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UNIVERSITY
0380 FBA Minutes
[This is a copy of the report I wrote about the FBA when it was resuscitated, after some years in suspension]
Subject: DRAFT REPORT - FELLOWSHIP (of) BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (FBA)
As agreed at the MBA board earlier this year, the reconstituted project team has now undertaken a review of the FBA proposal which was shelved in 1994. This review took account of the following recent developments:
a) Learning for the 21st. Century (report by the National Advisory Group for Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning) - this report, which is perhaps the most relevant to the FBA, has just been published. Although it places most stress on bringing 'under-represented' groups into on-going education - which is in any case itself a strength of the OU - the only the HEFCE element is really applicable; suggesting that one of the alternatives might be 'high-quality distance or open-learning programmes'. On the other hand, while the report is long on wish-lists it is low on solutions! Our revised report does, however, take account of one new recommendation - that the 'teaching' of courses should also count towards any qualification - and this will provide an extra incentive for our own tutors.
b) Deering - despite the title of 'Lifelong Learning', and the plaudits it received, this report barely mentioned this subject in its proposals - and, in avoiding the role of part-time education, actually undermined the position of existing suppliers.
c) European Commission, 'Future of Work' - once more, although the Commission's data indicates the urgent need for 'life-long' learning, the emphasis is on younger 'under-represented' groups. In this case, however, the EC Director General of Employment and Social Policy does recognise the disparity.
Although none of these reports actually suggests, in any effective manner, solutions which might relate to the FBA, the data they introduce - and the objectives they set - are all highly relevant. We would argue, in any case, that a pre-requisite for organisations to train their lower level employees - which is one thrust of these government initiatives - is that senior management would themselves recognise the value of on-going education; and, in this respect at least, the FBA would be highly influential. Whatever our own decision, other 'suppliers' (for instance the Chartered Institute of Marketing) are already investigating the need for CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programmes beyond the MBA; and, if we do not meet the demand soon, we may be late into this (large) new market.
Most important of all, we have now come under some pressure from our own MBA alumni to provide further (post-MBA) education. On the basis of the most recent research, we estimate that more than 2,000 of our own alumni might choose to join an FBA programme; and it might be reasonable to expect similar numbers to join from other institutions.
Consequently, we believe that the time is now right for the School to formally investigate the viability, and suitability, of such a programme. In particular, the members of the team would ask that MBA Board (and thereafter the School) in the first instance:
a) Agree the broad principles involved.
b) Authorise further (detailed) research amongst the MBA alumni to ascertain the demand, and optimal programme shape, from our own students.
c) Authorise School administration to cost the proposals.
d) Authorise the initial negotiation with other authorities inside the OU, including other faculties, and relevant bodies outside the OU.
This report will be formally tabled at the next MBA Board (22 January 1998). If you have any comments before them, please email me.
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