Earn a business degree at a renowned university to reinvent yourself and explore career opportunities in the new economy

Covid-19 has forever changed businesses and workplaces in many significant ways over the past two years.

In particular, it has accelerated the adoption of automation and the use of various digital tools, including robotic process automation (RPA) systems, chatbots, virtual assistants or higher-end artificial intelligence systems.

As job markets become increasingly competitive, these disruptions threaten to render our existing skill sets obsolete unless we learn to unlearn and acquire new qualifications.

The Academic Head of Business at James Cook University, Singapore (JCU), Dr K. Thirumaran, and Dr Pengji Wang, Associate Professor of Business, share the criteria for a good business school programme.

Q: Why is now a good time for me to enrol in a Business school programme?

Dr Thirumaran: The economy is in flux as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. Certain industries are shrinking, others are expanding; adjustments are being made. Now is the ideal time to update your qualifications so that when the economy recovers, you can reinvent yourself and be ready to take advantage of new opportunities.

BT in your inbox

Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox.

Sign Up

Sign Up

It is just as well that a top university such as JCU has been foremost in reinventing programmes during the pandemic. We have updated our content and assessments in sync with industry practices, and recently launched a range of Industry 4.0 programmes such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, Internet of Things, and Marketing for the Digital Age.

Marketing for the Digital Age, for example, prepares students to communicate brands and package products effectively. They will also learn how each market segment evolves in the physical and cyber worlds.

Dr Wang: In the post-pandemic business world and workplace, it is essential to take advantage of digital technology and big data for strategic decisions, marketing, and human resource management.

Data analytics and digitalisation are key components of our new Master of Business Administration (MBA) curriculum, reflecting the needs of the modern world. This year, we launched three new specialisations: Analytics and Business Solutions, Global Talent Management and Creative Marketing for part-time students.

Global Talent Management students, for example, will learn how to interpret data analytics to inform HR decisions, while Creative Marketing students learn marketing analytics and digital marketing tools.

Students specialising in Analytics and Business Solutions will master data mining and data analytics techniques. Among the areas they could impact are finance, marketing, supply chain, and more.

Q: How do I go back to school without taking a break from work?

Dr Thirumaran: Taking a part-time degree from a prestigious university such as JCU is an excellent option for professionals who wish to remain in the workplace while gaining new knowledge in highly desired fields.

JCU began offering the part-time MBA a few years ago and revamped this year with specialisations. Our hybrid system allows students to access regular classroom material during the day and receive personalised attention during small group workshops.

In addition to preparing students for senior management positions and developing a strategic thinking mindset, our programme is designed for industry professionals who want to upgrade their skills and improve their chances of promotion.

Q: What are the main strengths of JCU's Business degree programmes, specifically your Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes?

Dr Thirumaran: JCU's Business degree programmes have expanded over the years. There are four undergraduate degree programmes - Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Economics, and Bachelor of Tourism, Hospitality and Events - and two graduate degree programmes - MBA and Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management. There is also the option to enrol in the exciting joint degree programmes such as Master in Hospitality and Tourism Management - MBA or Master in Information Technology - MBA.

Elective subjects enable students to hone their specialisations and develop broader business perspectives at the same time. The Bachelor of Business has six major options and the Bachelor of Commerce has five. Marketing for Digital Age, Accounting, Banking & Finance, Financial Management, Management, International Business, International Trade, Business Intelligence & Information Systems, Hospitality & Tourism Management, Human Resource and Economics are among the specialisations.

The full-time MBA offers students the opportunity to specialise in any one of six key business areas such as Global Talent Management, Entrepreneurship, Finance, MICE, Tourism and Hospitality, Analytics and Business Solutions, and Creative Marketing.

Dr Wang: Many universities offer general MBA programmes without specialisations. Our disciplines incorporate the most current international business trends, the newest management tools and techniques applicable to each specialisation, and the most common competencies such as leadership, team management, and strategic thinking.

Prospective students can broaden their knowledge and expertise, and stay current with trends in their field by participating in these programmes. The knowledge and skills they gain throughout the MBA will be applied in a quick, practical way.

Q: How will JCU's Business degree programmes help me land a good job?

Dr Thirumaran: Business degree programmes at JCU are designed with the workplace in mind, so students gain an advantage in the job market. There are more than six opportunities each semester for students to interact with industry professionals, make on-site visits, participate in thought leadership talks, and attend trade events, in addition to the university's Industry Mentorship Program.

Furthermore, JCU has partnerships with businesses, professional organisations and universities worldwide. These partnerships often result in key events and field industry site visits for our students, all of which provide experiential learning and ensure that they are not only work-ready but also employer competitive.

Q: What recognitions and accreditations are enjoyed by JCU's Business degree programmes?

Dr Thirumaran: This year, the JCU Singapore Business School earned the prestigious Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, which signifies excellence in business education. The AACSB accreditation recognises institutions that have demonstrated excellence in all areas, such as teaching, research, curriculum development, and student learning. It is achieved through a rigorous review and evaluation process undertaken by peers in the business education community. Fewer than 6 per cent of the world's schools offering business degree programmes are AACSB-accredited.

Apart from the AACSB, our Accountancy degree is recognised by a variety of global accounting bodies like the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and Certified Practicing Accountant Australia.

Additionally, if students in the MBA programme with a major in Analytics and Business Solutions or Entrepreneurship take one more course provided by the certification body, they can become Certified Corporate Strategic Auditors for Corporate Accountability (ACSA).

Our Bachelor of Business (majoring in Human Resources Management) is currently being accredited by the Australian HR Institute (AHRI).

JCU is one of only two Private Education Institutions (PEIs) in Singapore to receive the EduTrust Star. It is given to PEIs that have achieved a commendable level of performance in managing their institutions, and providing an outstanding quality of education and welfare to their students. This quality mark is a symbol of recognition for outstanding standards achievement.