UUM College of Business: Preparing students to become managers of tomorrow

Smart investments in education and leadership generate significant returns for the country. This is where UUM College of Business’ fundamental work rests, as it transforms the education sector by developing and retaining the best people in high-impact leadership and management roles that address social challenges of the future.

Since its establishment in 1984, Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) primary objective has been to train and produce the much needed pool of professionals in the areas of business and management for the local and international markets.

Situated in Sintok, Kedah, the RM580 million campus commenced operations in 1990 and was officially declared open by His Royal Highness the Royal Chancellor of UUM in 2004. The campus houses the main administrative buildings, lecture halls, Sultan Badlishah Mosque, Sultanah Bahiyah Library, Muadzam Shah Main Hall, UUM Sports Complex, Students Residential Halls and the University Mall.

From its commencement, UUM has moved towards the international recognition and has put its force on the three main colleges, namely the UUM College of Business (UUM COB), the UUM College of Arts and Sciences (UUM CAS) and the UUM College of Law, Government and International Studies (UUM COLGIS).

UUM College of Business

To achieve international recognition as a top management university, UUM established its College of Business (COB) which provides a munificent environment for acquisition and dissemination of business management knowledge. The various international accreditation qualification programmes offered by UUM COB helps to prepare students to become successful business leaders.

UUM COB has approximately 500 academic staff which makes it the business college with the largest number of academic staff in Malaysia. The workforce available at UUM COB has provided the college with the ability to be flexible in providing programmes that serve the needs of the industries and the country as a whole.

For example, UUM is a pioneer in MSc in OSH (Occupational Safety and Health). This success is made possible through collaborations with the alumni, industry practitioners and various government institutions that appreciate the efforts that UUM management has put in place.

In addition, UUM has one of the largest management libraries and is one of the top users of Emerald database, which allows the academics to use the most current teaching and learning methodologies. In addition, UUM has received many awards including SETARA (5 Star), MyRA and Top Business School (TBS). Furthermore, UUM holds a variety of unique strengths as it is a management-based university, which specialises in almost all aspects of management courses.

More programmes in the pipeline

Presently, UUM is expanding its 9-hole golf course to an 18-hole golf course, and has planned in the pipeline to offer a Bachelor of Business Administration in Golf Management programme in collaboration with Malaysian Golf Academy. In addition, to cater for the needs of off-campus students, UUM has a branch campus in Kuala Lumpur named UUMKL and partnership programmes with other institutions of higher learning.

Furthermore, methodologies such as case studies, problem-based learning (PBL), experiential learning through practicum placement for students and industrial attachment have been incorporated by the academic staff in their teachings.

In addition, business simulation centre is being set-up as an optional learning experience for both students and staff. UUM has taken a holistic approach to inculcate resilience, adaptability and problem solving traits through co-curricular and student mobility activities. In ensuring the above are executed in accordance to the stated objectives, UUM strives to achieve the benchmark in accordance to ISO, COPPA, MQA and AACSB quality standards. UUM also invites visiting professors and famous entrepreneurs to share their experiences with UUM community such as the current and former adjunct professors namely; Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, Tan Sri Tony Fernandez and Tengku Tan Sri Mahaleel Tengku Ariff.

Management courses are in demand

Meanwhile, over the years, management studies have gained more popularity with Malaysian students. This is due to global competition combined with financial constraint has led to diversification towards service-based economy. This in turn has led to more demands in the disciplines of management studies. Therefore, the popularity towards management studies has been proven by the increment in the number of enrolments in the Islamic Banking and Services, Marketing, Human Resources, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship and other management courses. In addition, UUM COB also offers programmes with links to professional bodies such as ACCA.

Several UUM undergraduate programmes are recognised and accredited by professional agencies. The Bachelor of Accounting is recognised and integrated with CIMA whilst the Bachelor of Accounting (Information Systems) is accredited by ACCA. Meanwhile, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) recognises the BBA (Transport & Logistics) programme.

UUM’s journey for world class excellence is an on-going process. Several initiatives are underway, including the accomplishment of the Top Business School status in Malaysia and Asia, the AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS accreditations, and Research University status, all of which will propel the University into the higher echelons of management education. UUM strongly supports the government’s transformation plans to make Malaysia a world class educational hub and will continue to strive tirelessly to grow from strength to strength.