Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai’s Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, in partnership with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), recently hosted the "Next Generation Procurement & Supply Chain Leaders” symposium.The event, held on 31 October 2024 at Dubai Knowledge Park campus, attracted a diverse audience of professionals, students, and industry leaders, focusing on the essential skills and competencies required to succeed in today’s rapidly evolving procurement and supply chain sector.Through engaging keynote speeches and panel discussions, attendees gained valuable insights into the latest trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of the industry.The symposium commenced with opening remarks by Dr Sreejith Balasubramanian, Associate Professor and Head of the Centre for Supply Chain Excellence, and Hariharan Laxminarayan, MCIPS, Head of Professional Development for CIPS MENA. They talked about the growing impact of procurement and supply chain functions on business performance, growth, and competitiveness.Professor Cedwyn Fernandes, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Middlesex University and Director of Middlesex University Dubai, delivered the welcome address, speaking about the importance of leadership in this critical field. The keynote presentation was expertly delivered by Sam Achampong, FCIPS, Regional Director of CIPS AMEA, who discussed the future of procurement and supply chain professions, emerging industry trends, and the vital role of professional qualifications in advancing careers.Following the keynote, an engaging panel discussion was moderated by Mahnoush Gharehdash, Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain Management, MDX Dubai, featuring expert panellists Hariharan; Sneha Susan Jacob of The Kraft Heinz Company; Varun Malik, CEO of Konsalidön; and Faiq Ali, Procurement Director and ISO Lead Auditor.Together, they explored the evolving role of procurement professionals, essential skills, and certifications needed to stay competitive. The panel covered topics such as the shift of procurement to a strategic function, key leadership qualities, and challenges faced by women in the field, along with strategies for fostering diversity in leadership and advice on future-proofing careers.Dr Cody Paris, Deputy Director of Research & Business and Head of the Business School, provided closing remarks, summarising key insights and emphasising the value of CIPS accreditation and membership for professional growth in the sector.Reflecting on the symposium, Dr Sreejith said: “The symposium received excellent feedback from participants, offering invaluable opportunities for students and professionals to deepen their understanding of procurement and supply chain management and to network with industry leaders.”The Centre for Supply Chain Excellence is dedicated to promoting supply chain excellence in education, research, and practice through collaboration with academics, industry partners, government entities, and other research institutes.MDX Dubai offer a BA in Business Management (Supply Chain and Logistics) which is currently accepting applications for January.

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is proud to announce a series of outstanding accomplishments by its Accounting & Finance students, reflecting the University's commitment to academic excellence on a global stage.Second-year student, Aston Noronha, has achieved the extraordinary feat of being the top performer in the ACCA Strategic Business Leader (SBL) exam globally.Sitting the exam in September 2024, Aston secured an incredible score of 95, the highest mark worldwide, showcasing his exceptional aptitude and dedication. In recognition of his outstanding performance, Aston was awarded a prize of £200 and a certificate of merit from the ACCA.The ACCA Strategic Business Leader exam is a component of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification. The four-hour exam is designed to assess candidates’ ability to analyse and interpret data, identify and resolve problems and draft written communications.Graduate Yusuf Hussain achieved the highest mark in the UAE in a recent Advanced Audit & Assurance (AAA) paper in the latest ACCA examination. This rigorous exam examines advanced auditing principles and practices, covering the audit process, risk assessment, and ethical considerations, and requires candidates to apply critical thinking to complex scenarios.Another recent graduate, Russell Barboza, attained the highest mark in the UAE and the Middle East region in the Advanced Performance Management (APM) paper.APM is part of the ACCA qualification at strategic professional level. It focuses on the role of management accounting in organisations, covering topics such as performance evaluation, risk management, and decision-making processes. Candidates are required to apply advanced analytical skills to assess and improve organisational performance, making it crucial for those pursuing careers in management accounting and financial management.Finally, sibling duo Chirag and Mehak Kherajani, have also recently received some outstanding results.Chirag Kherajani, a third-year student, achieved a mark of 99% in the Strategic Business Reporting exam. This secured him top spot in both the UAE and the Middle East, and placed him second globally.Mehak Kherajani, a recent graduate, claimed the second-place affiliate award in the UAE after scoring the highest aggregate marks in the ACCA Strategic Professional level papers.Dr Pallavi Kishore, Head of Accounting and Finance at MDX Dubai said: “These are all absolutely remarkable achievements which reflect the high standard of students that study at MDX Dubai.“Their commitment to excellence is evident and all of them take a proactive approach to mastering complex financial concepts. We are proud to see our students excel on a global level, and their accomplishments showcase the high standards we strive for in our academic programmes.”The January intake for BA Honours Accounting and Finance is now open – apply now. Yusuf HussainMehak KherajaniAston NoronhaRussell BarbozaChirag Kherajani

Middlesex University (MDX) Dubai is delighted to announce that a comprehensive range of its undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s programmes have been fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM).This recognition positions the university as an obvious choice for students looking to progress their marketing skills and build a successful career within the profession.These programmes, which span across all levels of study, include full CIM module exemptions, giving students the opportunity to fast-track their professional certifications and enhance their employability in a highly competitive industry.CIM-Accredited Programmes at MDX DubaiUndergraduate Programmes: BA Hons Business Management (All Pathways), BA Hons International Business, and BA Hons MarketingPostgraduate Programmes: MBA Daytime, Executive MBA (All pathways),  MSc Digital Marketing & Analytics, MSc Strategic Marketing, and MSc Marketing, Communications and Brand ManagementWhat Does CIM Accreditation Mean for Students?Being accredited by CIM provides significant advantages for students at MDX Dubai, offering the opportunity to fast-track their CIM certifications. Graduates of CIM-accredited programmes receive full exemptions from key CIM qualifications within the CIM Level 4 Certificate in Professional & Digital Marketing and the CIM Level 6 Diploma in Professional & Digital Marketing. These exemptions allow students to bypass certain CIM modules, saving both time and cost while still earning an internationally recognised professional qualification, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.The CIM-accredited programmes are designed to align with industry trends and the evolving marketing landscape. Students can graduate with skills in digital marketing, analytics, strategic marketing, and brand management, enhanced through real-world case studies and hands-on projects. In addition these programmes also foster essential professional skills, including critical thinking, strategic decision-making, and problem-solving skills, strengthening the employability of graduates and providing access to CIM’s global professional network, including exclusive events, webinars, and career support. The university is currently accepting applications for several of these programmes starting in January. Apply today.