Amsterdam Business School. The Amsterdam MBA

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1 Amsterdam Business School The Amsterdam MBA

2 Contents The MBA at a glance 5 Why the Amsterdam MBA? 6 Key elements of the programme 9 What is the return on my investment? 11 Why ABS? 13 Fees and admission 14 The University of Amsterdam is a modern university with a rich history. Founded in 1632, the UvA has grown into a world-class research and teaching university with strong international connections. With seven major faculties, a wide range of courses and renowned academics and researchers, the UvA is ranked 63th in the world and first in the Netherlands according to QS World University Ranking and in the group according to the Times Higher Education Ranking. The university is also a member of LERU, a network of leading European research universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, University College London, Zurich, Leuven, Leiden and Edinburgh. Through its reputation and location, the UvA draws thousands of international students. The university s Amsterdam Business School (ABS) is perfectly situated in a city that is a major financial and business centre and a gateway to Europe and the rest of the world. The ABS is part of the Faculty of Economics and Business and reflects Amsterdam s traditions as an international, entrepreneurial, intellectual and socially responsible environment. Building on these traditions, ABS s educational philosophy is characterised by excellent lecturers, an international student base, small-scale interactive seminars, workshops and case-based programmes, all designed to stimulate active student participation. Excellent (international) students are attracted to the ABS flagship programme, the Amsterdam MBA.

3 Introduction Dear reader, Thank you for your interest in the Amsterdam MBA programme at the Amsterdam Business School. We are committed to offering our students a best-of-class MBA experience, and hope that the information provided here inspires you to explore our programme further. There are many reasons to consider the Amsterdam MBA. For one, our programme embodies a true combination of academic rigor and practical relevance. Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam has a long and rich tradition. It is ranked 63rd in the world overall according to the QS World University Rankings, and was recently ranked 2nd in the Netherlands by Elsevier magazine at exploiting research output. Teachers in the Amsterdam MBA programme are scholars at the top of their field. In their lectures, they link theory to practice, bring the business world into the classroom and take our students out into the business world. In addition to cutting-edge content, the Amsterdam MBA has a strong focus on personal development, teamwork and leadership skills, for instance through the Amsterdam Leadership Programme. Our class composition is very international and exposes you to diversity in educational backgrounds and business experience. Small class sizes afford you every opportunity to engage actively in discussion and to learn from your classmates as well as lecturers. Our inter national and diverse character will help you establish the valuable global network you need to effectively pursue an exciting international career in business. Also, we recognize that learning does not only happen in the classroom. An important part of the curriculum is the week-long study trip to Beijing, China. At Peking University s Guanghua School of Management you will not only have the opportunity to attend sessions on The Art of War in Business and From Good to Great Marketing in China, but also to get a first-hand look inside Chinese business. In January 2011, for example, our MBA class visited Lenovo, a leading Chinese multinational corporation in personal computer technology. Last but not least, it is worth mentioning that the Amsterdam Business School is situated in the heart of Amsterdam home to Europe s 4th largest port and the European Cities Monitor s 4th most attractive city to start a business. More than that, Amsterdam is one of Europe s most popular cities, rich in culture and ranked 13th in the world in terms of quality of life by Mercer Consulting. All in all, the Amsterdam MBA programme offers its students a great education, enhanced career opportunities, personal growth, and an unforgettable experience. But don t just take my word for it! Come experience the flavour of our programme and the city of Amsterdam for yourself. Visit us on location to attend one of our information sessions, where you can chat informally with our faculty. Or reach out through social media to get in touch with our students or alumni. Any other questions? Don t hesitate to ask. See you in Amsterdam! Dr. Alan Muller Director of the Amsterdam MBA Amsterdam Business School 3

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5 The MBA at a glance Key features n 12 months full-time, or 24 months part-time evening programme n Truly international in staff, students and content n Promotes effective leadership and a personal approach n For ambitious managers and professionals n Amsterdam Leadership Programme and international study trip as part of core curriculum n Small-scale, interactive classes, linking theory to practice n Located in one of Europe s main financial and business centres n An effective boost to your career Degree and accreditation n Degree: Master of Business Administration n Awarded by the University of Amsterdam n NVAO accredited by the Dutch Government n The Amsterdam Business School is EQUIS accredited by EFMD Fees and funding n Tuition fee: for the current price of the full-time and part-time programme please see: n Scholarships available under certain conditions (for full-time students) n Early bird discount for candidates admitted before March 1st 5 Admission requirements n University degree (Bachelor, Master or PhD) n GMAT score (600 or above); or in-house admissions test instead (part-time students only) n Minimum of 3 years business relevant full-time work experience n English language proficiency: TOEFL/IELTS (resp. 100/7.0)

6 Why the Amst 6 Zsuzsanna Ehl (Hungary), student MBA, part-time class I have been working with international companies for more than 10 years and currently work for Avanade. I decided to enrol in an MBA programme because of the nature of my work. As an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) consultant, I am responsible for implementing system solutions for diverse clients in different business areas. The MBA helps me to understand the strategic decisions of our clients and to find a solution that helps clients reach their objectives. I chose the ABS because of the UvA s good reputation in the Netherlands and abroad. Taught by faculty with extensive experience in both international business and academia, courses introduce students to the theory they need to understand the business world, the best methods of practice and the most recent developments in international business. The part-time and full-time students interact throughout the programme. The ability to work with different kinds of specialists with different nationalities is one of the most fascinating and useful experiences that can be gained from the Amsterdam MBA. Custom made programme The Amsterdam MBA is a dynamic and continually developing programme. The courses on offer can be adjusted to reflect student interests, changes in the world of business, and the particular specialisations of current staff. Throughout these changes, our core values as outlined in the statement above remain the same. All primary business topics are taught in the core courses. By choosing 2-4 electives, the Amsterdam MBA can be tailored to your own business interests. Courses are designed to combine academic rigor with practical relevance that brings the business world into the classroom. Linking theory to practice Our Amsterdam MBA programme is committed to the active education of our students. Educational research has shown that this provides deeper and more lasting benefits, and that the methods of active learning such as group work, research presentations, case studies and real life cases help develop precisely those skills from which students will benefit most once they have graduated. Each of the courses we studied so far contains relevant topics, which I can directly apply in my job. The subjects are comprehensive, covering both business cases from real life situations and academic papers. I m in class with students from all over the world and their different backgrounds are a great resource when it comes to solving group exercises. I find the professors in my programme are very knowledgeable and very demanding. This ensures a high quality education. The subjects are comprehensive, covering both business cases from real life situations and academic papers.

7 erdam MBA? Class profile With 14 nationalities represented in the 2011 incoming class, the Amsterdam MBA has a very diverse student population. The full-time programme attracts over 90% non-dutch students and for the part-time programme this is close to 50%. The average age is 31, and women make up nearly 40% of our classes. Students in these classes already have work experience in a wide range of professions, including consultancy, financial services, IT and Telecom, hospitality services and manufacturing. This diversity, combined with the high level of interactivity of the courses provide an additional dimension to our students learning experience. Be prepared for challenging viewpoints from your fellow students! Countries represented Bangladesh Brazil China Colombia Germany India Italy Netherlands Romania Russia South Korea Turkey United Kingdom United States Outer Circle FT Inner Circle PT 15% 13% 4% 8% 15% Overview PT FT Class enrollment 64% 36% Women 30% 46% Average age Avg year work exp 7 4 Countries represented 8 9 Work experience PT FT Consultancy 14% 0% Financial Services 19% 8% Hospitality Services 10% 75% Manufacturing 33% 0% IT and telecom 24% 17% Hossein Eraghi (Iran), student MBA, full-time class I started working in management consultancy several years ago. I felt I needed to refresh my academic background and gain a better understanding of the business world here in the west before pursuing a career in Europe. I chose the ABS because of the professionalism of the lecturers and the way professors pay individual attention to students. This combination is very effective in the programme. 7 26% 62% Netherlands Asia Europe without NL 57% North America South America Educational background PT FT Social Sciences 10% 0% Engineering 24% 0% Business/Commerce 43% 58% Natural Sciences 10% 0% Finance/Economics 5% 8% Communication 0% 8% Information Technology 10% 25% The courses offered are well designed. Through using educational practice-based games and simulations, together with teamwork, learning takes place at a deeper and more effective level. While I learned a great deal from ABS professors, the knowledge-sharing process that occurs among classmates is incredibly effective. And don t forget the multinational mix of students that provides an opportunity to understand other cultures as well as enjoying the differences. I chose the ABS because of the professionalism of the lecturers and the way professors pay individual attention to students.

8 The Amsterdam MBA Faculty 8 MBA professors and lecturers enjoy an international reputation as academics and corporate practitioners. We are proud to be able to involve so many outstanding lecturers in our Amsterdam MBA. Below are the profiles of some of the lecturers who are expected to teach in the programme. Visit our website at for more information about lecturers, the Amsterdam MBA programme, and the course curriculum. Ans Kolk Ans Kolk is Professor of Sustainable Management, Chair of the Strategy and Marketing section and Research Director of the ABS. Her areas of research, teaching and publication are in corporate social responsibility and environmental management, especially in relation to the strategy and management of international business firms. She has been involved in many international projects on strategy, organisation and disclosure related to social and environmental issues, in cooperation with various private, public and civil society organisations. Important projects she has worked on have included the KPMG international surveys of sustainability and corporate responsibility for 1998/1999, 2001/2002 and 2004/2005. Kolk has published in a range of international journals, such as Journal of International Business Studies, California Management Review, Harvard Business Review, Management International Review, Journal of World Business, World Development and Journal of Business Ethics. Alexander Rinnooy Kan Alexander Rinnooy Kan is Professor of Policy Analysis in the Private and Public Sectors. Professor Rinnooy Kan is one of the most influential figures in the Netherlands. He became a member of the Programme Committee of the MBA in He has been chairman of the Social and Economic Council of the Netherlands since Rinnooy Kan studied econometrics at the University of Amsterdam, then went on to obtain his Doctorate in Mathematics at the same university in He was Rector Magnificus at Erasmus University Rotterdam from 1986 to He has given guest lectures at numerous universities abroad, including the University of California, Berkeley and Columbia University in New York. He was chairman of the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) from 1991 to Rinnooy Kan was a member of the executive board of the ING Group from 1996 to Jan-Willem Stoelhorst Jan-Willem Stoelhorst is Associate Professor of Strategy and Organisation. He received his PhD in Management cum laude from the University of Twente. Before joining the ABS, he was one of the core lecturers in the Amsterdam MBA programmes of the TSM Business School, where he was also responsible for management training and consulting projects for a number of large and medium-sized companies. Stoelhorst has published on different aspects of strategy and organisation, and his current research interests focus on the application of evolutionary principles to competitive strategy and the theory of the firm. He is both an active researcher and a regular contributor to in-company management training programme. Hans Strikwerda Hans Strikwerda is Professor of Organisation and Organisational Change. He is an international expert on the organisation of multinationals and other complex organisations, particularly their internal governance. His area of research expertise is in the redesign of organisations and their corporate strategies in response to fundamental changes in their environments, market structures, technologies and consumer preferences. He has a solid track record of proven innovative solutions based on in-depth knowledge of both organisation and management theory and on empirical developments in markets and economies. As the director of the Nolan Norton Institute, Strikwerda carries out research in the field of internal governance and other organisational processes. He has received the national Professional Publication Prize for his publications on internal governance (1996) and the Best Management Book Award for his work on shared services centres (2004). He was also elected most influential consultant in the Netherlands by Management Team (2005). Additionally, he publishes regularly on developments in the field of new organisations, governance, strategy and management consulting. He is also a member of the Programme Committee of the Amsterdam MBA. Rui Vieira Rui Vieira is Assistant Professor in Management Control and Accounting at Amsterdam Business School, University of Amsterdam, who holds a PhD in Industrial and Business Studies from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom. Dr. Vieira s research focus is on Management Accounting, especially in the fields of management control systems, cost accounting, performance measurement, and the organisational and behavioural aspects of management accounting systems, in which he has several publications. During his lectures, he emphasises the importance of understanding both the strengths and limitations of accounting information and its proper use relative to other information for decision-making.

9 Key elements of the programme The Amsterdam MBA is designed for ambitious professionals who wish to pursue a career in the international business world. The Amsterdam MBA has a strong international focus and students come from many different cultural and professional backgrounds. They bring their experiences of day-to-day professional life into the classroom, providing a unique opportunity to share and learn. The Amsterdam MBA is offered as a full-time, one year course and a part-time, two-year course. Both programmes start once a year in September and the courses finish end of May. During the summer months, students conclude the programme with an individual thesis. Internships are optional. Full-time programme The course-load of the full-time programme is approximately 40 hours per week. In each study period, students take 4 parallel classes. Classes are scheduled Monday to Thursday. Classes will take up 15 hours while class preparation, casework and assignments will require a further 25 hours per week. Part-time programme The part-time programme is an evening programme designed to allow students to work full-time while completing their Amsterdam MBA. Classes are held two nights a week, taking up between 6-8 hours. Class preparation, casework and assignments count for another hours a week. International study trip In January, students take part in the Doing Business in China module in Beijing, China. The Guanghua School of Management, one of China s best business schools, designed this module for the Amsterdam Business School as part of our ongoing collaboration. The module includes lectures by renowned professors addressing topics like Strategic Marketing in China, Doing Business or Managing People in China. Part of the programme is a visit to a well-known international company based in Beijing. The Guanghua School of Management also provides a sightseeing programme with the highlights of Beijing, including a visit to the Great Wall. Various traditional meals are included as well as a visit to the Peking Opera. The study trip is included in the tuition fee. Amsterdam Leadership Programme Leadership competencies are an essential element of personal professional development. To meet this need we have initiated the Amsterdam Leadership Programme (ALP), a series of workshops designed to enable our students development into effective leaders. In our leadership programme we work with three concepts: Values, Purposes and Competencies. Students learn to observe and define these concepts at both the company and personal level. Spread over several days, the workshop primarily takes place off campus in the countryside, allowing for a focus on the students as individuals and their abilities to develop themselves. Synergies with other executive programmes Graduates of our MBA programme interested in pursuing a subsequent Master s in International Finance (MIF) degree at the ABS are eligible for exemptions that allow them to complete the MIF (part-time) in one year instead of two. Please visit the MIF website for more information ( Similarly, MIF graduates who enroll in our MBA programme are also eligible for course exemptions and a substantial tuition reduction. Career Services The Amsterdam MBA gives students the opportunity to prepare themselves for their next career step. The ABS Careers Office is dedicated to foster the personal and professional development of our students and support them to attain career goals in the short and long term. Through one-on-one coaching we support students in converting their educational, professional and personal experiences into identifying long-term and short-term career objectives. Several self-assessment tools also help them gain clear insight into their motivations, skills and competencies. Workshops and group training sessions are designed to support students in developing those skills needed to maximise employability and be successful in reaching career goals. The ABS Careers Office also establishes corporate partnerships which will give our students the opportunity to learn more about and present themselves to the industry. For more information on Careers Services, see 9

10 MBA Part-Time Programme Year 1 Year 2 Electives Block 1 Competitive Strategy Valuation Quantitative Methods Financial Accounting International Financial Reporting Standards Block 2 Corporate Strategy Corporate Finance International Business ALP: Introductory lecture & Leadership Workshop* Strategic Performance Management Advanced Valuation & Financial Analysis Block 3 International study trip to China Research workshop ALP: Intervision Various career workshops Block 4 Operations & Process Management Marketing Strategy ALP: Intervision Branding CSR and sustainability Negotiations Financial Modelling 10 Block 5 Information Systems HRM The Executive Process ALP: Integrity workshop & Closing lecture Entrepreneurship Strategy Negotiations Real Estate (NYU) Block 6 Thesis MBA Full-time programme MBA core courses Electives Block 1 Block 2 Block 3 Block 4 Block 5 Block 6 Competitive Strategy Valuation Quantitative Methods Financial Accounting Corporate Strategy Corporate Finance International Business ALP: Introductory lecture & Leadership Workshop International study trip to China Research workshop ALP: Intervision Operations & Process Management Marketing Strategy ALP: Intervision Information Systems HRM The Executive Process ALP: Integrity workshop & Closing lecture Thesis International Financial Reporting Standards Strategic Performance Management Advanced Valuation & Financial Analysis Various career workshops Branding CSR and sustainability Negotiations Financial Modelling Entrepreneurship Strategy Negotiations Real Estate (NYU) Please note that the list of courses and electives is tentative and may be subject to change *ALP = Amsterdam Leadership Programme

11 What is the return on my investment? The Amsterdam MBA programme will boost your career by deepening your finance know ledge, business insight and skills. Obtaining this internationally recognised degree has enabled alumni to pursue successful careers in finance and business. The degree After successful completion of their studies, students are awarded the title Master in Business Administration. Career perspective Amsterdam MBA alumni took advantage of the Amsteerdam MBA experience and accelerated their careers. Amsterdam MBA alumni found employment within finance, consulting, business analysis, marketing and business development. Recent research among our alumni shows that 69% of the respondents found employment by the time they finished the programme or within 3 months after graduation, 19% found employment within 5 months and 12% took longer than 5 months. The Dutch government has relaxed work permit regulations for graduates from the Amsterdam MBA full-time programme. After graduation one can initially apply to stay for a period of 1 year to search for a job. Within that year one can apply for a Highly Skilled Migrants status, which enables you to stay and work in the Netherlands for up to 5 years after graduation. There are a few conditions (minimum salary, type of company), but these are normally easily met by MBA alumni. Alumni network While studying at the Amsterdam Business School, we organise activities where students can meet companies and alumni in our network. Amsterdam MBA alumni are a valuable source for leads, interviews and contacts. Through networking events and online platforms students stay informed about developments in the industry and create career opportunities. the Amsterdam MBA will provide me with even deeper knowledge and insight in business processes. Raoul Nijlhof (the Netherlands), part-time class During my education at the military academy I was given the opportunity to join the Royalty and Diplomatic Corps Protection Department as a risk control specialist. It was after 4 years in this position that I found my current employer. I currently hold the position of manager business development cross-sales at the company s head office. I decided to obtain the Amsterdam MBA because from my perspective, it will provide me with even deeper knowledge and insight in business processes. This will then provide me with better career opportunities in the business arena. I chose the ABS because after attending an information evening. I was struck by the more personal approach of the programme. This seemed to be different from the other business schools I had visited. Until now, the courses in the programme have proven to be very intensive and challenging, but I am positive about how the curriculum is directly applicable to real-time business situations. This is effective business education that works. 11

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13 Why ABS? Why ABS The Amsterdam Business School (ABS) is located in Amsterdam, the financial and business heart of the Netherlands. The world s first stock exchange, trading company, and multinational originated here. The presence of De Nederlandsche Bank, the stock exchange and (regional) head offices of many Dutch and international companies and banks makes Amsterdam one of Europe s leading commercial centres. With its close ties to the business community, the ABS forges a link between academic knowledge and the world of business, both local and international. The business school is the ideal place to make contacts and learn from a variety of experiences and outlooks. Our customdesigned programmes, seminars and events are up-to-date and represent a unique opportunity to take your career to the next level. The Amsterdam Business School s Executive Programmes reflect the city s international entrepreneurial character. Outstanding researchers from all over the world and top-notch lecturers from the business community teach a modern, internationally oriented curriculum. Students of many nationalities with different professional and cultural backgrounds are brought together at the ABS. In their programmes of study, these students collaborate in small groups as they work on their projects and cases. Tara Michael Skultety (USA), full-time class As an entrepreneur in the field of global education, earning an MBA at an international university was exactly in line with my personal and professional interests. I have traveled to more than 50 countries and lived in seven. Of all those countries, the Netherlands is my favourite. I love riding a bike every day (even in the snow!), shopping at open air markets, sitting in the park, and meeting new people. Our full-time class is so diverse, we learn more than just business from each other; we get a in-depth glimpse into other cultures and values. The professors are extremely knowledgeable, articulate, and have impressive professional credentials. My post-mba career goals include applying all the executive knowledge I ve learned to become a true CEO. 13 I have traveled to more than 50 countries and lived in seven. Of all of those the Netherlands is my favorite.

14 Fees and admission 14 The planned intake for the Amsterdam MBA programme starting each year in September is around 60 students. The Admissions Committee admits students on a rolling basis per month, and as the number of places is limited, we would like to encourage you to apply early. Online application for the full-time programme is possible until 30 June (but in case you already live in the Netherlands and do not need accommodation or a visa, the deadline will be 31 July). For the part-time programme the deadline is 31 July. Fees For fees of the full-time and part-time programmes please see our website: The fee covers the whole programme including courses, international study trip, use of the facilities, university registration and examination fees. The fee does not cover text books, living expenses and accommodation. Admission requirements Bachelor or Master degree Applicants are required to hold a recognised first degree. Work experience A minimum of three years of relevant business experience is required. GMAT or GRE The GMAT or GRE is compulsory for all applicants to the full-time programme. English language proficiency We require evidence of English language proficiency. Minimum TOEFL score: 100. Minimum IELTS score: 7.0. For exemptions please see our website: In-house test Part-time students can opt for our in-house test. This test will substitute for the GMAT or GRE requirement. If you are not sure if you meet the admission requirements, you can upload your CV into our CV Quick Scan to check your eligibility at Tuition reduction For excellent full-time students the Amsterdam Business School has a few scholarship possibilities available. Early bird discount Applications received before March 1 are eligible for an early-bird discount. MBA tuition reductions Further tuition reductions may be available for excellent full-time students. For more information: Neso Scholarships Please check the Neso office in your country to find more information or via Scholarships through the Dutch Government Information is available from the Dutch embassy or consulate in your country or via Online application You can apply online at mba. Please carefully review the information regarding the required documents for admission on this website. Admissions Office If you would like to receive further information about the programme, you are welcome to contact the Admissions Office: or admissions-abs@uva.nl.

15 The Amsterdam Business School aims to produce, advance and disseminate knowledge at the highest international academic levels and to meet the needs of the businesss community, as well as students and society at large. To be recognised internationally as one of the leading Business Schools in Continental Europe by Although this brochure has been prepared with the utmost care, no rights can be derived from its contents. Colophon Lay-out: Photography: RAADHUIS voor creatieve communicatie Ineke Oostveen Christina Chouchena

16 University of Amsterdam Amsterdam Business School Admissions Office MBA Plantage Muidergracht TV Amsterdam The Netherlands T F admissions-abs@uva.nl