Shipping industry embraces long distance learning

According to Lloyd’s Maritime Academy (LMA), the recession has caused a nine per cent increase in applications to distance learning courses over the last 12 months, as employers seek cost efficient new ways to improve the skills of their staff, and industry executives try to ‘recession proof’ their careers.

The shipping industry has been hit harder than most during the economic downturn and many employers have been demanding evidence of high-level current qualifications and expertise, yet they are reluctant to allow staff time away from the workplace to study.

Last year, LMA and Middlesex University launched the maritime sector’s very first distance learning MBA. More than 4,500 industry executives from across the globe enquired about the MBA in Shipping & Logistics course in its first year, with more than 60 per cent of successful applicants being self-funded students, confirming that the industry is now adopting the very best higher-education distance learning courses to develop skills for the future in a cost and time efficient manner.

As a global industry, it has been vital for the maritime sector to adopt distance learning programmes, to allow seafaring staff to study, minimise travel expenses and maximise efficiency, especially during the tough economic times. The popularity of higher-education online learning is shown by the diversity of people that enrolled on the first MBA course – more than a quarter were of senior management level, 10 per cent of students were ship pilots/captains, and six per cent were terminal operators, the remainder include insurance brokers, lawyers, ship brokers and surveyors. What’s more, the programme has already developed an international appeal, with a third of students studying from Europe, a fifth in Africa, 17 per cent in Asia and 12 per cent in the Middle East.

Applications for the 2010-2012 programme, which starts in October 2010, are now being accepted and there is a growing consensus in the industry that distance learning can provide a credible, affordable, manageable route to gaining qualifications and boosting expertise. Gina Tucker, Head of Distance Learning at Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, commented: “The introduction of the distance learning MBA in Shipping & Logistics has allowed executives to further their careers from anywhere on the globe, be it at sea or on land. The shrinking economy across the globe has forced job markets to become increasingly competitive, empowering a large number of job-seekers to invest in themselves. 64 per cent of our students last year were self-funded which suggests that people are looking to ‘recession proof’ their careers. The remaining 36 per cent that enrolled were backed financially by companies wanting to develop the expertise of their staff.”

The MBA in Shipping & Logistics is designed specifically for managers in the shipping sector and related logistics businesses. The programme consists of six modules delivered over a two-year period with the topics covered including maritime administration, ship finance, risk management, economics and trade, maritime law, formulating business strategy, human resource management, executive leadership, international marketing, brand establishment, logistics and supply chain management, project mastery and innovative practice.

Dr. Kristian Sund, the MBA in Shipping & Logistics Programme Leader, added: “We all know that the shipping industry is a fast moving industry and time is at a premium. It is key to ensure that staff are receiving the very best education, whilst using their time efficiently. Our MBA is delivered solely by distance learning, offering the opportunity to manage and structure study time. We offer our students access to maritime sector experts and academics, and they gain entry into a network of current and future industry leaders. Our unique learning portal provides access to online audio and video content, group interaction, networking opportunities and a variety of e-learning tools. What’s more, as many applicants are often away at sea for periods of the course, we have made provisions for a breakdown in communications during this time, offering students as much help and advice as possible during these times.”

The 2010-12 programme commences on 11 October 2010 and applications must be received by 31 August 2010, Further information and application forms can be downloaded from www.mba4shipping.com or by calling +44 (0)20 3377 3209.