Academics from Unicaf, and the University of South Wales presented their views and vision on current and future trends in online learning.

The speakers included:

• Dr Kevin Andrews, Vice Chancellor of Unicaf University, on “Unicaf University’s Past, Present and Future”
• Professor Helen Langton, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Development) University of South Wales, on the “Growth and Development of the Partnership between UNICAF and USW: Challenges and Opportunities”
• Professor Mpazi Sinjela, Unicaf University Rector in Zambia, on “Higher Education in Africa: Route towards National and Continental Development”
• Professor Joseph Kuthemba Mwale, Unicaf University Rector in Malawi, on “How UNICAF and Unicaf University Change the Landscape of Higher Education in sub-Saharan Africa”
• Dr Leonidas Efthymiou, Unicaf Lecturer/Instructional Designer on “Instructional Design and Collaboration for Online Delivery”

Dr Efthymiou was also the moderator for the panel discussion on “The Future of Education”, presented in the afternoon session. The panelists were Dr Kevin Andrews, Vice Chancellor of Unicaf University, Professor Jo Smedley, University of South Wales Partnership Manager, Dr Vassias Vassiliades, Unicaf Director of Academic Affairs, Professor Jonathan Kydd, former Non-Executive Director of CDC and Lara Haladjian, Unicaf Quality Assurance Director. The discussion concluded with a question and answer session.

The also hosted three Unicaf students, who talked about their personal experience and how studying with Unicaf has changed their lives. These were Ranganayi Mazengwe from Zimbabwe, Anthony Awusaku from Nigeria and Julian Lumbasi from Uganda.

Students participating in the conference were excited about the opportunity presented to them to meet with tutors and online classmates from different countries, to exchange views and ideas and to network. They also enjoyed, the day after the conference, London’s famous landmarks with a guided walking tour, courtesy of Unicaf. The next Unicaf Conference is already being organised and details will be shared soon on Unicaf, Unicaf University websites and social media. We hope that more students as well as graduates will join us, deepening the ties, the connection and the communication between all members of our community, around the globe.

The MBA is designed to start, or enhance, careers in the wider fields of business and management. It is also a very useful tool for graduates planning to start their own business. MBA graduates are expected to have leadership qualities and a strategic approach to decision making, and to be flexible enough to adapt to changing business environments. An MBA can offer different specialisation areas, from general management, finance, and marketing, to change management, information technology and consulting.

The following are just a few of many employment possibilities that an MBA graduate can choose from:

Management Consultant

As a professional with heightened business knowledge, who is ‘outside’ the company, the Management Consultant can identify challenging practices and problem areas that are keeping the client company from realising its potential, or reaching its goals. The Management Consultant, (who can work for a large firm, or be self-employed), is an advisor to the client company’s management, who detects and highlights problems and presents solutions, makes projections and helps in decision making. Having an MBA is not only advisable but essential for this high level job, which can be a flexible choice of career for MBA graduates, with a high earning potential and an expected steady growth in demand in the next decade.

Financial Manager

For MBA graduates who specialise in finance management the prospects of employment are very good. Every successful business needs a well-qualified and knowledgeable professional to handle its finances. The day to day transactions, payments and accounting may be the job of the accounts department, but the Financial Manager has ultimate responsibility for designing and overseeing budgets, for providing financial analysis data, for preparing financial forecasts and for assisting the general manager in achieving the company’s financial goals. A competent Financial Manager is highly valued by general managers and stockholders and is always in demand, ensuring high earnings.

Financial Advisor

MBA graduates looking for a more flexible and independent way to work in the Finance sector can choose to become Financial Advisors, catering more to the needs of individuals rather than businesses. Financial Advisors single out good investment opportunities for their clients, help them plan for their children’s education, for their retirement, or for increasing their wealth and assets. Experienced Financial Advisors, whether they work for a large financial institution, or are self -employed, can command considerable fees for their work. The more complicated the financial world becomes, the more Financial Advisors can expect to be in demand.

Investment Banker

MBA graduates can be employed by large banks or financial corporations as investment bankers, to advise client companies on how to invest and increase their capital. In acquisitions and mergers of companies, Investment Bankers have the responsibility to oversee the whole procedure, checking all transactions and ensuring all legal rules and regulations are adhered to every step of the way. Investment Bankers usually start with high earnings and can expect to earn even more, as their professional reputation rises. This is an MBA career path that will certainly be in demand in the near future.

Marketing Manager

An MBA can be the pathway to a career as Marketing Manager. With a complex mesh of online and offline channels, that reach far beyond national borders, a Marketing Manager is required to analyse and understand marketing trends and use them to the company’s advantage. The general purpose of the Marketing Manager within a company is to increase brand awareness and sales, by leading the marketing team in the planning and execution of marketing plans and campaigns, by conducting market research and analysing results. The ultimate goal is the increase of the company’s market share by matching its products and services to the customers’ needs and the achievement of its long term strategic goals. The demand for marketing managers is expected to rise in the next years.

Operations Manager

The MBA degree can be a useful preparation for the position of Operations Manager. Generally seen as a multi-tasker, who must have knowledge about all departments and processes, the Operations Manager is responsible for the smooth daily operation of the company, for negotiating deals and contracts, for dealing with purchases and inventory, even for selecting and hiring personnel in some cases. Operations Managers oversee the flow of information between departments and handle internal misunderstandings or mishaps. An MBA degree is a good preparation for this highly demanding position. Operations Managers are expected to be in increasing demand by large companies and multinational corporations in the years to come.

If you would like to receive more information about the MBA programmes available through UNICAF, please visit /study/programme-finder/ .

We’ve all heard stories about self-made millionaires and people running successful businesses with no previous academic training. These people no doubt exist, but they are the exceptions to the rule. In reality, too many bright minds have failed because they lacked the basics skills to make their business succeed, in spite of their innovative ideas and hard work.

Receiving a sound university education ensures you possess the necessary knowledge to develop an insight into your chosen field of work, which, in the long run, can make the difference between success and failure. UNICAF has designed a series of online Professional Development Short Courses which are concise, of short duration and very insightful. These courses are ideal for business owners, managers and employees of small to medium sized companies. The knowledge acquired during a UNICAF Professional Development Short Course can be a decisive factor for a business’ success or failure, within the highly competitive environment of markets today.

UNICAF Professional Development Short Courses are designed to provide sharply focused, in-depth information on a specific subject, in the space of a few weeks. These highly relevant courses are available to individuals wishing to enhance their professional skills, even if they have no previous academic qualification or training. The intensive online courses are available at a fraction of the cost of a campus university degree on the same subject.

Simply visit��/study/professional-courses/, select the course that interests you, and enrol. Within a few weeks you will have developed a deeper and multi-dimensional understanding of your subject and you will receive the UNICAF Certificate to prove it.

Don’t risk letting your business falter because of your lack of the latest business know-how! Enrol today and let UNICAF help you make your professional dreams reality.