Institute focuses on corporate leadership and TQM training
Distance learning and classroom instruction are important features of the part-time executive MBA (EMBA) programmes run by the Asia Pacific Management Institute (APMI) with its partner universities overseas.
'Instead of the students going overseas, we bring the universities to Hong Kong,' Andrew Chen, the institute's chief executive, said.
APMI, a private management development organisation, is affiliated with Southern Illinois University and the University of Louisville in the US, the University of Lincolnshire and Humberside in Britain, and the University of South Australia.
Each EMBA programme takes 15 to 24 months to complete and consists of 12 courses and a research project. Lecturers spend six days per course in Hong Kong conducting evening or weekend classes.
'Eighty per cent of the classes are taught by our university partners, and others by associate lecturers from Hong Kong,' Mr Chen said.
APMI's role was collaborative, yet central to each programme.
'We participate in every aspect - the marketing and promotion, the content side and we also provide the local lecturers,' he said.
Established in Singapore in 1986, APMI opened branches in Hong Kong in 1991, Malaysia in 1993 and Taipei in 1995.
'Our aim is to concentrate on the development and education of managers and executives,' Mr Chen said.
The EMBA programmes stress general managerial training over specialisation.
'Many institutions offer specialisation, but we don't. We want students to take a holistic approach, to have a helicopter view of the organisation,' he said.
For those who want to specialise, APMI offers four Master of Science programmes in conjunction with the National University of Ireland.
The 12-month programmes offer concentrations in marketing, human resources management, finance and information management. APMI's programmes are distinctive in several ways.
'We emphasise corporate leadership rather than organisational behaviour, total quality management - because we feel this is a must for all businesses whether service or manufacturing - entrepreneurship and management research and consulting,' Mr Chen said.
The EMBAs appeal to students who would like a degree from a foreign university and who need a more flexible schedule for their studies.
More than 250 students are enrolled in the four programmes. Entry requirements include a bachelor's degree and a minimum of three years work experience.
Total fees for the EMBA programmes average about $100,000. The Master of Science programme cost about $80,000, Mr Chen said.
