The UK has been a prime choice for further education among the citizens of Bahrain for several decades. This month, we spoke to the Director of Executive Development at Strathclyde Business School, Dr. Phil Considine, who highlighted its strategic relationship with Bahrain and the factors that set Strathclyde apart from other universities in the UK.
Dr. Phil Considine has been teaching and running MBA programmes for 25 years and was working in England when the opportunity to come to Strathclyde arose. “I am originally from Glasgow and the chance to work at one of the world’s leading business schools meant that I did not have to think twice about accepting the position,” says Dr. Considine.
The University of Strathclyde was founded over 225 years ago as a ‘place of useful learning’ – a founding philosophy that has been retained to this day. Bahrain is one of the most important strategic relationships maintained by the university with the Strathclyde Business School MBA being one of the best in the country. “We have been in the region for many years and have an amazing alumni community. Our relationship with the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF) goes from strength to strength, and we will be launching a number of new programmes to enhance our portfolio,” he states.
“Our programmes are all applied, experiential and personalised and I think it is this that gives us a real competitive advantage. Our research is world class and we then help business leaders to apply this to their own context to help improve performance and results. We know that the programmes help leaders to think and act strategically,” he adds.
Strathclyde graduates from Bahrain have gone on to some of the most senior corporate roles within organisations of all sizes and in all sectors. This includes C-suite leaders in technology, financial services, construction, oil and gas and manufacturing in addition to senior leaders in public service aside from some in innovative SMEs.
“The MBA and Strategic Fintech programmes are both very successful but one of the great benefits of partnering with BIBF is that we have market insights that would otherwise be impossible. Therefore, we plan to launch a number of new programmes in the coming academic year which reflects our commitment to both Bahrain and our partnership,” he says.
When in Bahrain, Dr. Considine leads one of the core MBA modules called Grand Challenges of Corporate Governance – an applied module that examines the impact of ESG factors to organisations of all sectors and sizes. “Having two days of intensive teaching with groups of motivated and experienced professionals is a privilege. We also run master classes for alumni, so I get to meet them and find out how their careers have benefited from the MBA and now the MSc Strategic Fintech,” he says of his visits to the Kingdom.
Reflecting on Strathclyde’s activities in Bahrain, Dr. Considine believes there is a growing demand for high-quality programmes in the field of leadership, business and management. “Strathclyde Business School has a reputation for excellence in these areas. By partnering with BIBF and businesses, Strathclyde is able to tailor its programmes to meet the specific needs of the Bahraini market, while also drawing on its own expertise and experience in the field of business leadership and management,” he says.
Strathclyde Business School also fosters collaboration between Scotland and Bahrain by working together on leadership programmes. “Students, faculty and professionals from both countries can learn from each other and gain a better understanding of each other’s cultures and business practices. This can help to promote economic and social development in both countries, while strengthening diplomatic and commercial ties between Scotland and Bahrain,” he concludes.
