Australian Institute of Business

Australian Institute of Business
Motto	The Practical Business School
Established	1985
Type	Private business school
Dean	Carol Tilt
Location	Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Website	aib.edu.au

Australian Institute of Business, commonly known as AIB, is a graduate business school based in Adelaide, South Australia.^[1] It is registered by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).^[2] All of AIB’s programmes are fully accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework^[3]

AIB is “the first and still the only private institution in Australia to be accredited to confer the full suite of business degrees”,^[4] offering programmes including the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Management (MMgt), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and Doctor of Philosophy in Management (PhD).^[5]

AIB offers higher education business programmes through face-to-face delivery in Adelaide, via Distance Learning for interstate and overseas students, and through its network of international teaching centres.

AIB has alumni from over 70 countries and offers its programmes in 12 locations spanning five continents.^[6]

AIB is renowned for its wide international reach and for offering one of the most sought-after MBA programmes due to its flexible one subject per month approach that allows students to complete the MBA in a minimum of 12 months.

History and Founding Principles

AIB began its journey as a management consulting firm before transitioning to offer higher education in Australia and around the world. Formerly known as the Gibaran Learning Group, the Australian Institute of Business amalgamated its institutes, including the Gibaran Graduate School of Business, the Australian Institute of Business Administration, the Tourism Institute of Australia, and the Entrepreneurship Institute Australia, into one educational organisation in 2011.^[7]

As the “Practical Business School”, AIB has five core values that underpin its practical learning and teaching methods also known as the ‘5A Approach’.^[8]

Applied – All of AIB’s programmes use the Work-Applied Learning (WAL) model, which is a practical learning methodology that links theory to practice for immediate benefits for students and their organisations.
Accelerated – AIB’s fast-track learning option is more practical for the working adult who needs immediate return on investment from their study, and has both personal and professional commitments.
Accessible – by offering study on-campus, by distance, through one of the global Teaching Centres, or mixed mode, AIB’s programmes are more practical as they can be undertaken by anyone, anywhere.
Affordable – AIB’s course fees, instalment options, and finance schemes, make studying financially practical.
Accredited – in today’s business environment, it is only practical to undertake further study that is certified, recognised and respected. AIB and its courses are fully accredited and globally recognised.^[9]

Work-Applied Learning

Work-Applied Learning (WAL) is a practical system of learning developed by the Australian Institute of Business that offers both “a valuable learning experience for the individual” and “a return on investment for the organisation”.^[10] This model was developed by AIB to give graduates of the institute a practical, work-based advantage over graduates of more theoretical business degrees.^[11] As a result, all of AIB’s qualifications embody the WAL model. This may be supplemented by Facilitative Tutors who have relevant postgraduate qualifications and experience in these knowledge areas.

Through a combination of theory and practice, students are expected to learn business and management concepts and apply them to relevant work-based projects, during which time they will return to their workplace and integrate their knowledge with the application.^[12] The strong tradition of WAL at AIB also takes place through collaborative research with business, industry and government to keep up with the changing demands of the labour market.^[13]

Programmes

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

AIB’s MBA programme is well-known and well-respected for its flexible, fast and affordable approach to Masters-level education. Ranked #2 in Australia by CEO Magazine (UK) and as one of the top 20 MBAs on offer around the world,^[14] AIB’s 12 Month MBA allows a student to study one subject per month on a subject-by-subject basis while working full-time. The structure of the study thus complements full-time work, while the combination of Work-Applied Learning (WAL) allows students to apply their skills to their workplace.

Students may study the MBA on campus in Adelaide, via Distance Learning, or on campus internationally at one of AIB’s Overseas Teaching Centres.^[15]

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)

The AIB Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a foundation level business administration programme. It offers the same level of flexibility as the 12 Month MBA in its delivery, schedules and assessments, and follows the same model of Work-Applied Learning that AIB is recognised for.^[16] It can be completed in its standard duration in 3 years, in its accelerated duration over 2 years, and in its extended duration over 6 years.

Master of Management (MMgt)

The Master of Management (MMgt) programme at AIB offers a degree, primarily suited to working managers, that combines Master’s-level coursework with an in-depth research project. MMgt students often undertake their research project in a subject area related to their current industry or work projects. The programme can be completed in 18 months, but may take up to three years to complete.^[17]

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is a research degree designed for experienced managers. It offers an opportunity to take business and management knowledge and understanding to a higher level and, importantly, to relate it closely to the workplace needs. Like the PhD, the DBA offers a doctoral qualification but, in this case, one that is more directly linked to the world of work.^[18]

Doctor of Philosophy in Management (PhD)

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the traditional doctoral qualification that is associated with a wide range of subjects in universities across the world. It offers an opportunity for research to be undertaken in depth and for the outcome to be assessed as a contribution to knowledge. Although it has a theoretical dimension, the research programme at AIB can also enable managers to explore specialist areas of practical application.^[19]

Study Options

On-Campus

AIB’s head office is in Adelaide, Australia. Students may elect to study AIB’s MBA programme or any of its research degrees on-campus in the Adelaide CBD. Face-to-face MBA students study one subject per month, which is delivered through intensive weekend workshops. This allows students to continue working full-time while completing their study on-campus.^[20] Research students can combine online and on-campus study, utilising tools including AIB’s business library and online databases.

Distance Learning

The Distance Learning model allows students across Australia and the world to undertake the 12 Month MBA. Distance learning allows students to re-arrange their study times to suit their needs – the flexibility of the programme allows students to pick and choose their schedule dependent on their lifestyle.^[21] The Distance Learning method also allows students to complete exams in many locations across the world, which provides an additional option for students with travel plans. Research students can also study via Distance Learning, using both academic and educational support delivered by modern communication to complete their studies.^[22]

Overseas Teaching Centres

AIB’s Teaching Centre model was developed so students around the world could earn a recognised Australian Degree without leaving their home country.

AIB’s Teaching Centres are a combination of centres, colleges, institutes and universities approved to offer the BBA and/or the MBA programmes. They are quality-controlled by AIB, ensuring that the qualification delivered to the student is equal to the standards set within Australia.^[23]

Accreditations, Registrations and Memberships

Accreditation

AIB is registered as a higher education provider by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA),^[24] and all of AIB’s programmes are fully accredited within the Australian Qualifications Framework.^[25]

Memberships

AIB has memberships with leading industry associations, including the Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET),^[26] the Graduate Management Association of Australia (GMAA),^[27] the International Quality Group (IQG) of the U.S. Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA),^[28] and the Observatory on Borderless Higher Education (OBHE).^[29]

Recognitions and Listings

AIB and its degrees are recognised by multiple international accreditation bodies for quality education, including the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago,^[30] the Ministry of Education and Culture of St Lucia,^[31] the National Accreditation Council of Guyana,^[32] the Namibia Qualifications Authority,^[33] the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka^[34] and the Maldives Qualifications Authority.^[35]

AIB is listed on the online database and included in the annual International Handbook of Universities of the International Association of Universities (IAU),^[36] a UNESCO-based worldwide association of higher education institutions. AIB is also listed with the UK’s National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC)^[37] and Australia’s Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS).^[38]

Research

AIB has a strong research focus with many of its research activities concentrated and developed within the AIB Research Centre. The Centre is led by the Director of Research and brings together both full-time and part-time faculty and research degree candidates.^[39] In addition to supporting students with current study, the AIB Research Centre supports the wider development of business knowledge through its publishing arm, AIB Publications. AIB Publications is responsible for the publication of business and management books, and the twice-yearly Gibaran Journal of Applied Research.^[40] The journal “provides an authoritative source of applied management information for scholars, academics, practicing managers and professionals”.^[41]

The Global Centre for Work-Applied Learning (GCWAL) is an independent organisation that exists within the Australian Institute of Business.^[42] It aims to bring together practitioners, scholars and organisations committed to Work-Applied Learning (WAL). This meaningful collaboration results in research, industry-based projects, and publications, all of which contribute to business and management knowledge and the practice of WAL globally.^[43]

Research Collaboration/Work-Applied Learning for Change Conference

In December 2012 AIB signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Middlesex University to allow both institutions to work together to advance Work-Applied and Work-Based Learning research. This collaboration was highlighted with the inaugural Work-Applied Learning for Change conference, where the two institutions partnered to present a world-first conference on the techniques of Work-Based Learning (WBL).^[44][45]

The conference, held in Adelaide in November 2013, attracted 80 delegates from around the world including then-Vice Chancellor of Universiti Kuala Lumpur, Professor Mazliham Su’ud, as well as academics from Flinders University, Deakin University and Queensland University of Technology.^[46] The conference was designed to bring together leading practitioners and scholars to demonstrate the value of learning and application for change in organisations and how senior managers can empower their leaders to learn, apply and introduce change in their workplace, with the option of undertaking studies leading to undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.^[47]

Subject matter experts speaking at the event included Emeritus Professor Selva Abraham from the Australian Institute of Business, Professor Jonathan Garnett and Dr Daryll Bravenboer from Middlesex University, and a series of leading executives from Epic Valley Holdings Group, API Insurance Services and BAE Systems Australia, among others.^[48]

The second Work-Applied Learning for Change conference will be held in late 2014.

Faculty

Founder Chairman

Professor Selva Abraham is the Founder Chairman of the Australian Institute of Business. Over the last 40 years, his focus has been on Work-Based Learning, which he has extended into the concept of Work-Applied Learning.^[49] This passion for practical learning has evolved into publishing four books on the subjects of work-applied learning, management and action research.^[50] A leading scholar in the field, he also regularly contributes to research papers and case studies.

Deans

Current Dean: Professor Carol Tilt

The current Dean of the Australian Institute of Business is Professor Carol Tilt. Professor Tilt is a leading researcher in the business field, who has been involved in higher education across a range of disciplines and levels.

Professor Tilt is a member of the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ) and the Centre for Social and Environmental Accounting Research (CSEAR) in Scotland. She is also professionally qualified as a Certified Management Accountant, a Chartered Accountant, a Certified Practising Accounting and is a Fellow of CPA Australia.

She has also published over 50 refereed articles and conference papers, and is on the editorial board of several publications including Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal and Sustainability Accounting and Management Journal.

Professor Tilt joined the Australian Institute of Business in December, 2013.

Previous Dean: Emeritus Professor Dennis Hardy

Emeritus Professor Dennis Hardy was previously the Dean of the Australian Institute of Business. A specialist in the fields of economics and urban planning, he held positions as Dean, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Middlesex University in the UK.

An accomplished academic author, Professor Hardy was instrumental in the management of AIB’s academic presence, especially the focus on work-applied learning and the application of wider research.^[51]

Facilitators

All facilitators of AIB programmes must have a minimum Master’s-level qualification, and practical business experience which they can draw on. Many faculty members also take advantage of the opportunity to undertake further research within the Institute’s research framework.^[52]

Academic Board

The Academic Board of AIB is responsible for promoting and maintaining the “highest academic standards in teaching, scholarship and research”.^[53] The Academic Board oversees the development and implementation of AIB academic policies and procedures, and ensures the academic standards are of the highest quality possible.^[54]

Academic Board Chairman

Professor Rod Oxenberry is the Chairman of the Academic Board of the Australian Institute of Business and is the former Head of the International Graduate School of Management of the University of South Australia. An education and management consultant specialising in higher education recognition, leadership mentoring and management development, Professor Oxenberry has been instrumental in the continual development of AIB’s programmes, including the innovative 12 Month MBA.^[55]

The current academic board consists of seven industry-leading academics and professionals, each of whom has extensive experience in a variety of industries and specialties, as below:

Professor Rod Oxenberry MSocAdmin, PhD	Management Advisor, Former Head of International School of Management, University of South Australia, his area of interest and public sector management and corporate governance.
Professor Ron Passfield MBA, PhD	Prof Passfield has extensive experience in teaching and consultancy. His area of interest is human resource development.
Professor Kevin O’Brien BEc (Hons), MSc(Ec)	Formerly Pro Vice Chancellor of the Division of Business and Enterprise at the University of South Australia. His areas of interest include macroeconomics, the financial system and health economics.
Professor Gweneth Norris BCom, MCom, PhD, CPA, CMA	Formerly Professor of Management (Accounting), Charles Darwin University. Her expertise is in the accounting field and in tertiary business education in general.
Associate Professor John Wilkinson BSc, BCom, MBA, PhD	Associate Head - School of Marketing and a Research Associate of the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science, his research interests and areas of expertise relate to business-to-business marketing and sales management.
Professor Sajid Anwar MA, PhD	Discipline leader for economics and finance at the University of the Sunshine Coast. His area of interest can be categorised as international economics and international finance.

^[56]

Alumni

All current and graduated students of AIB become part of the institute’s alumni community, with members across more than 70 countries.

Alumni events are held in major Australian cities and globally by Teaching Centres. Events such as these allow current and past students to re-connect with fellow graduates, current classmates, faculty members and industry guests. Guest speakers attend many of AIB’s events to create an engaging environment for networking and to encourage further education. Speakers at these events are often leading business executives and entrepreneurs, and have previously included:

• Alister Haigh, Chief Executive of Haigh’s Chocolates
• Roger Rasheed, tennis coach of some of the world’s best tennis players
• Martin Haese, Lord mayor, City of Adelaide (2014— );^[57] retail expert, entrepreneur and Founder of Retail IQ International
• Matthew Michalewicz, international expert in entrepreneurship, innovation, and success psychology
• Andrew Daniels, CEO of Adelaide Oval.^[58]

See also

• List of universities in Australia

External links

• Australian Institute of Business website

References