Graduate School of Business (GSB)
The University of Sydney first offered a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in 1972, based within the Accounting Department of the Faculty of Economics. It subsequently developed as a separate school within the Faculty of Economics before being given independent graduate school status. On 20 May 1985 the Academic Board referred to its Standing Committee on Academic Procedures and Organisation a proposal by the Faculty of Economics for the establishment of a graduate school. That school to be independent/ separate from the Faculty of Economics. The Committee recommended that such a school be established. At its meeting on 6 July 1985 Senate approved in principle the establishment of such a school to be known as Graduate School of Management and Public Policy. Senate [Senate Minutes 6/7/85; copy of the proposal at p.1006 ff].
On 3 March 1986 Senate approved the recommended change of the By-laws for the graduate school to enable the degrees of Master of Business Administration, Master of Public Policy and Doctor of Philosophy to be awarded by the Graduate School. [Senate Minutes p.367]
In 1987 the Graduate School of Management and Public Policy - later named the Graduate School of Business (GSB) - was created as a separate school and operated in University-owned premises in Burren Street, Newtown. In 1987, the Management Research Centre (MRC) was formed within the GSB to develop and emphasise the research profile of the school.
In 1991 the Institute of Transport Studies was established and located within the GSB. This Institute developed a strong profile, locally, nationally and in the Asia Pacific Region, and its leader, Professor David Hensher had an outstanding international reputation. The development of these groups, together with other initiatives which built on the traditional accounting strength of the GSB, created a school with recognised strengths in public management, transport management and financial management.
On 3 February 1992 Senate approved the change of name of the Graduate School of Management and Public Policy to the Graduate School of Business, and amended the Senate resolutions relating to Authorities and Delegations to reflect the establishment of the Graduate School as a devolved unit. The separation of the GSB from the Faculty of Economics and move to independent premises meant the GSB had to meet additional costs. Its premises, though adequate in 1987, became overcrowded due to the acceleration of student load in the early 1990's. It's professional and physical resources became overstretched. These elements contributed to the establishment of a review.
On 6 December 1993 the Vice-Chancellor reported to Senate that he had requested a review of the Graduate School of Business. The Review Committee would report to the VC and to Senate by 30 April 1994. According to the University Calendar ,1994-5 online p. 429, by 1995:
1. The Graduate School of Business shall comprise the following persons: (a) the Vice-Chancellor, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, the Registrar and the University Librarian; (b) the Heads of and Professors in the Departments of Accounting, Econo-metrics, Economic History, Economics, Government and Public Administration, Industrial Relations, and Management and Public Policy; (c) the Professors and other members of the full-time teaching staff of the University who are for the time being teaching or examining in the Graduate School and are appointed to it by the Vice-Chancellor, and for such period as the Vice-Chancellor may determine; (d) the Deans of the Faculties of Architecture, Arts, Economics, Engineering, Law and Science and the Chairperson of the Board of Studies in Social Work, or their nominees; (e) not more than four students elected in the manner prescribed by resolution of the Senate; and (f) not more than three persons distinguished in the field of the Graduate School appointed by the Senate and for such period as the Senate may determine, on the recommendation of the Academic Board and the Graduate School.
2. Functions of the Graduate School: The Graduate School of Business shall, subject to the authority of the Senate and the Academic Board, supervise the teaching and examining in the areas of study with which the Graduate School is concerned, other than those within the supervision of a Faculty or a Board of Studies, and, in particular, shall—(a) take cognisance of and encourage scholarship and research in those areas of study; and(b) consider and report on all matters referred to it by the Senate, the Academic Board, or the Vice-Chancellor
3. The Graduate School shall meet at least once a semester. Where a meeting of the Graduate School is not held in any semester, the Director shall report accordingly to the Academic Board at the next meeting of the Board held after the end of that semester.The final report by the Review Committee was presented to Senate for its 5 June 1995 meeting. [Senate Minutes p. 2157 ff.]
Discussions about graduate business education at the University continued during 1997 and 1998 and a joint venture of the operations of the Graduate Business School of the University of Sydney and the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) of the University of New South Wales was explored. At its meeting on 6 October 1998 Senate approved the final agreement between the AGSM and GSB. [resolution 67/98, 1 (i)] The two universities together formed a company to establish and conduct a new AGSM to commence operations in the first academic tern of 1999. It was intended that the new AGSM was to be operated by a company which was a separate entity from each of the universities. The new AGSM was to operate as a part of the University community of each university, and as well as executive and professional development courses, the new AGSM would conduct courses approved by both universities for the purposes of an award by both universities. The name of the new AGSM was "The Australian Graduate School of Management (at The University of New South Wales and The University of Sydney)", also to be known s "AGSM". (Completion date was the 30 September 1998).
Source for background of the school's development: The University of Sydney's Future Role in Professional Management Education. Report of the Committee Established to Review The Graduate School of Business within the University of Sydney, April 1995, Senate Minutes 5 June 1995, p. 2160; & Report to Senate 6 July 1985 meeting.