Now You Can Get an MBA in Outsourcing

The University of Arkansas Walton College of Business has announced a new Executive Masters in Business Administration program in Shanghai to help U. S. companies develop needed management talent in their Chinese ventures. “The curriculum has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of U. S. companies that have operations there,” said Chancellor John A. White. With Wal-Mart and other corporations buying so many foreign goods or shipping manufacturing jobs overseas, the UA recognizes an opportunity to be helpful to the economic interests of the powerful business community.

Beth Keck, Wal-Mart senior director of international corporate affairs, said, “There’s a great need for supply-chain management and retail management.” The UA program will be beneficial as Wal-Mart and other companies expand their presence in China, she said. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Tyson Foods Inc., Procter & Gamble Co., Kimberly-Clark, and other corporations have committed to sending rising executives to the program, which costs $50,000.

If the China MBA program is successful, the University may consider expanding other master of business administration programs to other countries such as Russia and India. “We need to do what we can to connect Arkansas to the world,” said Chancellor White.

White did not mention any UA degree programs being offered for Arkansas workers who lose their jobs when Wal-Mart buys massive quantities of Chinese goods or their suppliers close factories in the United States and move their manufacturing operations overseas.