1. MBA Programme

1.1 Professional Masters Education in XMU

XMU is one of the pioneers in professional masters education in China. The University launched its MBA programme in 1991, LL. M in 1998, MPA in 2000 and MPAcc in 2004. As of 2010, XMU has been authorized to grant professional masters degrees in 20 subjects.

In 2010, in accordance with The Overall Plan for Professional Masters Education by the Academic Degrees Committee of the State Council, and based on the development of professional masters education in XMU, the University formulated XMU Professional Masters Education Plan 2010-2015. The coming five years’ strategy includes: Seizing the crucial opportunity for developing professional masters education in the nation, utilizing XMU’s uniquely advantageous strategic location, stressing the importance of both professional masters education and research oriented graduate education, scientifically integrating and allocating University resources, and bringing into full play the advantages of comprehensive disciplines and their distinctions, in order to achieve a more comprehensive professional masters education in more subjects and to cultivate more talent at different levels.

In 2000, the MBA programme of XMU ranked 6th in the nationwide MBA programme quality assessment organized by the National MBA Education Supervisory Commission. In 2006, XMU was ranked 5th in BusinessWeek’s “Top Business School List.” In 2010, Forbes ranked XMU’s full-time MBA programme and the part-time MBA Programme 9th and 10th respectively, and the EMBA programme was ranked 9th on the list of “China’s Most Valued EMBA Programmes,” and achieved the unique distinction of “The Only Top 10 University (on three counts) outside Beijing and Shanghai Economic Zones.”

1.2. MBA Programme

1.2.1 SMXMU offers,

Ø Full-time MBA Programme: Two years in duration, participants will be awarded a graduation certificate by Xiamen University and an MBA degree by the Academic Degrees Committee Office of the State Council upon completion of all the requirements; the programme began in XMU in 1991.

Ø Part-time MBA Programme: Three years in duration, participants will be awarded graduation certificate by Xiamen University and an MBA degree by the Academic Degrees Committee Office of the State Council upon completion of all the requirements; the programme began in XMU in 1992.

Prior to 2009, XMU recruited MBA students in spring and fall terms. From 2009 onwards, in accord with plans set out by the Ministry of Education and the National MBA Education Supervisory Commission, SMXMU ceased spring enrolment. In 2013, the School recruited 39 full-time students and 422 part-time students.

1.2.2 Mission of the MBA Programme

SMXMU is one of the pioneers in MBA education, and is China’s leader in the areas of finance, accounting and banking. In accordance with the vision and mission of the School, SMXMU has established the vision and mission of MBA programme:

Mission of the MBA Programme: Cultivate students’ “competitiveness, confidence, cooperativeness, creativity, and credibility” to develop leaders capable of meeting the challenges of globalization.

2. Programme Design

The MBA programme’s key objectives are:

Ø To equip students with an arsenal of knowledge in modern business management and professional analysis, judgment, decision, organization and leadership skills, especially in the field of financial, accounting and banking;

Ø To foster students’ pioneering spirit and diligence;

Ø To help instil in students such core business ethics and values as social responsibility, honesty, respect, and trust;

Ø To develop self-esteem by enhancing communication, coordination, and cooperation skills;

Ø To enhance global vision, strategies, and international business negotiation skills;

Ø To ensure competence for middle and senior management positions.

3. Selection Processes

Three measures ensure rigorous, fair and standardized admission:

1) Rigorous internal control mechanism

The admission committee includes the University president and those in charge of admission and discipline. The University oversees admission, which is carried out by the Admissions Office and monitored by the Disciplinary Inspection and Supervision Committee to ensure equal and fair opportunities for all applicants.

2) Strict selection criteria

The University specifies application requirements and procedures for each programme. Applicants must pass the strict written and oral entrance examination before taking the second-round examination. The School designs evaluation criteria according to the programme objective. MBA candidates are evaluated on such practical skills as communication, coordination and leadership.

3) Standardised selection procedures

MBA Student selection follows standardized admission procedures:

i. Online application, followed by on-site confirmation.

ii. National MBA Entrance Examination.

iii. Interview organized by MBA Education Centre.

iv. SMXMU submits qualified applicants to XMU for its decision

v. XMU submits selected applicants to Fujian Province Admissions Office and the MOE for final review and approval.

Table 3-1 shows SMXMU MBA student applicants and enrollments from 2010 to 2013.

Table 3-1 MBA Applicants and Enrollments (2010-2013)