The interview of Megaklis Petmezas, Vice-Principal, The University of Sheffield International Faculty CITY College, to Banks.am

- Dr. Petmezas, can you tell us a few things about the University of Sheffield?

- The University of Sheffield is a leading British university ranked within the “World's Top 100 Universities” and amongst the “Top 10% Universities in Britain for Research Power”. According to QS Top Universities 2018, it ranks 82nd in the world and 26th in Europe. It belongs to the 1% of the “Best Universities in the World” and it was voted “No 1 University in the Russell Group for the student experience” in the Times Higher Education Student Experience Survey 2017. It is a premier-league, research led institution, with a world-wide reputation for quality and six Nobel-Prize winners are associated with its history. The University of Sheffield consists of 6 academic faculties. Five faculties are in the UK and its International Faculty CITY College is based in Thessaloniki, Greece.
 
- What is the role of the International Faculty in Thessaloniki, Greece?

- The International Faculty CITY College is an integral part of the University. It offers high quality British education in the broader region of South East and Eastern Europe. As an English speaking institution we have students coming from many language and ethnic backgrounds. Among them we have several Armenian students, who we treat as European Union students. This means that Armenian students enjoy lower fees and generous scholarships.  We offer programmes in Business and Economics, Computer Science, Psychology, and English Studies at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels. Exceptional students continue for PhD studies. We are especially proud of our Executive MBA programme which is now delivered in seven different countries, making it one of the strongest MBA programmes. All the degrees are awarded directly by the University of Sheffield.

31.07.2017 | 09:14 The University of Sheffield Executive MBA in Yerevan: A truly international MBA

- The Executive MBA programme of the University of Sheffield was launched in Yerevan in October 2016. Please tell us, what is your assessment of the work done during the past 1,5 year?

- We are very pleased with the development of the Executive MBA programme in Yerevan. Let me start with the quality of the students. They are high aspiring managers who are determined to get excellent education. This affects their personal progress but also benefits the companies they are working for. They bring the most updated knowledge into their working practice and they make a difference in the growth of their organisation.

- Are you happy with the number of students attending the programme in Yerevan and do you plan to increase their number in future?

- Yes we are indeed. The MBA programme is relatively new in Armenia. Despite this, it is already well-known for its academic quality and business approach. The decision of managers to enroll to the programme is growing year by year and we experience a genuine interest of people to study with us.

- Sometimes people say that small countries like Armenia don’t need that many MBA graduates as the size of the economy can’t “absorb” them. What do you think about such an approach?

- No country and its economy can grow higher than the level of knowledge of the people who run the economy. Therefore, the more educated people you have, the more opportunities for economic growth and consequently social development. In view of this, I feel that even smaller countries need managers with education such as the one offered through a well-designed MBA programme.

06.09.2017 | 09:29 The Sheffield Executive MBA in Yerevan offers 6 different specialisations

- Participants can choose between six different specialities (General Management, Marketing, Finance, Logistics, Healthcare Management, Human Resource Management). Which one is the most popular among Armenian students?

- This depends on the background of the students and where they want to direct their career. For instance, some of the MBA students in Armenia already possess high positions within their company or organisation so they want to establish themselves as experts. Others feel that they want to lead their career into new paths. Then others feel that the MBA studies will empower them with the knowledge and experience required to start their own business.  
 
- Can you mention any specifics of working in Armenia as compared to other countries where you operate?  

- Armenia is a nation with a long history. However, as a newly independent country it needs the resources to develop. When I say resources, people usually think of money. But what I mean is human resources. The people themselves need to be equipped with knowledge and experience to bring about the transformation of economy and society in general.    

02.05.2017 | 12:28 Leslie Szamosi: Armenian students will benefit from University of Sheffield Executive MBA

- What are your short-term and long-term goals in Armenia?

- The University of Sheffield International Faculty came to Armenia to stay. Our Executive MBA programme is already having an impact on the business environment. We are also planning to organize innovative seminars that will address specific needs. For instance, in March, our Executive Education Institute (EDI) will run a workshop titled “Meet the CEO: Journey to the Top” and a challenging seminar titled “Training on Brain-Based Techniques for Leaders”. All these will be within an event called “The University of Sheffield Days in Yerevan”. The opportunities for Bachelors and Masters studies will also be presented. This event will take place on 5-6 March at the Marriott Hotel. Our desire is to contribute to the growth of Armenia.