Launching unique MBA programmes

The American University of Dubai (AUD) is set to launch a one-of-a-kind MBA programme in September, following a thorough study of the UAE market.

The institution will run two new concentrations in the Management of Construction Enterprises and Health Care Management. The programmes aim to turn out graduates equipped to tackle the UAE economy's needs. Notes spoke with Dr Dwayne Banks, Dean of the School of Business Administration at AUD to update you on these new practices.

Management of Construction Enterprises

It is the only programme of its kind in the Middle East and among a handful globally. It is unique in the fact that it concentrates on the management of the construction process, from conception to completion, contrary to most construction management programmes, which primarily focus on the engineering aspect of construction projects.

"If you look at our economy in the UAE, it is apparent that construction and real estate development is a significant industry recently illustrated by the economic down turn. Therefore it is important to have a programme structured to train individuals to manage the whole process; from the conception of an idea to the final project." This MBA aims to develop within students the abilities to optimally plan, organise and control construction projects. "The course content will span a spectrum of both a design phase and a contracting phase," said Banks. It will touch on topics such as the financial management of construction projects, construction laws and regulations and construction planning and operations.

Health Care Management

"With the emergence of Dubai Health Care City, the emirate is positioning itself to become a regional player in health care services," said Banks. Due to this there is a need for people trained at a facility level. "We need people who will be able to manage a system at a public policy level," he said.

"Eventually what you will end up with is a rising cost of health care. We need to think about health care cost issues beforehand," he said. He went on to say that although the issues of public policy concentrate on the development of the health care sector, such as tackling the issues of the proper licensing of health care workers, the importance of technological adoption and how it will be managed; along with the different types of drug therapies, cannot be overlooked either.

The programme content tackles issues such as healthcare information management, healthcare economics and finance and cost effectiveness analysis in health care systems.

Details and ideal candidates

AUD currently offers MBA programmes in the International Finance and International Marketing concentrations. Students have a maximum of five years to complete any of the four programmes, although "most students complete their MBAs with us in a year-and-a-half," said Banks. The courses are structured for working adults and will take place on campus one night a week from 7 to 9.30pm.

The total cost of the programmes is approximately Dh97,200 broken down at a cost of Dh8,100 per course (module). Students are required to complete a total of 36 credit hours or 12 courses (modules) worth three credit hours each. The course is part-time requiring students to take on two courses (modules) per semester. Taking three constitutes a full-time load.

The entry criteria for applicants match those of any other MBA programme: A minimum GMAT score of 500, a bachelor's degree with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, two years work experience, a reference letter from employers or university professors and for non-English natives a minimum TOFEL score of 550. "These programmes offer a great opportunity for someone who is in the middle of a career change," said Banks.