Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University with Transnational Academic Group scooped the coveted Best Business School Partnership, sponsored by Blue Prism, at the world-renowned Association of MBAs (AMBA) and Business Graduates Association (BGA) Excellence Awards 2021.
The AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards, which were held virtually on 29 January 2021, brought together leading lights from the global business education community to celebrate excellence and commend achievement among Business Schools, business students and graduates, suppliers and employers.
The ceremony had 365 people registered to attend including Business School leaders, as well as category finalists, judges and members of the media.
The partnership between Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) and Transnational Academic Group (TAG) has been highly successful since its formation in 2014.
From the start, the partnership has offered a flexible and extremely popular executive MBA serving the West Africa region. This has been followed by other business degree programmes as well as the creation of opportunities for personal development, research, engagement and community benefits for the region. Having an AMBA-accredited MBA provider in Ghana has been attractive for a burgeoning professional population in West Africa which has seen more than 100 students graduate with this prestigious qualification.
Professor Angus Laing, Dean of Lancaster University Management School, said: ‘This award is recognition of the fantastic teamwork that lies behind our EMBA programmes – and I’d like to thank each and every staff member and student involved. Our international partners are crucial members of our LUMS community and I’m proud to see that Lancaster stands out within the business school community for leading the way.’
Andrew Main Wilson, Chief Executive of the Association of MBAs and Business Graduates Association (AMBA & BGA), said: ‘On behalf of the AMBA and Business Graduates Association (BGA) team, I would like to congratulate the Finalists and Winners of this year’s Excellence Awards.
‘This was our largest-ever AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards, featuring 11 categories. We have had a record number of entries, representing all six continents, and the competition was stronger than ever. The entries who made the final shortlist in each category should feel proud of their achievements.
‘I also want to take the opportunity to thank our headline sponsor, Blue Prism, and its Chairman and CEO, Jason Kingdon, as well as our award sponsors – Advent Group, Barco and Studious Digital Education. Their support for our awards – and the business education sector – is greatly appreciated.’
Ana Howes, Global Head of Education Services, Blue Prism, said, ‘On behalf of Blue Prism, I would like to congratulate the winner of this year’s Best Business School Partnership award, Lancaster University Management School with Transnational Academic Group.
‘Business education is rapidly changing, mostly in response to the fast pace of change in the world – there are many Business Schools for which innovation is at core of what they do, and through innovation more opportunities are created for students to focus on sustainability, diversity and leadership skills. In some ways, an MBA looks more relevant now than ever before. In an age of disruption, when technology is rapidly reshaping the way we work and potentially the workforce, MBA programs are preparing the future leaders for career switches and leadership. This award is very special to Blue Prism and our Education Services team because of our passion for building bridges with Academia via our Academia Program – and we can help bridge the knowledge gap and partner with business schools to educate the future leaders about how to be ahead of everyone else.’
ENDS
For more information or interviews, please contact:
- David Woods-Hale, Director of Marketing and Communications, AMBA & BGA – d.woods@associationofmbas.com
- Ellen Buchan, Insight and Communications Executive, AMBA & BGA –e.buchan@associationofmbas.com
- Lara Cowperthwaite, Media and Communications Officer at Lancaster University Management School – l.cowperthwaite@lancaster.ac.uk
About Lancaster University Management School
Lancaster University Management School (LUMS) is one of the longest-established Business Schools in the UK and home to a thriving and truly international community. It welcomes students and staff from more than 180 countries and has a presence in 24 countries, including campuses in China, Germany, Ghana and Malaysia.
LUMS is ranked as the top business school in the UK for ‘research power’ (REF2014), and its research projects and engagement initiatives challenge convention, push boundaries, and shape agendas. World-leading research underpins everything LUMS does, and informs Lancaster University’s TEF Gold standard teaching.
Quadruple-accredited and world-ranked, Lancaster University Management School is an established community for cutting-edge knowledge; the place to be.
Awards selection process
The Finalists list was shortlisted by AMBA & BGA’s senior management team. Our judges reviewed more than 100 shortlisted entries, selecting a winner (‘gold’) and, if appropriate, a ‘silver’ and ‘bronze’ for each award. Our judging panel is made up of AMBA board members, business experts, deans, and management leaders. Judges decided the winners based on written submissions for all categories, as well as interviews with all finalists for all student and graduate categories. Judges then scored all finalists confidentially with the scores added up to decide the winners.
All of our judges were selected based on their experience and qualifications.
More information about the categories and complete list of the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners and Finalists
Best Innovation Strategy, sponsored by Barco
The Best Innovation Strategy award is a celebration of innovation and radical thinking in business education delivery across all areas of the Business School and has been developed to recognise and reward game-changing new practices, risks and creativity around AMBA-accredited and BGA member programmes. It promotes the value of taking risks in pursuit of the new across a number of different areas such as teaching, learning, recruitment and alumni relations.
Gold
- TBS Business School (formerly known as Toulouse Business School) (France) for ‘Teaching through comedy: injecting humour into educational videos’
Silver
- Graduate School of Management, MIP Politecnico di Milano (Italy) for ‘Immersive learning with simulations and virtual reality’
Bronze
- Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow (UK) for ‘Decision making under uncertainty: making a drama out of a crisis – transitioning a core MBA course into an online format using the Covid-19 pandemic as an integrated case study’
Finalists
- Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London (UK) for ‘A three-stage strategic response to the disruption in teaching provision due to the Covid-19 pandemic: stabilise, enhance and innovate’
- School of Management, Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT) (China) for ‘Fintech MBA programme’
Best Lifelong Learning Initiative, sponsored by Studious Digital Education
The Best Lifelong Learning Initiative is a new award which recognises the efforts of AMBA & BGA member Schools that are reinventing teaching and learning among students, graduates, alumni networks, and in their custom and executive education offerings.
The finalists showcase the impact and success these initiatives have had not only to students, but also to the Business School.
Gold
- Mannheim Business School, University of Mannheim (Germany)
Silver
- Thammasat Business School, Thammasat University (Thailand)
Bronze
- Hult International Business School (US)
Finalists
- EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico)
- Facultad de Economía y Negocios, Universidad Anáhuac México (Mexico)
- International Institute of Business (IIB) (Ukraine)
Best Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative
The Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative award honours AMBA-accredited and BGA member, validated and accredited Business Schools that share AMBA & BGA’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and that are passionate about making a difference to communities and societies.
The award recognises Business Schools that are taking the initiative in creating a sustainable future and teaching students about social values; as well as making a positive impact in practical and measurable ways.
Gold
- Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University (Nigeria) for ‘LBS Sustainability Centre (LBSSC)’
Silver
- Glorious Sun School of Business and Management, Donghua University (China) for ‘Social Responsibility Leadership Programme’
Bronze
- CENTRUM PUCP Business School, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Peru) for ‘Improving My Store’
Finalists
- Hanken School of Economics (Finland) for ‘Business Lead’
- IPADE Business School, Universidad Panamericana (Mexico) for ‘IPADE Social Challenge’
- Shantou University Business School, Shantou University (China) for ‘Leiling Honey Project, Fenghuangshan Mountain Tea Promotion Project, Recycling Project of China’
Best Business School Partnership, sponsored by Blue Prism
The Best Business School Partnership recognises organisations that share AMBA & BGA’s passion for building networks and have adopted a proactive, innovative approach to strategic collaboration.
This award is designed to celebrate Business Schools working strategically and collaboratively with (for example) another Business School / group of Schools, an employer, consultant, education partner or technology provider, social impact group, individual, charity, or other organisation.
Gold
- Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University (UK) with Transnational Academic Group
Silver
- CENTRUM PUCP Business School, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú (Peru) with Industrias San Miguel
Bronze
- School of Business, Jiangnan University (China) with Jiangsu JD-Link International Logistics
Finalists
- Graduate Business School, NUCB Business School (Japan) with Toyota Motor Corporation
- Graduate School of Management, MIP Politecnico di Milano (Italy) with Prada
Best Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, sponsored by Advent Group
The Best Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative is a new award which has been introduced in 2021, which recognises Business Schools and the work they have been doing to create, incorporate and develop culture, diversity and inclusion practices into their Business School, while balancing and involving fair working environments.
Gold
- Imperial College Business School, Imperial College London for ‘Working in diverse organisations’
Silver
- IE Business School (Spain) for ‘LGBT+@Work’
- Instituto de Estudios Superiores de Administración (IESA) (Venezuela) for ‘Women entrepreneurs programme – Grupo Cisneros’
- Monash Business School, Monash University (Australia) for ‘Queering accounting’
BGA Business School Impact Award
The BGA Business School Impact Award is a newly created award in 2021, open to BGA member, validated, and accredited Schools which demonstrate their impact on all stakeholders, alongside BGA’s vision and Charter. It also promotes the values of positive impact, innovation, responsible management and lifelong learning across areas such as programme design, social outreach programmes, alumni relations, careers services and other areas where the Business School is demonstrating an impact.
Gold
- School of Business, Universidad de San Andrés (Argentina)
Silver
- Athena School of Management (India)
Finalists
- Brunel Business School, Brunel University London (UK)
- Collegium Humanum-Warsaw Management University (Poland)
- International Management Institute (MIM-Kyiv) (Ukraine)
- Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (Netherlands)
BGA Future Leaders Case Competition
The BGA Future Leaders Case Competition provides BGA student and graduate members with an opportunity to showcase their business acumen by solving a time-relevant global business problem with a focus on ensuring sustainability and responsible management practices are at the forefront of proposed solutions.
Gold
- Nicolas Sauviat, Aston Business School, Aston University (UK)
Finalists
- Ahmed Youssef Ahmed Aly, Graduate School of Management, MIP Politecnico di Milano (Italy)
- Hari Chandan Patnaik, Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham (UK)
- Racquella Laurel Parris, Arthur Lok Jack Global School of Business, The University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago)
MBA Startup of the Year
The MBA Startup of the Year is a new award which celebrates the achievements of successful MBA students and alumni in innovative world-class business strategy. It also showcases Business Schools that are nurturing a spirit of enterprise and ambition.
This award highlights the success of AMBA-accredited Business Schools that promote entrepreneurship in their MBA cohorts.
Gold
- Daniele Pes, Graduate School of Management, MIP Politecnico di Milano (Italy) for Grycle
Silver
- Yann Le Guillou, Rennes School of Business (France) for Biosency
Bronze
- Aku Wilenius, School of Business, Aalto University (Finland) for Caidio
Finalists
- Codilia Gapare, Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University (UK) for C-Lash
- Laura Judith Ramírez Guevara, EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) for Dereum Labs
- Tatiana Flores Burbano, ESADE Business School, Ramon Llull University (Spain) for Exponencial
MBA Entrepreneur of the Year
The MBA Entrepreneur of the Year award celebrates the achievements of successful alumni in innovative world-class business strategy, but also showcases Business Schools that are nurturing a spirit of enterprise and ambition.
The MBA Entrepreneur of the Year award is one of the most distinguished awards in the industry. AMBA has developed the MBA Entrepreneur of the Year award to encourage and promote the value of entrepreneurship in the current competitive climate and to highlight its importance in the global market.
Gold
- Oluwatobi Ajayi, Lagos Business School, Pan-Atlantic University (Nigeria) for Nord Automobiles
Silver
- Daniel Burns, TUM School of Management, Technische Universität München (Germany) for Testifi
Bronze
- Daniel George, Cranfield School of Management, Cranfield University (UK) for StepEx
Finalists
- Francisco Santolo, Universidad del CEMA (Argentina) for Scalabl
- Ramil Khantimirov, Graduate School of Management, Saint Petersburg State University (Russia) for StormWall
- Sarah Martin, Kent Business School, University of Kent (UK) for Nourish Zero Waste
MBA Leadership Award
The MBA Leadership Award is a new award for 2021 which honours alumni from AMBA-accredited Business Schools who have been making an impact in the business world following their graduation.
The award recognises the work of these alumni through their achievements, performance and recognition.
Gold
- Oare Ehiemua, ESADE Business School, Ramon Llull University (Spain)
Silver
- Alforde Charumbira, UCT Graduate School of Business, University of Cape Town (South Africa)
Bronze
- Vyacheslav Klimov, International Institute of Business (IIB) (Ukraine)
Finalists
- Ashwanth Gnanavelu, Kent Business School, University of Kent (UK)
- Ivan Syreyshchikov, Graduate School of Management, Saint Petersburg State University (Russia)
- Shivanku Misra, IMI New Delhi (India)
MBA Student of the Year
AMBA’s MBA Student of the Year award plays a pivotal role in supporting AMBA’s pledge to promote the MBA degree as the leading international business qualification.
The MBA Student of the Year award recognises students who have shown exceptional career potential and who AMBA believes can act as ambassadors for the high quality of accredited MBAs and the opportunities these programmes provide for students from a wide range of different personal and professional backgrounds.
Gold
- Mital Thanki, School of Business, University of Leicester (UK)
Silver
- Kayee Au, AUC School of Business, The American University in Cairo (Egypt)
Bronze
- Leon Lloyd, Business School, Manchester Metropolitan University (UK)
Finalists
- Ciara Close, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, University College Dublin (Ireland)
- Koshy Alexander, IE Business School (Spain)
- Ramiro Agustin Costa, Universidad del CEMA (Argentina)
Find a list of all AMBA accredited Schools here.
About AMBA & BGA
Spearheading excellence and trailblazing innovation, for more than 50 years the Association of MBAs (AMBA) has been the impartial authority on post-graduate management education. AMBA established that vision in 1967 and, in a volatile, uncertain world, it’s as relevant today as it was then. We are committed to raising the profile and quality standards of business education internationally, for the benefit of Business Schools, students and alumni, employers, communities and society.
- Our accreditation service is the global standard for all MBA, DBA and master’s degrees, currently accrediting programmes from the top 2% of Business Schools in more than 75 countries.
- Our Research and Insight Centre produces a rich body of reports exploring global trends in the business education sector. This drives our global thought leadership and public affairs campaigns.
- We are the only professional membership association that connects MBA students and graduates, accredited Business Schools and MBA employers throughout the world.
- Through our members, AMBA is building an international force for good, championing best practice, responsible management and sustainability. Membership to AMBA means being part of an international community of peers with access to business strategy thought leadership, career advice and knowledge, and an MBA jobs portal.
- Our multi-award-winning events offer networking opportunities online and in person across all continents in association with international corporate partners and thought leaders exclusively for our members and accredited Business Schools.
The Business Graduates Association (BGA) is an international membership and accreditation body of world-leading and high-potential Business Schools that share a commitment for responsible management practices and lifelong learning, and that are looking to provide a positive impact on their students, communities and the economy as a whole. We offer:
- Quality assurance services to Business Schools and similar institutions, aimed at continuous improvement and positive impact to increase a Business School’s credibility and influence.
- Consultation and mentorship services to Business Schools to improve their marketing and admissions, programme design, alumni interaction, teaching methods, and career development services.
- Award-winning international events for Business School professionals, focused on continuous learning.
- Student and graduate membership, which includes social networking events worldwide, professional development tools, a Career Development Centre, and much more.
- Leading and award-winning content on responsible management, professional and personal growth, and influence via the Business Impact content hub.
