Higher Education News South Africa

Henley Business School's African campus offers flexible MBA

The African campus of the international Henley Business School, through its family-friendly MBA, provides a flexible learning environment that is both academically supportive and accommodating on the home front.

The Henley flexible learning MBA is delivered on a part-time basis over 30 months. It allows students to balance study and their personal commitments; whether they are on the move, committed to an inflexible business schedule or simply unable to take a lot of time away from work, this MBA allows students to study in their own time and at any location.

"Henley Business School's flexible learning MBA is packaged to prepare students to be effective, intelligent managers and leaders who can build businesses, while still balancing their studies with the demands of everyday life," explains Jon Foster-Pedley, Dean and Director of the School. "We respect our students' aspirations to develop personally and professionally, transitioning from company executives to respected business leaders. At the same time, we are very aware of the importance of nurturing family relationships and maintaining quality of life over the protracted study period.

"Henley Business School's mission is to provide authentic executive education and to develop initiatives that support our principles. One of these principles is to design learning that doesn't damage personal relationships. In response, we've launched a process called the 'family friendly' MBA.

"Before the students even begin the programme, we invite their partners to our campus to discuss what lies ahead. We also ask the partners to continue letting us know about any issues causing conflict along the way, enabling us to make adjustments to the process that will make it more family-sensitive. We also work on creating a community among the partners, so that they can support each other.

"Our aim is to create a learning environment that is comfortable and conducive to the students' success and which is not damaging to their family life. We want our students to release their capabilities in an environment that is both academically supportive and accommodating on the home front."

But the ultimate aim, he says, "is to develop skills in our students that will build a strong and competitive Africa. Family values are central to a strong society".

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