A cooperative approach to international business training

Business America, March 31, 1986 by Donald M. Pattillo

A Cooperative Approach to International Business Training

The new Master of International Business Management (MIBM) program at Point Park College in Pittsburgh has reached an important milestone with the graduation of its first class. The program, which began in September 1984, provides a comprehensive international business curriculum featuring a balance between the theoretical and the pragmatic. The goal is to train managers for successful careers in today's international business environment. The program's establishment was the culmination of four years of planning and analysis of the Western Pennsylvania region's educational needs. The MIBM program is the only specialized graduate international business program in Western Pennsylvania and is one of only sixteen known in the United States.

The Pittsburgh area has many attractions for a program of this nature since Pittsburgh is the third-ranking corporate headquarters city in the United States and is a major international financial center. Many foreign-owned multinational firms have operations in the area. Further, the Western Pennsylvania economy is undergoing a transition from basic manufacturing to high-tech and export-oriented industry.

The major purpose of the MIBM program is to offer the MIBM degree to both full-time and part-time students. International students also are encouraged to attend, and many are currently enrolled. The program offers a Certificate of Advanced Study in International Management (CASIM) for those professionals already holding an MBA or other graduate degree, but who lack specialized international business training. The program also plans to offer, in cooperation with the Pittsburgh office of the International Trade Administration, a series of seminars, roundtables and specialized training programs to serve the business community. The MIBM program has entered into a cooperative agreement with the Western Pennsylvania District Export Council which will cover such activities as promoting the MIBM program among DEC members, developing specialized seminars and training, and developing corporate internship opportunities for MIBM students.

The Point Park College library has set up a special MIBM room which provides study and research facilities and which houses the international business collection of books, periodicals, and other research materials. The resources also are available for use by area business practitioners.

In order to ensure the continuing relevance and pragmatism of the MIBM program to the students and to the business community, an MIBM Advisory Council has been established. With membership from business executives, government, and other academic institutions, the council provides a forum for periodic discussion of international business issues of mutual interest, as well as providing wide-ranging advice for the program director and for the faculty. William B. Bradley, Director of ITA's Pittsburgh office, was instrumental in planning the program and serves on the Advisory Council. In addition, James P. Moore, Jr., Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for International Economic Policy, recently joined the Advisory Council. He will add valuable insight from his perspective.

Recently two part-time Executives-in-Residence have been added to the program. They are Enoch Perkins, Jr., formerly Vice President International Sales for Dravo Corporation, and C.F. Wert, formerly Vice President International Operations for Union Switch & Signal. Both are using their extensive experience in international business to counsel students, assist with public service seminars, and help the program gain acceptance in the area business community. Both executives also are members of the Western Pennsylvania DEC.

The MIBM faculty consists of both full-time faculty and adjunct faculty members from the business community selected for their special qualifications and experience. F.J. Sarknas, Vice President and General Manager, Matthews International Trading Co., Ltd., and Chairman, Western Pennsylvania DEC, and Thomas E. Dodge, International Marketing Manager, Intec Systems, Inc., and also a DEC member, have taught courses in the MIBM program since its inception.

Currently a roundtable program on international business issues for Western Pennsylvania is planned for late April, with joint sponsorship by the Department of Commerce. Area business executives as well as academics will participate.

The MIBM program has made considerable progress in its first year and a half of operation, and the combined resources of Point Park College, the Pittsburgh Office of the Department of Commerce, and Western Pennsylvania DEC give reason for encouragement for the future of the program and for the enhancement of international business skills in the region.