Charting a new era in business education

The School of Business at the University of Asia Pacific (UAP), located at the heart of Dhaka with its own dedicated campus, is home to the Department of Business Administration (DBA). Since its establishment, the department has been shaping the future of business education in Bangladesh through innovative pedagogy, practical learning, and strong industry collaboration. Over the years, it has earned a reputation for producing graduates who combine academic excellence with real-world competence and ethical leadership.

Currently, the Department of Business Administration serves a vibrant academic community with approximately 1,300 students in the BBA program and 200 students across MBA and EMBA programs. The department maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1, supported by a mix of full-time, part-time, and adjunct faculty members. This includes experienced academicians as well as professionals with extensive industry experience, ensuring students benefit from both scholarly depth and real-world insight.

The BBA program admits up to 200 students per semester, while the MBA and EMBA program offers 50 seats per trimester.

Teaching Philosophy

UAP DBA follows a theory-informed, experiential, and industry-driven teaching philosophy. Courses are designed to integrate academic rigour with practical exposure through internships, viva voce assessments, and project-based learning. Faculty members include experienced professionals from corporate and public sectors, bringing valuable industry perspectives to the classroom. This approach equips students to connect theoretical frameworks with real business practices, preparing them to navigate complex and dynamic market environments.

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Distinctive Features of the BBA and MBA Programs

UAP's business programs are grounded in industry-driven curriculum design and caring faculty-student relationships. The BBA curriculum (129 credits) includes multiple concentrations — Accounting, Finance, Marketing, Human Resource Management, Supply Chain Management, Management Information System.

The teaching approach combines lectures, case studies, seminars, group discussions, and simulation-based exercises, ensuring students apply theory to practice.

Practical and Hands-On Learning

The department strongly emphasises practical learning and professional readiness. Students complete internships, industry visits, seminars, and focused group discussions that simulate real-world problem-solving. The programs are supported by experienced in-house faculty and adjunct professionals from leading organisations, ensuring that learners understand business dynamics from multiple perspectives.

Corporate Partnerships

UAP DBA maintains strong partnerships with the corporate and professional sectors to facilitate internships, training programs, and collaborative projects. It works closely with the Institute of Personnel Management (IPM). These partnerships reinforce the department's focus on integrating academic knowledge with practical business skills. The department in collaboration with leading companies regularly organizes industry visits for practical learning experience.

Emerging Skill Development

DBA has earned international recognition by hosting the International Conference on Business & Technology (ICBT), jointly organised with the Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, and OTH Amberg-Weiden, Germany. The event brought together international keynote speakers, scholars, and practitioners from across the world to discuss innovations in Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, Sustainable Business Practices, and Digital Transformation. The department also organises Winter School programs offering global exposure and advanced learning in emerging business areas.

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Student-Led Initiatives

DBA actively nurtures entrepreneurship and innovation. Its students and alumni have founded notable ventures such as the Mastul Foundation, among several other entrepreneurial and social organizations. Many graduates now serve in leadership positions within leading local and multinational firms. The department encourages students to take initiative through business competitions, start-up projects, and consultancy assignments, strengthening their leadership, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Looking ahead, DBA plans to expand its scope by establishing specialised labs, executive training modules, and international collaborations in high-demand areas such as FinTech, Sustainability, and AI applications in Business. These initiatives are designed to further enhance the MBA and EMBA programs, ensuring that graduates remain globally competitive and ready to lead in an era of digital and economic transformation.

Entrepreneurship and Career Development Club

At UAP the Entrepreneurship and Career Development Club (ECDC) stands as a symbol of inspiration, innovation, and leadership. Since its inception, ECDC has been dedicated to nurturing young minds, guiding them toward professional excellence, and creating a bridge between academia and the corporate world.

"Every great journey begins with a single step — mine began in January 2023, when I joined ECDC as a Sub-Committee Member without any idea of how this club would shape my leadership, communication, and professional identity."

— Atif Salehin, President of ECDC

ECDC organised "Road to Success" in January 2020 to inspire students' holistic growth and a success mindset. The club then launched the "Meet the CEO" series, which featured prominent industry leaders and provided students with insights into leadership, innovation, and career success, reaching over 250 students in its first edition.

The club achieved new standards through the organisation of "Meet the CEO 5.0." This event featured a prominent former Managing Director and Independent Director from major corporations, marking a highly impactful chapter in the club's history.

With every event from "Passion to Profession" to "Meet the CEO 5.0" — ECDC has proven its commitment to empowering students with skills, knowledge, and the confidence to make a difference. The club continues to serve as a bridge between students and industry, fostering opportunities that transform potential into progress.