MBA is a solid launchpad

Jan 20 2005 By The Journal

A good Masters in Business Administration (MBA) is probably the best way to obtain the breadth and depth required for the key challenges of managing change and developing leadership in any organisation.

The impact and capabilities of new technology, coupled with an increasingly open and global market, mean that even the smallest organisations can benefit from an understanding of the bigger picture and how to tackle change.

Durham Business School part-time MBA graduate Susan Balfour, from South Shields, certainly feels her business has benefited. Susan owns and runs micro business Katy Sue Dolls, with her mother.

The company, which was set up 10 years ago as the result of their shared love of dolls' houses, now sells miniature porcelain dolls to collectors in 28 countries, via a website and catalogue.

She said: "We operate in a very niche marketplace and sometimes it is hard to take that step back when you are caught up in the day-to-day running of the business.

"An MBA isn't suitable for someone who wants to plod along and find out about the practical side of running a business but it is ideal for learning how to develop an organisation and take it to that next level.

"The programme has also provided an immense boost to my confidence."

Additionally, the part-time programme has given Susan the chance to apply what she had learnt almost immediately.

She said: "I have already used the work from my dissertation to develop a launch strategy for an innovative new product."

Durham Business School offers a wide range of study, including tailored executive education, MBAs and specialist masters degrees, consultancy and business support and research.

While it is perhaps best known for its MBA programmes, Durham Business School also has a range of executive education programmes addressing the issues of leadership, entrepreneurship and competence development, which can be tailored to client requirements.

The support available ranges from programmes for individuals looking to start a new business to courses for managers operating in large corporations.

Where clients consider this to be of value, the Business School can provide accreditation for these initiatives.

In addition it also runs a series of "open" programmes aimed at senior managers, including the Durham Leadership Programme and the Institute of Directors' programme.

For further information on executive education, taught programmes and support for businesses at Durham Business School, visit www.dur.ac.uk/dbs or call (0191) 334-5533.