13th October 2003 -- The world’s first MBA programme for the global print-media industries was announced today at the IFRA conference in Leipzig. PrintCity, an industry alliance of more than 50 major companies, internationally renowned Manchester Business School and HdM Stuttgart, Europe’s leading print-media university, have announced their cooperation to introduce a management development programme designed specifically for the world’s printing and media industries. The programme offers a three-stage structure of certificate, diploma and MBA levels that lead to the award of the prestigious Manchester Business School MBA degree. It will be offered through a combination of distance learning, face-to-face residential sessions and IT support and is designed for the working manager. High quality distance learning programmes -- such as these offered by Manchester Business School -- offer working professionals the opportunity to develop their management skills and knowledge without interrupting their career. Research into education indicates that learning outcomes through distance learning are at least equal to, and often greater than, full time programmes. Students are able to build a dynamic between their studies and knowledge application in the workplace. Management development is recognised as a key success factor for the increasingly complex printing and communications industry. The most effective management development programmes bring together the accumulated practical experience of the individual with appropriate training. They develop an understanding of the concepts of all aspects of the business within the real-life context of the issues and challenges the company is facing. Ideally, they lead to the award of an MBA degree, which remains the most globally recognised management qualification. Until now there has been no high quality MBA programme that is both specifically designed to meet the industry’s needs and to be accessible regardless of geographical location. Through the co-operation of PrintCity, Manchester Business School and HdM, the industry will have global access to an accredited MBA programme from one of the world’s leading business schools without interrupting a manager’s professional working life. PrintCity, the strategic alliance of more than 50 suppliers to the graphic arts industry, will perform the role of industry liaison for the Print-Media MBA, advising and ensuring that the content of the degree remains completely up to date with latest industry practice. John Dangelmaier, President of PrintCity, states: “This is a ground-breaking development for the printing and related industries, and we are delighted to be working so closely with MBS and HdM to offer a unique opportunity for managers around the world. The Print-Media MBA will become the management qualification of choice throughout the graphic arts industry.” HdM Stuttgart is Germany’s leading print-media university and brings its specialist industry experience and high quality teaching to the programme. The Fachhochschule Stuttgart – Hochschule der Medien (HdM) is the only educational institute in Europe to cover every media field and is a full-service university for the media industry. The University celebrated its centenary this year. Prof Dr. Uwe Schlegel, Principal of HdM Stuttgart adds: "We have recognised the demand for a level of management education that extends beyond our already comprehensive programme. We believe that working with Manchester Business School provides the optimum learning platform for leadership in the printing and media industry." Founded in 1965 as one of the very first business schools in the UK, Manchester Business School is now firmly established on the global stage as a centre of excellence for management teaching, research and the provision of corporate services. MBS is part of The University of Manchester, one of the largest universities in the UK with around 1,500 academic staff and 23,000 students. The school is acknowledged as one of the top ten business schools in Europe and one of the top 50 in the world. Bob Henry, MBS Worldwide project manager for the new programme, states: “The new programme extends the School’s global reach into specific industry sectors and disciplines. This joint initiative exemplifies the need for business schools to work closely with industry and specialised institutions to develop relevant, practical programmes that will enhance management skills and knowledge.” The programme will be open to all qualified candidates from all sectors of the industry worldwide. The first intake of students will be in July 2004.