16th January 2016 witnessed a great gathering of Manchester Business School Alumni in China. Among the over 200 guests, there are leaders of different sectors, entrepreneurs, designers, technological professionals.

Xavier Duran, TNE and MBA Associate Director;  Ismail Ertϋrk, Senior Lecturer in Banking; Chris Garnett, Head of Postgraduate Careers and Lisa Samberg, Head of Alumni Relations(MBA/DBA) travelled from Manchester to celebrate this grand event. Special guests joining the crowd were representatives from MBS corporate partners Mr. Andrew Moss President of GKN China and colleagues from joint DBA programme of Shanghai JIaoTong Univesity. To celebrate the Golden era of Sino-UK relations, all guests were invited to follow black tie with element gold in their attire.

Following the cocktail reception, Ms. Fu welcomed all guests with a warm message on behalf of the Business School.  She took the audience through the great journey of MBS China Centre from its establishment in 2008 to have been recognised as one of the top MBA providers in China.  The new MBS China Alumni Committee was introduced to the audience while their continuous efforts in providing alumni support, networking opportunities has been recognised and sincerely appreciated.

The audience was honored to have Mr. David Houle, one of the top futurists and experienced media professional to give a Keynote speech on international branding. David shared his insight into branding in a globalised market with emerging social, economic and political trends. The speech received strong recognition from the audience before moving on to formal dining.

The dinner was accompanied by wonderful performances from the Alumni.  The famous ‘Man Lian’ choir delivered amazing vocal of the song ‘To Youth’. The peacock folk dance as well as the belly dance by talented dancers received excellent applauses by the audience. One of the highlights of the shows was a short film where a previous student shared how MBS changed her personal and career life at the same time. As usual, we had several lucky winners for this year’s prize draw, who received prizes from sponsors of the event.

As we celebrated the remarkable success of Manchester Business School and many great achievements of our students, we wish all our alumni and their family a prosperous Year of the Monkey. On the same day, MBS China Centre kicked off recruitment for Manchester Global MBA July 2016 intake through a workshop taster of Managerial Economics, nearly 30 prospective students attended the event and had a great time in the Centre. To apply or learn for more details of the programme and upcoming events, please visit www.mbs.ac.cn

On 14th January, the first 2016 intake of students received a warm welcome from Sherry Fu, Regional director of MBA. Associate MBA directors Mr. Xavier Duran and Dr. Jiyao Xun introduced to the group expectations of the Global MBA Programme and detailed course structure. After an introduction from Student Support Manager Ms. Livian Lang, the group took up the traditional Tower Challenge, which symbolized the up-coming challenges guaranteed from a Manchester MBA.

With an average work experience of 9 years, this cohort consist of 55% female and 45% male students from various industries such as pharmaceutical, engineering, media, finances and etc. Just over half of the students are Shanghai based, residents of Beijing, Zhejiang, Jiangsu and expatriates from Germany, Thailand and Canada formed the rest.

 Held at the Portman Ritz-Carlton hotel, the induction was hosted by Ms. Sherry Fu, Regional Director of MBS China, who addressed the new cohort with a big congratulation.  A warm welcome by Regional Directors from Alliance Centres in Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Brazil was brought to the audience. Professor Xavier Duran, represented the Manchester home centre and all academic staff on welcoming the cohort, meanwhile clarifying the expectations of Programme and challenges students are to face. Dr Jiyao Xun delivered a detailed introduction of the Programme and key reminders to plan ahead, network and to use sufficient support from the Student Support team. Current student Mr. Haka Jiang, passionately shared his MBA journey and his words of advice on how to be successful. Chris Garnett Head of Postgraduate Careers & Employability, along with Lisa Samberg, Head of Alumni Relations introduced to the new joiners career development and networking facilities and services the School has to offer.

As a tradition, the new intake was given a tower challenge, during which each group used limited material to build a paper tower, to be accessed on heights, stability and presentation. The 6 pieces represents ambitious heights pursuit, artistic flair, ingenious structure and most importantly team work.

 The entry requirements for the Programme are either to have a first degree and a minimum of four years total work experience, or eight years minimum management experience if they do not hold a degree. The majority of the new intake represented MNE along with independent entrepreneurs.

 Our July 2016 intake is starting from today, to book a consultation with the admission team, please register your details online at www.mbs-worldwide.ac.cn.

22nd December 2015, the 3rd Tencent Business School Development Forum was held in Beijing and MBS China Centre won the 2015 Most Innovative MBA. On behalf of Manchester Business School, MBS China Centre Director Sherry Fu attended this forum and also received Most Transformative Power Leader from Business School.

The theme of the forum is “The development of business education in the era of internet”. Approaching 100 people attended the forum and among them are business school heads, top MBA programme leaders and industry experts. 

MBS China Centre Director Sherry Fu was invited to speak on the panel discussion, together with other business school leaders from Central University of Finance and Economics, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications and Foreign Trade University. They shared and exchanged their insights and perspectives of the development of business education in the era of internet. Sherry said “MBS has a global reputation for its innovative and influential teaching and research.
Since its establishment in 2008, MBS China Centre has been continuously contributing to providing world-class business education and fostering tomorrow’s business leaders of both local resource and broad international visions in China.” 

Professor Mao Jiye, who is also the dean of MBS’s strategy partner school - China Renmin University Business School (RBS) participated the forum and delivered a speech about education innovation. As the winner of 2015 Most Innovative MBA Award, Manchester Business School with its excellent Global MBA programme is dedicated to providing the best business education. “Original Thinking Applied” is at the heart of Manchester Business School. It is fully elaborated through its comprehensive and innovative teachings of knowledge and more importantly enable students to apply them to solve real world problems. This can greatly help entrepreneurs and professional managers to further enhance their ability, enrich their experience, broaden their horizon and prepare them well to confront future challenges. 

After the award ceremony, Sherry and MBS China Centre staff hosted a Christmas Party in Beijing. The current students of Manchester Global MBA programme, prospective students and MBS alumni gathered together at the party and celebrate the awards. Some students who have submitted application said they are so proud to be a MBS student and can’t wait to join Manchester Global MBA family and start their MBA study journey at MBS. MBS launched MBA in 1965, which is ranked 19th in the world by Bloomberg Business Week 2015, and 5th in the UK, 12th in Europe and 35th worldwide by Financial Times 2015. MBS is one of a select group of institutions globally that has earned triple accreditation from all three major MBA bodies: AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS.

16 October 2015, Mr Zhao Lei Sheng, Head of Customer Experience at ShunFeng Express  led an open lecture on Commercial Opportunities and Challenges in the Experience Economy. Mr Zhao shared his hands-on experience at the well-recognized leading logistics company. Joining Mr. Zhao, we had Celia Sun, Corporate Account Manager at UPS and Helen Xing, Business Development Manager at DHL. All three guests came from solid Logitics and Supply Chain background, together they passionately shared their views on user experience optimisation.

The event started with a question of “How many of you will take down the employee identification number before you connecting to a customer service hotline?” raised by keynote speaker Mr. Leisheng Zhao, head of customer service from Shunfeng Express.

Mr. Zhao cited a few real instances in his work to illustrate how to improve customer experience and create the greatest value for customers in all aspects. He said, “There’s nothing more important than customer service, especially in the new era of experience economy. Listening to what the customer is saying and try best to understand them. Superior service will give customers something to tell their family and friends. Such word-of-mouth marketing is the most valuable marketing.

Followed by Mr. Zhao’s speech, January 2015 Global part-time MBA student Helen Xing shared her learning experience with the participants. Helen has more than 12 years working experience in supply chain management area; she equipped strong knowledge of customer relationship maintenance and logistics transportation. She said that Manchester Global part-time MBA is a tough programme but the value and opportunity it brings would definitely be more than expected. Most of the participants expressed their interests to apply for Manchester Global MBA programme after the event.

Manchester Global MBA is a world-class, 2.5 years part-time programme, designed to reward and develop tomorrow’s international business leaders. Focusing on leadership skills from the outset, it will give you a thorough grounding in the essentials of global business and management that will take your career to the next level.

Manchester Business School Part-time Global MBA Programme is now recruiting students for July 2016 Intake in China, for more details of Early Application discount and application procedure, please visit www.mbs.ac.cn

3rd Nov in Beijing, Mr. Jim James, Founder and Chairman of EASTWEST Public Relations Group and Managing Director of Morgan Cars presented a keynote speech on Entrepreneurship to MBS current and prospective students. Nearly 30 participants gathered together to listen to Jim’s entrepreneurial experience and learn about Manchester Global MBA programme.

As MBS partner schools in Beijing, Renmin Business School International MBA Director Majid and International MBA Programme manager Lisa were invited to the event. In January 2015, MBS signed strategic partnership MoU with China Renmin University Business School. A joint MBA programme between two schools will be launched in 2017 in Beijing.

MBS China Centre Director Sherry Fu delivered a welcome speech and briefly introduced Manchester Global MBA programme, she said “We are the only foreign business school who wins the top 10 MBA programme in China. Our MBA programme is not only to give your business knowledge, this is to transform you, to inspire your ideas to realize your career dreams.”

Following Sherry, Mr. Jim James looked back his startup stories and shared his insights of being an entrepreneur in a dynamic global market environment. He emphasized “getting yourself noticed” is a critical element to be a successful entrepreneur. He encouraged the young generations who are starting up the business not to fear  failure. Find out the biggest reason of your failure and work out the failure, raise money and come back again.

As the acting chairman of MBS Alumni Committee, China Business Council Outbound Director Mr. Chen Wu also talked about his learning experience at MBS and introduced MBS alumni network and activities on behalf of the Committee. He said “Manchester MBA programmeapplies the Manchester Method which is project-based workshop, professors do not only teach you theories, you only have one day to go through the theories, the second day will be for senario-based company cases, so students will be working on projects.” Compared to other MBA programmes, the academic teaching and learning of Manchester Global MBA is stronger, and students have more opportunities to develop international perspectives by having workshops in different  overseas MBS centers. 

The audience remained attentive after the event, Sherry and MBS Recruitment team provided detailed course information including application criteria and procedures to the prospective students. To apply or learn for more details of the programme and upcoming events, please visit www.mbs.ac.cn 

In the evening of 26th Nov, Mr. Loren Zhao, co-founder of Fruitday.com was invited to MBS China Centre and delivered a keynote speech to share his entrepreneurship story and the development of the company’s business model to over 80 audience. MBS alumni, current Global MBA students as well as potential students were attracted to the event. The experience of how Fruitday kick-started and the challenges Loren and his business partners met during its nascent stage greatly inspired some current Global MBA students and alumni who are transforming their career from professional managers to entrepreneurs. He advised the new entrepreneurs to identify the right business model for their own business to match today’s fast-growing trend in the e-commerce market.

In only seven-years’ time, China’s star online retailer Fruitday has become a leading figure in e-commerce, which is widely regarded as a legendary success. The recent investment from JingDong with $70 million investment in the firm also raised heated discussion in the business world. What are the key factors of Fruitday’s strong growth?

During the keynote speech, Loren also took Fruitday’s growth path to illustrate the exploding e-commerce landscape of China and further provided a comprehensive analysis of current global trends of online retailing and its China applications. He pointed out that the e-commerce market has become fiercely competitive in China, with a growing number of players rushing to establish a presence in every sector. It is essential for business leaders to establish a consistent branding message in the market to win customers' trust. More importantly, management team should build up key differentiators in the fierce competition. Take Fruitday for example, its own first-class logistics and procurement system are the core value of the company. The mature operating experience and innovative marketing strategy guarantee large consumer base and high customer loyalty, which Loren regarded as the solid foundation for the firm to further expand in the future.

After Loren’s speech, Global MBA graduate Sunday Huang joined to share her own business - Oswell Dental, Yueyawang.com. Then energetic and thought-provoking interactions between the speaker and audience were carried out. Loren further discussed in-depth topics raised by alumni and students from different professional backgrounds including supply chain, financing, marketing, IT management and etc. This provided a more comprehensive outlook for all audience of how Fruitday set up its unique business model.

A lot of Global MBA candidates were deeply impressed by the event as MBS China Centre is offering diversified and inspiring extra-curriculum activities for students to expand networking and tap into real business world.

4 December 2015, MBS China Centre brought Manchester Global MBA Master Class to Soochow. It is a major economic centre and focal point of trade and commerce located in southeastern Jiangsu Province of China. A growing number of multinational companies established branches and factories here, which attract more talented professionals to boost their career in this beautiful city. That Friday afternoon, around 20 working professionals who are in the finance industry or interested in Manchester MBA programme went to Suzhou Intercontinental Hotel conference room to participate in the event.

After Ms. Sherry Fu, MBS regional director’s welcome speech and introduction of the school and programme, Mr. Jimmy Qian, the VP Finance of MFLEX was invited to deliver the lecture with the theme – Finance report of Multinational Company. Jimmy is a seasoned finance professional who has more than 20 years working experience in finance management for top companies including Infineon and Qimonda. He’s widely well known in financial circles as the senior member of CPA and CIMA certificates. He was awarded “China’s 2011 Best CFO” by 《新理财》Magazine which was published by Treasury officials and “China Annual Outstanding Finance Leader” by CIMA in 2012.

Jimmy has pulled his wealth of knowledge on the topic of financial report of a listed company together with his experience pursuing an MBA. He also shared with audience the interesting story how he negotiated his salary with the boss after he had previewed the annual report of that company. The tips he gave - before joining the company, was effectively reading a financial report and understanding what is going on with it is definitely a good preparation for job seekers.

What information does a financial report bring us - a company’s asset value, cash flow position, performance or its profitability? Afterwards, illustrating the slides of statistics, charts and forms, Jimmy provided good advice on how to acquire more numeric financial information which is often hidden in the details of financial report.

Among the attendees was Mr. Tiger Qiao, MBS Global MBA 2015 Graduate who started his MBS DBA journey just three months ago, he has worked for different top US listed companies. He shared his learning experience at MBS China Centre, the key feature of the programme and the role MBS has played in helping him achieve his goal. 

22 December 2015, after receiving the award “Most Innovative MBA” , Ms. Sherry Fu, Regional Director of MBS hosted a Christmas Party in Beijing for nearly 30 participants including alumni from MoU, Global MBA students and prospective students of MBS.

The party began with the inspiring speech from Ms. Sherry Fu, she gave great thanks to the alumni and Global MBA students, “I am pleased to see the remarkable result MBS China Centre has achieved, but we would not been where we are now without your supports, hereby I would like to express gratitude on behalf of the school, and looking forward to your personal career development together with the growth of centre. Cheers”. All toasted champagne afterwards.

Then the quiz session and the winners’ performance of singing, dancing and poetry reading climaxed the party of the night. The prospective students were impressed by the talents of MBS alumni and students, after deeply communication with them during the networking session; they made decision to join Manchester Global MBA in the near future.

It was a fruitful year of MBS in Beijing, China Centre recruited excellent working professionals from various industries and expats from Russia and Germany to join Global MBA programme, meanwhile established cooperation with Renmin University School of Business regarding the dual degree programme. 

On 16th December 2015, The Second 'Made In China 1000 Summit' was held in Shanghai. As the academic partner, Manchester Business School China Centre made its presence during the summit and met over 1000 elite professionals and business leaders from manufacturing industry in China including IBM, SIEMENS, intel, Xiaomi, JingDong, etc.

The Summit engaged the foremost technology innovation, manufacturing business and other leaders and pioneers to shape industry agendas in China even across the globe. During the summit, key opinion leaders and experts delivered series of keynote speeches, panel discussions and workshops to exchange and discuss the future trend of industrial field in the era of Internet+.

Especially worth mentioning, MBS alumni and current Manchester Global MBA students in manufacturing and high-tech industry also attended the summit to expand their business networking and explore cutting-edge trends of Industrial 4.0. 

21th October 2015. Dealing with the major issues faced by the organisation in the global business world, Prof. Charles Schell discussed the financial, organisational, political, and strategic issues for international business operations with interested audience. The great international exposure that Chales has had makes the IBS moddule full of real life challenges and thought-provoking senarios.

Before commencing his career in academia, Charles worked as a general manager, financial analyst, consultant, outdoor educator, millwright and boat builder. Before joining Manchester Business School in 1989, Charles worked as a manager and consultant in Asia and the South Pacific. 

"Methods of doing business vary widely in different countries and regions, an understanding of cultural and linguistic barriers, political and legal systems is essential to commercial success. How can you best extend your knowledge and make a viable international business strategy for your company?" Prof. Charles Schell initiated this workshop with a set tone of an international perspective.
 
Taking real examples from commercial, economic and the political world, the session was well enjoyed by the audience from current and past students, as well as prospetive MBA programme candidates. Following an intersting and interative discssion of the sample session, the recruiting team delivered an information session for the upcoming January intale 2016.

Xavier delivered an introductory insight from an economics perspective of Interdependence and Competitive Strategy. At different level of competition, players in the market react differently to price changes. The nature of goods sold will determine various competitive strategies used among companies. Different predictions of competitors’ strategy will result in varied reactions to a change of a market variable. For those without prior background in Economics, this workshop has been able to deliver a strategic aspect.

After the workshop, Xavier, as Associate MBA Director, also introduced to the audience the design and structure of Manchester Global MBA Programme. As the first session in 2016, the workshop initiated a new round of recruitment for July 2016 intake.

Ms. Sherry Fu welcomed the guests and introduced Prof. Nikolay to the audience. ”Every industry sector and service entity has to deal with “Big Data” or can benefit from corralling the power of so much information, Nikolay put the growing importance of Big Data in perspective. "Especially in the digital era, many companies depend on the tools and technologies in “Big Data” management to enhance their productivity and competitive position in global markets.” Towards the end of the open lecture, a number of students raised questions and shared their understanding of the topic.

Afterwards, our team of course counsellors stayed to further introduce the programme. We encourage interested candidate to finish application by 5^th April to enjoy and early application discount. The July 2016 intake is going to adopt a scholarship scheme to encourage aspiring professionals further develop themselves by pursuing a Manchester Global MBA. For furthur information, please visit www.mbs-worldwide.ac.cn

28th December 2015. MBS China Centre Start-up Club invited Mr. Haoping Wang, CEO and Founder of zhan.com to share with our alumni his entrepreneurial story. Ms. Sherry Fu, Regional Director of MBS China, joined and awarded Mr. Wang ‘Entrepreneurial Mentor of MBS China Alumni’. This is not the first time zhan.com came to talk in campuses. Global MBA students and alumni from the MBS, however, were the most special audience. They have accumulated abundant working and practical management experiences. In addition, the study in MBS has also equipped them well with the most advanced western management know-how, motivating more entrepreneurship. The successful story of zhan.com no doubt activates further of their entrepreneurship in future.