says Professor Rob Willis, associate dean, Monash MBA and DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) programs. "We are recognised as leaders in our field, and the survey shows the Monash model of MBA education is being noticed and taken up by the market."

Noted graduates include CEO of IBM Australia Mr Philip Bullock, CEO of AAMI Mr Robert Belleville, Sussan Property Group general manager Ms Carol Schwartz, and My Chemist CEO Mr Jack Gance.

Professor Gill Palmer, dean of Monash's Faculty of Business and Economics, says the course offers the best in leading-edge business education and research. "It allows students to draw on the diversity, strengths and academic resources of the entire university, unlike traditional business school models," she says.

"It's this integrated approach that sets it apart from its competitors. Students can benefit from the expertise of all senior academics in the Business and Economics faculty and from experts in faculties such as Pharmacy, Medicine, IT and Law."

Monash MBA students can, if they choose, undertake specialisations or professional tracks in areas such as marketing, corporate finance, information technology, international business, healthcare and law.

"We make sure students have access to the best possible knowledge in their field of study," says Professor Palmer. "The course is interactive with hands-on skill development and subjects that give an international perspective, to ensure graduates are ready for the global workplace."

Action: For further information about Monash University's MBA programs, telephone +61 3 9903 1166 or visit the MBA website.