The University of Malta’s Faculty of Economics, Marketing and Accountancy has officially joined forces with PwC Malta and The Concept Stadium respectively, with the aim of strengthening higher education programmes in Business Leadership.

The recent signing event was hosted by the UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella at the Council Room within the Msida Campus.

Discussions about Organisation and Business Leadership come against the backdrop of the year-on-year increase of registration of new business units.

“In essence, this collaboration is a synergistic relationship where FEMA students benefit from industry insights, and PwC Malta and The Concept Stadium benefit from a prospective talent pool. This dynamic interaction fosters a mutually advantageous partnership that aligns education goals with professional development opportunities. Furthermore, effective leaders are essential in the survival of the increasing number of organisations, and they are able to embrace the growing diversity of management and workforce in all its facets,” said Ms Antonietta Rosiello, the Coordinator of the Higher Diploma in Organisation and Business Leadership at FEMA.

The two companies, one in the financial sector, and the other in the marketing sector, will, through their respective expertise, give continuous feedback throughout the running of the study programme, participate in Faculty Board meetings, and most importantly provide students with invaluable opportunities such as support with their research projects and internships.

“Elevating the skills of the local talent pool in order to secure a better-equipped workforce is also a way of improving the quality and practical relevance of such study programmes,” said Prof. Emanuel Said, Dean of the Faculty.

“Strong collaborations with industry stakeholders like the two entities here today ensure that our higher education programmes fully address the challenges the business world is facing. Whilst I reiterate that it is our duty as a university to be civic, I am confident we can collectively ensure that our students are ready to evolve into industry professionals”, said UM Rector, Prof. Alfred J. Vella.

“PwC Malta believes in the importance of consistently investing in the student population, believing they are the ones who will drive our society forward. Through this collaboration, we will continue supporting the student population while sustaining the evolution and development of their curriculum. Collaborations such as this one allow PwC Malta to further contribute in the cohesive development of individuals with the scope of developing in them a critical mindset and a problem-solving attitude, as well as equip them with the capability of addressing the breadth and complexity of the evolving challenges of businesses and society,” remarked Lisa Pullicino, PwC Malta’s Partner.

“We enjoy working closely with Malta’s highly-regarded tertiary education institution while having a role in adapting courses to the requirements of the labour market and developing a joint understanding of quality and relevance in higher education, for the simple reason that this facilitates the establishment of great, effective business leadership. Competitiveness is stronger than ever, and focusing on moulding tomorrow’s leaders allows them to learn the skills most appropriate for their own prospective career track”, said CEO and Executive Director of The Concept Stadium, Jonathan Dalli.

The current Diploma in Organisation and Business Leadership was created from the integration of the Higher Diploma in Administration and Management and the Higher Diploma in Marketing and Sales Management.

This integration optimises resources from both the Business and Enterprise Management Department and the Marketing Department, creating a more cohesive and robust curriculum. By leveraging the strengths of the previous diplomas, the current programme is designed to offer a more effective course of study. Its primary objective is to provide applicants with the opportunity to acquaint themselves with a diverse array of theories and established practices relevant to contemporary organisations.

Specifically tailored for individuals with supervisory or managerial experience seeking to enhance their management and marketing skills, the programme has been crafted to accommodate working applicants. The duration has been condensed to two years, as opposed to three, featuring a blend of on-campus sessions to foster direct interaction with lecturers and partial online lectures for flexibility.

Furthermore, the newly established Higher Diploma facilitates a smooth transition for eligible students into the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme. This strategic alignment not only ensures a seamless educational progression but also contributes significantly to enhancing overall student retention within the academic framework.

The next intake is in September 2024. Interested candidates may apply online – www.um.edu.mt/courses/overview/uhdoblpte-2024-5-o/.