Empowering students with the most current, relevant and applicable knowledge and insights is central to the University of Limerick philosophy for continued education. In the MBA programme, we achieve this by inviting high-calibre industry professionals to be guest speakers, by relating concepts and techniques to students’ current roles and industries, and by engaging students in ongoing analysis of their businesses.
Professionals in the Classroom
The UL MBA programme is a combination of theory, technique and skill-development, all facilitated by our close working relationships with industry. Each year, we invite several highly respected and successful professionals from a range of industries to participate as guest speakers. Each speaker brings a unique perspective and experience, providing insight into various aspects of business today and helping students think critically about their own approach.
“The guest speakers and MBA programme as a whole gave me a better appreciation for structured thinking on key matters of strategy, leadership and human capital management.” —John Slattery, 2014 Graduate, President and CEO Commercial Aviation, Embraer
In past years, KBS guest speakers have included:
• Tony Smurfit, COO, Smurfit-Kappa Group
• Ms Josephine Feehily, Chairperson, Irish Revenue Commissioners
• Professor Nicholas Phelps, University College London
• Tony Buzan, Inventor of Mind Mapping, author and consultant
• Ian Quinn, Founder and Chairman of Creganna-Tactx Medical
• Professor Rosemary Batt, IRL School, Cornell University
• Peter Sutherland, S.C. Former EU Commissioner, Former Attorney General, Chairman of Goldman Sachs
• Niall Fitzgerald, KBE, CEO of Unilever, Deputy Chairman of Thomson-Reuters
• Professor Kellie McElhaney, University College Berkeley
• Mr Willie Walsh, CEO, British Airways
• Michael O'Leary, Chief Executive, Ryanair Holdings
Learning in Context
Our ties to industry also guide our teaching methods, which are focused on helping students understand lessons within the context of their industry and position. Assignments are completed through analysis of today’s best industry practices, as often as possible focused on the student’s current organisation and role. Because our lecturers include industry professionals and faculty who are actively involved in research and publication, MBA students are exposed to a range of perspectives that help them develop and define their own goals and techniques.
“In advance of commencing my MBA at UL, my thought process was very technical—a typical engineer. Since the MBA, I believe that I have transformed from an engineer into a blended technical and business leader. My career path has improved significantly, and I believe there is no comparison between my pre- and post-MBA ability.”
—Billy Nolan, 2014 Graduate, Projects Director Atlantic Projects Company (APC)
Get in Touch
Your next step to achieving your professional goals and realising your full potential may be the UL MBA. Offering a flexible block delivery, a strong calibre of professional peers and a range of specialist electives, our programme is designed for busy professionals who are serious about developing their career through continued education and applicable skills. If you’re interested in the UL MBA programme or would like to discuss your suitability, contact our course director Dr. Michele O’Dwyer on +353 61 213 161 or michele.odwyer@ul.ie.
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