The MBA’s ability to adapt and evolve with the changing business environment will ensure it continues to be the world’s pre-eminent postgraduate business qualification, according to the newly-appointed Dean of Melbourne Business School, Professor Ian Harper.
MBA News Managing Editor Ben Ready recently spoke to Professor Harper for the first episode of the MBA Life podcast series.
“The MBA degree changes with the seasons,” he said. “That’s one of its great strengths.”
“The degree itself, I think, is as relevant as it’s ever been. If there’s pressure for change, the pressure is for continuing work on accessibility, the format of delivery.”
We also asked about the growing popularity of the MBA degree and when was the best time to do an MBA.
About Professor Ian Harper
Professor Harper has been involved in many landmark government initiatives over the past two decades, including the Competition Policy Review of national competition regulation, the Fair Pay Commission and the Wallis Inquiry into financial market reform.
Professor Harper, who commenced with MBS in March, said he was honoured and excited to be returning to MBS as the School’s sixth Dean.
“It is one of Australia’s best business schools and aspires to be ranked among the best in the world. As the challenges facing organisations become more complex and global, it’s crucial that the School continue to identify and nurture the talent organisations need to achieve their goals,” he said.
Experience
2016: Reserve Bank of Australia, Board Member
2011–2016: Deloitte Access Economics, Partner
2008-2011: Access Economics, Director
1992–2008: Melbourne Business School, Sidney Myer Professor of Commerce and Business Administration, Ian Potter Professor of International Finance
1988–1992: University of Melbourne, National Australia Bank Professor of Monetary and Financial Economics
Education
1982: Australian National University, Ph D (Economics)
1978: Australian National University, M Ec
1977: University of Queensland, B Econ (Hons)
Research areas
Applied Economics
Financial Economics
Financial Institutions (including Banking)
Public Policy
Other distinctions
Director, Ridley College Limited
Fellow, Academy of Social Sciences in Australia
Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors
Distinguished Public Policy Fellow, Economic Society of Australia
Publications
The purpose of place: Reconsidered, (lead author), Building the Lucky Country #5, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, 2015
Economics for life, winner of the 2011 SPCK Australian Christian Book of the Year Award
