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New Zealand Engineering 1998 May

Do you feel like you need something else?

There is a common realisation that an initial degree in engineering does not last long in an increasingly complex, global environment. As such, many engineers are now looking to further study as a way to advance their own careers and at the same time, equip themselves with the skills necessary to cope in that environment. In a recent Australian study, researchers of The Good Universities Guide identified five critical questions in the decision making process of those contemplating further study. These were:

1. Are you sure you want to take on further study? Why?

2. Can you get into the course?

3. Can you get to the campus?

4. Can you afford it?

5. Will the course deliver the goods?

When developing its MBA (Technology Management), the Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia (APESMA) focused itself on answering these questions. With over 4500 students now enrolled in the programme, some 160 in New Zealand, it has obviously succeeded in achieving that goal. If you are thinking about the possibility of undertaking more study, but are unsure where to start, addressing these key questions again may help target your decision making towards the benefits of the APESMA MBA (Technology Management).

Are you sure you want to take on further study? Why?

APESMA developed the MBA primarily to enable engineers to acquire management skills so they could progress into higher management roles. At the time these roles were being filled almost exclusively by accountants and lawyers. Now, with the influx of technology MBAs around the world, like the APESMA programme, the culture is changing and technical people with management skills are in increasing demand.

An MBA will not only help you do your current job better, through a broader understanding and overview of the issues, but surveys have also shown that 70 percent of the graduates of the APESMA MBA have as a result received a pay increase or greater responsibility in their role. As the number of graduates continues to increase, so too will awareness and therefore, recognition of the qualification.

Can you get into the course?

Anyone who has a first tertiary degree is automatically eligible for the APESMA MBA. This includes those members who have had their qualifications assessed by IPENZ or the New Zealand Qualifications Authority as being equivalent to a degree qualification. For those engineers without an initial degree there is the opportunity to apply for special entry where an individual case assessment will take into account your academic history and experience. As the programme is conducted entirely via distance education, there are no class limits, and because each unit is offered every semester, you can totally plan your study path to suit yourself.

Can you get to the campus?

With the APESMA MBA programme there is no need to waste time and money travelling to a university campus for further study as the entire course is delivered to you at the beginning of each semester in self-contained learning guides. This means that you can undertake your study anywhere in the world, and whenever you choose. If you change location, your study can follow.

Can you afford it?

In Australia the APESMA MBA has been assessed as the most affordable of all post graduate MBA programmes. Each unit is priced at AUD$795.00, with a further 10 percent discount for IPENZ members, which makes the APESMA programme on average $5000 cheaper than other MBAs. But there are also other benefits. Being able to study when it suits means that you can more easily juggle work activities, family and other life demands around your MBA.

Will the course deliver the goods?

Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the APESMA MBA for engineers, is that the information contains case studies, examples and content that is directly relevant to people with a technology background. This appears to be a welcome change compared to the finance-based MBAs on the market. It also means that what you are learning can be easily transferred to your working environment, no matter what level of the organisation you are currently at. Last year's Best Graduate, Dr Lesley Frederickson, commented that "the focus on management of technology provides an edge, the materials enable high quality independent study, and the international acceptance of the programme is an important advantage. The MBA really pulled together all the threads of experience I had developed so far and provided some practical tools for applying the knowledge in day to day management situations." Dr Frederickson was the second New Zealand graduate in a row to win the highest award, proving that this kind of study appears to appeal to the New Zealand work environment and lifestyle.

The average age of students enrolled in the APESMA MBA is now 35. If you are between 27 and 38 and have designs on a management career, then perhaps you need some more information. For a comprehensive brochure on the MBA (Technology Management), or any of the other APESMA programmes, please contact Gabrielle O'Connor, Manager, Member Services at IPENZ National Office, PO Box 12 241, Wellington or fax 0-4-473 2324, email gabrielle@ipenz.org.nz, and come along to one of the information sessions listed below.