Traditionally recognised as the Paris-based culinary school, Le Cordon Bleu over the past decade has successfully turned its hand to developing a raft of finely honed business management programmes and has recently introduced its Master of International Meetings Industry Management programme.

The course announced in 2004, will be operational from July 2005 and will feature an online simulation exercise that enables students to plan, bid for and execute a full conference or exhibition without real-life financial risks.

Le Cordon Bleu has more than 26 schools in some 15 countries and an established academic base and business centre in Adelaide, South Australia.

The University of South Australia's International Graduate School of Management is responsible for delivering the Master International Meetings Industry Management, which can be completed in three years. Most subjects involve around 10 hours a week of study, including time for reading. The subject fee is US$ 3,110.

What one requires to enrol in this course is a minimum of four years' of experience in industry at management or supervisory level. An additional Bachelors degree would also be advantageous. Students are encouraged to enrol in a single subject at a time in the order of their choice.

'Le Cordon Bleu business management programmes have a broad scope that provide options for both beginners and as well as act as a support mechanism for professionals. This school offers a variety of programmes from the graduate certificate (four subjects) right through to a graduate diploma (eight subjects) and a master's programme (10 subjects plus the business experience project).

Around 60 members worldwide of the meetings industry's peak body, the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), were involved in the development of the Master's program, along with the University of South Australia, an international leader in online learning.

"For graduates, the process means learning new or upgrading current skill sets, knowledge and a globally recognised qualification that takes them where they want to be professionally.

Just the thought of a Master's programme can be intimidating, hence we have designed this one so that people can 'test the water', and begin studying in their own time and at their own pace," says David Hall, the convention and visitor bureau specialist and consultant to Le Cordon Bleu.

The four introductory subjects leading to the Graduate Certificate touches on many aspects of the international meetings industry, and are studied in greater depth later in the programme.

"This introductory phase has been set up so that students can get accustomed to working online, discussing issues in chat rooms, researching and writing and talking to the lecturer. The qualification is a potential form of international currency," says Hall.