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A Degree of Distinction: Is University Based Corporate Higher Education in the UAE a Bridge or a Bridge Too Far? Chet Jablonski Office of Graduate Studies Zayed University ECU20111 Slide 2 Higher Education then and now The purpose of higher education, rooted in a liberal arts tradition that stresses individual growth, appears to have significantly shifted towards a straight forward preparation for work. What factors are responsible? What are the relevant tensions? What is the state of play of post-graduate education in the U.A.E.? What are the opportunities/issues for university based corporate education the U.A.E.? ECU20112 Slide 3 Professional Masters Programs Educational credential creep (high school- baccalaureate-graduate) for career entry Grad educational reform develops professional masters programs offer alternative post-baccalaureate opportunities for graduates not preparing for doctoral studies provide theory/practice aligned to corporate needs (corporate-university partnerships) ECU20113 Slide 4 Masters Education Reform Drivers and the Corporatization of Higher Education ECU20114 Higher education institutions adapt to the new market by developing professional masters programs and corporate partnerships to maintain enrollment Students vote with their feet to seek higher education linked to career advancement Global belt tightening reduces state support for higher education Slide 5 Professional Masters delivered Corporate Education everybody wins, thats good, isnt it? Universities develop new programs, enrollment and income Businesses have option to outsource development of needed brainpower Customized accredited programs to tailor theoretical/practical curriculum University delivered corporate education harnesses higher education expertise meet client needs ECU20115 Slide 6 University Based Corporate Education Delivery different perspectives 1.Global Council for Corporate Universities: traditional universities (TUs) fail to understand that business has learning needs of its own and therefore cannot deliver a quality corporate education (CE) product 2.Academics (some): TU based CE has enslaved them to a profit-driven non-academic job training agenda 3.University Administrators (some): inclusion of CE in the academic model demonstrates service to the community and grows enrollment/revenue ECU20116 Slide 7 7 Slide 8 Abu Dhabi Education Councils (ADEC) Strategic Plan Priorities for Higher Education 1.Raise the quality of Abu Dhabis higher education system to internationally recognized levels; 2.Align higher education with Abu Dhabis social, cultural, and economic needs; 3.Build and maintain a research eco-system to drive an innovation-based economy; 4.Provide all qualified students with affordable access to higher education. ECU20118 Slide 9 Opportunities for University Based Corporate Ed in the UAE Consistent with ADEC objectives Accredited & Bona fide academic credential offered Tailored curriculum bridges gaps related to application of knowledge at corporate site Appropriate blend of theoretical/practical Mixed delivery modes minimize work disruption Cost effective ECU20119 Slide 10 Opportunities for Accredited Masters Level Corporate Ed. in the UAE Private universities and colleges (33; *103) Federal universities (3; *16) UAEU; HCT; ZU Government or public/private operated specialist institutions (3; *7) Dubai Police Academy; Emirates Aviation College; Police College Abu Dhabi ECU201110 *business/policy/management/ leadership/entrepreneurism related professional masters Slide 11 Opportunities for Accredited Business/Management Masters Level Professional Ed at ZU EMBA (11 th cohort now in progress) MSIB (Master of Science in International Business) MSFIN (Master of Science in Finance) Special National Bank of Abu Dhabi cohort EMHCA (Exec. Masters in HealthCare Management) EMPA (Exec. Masters in Public Administration) ECU201111 Slide 12 Guidelines for Successful University/Corporate Partnerships understand mutual expectations and goals commitment (senior manager support/involvement & designated representatives) program flexibility/accommodation on both sides to tailor program material & assessments feedback loop via steering committee to ensure open communication & continuing relevance validation via academic credential ECU201112 Slide 13 Seize the Opportunity! ECU201113 Slide 14 epilog a word of caution Dont neglect humanities graduate work in the humanities trains humanists in a style of pedagogy that privileges individual attention, personal contact, the close reading of texts, the fostering of oral expression, the respect of diversity and difference, and the articulation of competing views through argument These are [excellent] strategies for management (Seth Lerer, Dean of Arts UC San Diego) ECU201114