An Initiative: Since management is a vital issue at a macro-level, QFA Organization decided to launch a management program in the Island for the beginning. Carleton is one of the most reputable universities in Canada and the world in terms of its management program. The program is implemented in a Free Trade Zone, because of the same reasons which apply to industries for their operation in such a zone: more facilities, easier access, etc.

QIHE’s MMS program has had, and will have, a major impact on the image of Iran on the international scene

The Program: This MMS program is largely the same as what is offered in Canada’s Carleton University. The main difference is that the Carleton School of Business has a 50-year background in management and as they say is “one of the most innovative universities in North America”, while this is our first experience in Qeshm. This is to pave the way for future programs including civil engineering and other undergraduate programs. Negotiations with Carleton Univeristy are under way for that program at the moment. These programs will operate under the general title of “Hormoz International University”.
The main difference or the strength of MMS program as compared with other usual management graduate programs is that other programs are a continuation of undergraduate studies, while the combination of students from different fields is a feature of MMS program. Despite the fact that the program has to be started soon, we have precisely planned for every detail.

Qualification: For those who did not study business and have been majoring in engineering for example, there is a preparatory course of six months. After that, they are able to start their MMS program with a background of business studies.
All preparatory courses are taught by Iranian professors. They have been selected by Carleton University from the most qualified academicians who are well-versed in English as well as their own special field.

Partnership of Professors: One point is that each Iranian professor has a Canadian counterpart in Carleton to get coordinated. The course is taught by Iranians, the exams are given by Iranians, but the score will be given jointly with the Canadian professor. Carleton University professors will be lecturing through the MMS program, but it is believed that this should be also entrusted to Iranians on a gradual basis. The final exams will be given in Canada.
On a broader perspective, Iranian professors will also have a major role in the cultural exchange that is taking place since this is a giant step toward dialogue between cultures; this is the best direct, high-level scientific relation. The second point is that this program is just the beginning of wider programs to be launched in the future.

Capacity: The capacity of the program is for about 30-40 students. Some 120 applicants will be admitted to three quarters and this is a good input for graduate studies in management. As we move forward in one or two years time, we will be able to hold two MMS programs at the same time.
Due to certain structure of the QIHE residential and educational complexes, there would be a close rapport and interaction between students and professors during the two-week periods in Qeshm; moreover, due to the subsidies, the costs are about one-fourth of MMS program at Carleton University.

A Major Impact: This program has had, and will have, a major impact on the image of Iran on the international scene. We are determined to implement the program while observing the highest possible standards. This is apparently a small program but in fact, it is a beginning of wider programs. QIHE will definitely organize international seminars on management in the future. QIHE’s MMS program aims to develop human resources, and graduates of the management program should become “change agents” if they want to be the initiator of change in organizations.

Qeshm Free Area: Qeshm is one of the biggest islands in the Persian Gulf. It has high potentials for growth. Qeshm can be a sample of the whole country. It can be an Iranian window to the world. If the industries need a free trade zone, education also needs a free zone. Until a few years ago, the residents of Qeshm had lots of difficulties for education, but now many of students participate in university exams and have many possibilities for pursuing their education both in Qeshm or other parts of the country.