APQ Course in Global Business Leadership and International Relations

Georgetown University (GU) – HCS Academy (HCS)

ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION (APQ) IN GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Georgetown University (GU) has developed a specially designed Advanced Management Programme, leading to an Advanced Professional Qualification (APQ) in Global Business Leadership and International Relations. This programme stems from an earlier initiative by HCS on the Global Immersion Programme, which was launched by Minister Heng Swee Keat in November 2013. This APQ aims to support Singapore’s SkillsFuture agenda and economic progress as Singapore moves to the next phase of development towards an advanced economy and inclusive society.

The APQ programme is also first of its kind developed specially for SMEs in Singapore and internationally. HCS Academy is indeed privileged to have GU as a valued partner. In line with the SkillsFuture’s thrust, the APQ represents a frontier programme that incorporates the following in pursuit of capability development and productivity growth in enterprises:

• Reflective thinking process;
• Proactive mindset orientation;
• Acquisition of skills sets and knowledge in globalization of business;
• Redesign and transformation of businesses and culture;
• Product innovation; and
• Expansion of markets via internationalization.

The APQ is conducted in English with simultaneous interpretation in Chinese by Professional Interpreters. Learning materials are in English and Chinese. Participants will be assessed based on their respective team's capstone projects.

WHY APQ IN GLOBAL BUSINESS LEADERSHIP AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS?

What kind of career does this APQ programme prepare you for?

This APQ enables participants to acquire latest knowledge and insights in business disciplines and management skills needed to evaluate, capitalise and thrive on regional and global business opportunities. It is suitable for participants who are already in or aspiring to join in the global business environment and challenge.

Who would benefit from this programme?

The APQ programme will help PMEs, corporate and business leaders, as well as business owners identify opportunities and challenges of conducting business in other countries in order to better compete in today’s global economy. Georgetown University’s expertise and network, combined with its strength in international business strategy, management, policymaking, international relations, and leadership, make the program truly exceptional. Georgetown University has developed a curriculum that focuses on the concepts, techniques, tools, and subjects most relevant to senior executives who have special interests in global business. What kinds of career does the APQ programme prepare you for?

This APQ enables participants to acquire latest knowledge and insights in business disciplines and management skills needed to evaluate, capitalise and thrive on regional and global business opportunities. It is suitable for participants who are already in or aspiring to join in the global business environment and challenge.

ACCREDITATION

Can you tell me more about the Georgetown University and its McDonough School of Business? Established in 1789, Georgetown is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit university. Georgetown was founded on the Jesuit principles of equality, respect, and cura personalis, or education of the whole person, and those same values define the school today.

Georgetown’s interdisciplinary approach to global business and international politics originated with the trade and diplomacy studies programs pioneered by the School of Foreign Service in the early part of the twentieth century. At a time when business schools concentrated almost exclusively on domestic commerce, Georgetown realized that the world of business was becoming increasingly global. From its beginning, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business has continually strengthened its innovative approach to executive education. More than a decade ago, the school introduced international residencies and integrative courses as key components of its Executive MBA programs.

Today, the McDonough School of Business is known worldwide for its strengths in strategy, international business, global logistics, and finance

The McDonough School of Business has been ranked No. 3 in the United States and No. 17 worldwide for its Executive Education Customised Programs by the Financial Times in 2014. The Georgetown McDonough Executive Education was also named No. 1 in the US for its international programs. International business school surveys have ranked the university ahead of several respected competitors including Harvard, INSEAD, Wharton, University of Oxford: Säid, Kellogg, and MIT.

National and international accreditation:

Middle States Commission of Higher Education & AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)

National or International ranking in its home country:

• Georgetown University #20 (US News & World Report)
• McDonough School of Business
• Global Executive MBA #12 (Economist – Global Rankings)
• Executive MBA #14 (Economist – US Rankings)
• Full Time MBA #23 (US News & World Report)
• Part-Time MBA #11 (US News & World Report)

ADMISSION CRITERIA & TERM DATES

What are the general entry requirements?

These are the general entry requirements for admission into the APQ programme:

• A good bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification (Candidates with HR WSQ Professional Diploma/Specialist Diploma are eligible. Other qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis, subject to HCS Academy Academic Board and Georgetown University’s approval).
• Relevant work experience
• Competency in English or Chinese

TEACHING FACULTY/ LEARNING METHOD/PEDAGOGY

What form does the teaching take?

Emphasis on Practical Skills and Knowledge Acquisition (‘Pracademic’)

The programme will focus on skills mastery and developing a mindset to continually strive towards achieving greater excellence through application of knowledge, application and experience. The application of skills will be covered under group projects, and case studies based on real-life business challenges.

The programme framework and syllabi will enable participants to:

a) Explore business challenges and transformation

b) Examine “best practices” and apply them in the global context.

c) Build competencies to identify sensitive and competitive situations.

d) Evaluate and implement global expansion strategies.

Who will be teaching the Programme?

The programme consisting of 200 hours of course instruction and project work will be led by prominent faculty members from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business and School of Foreign Service. The Academic Director of the APQ programme is Professor Marc L. Busch.

What is the schedule like?

The course will be conducted over 4 terms in 3 locations as illustrated below:

Location Term Example

1st Intake 2015

• Singapore Term 1, 13 – 18 April
• Singapore Term 2, 1 – 6 June
• China Term 3, 24 – 26 August
• Washington DC Term 4, 16 – 24 November

2nd Intake 2016

• Singapore Term 1, 7 - 12 Mar 2016
• Singapore Term 2, 20 - 25 June 2016
• China Term 3, 22 - 24 Aug 2016
• Washington DC, USA Term 4, 14 - 20 Nov 2016

What happens if a participant cannot complete the programme?

Generally, all participants must follow the intake cohort. HCS Academy Academic Board and Georgetown University McDonough School of Business will consider special cases of deferment on a case-by-case basis.

Will there be a graduation ceremony?

Yes. There will be a graduation ceremony in Georgetown University, Washington D.C., USA