The characteristics of successful Caymanian entrepreneurs will soon be considered by intellectuals across the region at the 2015 Business and Management Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Transforming her master’s thesis into an international discussion piece, Ms. Tracy Ebanks, General Manager and CEO of the Cayman Islands Development Bank will take the lectern in January to present her work entitled, “A study on the characteristics of successful local entrepreneurs in the Cayman Islands.”

Ms. Ebanks is one of several University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI) graduate-degree holders who have had their theses published in the ProQuest Global online database for dissertations and theses. As a result, these students have made their research available to other researchers around the world.

Dr. J.D. Mosley-Matchett, Director of Graduate Studies and Professional Development at UCCI, notes that the Cayman Islands have many areas that are ripe for intellectual examination. “Our graduate students have examined a multitude of issues that challenge local businesses and government entities. Unfortunately, the months of research that go into a successfully defended thesis are lost if not elevated to an international forum. We are thrilled that Ms. Ebanks’ work has attracted the attention of a regional conference and will be presented to an entirely new audience.”

As noted by Ms. Ebanks, “”I feel honoured that my thesis was chosen and I am proud to represent the UCCI as an honour graduate and the people of the Cayman Islands. It was my ultimate goal to enlighten scholars and Governments of the Caribbean region of the factors that can drive, encourage and promote successful entrepreneurs. The topic is significant as the Caribbean region relies heavily on Foreign Direct Investment and it is critical that locally owned businesses are provided with the resources to succeed.”

The Inaugural Business and Management Conference will take place January 7-9, 2015. The University College of the Cayman Islands offers a variety of graduate certificates and degree programmes to aid busy adults in their attainment of professional credentials and intellectual advancement. For more information, contact Ms. Diane Campbell, UCCI Deputy Registrar. Or go to www.PDC.ky to learn more about the various programmes available in UCCI’s Professional Development Centre.