As with all UWI programmes, our MBA’s are offered under the Royal Charter which established the University. As such the UWI is governed by several internal and external academic processes designed to ensure quality and is not obliged to pursue external accreditation. However we have been aware of the growing interest of students in accreditation as well as the changing market conditions including the advent of offshore providers of similar programmes. Hence, we are now members of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is the most recognized international accrediting agency for management institutions. This is the first step towards accreditation by AACSB.

We have used additional quality control mechanisms which ensure that the programme meets international standards. These include:

In the interim our over one thousand graduates continue to progress in their fields and make their mark both locally and overseas

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2. Why are MSB’s Programmes longer than others offered in Jamaica?

Some persons compare MSB’s 29-month MBA PT and EMBA with other programmes which are shorter. While we recognize that “shorter programmes” may suit the student in some respects, we have never sought to place that as a priority above the quality and substance of our learning process. The duration of any programme should be viewed from the perspective of the actual contact hours relative to programme content, independent study requirements and other student commitments. For the months of MSB’s programmes, students attend classes approximately twelve hours a week, which is the maximum that we believe a working student can manage, leaving time for private and group study as well as all the other responsibilities of the adult learner.

The MSB programmes contain more foundation courses than any other. The MBA is the only local programme which offers the opportunity for pursuing a specialized area consisting of 4 full courses (144 hours). The EMBA provides for up to two electives. Given the challenges facing the country / region, we do not believe that our students can afford to have a narrowly-focused education and for this reason we offer several programme enhancements such as our expanded foundation modules which offers upgrading in Critical Thinking & Communication, Mathematics, learning Strategies and Computer Applications. We believe that our Personal Development electives, entrepreneurial activities and extensive group projects provide learning dimensions of which we would not wish to deprive our students. since the investment in an MBA is perhaps the final major educational investment for the majority

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3. From where does the MSB get its faculty?

In addition to its full-time faculty, the School has long-standing relationships with a range of other teaching entities. All categories of faculty participate in the School’s academic programmes and several members design and execute consulting assignments procured by the School. Through a variety of alliances and other relationships with individuals and institutions overseas, the School is assured access to international subject matter experts who spend various periods each year, teaching on our graduate programmes. The School is committed to the involvement of such subject matter experts who enrich the learning experience of our students through the inclusion of diverse global perspectives. Through joint appointments which permit University staff to be attached to more than one academic entity, the School shares a number of lecturers with the Department of Management Studies and the Department of Government. Through such appointments and through the involvement of other University faculty members who are provided with personal development opportunities through their involvement in graduate management programmes, the School is assured of the resources needed to maintain the highest academic standards. Our adjunct faculty consists of several subject matter specialists / practitioners who operate as independent consultants in their fields, or who are employed in the corporate world. The School is committed to the retention of such resource persons who bring to the learning experience, a wealth of practical experience combined with substantial academic training.

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4. Why do MSB’s Programmes cost more than other graduate programmes at UWI?

What do I get for my fees? Your fees will cover tuition, textbooks, an exceptionally conducive learning environment & facilities, as well as personal attention of the administrative staff assigned to all of our programmes MSB has invested heavily in creating physical facilities which are second to none in the island. Our aim is to provide a complete learning environment which functions as the “home” of students and not simply a venue for courses. Documentation Centre, technology-supported lecture rooms, cafeteria, salubrious outdoor study facilities and support services have been provided. The capital outlay to accomplish this has been huge and we must maintain the plant in the best possible condition. MSB fees are set for the duration of each programme with only the textbook and overseas faculty components being subject to exchange rate fluctuations. We deliberately keep our fees lower than offshore providers and it should be remembered that even though our fees seem close the actual fees at off-shore institutions will increase with every fluctuation since their fees are quoted in US or sterling.

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5. Why do I need a laptop? Do I have to buy it through MSB?

The School is committed to producing technology-savvy graduates and business persons. Our computer applications course is the first step and then practice is provided throughout the programme. Many lecturers require the use of laptops in class, especially for graphic display of data and PowerPoint presentations. Otherwise, many students take their lecture notes on their laptops and record group discussions simultaneously to save time writing out notes. Students do not have to buy their laptops through MSB. We only order laptops in bulk so that students get the benefits of volume purchasing. We also provide the specifications for hardware and software. Our technical support staff will load software on the laptops but we do not service computers nor handle communication between students and the suppliers.

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