September 2013
UCB launches new foundation degree to boost managers' performance
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Retail managers at Mitchells & Butlers are boosting their operational skills and career prospects with an online degree run by University College Birmingham.
Managing in Service Industries, a new higher education foundation degree, covers a broad range of practice-based modules designed to enhance managers’ performance in busy commercial environments.
The first-intake of 45 Mitchells & Butlers’ retail managers have enrolled with UCB on this unique programme, which is designed to develop the knowledge required to be a successful retail manager within the hospitality industry.
The three-year degree comprises a total of 10 modules, studied one at a time, and include key subject areas including business economics, financial administration and human resource planning.
Mitchells & Butlers has tailored the degree modules to reflect its business, enabling employees to learn how to apply management concepts and theories to the pub and restaurant sector as part of a course designed to enhance individual career progression.
The part-time programme is delivered online and features a range of activities such as podcasts, videos, slideshow presentations and study blogs. Support is provided by module lecturers and a dedicated programme manager tracks the progress of students and provides tutorial support as required.
Mitchells & Butlers retail managers have access to UCB’s extensive library of electronic resources such as e-books and e-journals and academic assistance is available for writing reports, essays and the structuring of assignments. IT support ensures learning is uninterrupted and flexible to meet the different needs of students.
The foundation degree, which can be taken to full BA (Hons) level over five years, is delivered by UCB’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management, which has longstanding relationships with many industry partners.
We are delighted to be working with Mitchells & Butlers. As an academic institution with a strong industry focus, we recognise how important it is for employers to upskill and retain high quality managers. Managing in Service Industries is designed to appeal to ambitious staff at companies such as Mitchells & Butlers and allows frontline managers to access the latest management theory and apply their learning to improve performance.
By building a partnership with UCB we can offer our employees a professional, relevant and accessible way of learning. Our employees have the chance to enhance their skills which not only benefits Mitchells & Butlers, but ultimately helps us to continue to deliver great service to our guests.