Business News
New Business School comes at opportune time: Alcoa MD
Thursday 07. May 2009 - The opening of the University of Western Australias new $50 million Business School could not have come at a better time - according to Alcoa of Australia Managing Director, and UWA engineering graduate, Alan Cransberg.
Mr Cransberg said that as the world faces economic uncertainty it is an ideal time for Western Australians to consider a university degree or to retrain.
“Just like many companies, Alcoa is taking a range of actions to ensure we come out of the downturn stronger than we went into it, individuals can do the same in these times,” he said.
“The world has changed, and the job market is a lot tougher than it was a year ago. There is greater competition for jobs and theres no doubt university degrees can help people get ahead in certain careers.
“This new business school is a significant step forward in business leadership and I hope it will produce some outstanding leaders that will help guide Australias future,” Mr Cransberg said.
The Alcoa MDs comments followed the official opening of the new environmentally sustainable building on Sunday, by Western Australian Premier Colin Barnett.
Alcoa is a major partner of UWA, facilitating the Alcoa Visiting Professor Program. The Program enables the UWA Business School to bring internationally renowned speakers to Perth, discussing and debating important and relevant issues for WA business leaders. Each visiting Professor delivers a public program including a free public lecture, a CEO business forum and a range of specialist industry-focused workshops.
“The Alcoa Visiting Professor Program enhances the ability of the UWA Business School to deliver world-class and accessible professional development, building the capacity and skills of both the WA business and community sector,” Mr Cransberg said.
“With Alcoa being a key contributor to the Australian economy for over 40 years, we recognise we have an important role to play in supporting community – which is why we invest in partnerships that help build stronger communities for the future.
“We invest in reputable organisations, like UWA, that deliver long-term community benefits.”
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Alan Robson said that in the international marketplace, business education needed to be of the highest quality.
“The UWA Business School already has a strong international reputation. Its the only university business school in the State to be accredited under the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS), offering excellence in teaching standards, courses and research,” Professor Robson said.
Chair of the UWA Business School Board Mark Barnaba said the completion of the outstanding new building would provide many opportunities for UWA Business School students and graduates in the years ahead.
“Western Australias development over the past few decades has increased the demand for internationally-competitive business leaders,” Mr Barnaba said.