Full-Time and Part-Time International Management. Masters of Science in

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1 The following faculties of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland offer Master programmes: School of Applied Psychology School of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geomatics Academy of Art and Design School of Life Sciences Academy of Music School of Teacher Education School of Social Work School of Engineering School of Business University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland School of Business Riggenbachstrasse Olten Switzerland T +41 (0) F [email protected] Masters of Science in International Management Full-Time and Part-Time

2 Master of Science in International Management For the latest information go to: apply online School of Business FHNW 2 Welcome to MSc International Management 4 Courses aims and objectives 6 At a Glance 8 Course structure 13 Semester Overview 16 Core Modules General International Management 22 Core Module Research 26 Elective Modules 28 Study Tours 40 Application and Contact 42 Testimonials 45

3 School of Business FHNW The School of Business is a leading establishment in education, executive education and internationalisation in Switzerland. Bachelor, Master and Continuing Education With over 130 academic programmes and related activities (EMBA, Master of Advanced Studies, courses seminars and workshops), the FHNW school of business is Switzerland s leading provider of continuing education in business management. It tutors more than 2500 students in Bachelor and Master degree programmes, undertakes applied research and development and is an active player in the field of consultancy. Knowledge and technology transfer The quality of the knowledge imparted and of the teaching is guaranteed by experienced teaching staff, who have practice-oriented knowledge, and research assistants in possession of the latest know-how. To help put into practice what has been learnt in as straightforward and concise a manner as possible, the School makes use of a number of strategies. We draw on projects awarded by companies, applicationoriented tasks and a broad cross-section of teaching and learning modes. International exchange We are also the natural, professional partner for any company seeking to venture abroad to China, India, the USA or Europe. We offer special international programmes of education and, with cooperation treaties in place with over 130 partner-universities, we are in a position to secure an intensive exchange of teaching staff and students throughout the world Training for Swiss and international business We train executives and managers for Swiss and international business with an emphasis on small and medium-sized enterprises. Later in their careers we offer a uniquely broad palette of continuing education opportunities. We enable students and clients to access up-to-theminute knowledge that can be applied in the real world. Know-how at three campuses Remaining close to our regional customers is vital. Being active at three campuses (Basel, Brugg-Windisch and Olten) places expertise in close proximity to the customer. 2 School of Business FHNW 3

4 Welcome to MSc International management Dear potential student Ever since we launched it in 2008, the Master of Science in International Management has proved to be a cuttingedge Master programme for ambitious young men and women who have earned well above average results in their Bachelor Programme. The Master of Science in International Management has attracted practice-orientied academic talents from all around the world aiming at boosting their career. They all want to leave an intelligent footprint on our planet, be it in the business world with its survival of the fittest paradigm or in the world of Not-for-Profit Organisations. It is the same world. Our programme aims at having an integrative approach that leads students to experience employee-centered management and customer-oriented organisational design. It is offered exclusively in English, full-time or part-time and provides students with a number of options in terms of coining their profile by choosing from a rich menu of elective modules. Its cooperation with the corporate world, company visits, the integration of managers and leaders as additional tutors as well as its flexibility have led to continuously rising number of intakes. The Master of Science in International programme will remain innovation driven we have now established International Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Community Action Project as core modules. We require students to show what they will expect from their co-workers: high commitment and involvement for a unique community of learning. Kind regards Prof. Dr. Thomas Buergi Dean MSc in International Management Our faculty is truly international, and our students encompass more than 45 nationalities. Apart from providing our Master students with challenging lectures and seminars, group work is one of our main tutorial design. 4 School of Business FHNW 5

5 Course aims and objectives The ability to work in International, multi-cultural, cross-border environments is vital in today s rapidly evolving and expanding global business environment. The Master of Science in International Management is designed for students who already hold a bachelor s degree with well above average qualifications in a relevant field. It is a high-level post graduate programme for individuals who wish to operate in an international setting in a business or non-profit organisation, which is committed to the philosophy of sustainable management and leadership. Furthermore, it encourages students to found their own business in order to become entrepreneurs. The course prepares students for managerial positions in international companies and organisations. Due to the programmes extensive range of electives, graduates are generally offered jobs matching their profile. We aspire to fully develop our student s abundant potential. Our aim is their effectiveness in a globalising world. The aims of the course are as follows; Build up a body of theoretical and practical knowledge regarding issues relating to International Business. Develop an ability to use theoretical knowledge to analyse changes at institutional and competitive levels, which significantly influence strategy and operations. Apply relevant theoretical and practical knowledge to address current challenges in the global business environment. Explore current issues and thinking along with techniques applicable for research in the area of international business. Allow students to develop both theoretical and applied perspectives on international business and to apply those perspectives within the organisations in which they aspire to work. Develop a range of wider intellectual and transferable skills, consistent with creative thought and independent learning. MSc IM is completed through applied research and live projects in the international business world and offers numerous electives in areas such as global marketing and communication, international human resource development, entrepreneurship, sustainability and innovation and international financial management. The course encourages the acquisition of knowledge, development of lifelong skills and the application of best practise in the work place. Throughout the course, students will receive a concrete base in research methods including techniques of quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis and interpretation. Being taught entirely in English, having over 45 different nationalities on-campus, providing the opportunity to take a semester abroad in Cambridge, offering the students the chance to either carry out a «shadow a manager» project in an international organisation or participate in a study trip to Brazil or South Africa makes our course truly international. 6 School of Business FHNW 7

6 At a Glance Key Facts: Language: Taught entirely in English. Duration: 3-4 semesters fulltime or 4-6 semesters part-time. Intakes: twice yearly - February & September. Average intake: 75 per year Application deadlines: Fees: Tuition fees are 700 CHF per semester (for students domiciled in a Swiss canton or in the principality of Liechtenstein with legal entitlement to a subsidy, expatriate Swiss citizens, EU or EFTA citizens, holders of Swiss residence permits not issued specifically for study purposes) or 7500 CHF for all other students. Matriculation fees are 200 CHF. Diploma examination fees are 300 CHF. Semester material fees are 110 CHF per semester. Location: The course takes place in campus Olten (autumn semesters) and campus Basel (spring semesters) Entry Requirements: A Bachelor s degree with a good or very good overall grade B, B+, A, A+, equalling a recognised first or second class honours degree in the United Kingdom. The bachelor s degree must have been awarded as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of science in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Marketing, International Business Management, International Management, Facility Management*, ICT*, Tourism Management*, Psychology*, Applied Psychology* or as a bachelor s degree in an equivalent or similar programme*. (The transcript of records of bachelor s degrees which are marked with a * will be checked in detail. Missing required modules may be studied in the Pre-Master programme). Very good or excellent linguistic abilities in English (minimum requirement equivalent to CAE/BEC Higher). A minimum of one year work experience (business related). 8 Hochschule für Wirtschaft 9

7 Career opportunities: The MSc in IM prepares students for managerial positions in international companies and organisations. As the course offers a wide range in elective modules, graduates are generally offered jobs in their chosen field. International study opportunities: Each year students have the option to partake in a study tour which incorporates company visits, group interviews with managers, cultural activities and an analytical paper at the end. All of which allows the individual to develop a global mind-set and an understanding of different cultures, economies and political systems. The locations alternate yearly for the study tours between Brasil (Brasil ao vivo) and South Africa (Bambanani South Africa Live). Also we offer the option of taking a semester in our partner university in the UK - Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, which will lead to the award of a dual degree. In addition, MSc IM students have the unique opportunity to undertake an exchange semester in one of the few carefully selected FHNW partner universities abroad. Typically, exchange programmes can be combined with doing research projects or writing the master thesis in cooperation with companies in the selected destination. Study Routes & Final Degrees: Graduates have a choice of two study routes and can be awarded one of two degrees on successful completion of the programme. 1) Single Degree: The regular study route which permits students to choose from all excursions and electives available resulting in graduates being awarded the degree Master of Science in International Management. 2) Dual Degree: Full time students have the chance to apply to study abroad for their second semester in our partner university, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. On completion of the programme, graduates will receive a dual degree, one from each university: MSc in International Business (ARU) and MSc in International Management (FHNW). However students who select this route cannot choose electives or excursions (South Africa, Brazil, international organisations and enterprises in the Geneva area) offered during the second semester 10 School of Business FHNW 11

8 Course structure The Master of Science in International Management Programme is divided up into module groups. It consists of three main sections of modules. Each module group encompasses a number of modules. All core modules are mandatory for all students. A variety of elective modules representing four areas or profiles have been designed to provide participants of the programme the choice best suited to their interests and career prospects. The choice of electives is free, but a minimum of 24 ECTS credits must be gained, meaning students must select at least 4 electives during their studies. Core Modules: Research Methodology and Master Thesis Core Modules: General International Management Elective Module groups (free choice): 36 ECTS 30 ECTS 24 ECTS Students who are enrolled in the dual degree programme take electives to a value of 12 ETCS during their time at ARU. 13

9 Distance-learning Pre-Master-Programme Getting enrolled in a number of modules of the Pre-Master-Programme is mandatory for students who have gone through the enrolment process but have been enrolled on a provisional basis only. The provisional enrolment is based on the fact that some prospective students have successfully completed the majority but not all of the required modules in their previous bachelor or master programmes. The Pre-Master-Programme will be offered in a distance-learning mode. Students will have to get prepared with the materials put at their disposal on our website. These students will be provided an access code and will be advised on how to sit the exam. After successfully sitting the exam, these students will be officially enrolled in the MSc in International Management Programme. An exam may only be repeated once (second attempt). Students failing to pass the exam in that second attempt will not be permitted to continue their studies in the Master of Science in International Management Programme. Potential students with academic backgrounds completely different from the ones required to start the MSc in International Management programme will have to get enrolled in alternative programmes or modules before being able to apply for the MSc in International Management. Alternative programmes and modules as well as terms and conditions will be indicated on our website. 14 School of Business FHNW 15

10 Semester Overview Spring Start Single Degree FT Single Degree PT (5 sem) Core Module ECTS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th Research and Innovation Path 3 Community Action Project 3 Advanced Research Design 1 6 Cross-Cultural Management and Leadership 6 Manager s Shadow Project 3 or or Developing International Business Strategies 6 Practice-oriented Project 6 Master Thesis Proposal 6 Master Thesis 15 Entrepreneurship and Innovation 6 Financial Reporting and coporate finance 6 Total ECTS /24 18/ /18 12/ ECTS Electives Autumn Start Single Degree FT Single Degree PT (5 sem) Single degree PT(4 sem)* Core Module ECTS 1st 2nd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Research and Innovation Path 3 Community Action Project 3 Advanced Research Design 1 6 Cross-Cultural Management and Leadership 6 Manager s Shadow Project 3 or or or Developing International Business Strategies 6 Practice-oriented Project 6 Master Thesis Proposal 6 Master Thesis 15 Entrepreneurship and Innovation 6 Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance 6 Total ECTS 66 27/24 24/ /18 12/ /18 18/ ECTS Electives ARU Dual Degree Spring Start Autumn Start Core Module ECTS 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd Research and Innovation Path 3 Community Action Project 3 Advanced Research Design 1 6 Cross-Cultural Management and Leadership 6 Manager s Shadow Project 3 or or Developing International Business Strategies 6 Practice-oriented Project 6 Master Thesis Proposal 6 Master Thesis 15 ARU Module acc. to schedule 6 ARU Module acc. to schedule 6 ARU Module acc. to schedule 6 ARU Module acc. to schedule 6 Total ECTS /24 36/ /24 36/ ECTS Electives 16 School of Business FHNW * Typically the autumn PT programme takes place over 5 semesters but here is an overview on how it can be shortened to 4 semesters. You will automatically be registered for the 5 semester programme and can then change at a later stage. 17

11 Semester Overview Elective Modules Autumn Spring ECTS Challenging International Managers and Leaders 6 Corporate Reputation and Brand Development 6 Local Clusters and International Competitiveness 6 International Human Resource Management 6 Social Media and Customer Exeprience 6 Green Business 6 Enterprise Valuation and Strategic Invesing and Partnering in an International Context 6 Managing Uncertainty: The International Economy, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations 6 BRICS: The Business Realities 6 Management Accounting and Controlling in an International Context 6 Cross-cultural Consumer Behaviour 6 Marketing and Strategy in a Globalizing World 6 Disruptive Change and Enterprise Transformation 6 Leading People in Changing Environments 6 Negotiating International Strategic Alliance 6 Headhunting - Talent Acquisition and Development 6 Business Analytics for Research 6 Finance and Financial Risk Management for International Firms 6 International and Global Health Management 6 18 School of Business FHNW 19

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13 Core Modules -General International Management The student must identify, contact and organise with the manager/ organization they wish to shadow. During this period they will study best practice through observation, non-structured, semi-structured and structured interviews. Alternatively students have the option to participate in an international study trip to either Brazil or South Africa. For this trip the group must plan, design and carry out interviews with managers in selected companies in their chosen country. Community Action Project (3 ECTS) The Community Action module incorporates design thinking strategies to support creative thinking and an innovative learning approach. Upon completion students will have put their theoretical knowledge into practice by means of creating specific projects that give back to the community. The module is designed to engage participants within communities in a meaningful way by volunteering to make a difference. Students will learn to plan, develop and implement projects that would meet a need in the community. At the same time, course participants will improve presentation skills, the ability to work in teams as well as critical investigation, and self-motivating study skills. Cross-cultural Management and Leadership (6 ECTS) With the business world constantly evolving, it is essential for managers in today s society to possess strong management and leadership capabilities. On successful completions of the Challenging International Managers and Leaders module, students will have a solid foundation into cross-cultural concepts and communication in order to be able to lead in intercultural organisations. Moreover, the course has been designed to give students the ability to manage and lead individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences. At the same time, course participants will learn more about their own culture and be made aware of the importance of intercultural communication in their future roles as international managers. Managers Shadow Project (3 ECTS) The Managers Shadow Project module provides students with the opportunity to gain hands on experience in a managerial environment through observation and interaction by shadowing a manager during a certain time frame. Developing International Business Strategies (6 ECTS) Do you think strategically? Is your strategy formulated and well developed? Will your strategy survive in an international environment? The successful completion of the Developing International Strategies module will lead participants to answer yes to these questions. The module teaches the students about design, development and implementation of management strategies in International businesses and aims to provide a cohesive framework for strategy formation. It also provides the students with an understanding of the challenges of international business and of the strategic issues facing firms. Entrepreneurship and Innovation (6 ECTS) The Entrepreneurship and Innovation module deals with entrepreneurial and innovative business ideas, their evaluation, development and implementation. It allows students to develop business ideas for their own start-up or develop new ventures for existing companies. The module allows students to develop and evaluate business plans, meet with guest lecturers who have their own start-ups and gain access to GetLaunched, an interactive platform for developing and evaluating business plans, business cases and writing business plans. Upon successful completion, students will have developed a critical awareness of the role of creativity within a business and the significance of entrepreneurship in the economy, as well as developing creative and innovative techniques required for entrepreneurism. 22 School of Business FHNW 23

14 Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance (6 ECTS) The heart of all businesses revolves around its figures. Therefore it is vital that all managers have an understanding of their company s financial position so they can make appropriate strategic decisions. Upon successful completion of the Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance module students will have the ability to analyse, interpret and compare financial statements of companies and have an understanding of what the numbers represent as well as having a deeper understanding as to how corporate finance departments make funding and investing decisions. Focus is placed on the relevant set of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 24 School of Business FHNW 25

15 Core Modules - Research Research and Innovation Path (3 ECTS) The Research and Innovation Path module provides new students with an in-depth understanding of the research modules, research expectations and processes, communication technology and tools, academic literature and writing, research methods and community tasks. The module also prepares students with the research knowledge and study skills that are relevant across all modules. With successful completion, students will have the ability to identify relevant sources of information and literature for application, practice and review as well as learning to utilise appropriate concepts and strategy for subsequent projects. Advanced Qualitative Research Design (6 ECTS) The Advanced Qualitative Research Design module provides an introduction to applying mixed methods and experiments. It prepares students to undertake a piece of qualitative business or management research for their Masters project by developing appropriate knowledge, understanding and transferable intellectual and practical skills. Emphasis is placed on applying the skills that lead to a successful closure of a research journey set within any organisational setting identified by students in the role of either academic or practitioner researchers. Upon successful completion of this module students will have gained skills such as the ability to frame research aims, evaluate relevant literature, generate research questions and research objectives, the ability to understand a conceptual framework, the ability to select and justify a particular qualitative research design and methodology and the ability to act as an ethical researcher. Students will gain confidence in a range of cognitive and practical skills suitable to conducting research projects in a range of international business contexts so as to add to knowledge and understanding. 26 School of Business FHNW Practice-oriented Project (6 ECTS) For resolving business problems managers frequently need in-depth studies which many times employ research methods. The successful completion of the Practice-oriented Project ensures that students will be able to evaluate the approaches and outcomes of research activities, undertaken by themselves or by others. It is the purpose of the Practice-oriented Project to develop students abilities to relate objectives, evidence and conclusions in a coherent and adequate manner. The successful completion of the Practice-orientated Project module gives students the opportunity to plan and realise an applied research project, identify significant business problems, determine and practice the appropriate methods for their problem-solving strategies, exercise analytical and critical skills by evaluating evidence and reaching evidence-based conclusions, and last but not least practice working in a project group. Master Thesis Proposal (6 ECTS) This module prepares the student for the undertaking of his or her master thesis. A well written proposal guides the student through their research journey in a constructive and efficient manner, giving them a clear research direction. It should report an investigation of a management, marketing or business related problem or research gap and include a planned application of scientific and empirical methods. With the successful completion of the Master Thesis Proposal module, students will have attained knowledge and understanding of the core concepts of research design and methods. They will also have the ability to identify, understand and argue research rationale from preliminary research publications found in diverse electronic and written sources. And most importantly they will have a solid foundation for the material that will be used in their Master Thesis. Master Thesis (15 ECTS) The master thesis is of central importance to the Master s award and will be carried out in the final semester of the programme. All master students will be assigned a supervisor, to whom they will present their progress, share their experience and discuss their next steps in regular colloquiums. Students are expected to define a research topic of their choice and combine aspects of learning from previous modules, as well as use this learning plan, to conclude and write up your own research-based project. The master thesis can be completed in cooperation with international companies located in Switzerland or anywhere in the world. 27

16 Elective Modules Please note: Elective Modules that will be chosen by a minute number of students only might be canceled in a given semester. Challenging International Managers and Leaders (6 ECTS) The Challenging International Managers and Leaders module is aimed at master students seeking to be challenged by real-world cases from different areas, be it knowledge-management, story-telling, turning companies around, managing change, coping with a crisis, marketing or another topic of general interest. All the topics will be presented by a manager and leader (CEO, COO, CFO Etc.) from an international company. He or she will offer stories as case studies that the students will have to deal with in groups. The students will compete against each other in terms of innovative solutions including a sound implementation plan. Dealing with cases will also involve role-play. On successful completion of this module, the students will have learned to offer cutting-edge solutions to challenging real-case scenarios that managers and leaders face in their internationally operating companies. Corporate Reputation and Brand Development (6 ECTS) Corporate reputation and brands are among the most valuable intangible assets of a company. Designing the learning organisation with firm building blocks of values and a distinct corporate culture is key. Developing a brand and correctly communicating its values in globalised competitive markets is of utmost importance. Co-workers and customers need to be seen as brand ambassadors. On successful completion of this module students will have acquired excellent skills in analysing and developing characteristics of brand personality. They will have reflected in teams about the vital roles of co-workers as a driving force in terms of developing brands and conveying images of a company s corporate identity. Students will be able to design and implement steps and processes needed to manage corporate and brand reputation. 28 School of Business FHNW Local Clusters and International Competitiveness (6 ECTS) The module for Local Clusters and International Competitiveness explores the factors of national and regional competitiveness from the perspective of companies, clusters, states or regions. It addresses issues from a bottom -up, firm based microeconomic perspective and focuses on the importance of local clusters for the success of firms and regions. Through case studies and plenary discussion, students will be introduced to cluster theory and probe in detail the ultimate sources of competitiveness and clusters, as well as the quality of the micro and macro business environment in which competition takes place, and what can be done to encourage competitiveness. This course is taught with the permission and support of Professor Michael Porter and his Institute of Strategy and Competitiveness at the Harvard Business School (HBS), of which FHNW has been an affiliate since International Human Resource Management (6 ECTS) The main object of the International Human Resource Management module is to examine how global companies excel in managing their multicultural workforce, how they develop and transfer people in crossborder processes and how they work on international reward questions. Human resource management (HRM) is concerned with the effective and efficient management and utilisation of human resources in organisations. It should ensure the future development of the organisation and the individual alike. Upon successful completion, students will understand HRM both from a strategic and an operational perspective. From a strategic point of view, HRM policies and activities are designed to support and reinforce business strategies and objectives as well as supporting change management processes in organisations. From an operational point of view, HRM is concerned with the development, design and implementation of effective and efficient procedures and tools to optimise the day-to-day management and development of people in organisations. Social Media and Customer Experience (6 ECTS) Social media has changed the customer experience game. Social media is a category of online media that allows members to chat, share, network and participate. Social media sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, TripAdvisor and blogposts to name just a few are becoming increasingly popular. Customers sharing their positive and negative experiences can have a major impact on the success of companies. Com- 29

17 panies need to anticipate possible steps by customers and co-workers and how much reach their customers now have. Companies need to find ways of empowering and encouraging happy customers and co-workers to share their positive experiences and become a brand ambassador. On successful completion of this module students will be familiar with the major theories and frameworks that guide the ethical use of social media. They will be able to make effective use of the various tools available and will have gained advanced skills in shaping and positively connotation customary experiences. They will also be proficient in dealing with negative customer feedback Green Business (6 ECTS) One of the major paradigm shifts in our global business world regards shareholder and stakeholder value. Green businesses positively impact the environment and community. They develop and practise strategies going beyond regulation and showing commitment to a healthy and sustainable future. Firms are no longer expected to maximize shareholder value above all, but to take on a larger sense of responsibility towards stakeholders and society as a whole, by integrating sustainable practices. Students will explore how companies perceive their general responsibility to society and what the specific concerns of stakeholders are. They will understand the necessary theory upon which modern concepts of sustainable development and management are based. Also they will be given the elements to adequately implement and communicate the important dimensions of sustainable management. On successful completion of the Green Business module students will be able to apply advanced theoretical concepts of sustainable development and management. They will be able to implement green business ideas and strategies and to communicate the important dimensions of sustainable management. Enterprise Valuation and Strategic Investing and Partnering in an International Context (6 ECTS) This module shows how to manage the corporate portfolio in international business. How can firms create value through cross-border corporate transactions? How can they best deal with the specific challenges of investing 30 Hochschule für Wirtschaft 31

18 in emerging markets e.g. should they focus on direct investments or rather go for joint ventures? How must valuation techniques be modified in cross-border settings? How should investments in emerging markets be evaluated? This module focuses on applying theoretical knowledge about company valuation to real life cases. On successful completion, students will be able to make use of external data that is publically available such as annual reports and published articles. They will also be able to identify innovative ways of collecting primary data within companies and organisations. Managing Uncertainty:The International Economy, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations (6 ECTS) This module describes the driving forces in the international economy and their impact on governments, non-governmentall organisations and the business world. It explores possible corporate strategic responses of non-governmental organisations to international business conditions and exposes managers to issues and tensions in business operations and relationships across national cultures. The successful completion of this module will give students an understanding as to how different factors and trends in an organisation s business environment are likely to impact upon organisational performance and help them to identify, critically evaluate, manipulate, modify and adapt different models, tools and techniques employed in business environment analysis in ways which enhance their realworld value and acceptability. BRICS: The Business Realities (6 ECTS) This Business Realities module examines the emergence of the BRICS association (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) in contemporary world politics and assesses the impact of these states on the global order. Their economies are now responsible for more than half of the growth of the world output as they undergo important steps of industrialization very rapidly. They are focused on improving their infrastructure and developing their service sectors. This development goes hand in hand with changes in patterns of social stratification and a sustainable increase in the spending power of consumers. The module will provide a comparative framework for understanding the historical conditions underpinning the rise of these fast growing economies and a projection of their foreseeable future. Students will gain an insight into how global companies might figure out which path to choose in order to achieve profitable growth in the BRICS economies. 32 School of Business FHNW The module will also examine the role of the BRICS in international economic institutions, the relations of the BRICS with Europe and the rest of the world, and the ability of emerging powers to act as regional leaders and operate as bridge-builders between North and South. Upon successful completion of the module students will able to make better decisions to take advantage of the market and value chain opportunities in each of the BRICS countries. Students will also gain an understanding of and take advantage of the differences in management practices in each of the countries. Management Accounting and Controlling in an International Context (6 ECTS) Accounting changes organisations and alters our social, economic and physical environment. Whether or not we engage in producing and /or reading accounting information, it affects what we can and cannot do. Corporate decisions regarding new product developments, pricing strategy etc. are generally affected by accounting information. The way in which a manager acts is often associated with how he or she reacts to accounting data. At times, accounting motivates certain types of behaviour and discourages others. In most organisations decisions, actions and human behaviour find direct links with the mature, use and focus of accounting information. Upon successful completion of this Management Accounting and Controlling module students will have an understanding of the preparation and use of management and cost accounting, allowing them to differentiate management, financial and cost accounting. Subsequently, students would have acquired the ability to independently solve simple to complex management accounting problems as well as the ability to apply acquired knowledge in an accounting setting. Cross-cultural Consumer Behaviour (6 ECTS) We are consumers. We buy, use, consume and get rid of goods and services every day. Being a consumer is such a natural act that we are sometimes unaware of its significance and how it shapes our everyday lives. The Cross-culture Consumer Behaviour module takes a psychological approach to consumer behaviour and deals with crucial issues such as why consumers buy what they buy and how they respond to outside influences such as peers and advertising. Lifestyle and brand communities will be analysed in depth. To offer a clear perspective of crosscultural consumer behaviour, students will have an opportunity to participate in an excursion to BaselWorld (The world s biggest exhibition 33

19 for the watch and jewellery industry, where all players of the industry showcase their creations and innovations). On successful completion of this module students will be able to critically evaluate key constructs and theories in consumer behaviour from a cross cultural landscape and will also be able to apply cross cultural marketing strategies. Marketing and Strategy in a Globalising World (6 ECTS) This module in Marketing and Strategy in a Globalising World is taught in cooperation and with the consent of Professor Panjak Ghemawat from the Harvard Business School (HBS) and currently IESE (Spain), and is based on material from him. In addition, concepts and cases developed by two other HBS professors, Michael Porter and Christopher Bartlett, will be discussed. Businesses are frequently advised to charge across borders as if the whole world were one flat seamless marketplace. But the world is not so flat after all, and, following Ghemawat s terminology, the world is and will be for quite some time in a state of what he calls semi globalization. This module focuses on the strategic issues that arise when firms operate across national borders. The course develops a coherent way of evaluating and optimizing companies cross-border activities with the help of mainly Ghemawats book, Bartlett and Porter s 2014 publications and over 10 case studies by the same authors exemplifying strategic marketing and strategy choices and outcomes. Disruptive Change and Enterprise Transformation (6 ECTS) An organisation continually has to adapt to changes in its competitive environment, especially in its markets. Organisations can be evaluated by their maturity stage of building organisational change capabilities. Having reached an advanced stage of maturity, enterprises dispose of individuals and teams at all levels who are prepared and empowered to deal with forthcoming challenges. They are open enough to strive for new and innovative answers to newly posed problems. Addressing sustaining or disruptive innovation and creating the company s new capabilities, managers need to create a new organisational space within which the necessary steps can be developed. Examples from different industries will be discussed in depth and practical applications shall be analysed and developed, primarily by the use of cases. Upon successful completion of this Disruptive Change and Enterprise Transformation module, students will be capable of creating new frames in which new and innovative processes of organisational change and transformation can be developed. Leading People in Changing Environments (6 ECTS) A competent leader must be able to develop and maintain personal relations in constantly changing environments. The emphasis is on understanding leadership as the ability to manage tasks and support people, individually and collectively, while showing the way through uncertainty. In this module students will critically review theories and models as well as techniques appropriate for the context of strategic leadership. They will learn to design work environments and tasks and to successfully apply the notion of leading people in changing environments. Upon successful completion of the Leading People in Changing Environments module students will be able to demonstrate a differentiated understanding of how perceptions of effective leadership vary across diverse contexts for people s responses to change. They will also be able to critically appreciate core concepts connecting current and traditional thinking and practice in respect of international management and the leadership of people in response to diverse stakeholder expectations. Negotiating International Strategic Alliances (6 ECTS) The ability to negotiate effectively is one of the most vital skills for a successful manager or entrepreneur. Strategic alliances are of fundamental importance for international business today, becoming an essential driver of superior growth. Alliances range in scope from an informal business relationship based on simple contract to a joint venture agreement. With the successful completion of the Negotiating International Strategic Alliances module students will gain the necessary knowledge to identify the benefits of allying with potential strategic partners and how to anticipate and negotiate over key elements and reach a beneficial cooperation through the analysis of existing strategic alliances. Headhunting - Talent Acquisition and Development (6 ECTS) Business success is achieved through the acquisition of talent. Top talent is sourced from all regions and, in addition to the job related skills; head-hunters must build on elements of globalization, sensitivity, diversity and mobility. 34 Hochschule für Wirtschaft 35

20 This module allows students to look in detail at the process for global talent acquisition from the perspective of the hiring company as well as the potential employee, support people, individually and collectively, while showing the way through uncertainty. Successful completion of the module will allow the students to understand the relationship between the client and service provider, comprehend specific job profiles, have a basic understanding of the interview process from both the interviewer and interviewee perspective. Business Analytics for Research (6 ECTS) Applied Statistics or Business Analytics have become an indispensable tool for businesses and corporations in terms of successful operational and strategic decision making. Applied Statistics are also widely used in business research. The module aims to provide students the necessary training to set up and carry out a cutting-edge quantitative research design. They learn how to make use of a number of statistical tools in order to collect, analyse and interpret data. Students will acquire a full grasp not only of the different types of data, but also of the possibilities and limitations of the various statistical tools. They will also be taught survey research methods, including questionnaire design, survey operation, data preparation and estimation. In order to analyse and profit from the masses of data, today s businesses create important methods of business analytics. In particular, parametric and non-parametric tests, analysis of variance and multiple linear regression will be addressed. Students will be familiarised with open source statistical software R. Students will be exposed to all aspects including the design of a study, data acquisition, first exploration and the data analysis. Moreover, students will be familiarised with appropriate statistical methods and relevant data in order to address management issues allowing them to draw valid and relevant conclusions. Finance and Financial Risk Management for International Firms (6 ECTS) Globalization of financial markets implies the convergence of risk premiums between national markets, sectors, and other market segments. The trend towards international investments is a natural consequence of the overall globalization of the economies and the international financial system. However, the question remains: How exactly are portfolio diversification strategies affected by the general trend towards globalization? 36 Hochschule für Wirtschaft 37

21 This module covers how risk is actively managed through hedging and insurance using financial derivatives. It also gives a thorough introduction to core principles of finance with relevance for investment management, banking, corporate finance, and capital budgeting. Upon successful completion students will have a knowledge of finance fundamentals, understand risk and diversification concepts, as well as being capable of evaluating financial instruments, investments and projects. International and Global Health Management (6 ECTS) Health has become a global concern, not only in the last few decades. Whereas the main focus on health has been the individual, it is quite important to strengthen approaches to look at health systems, serving the populations health. With the challenges of new emerging diseases and at the same time the aging of societies and the increase of chronic diseases, countries around the globe face shortcomings in an effective and efficient management of resources dedicated to health issues. This module will introduce a systems view on health, always taking into account the local specificities and will show communalities and differences of health systems. The main focus will be on the interaction of the main building blocks of health systems, and the needs for a better management of resources to achieve equity in health care delivery and health status of populations. Students will learn, through the successful completion of the module, how to plan effective and efficient health management information systems, evaluate different tools for priority setting and resource allocation in health and assess the pros and cons of different strategies for health care financing. Students will also have the ability to identify core concepts of health and well-being and analyse managerial strategies for achieving equity in health worldwide. 38 Hochschule für Wirtschaft 39

22 Study Tours The Global Mindset Brasil ao vivo and South Africa Live One of the critical steps in developing a global mindset is familiarity and comfort with non-home country settings. Understanding other countries economic, social, political and cultural systems and imprints is key. The Brasil ao vivo Project and the South Africa Live Project will open up opportunities for our students to see the world through the eyes of others. This is what a truly global mindset is all about. Through a combination of a pre-departure session, company visits, group interviews with managers, cultural activities and an analytical paper at the end, the students will be exposed to and will have to reflect upon the realities of huge emerging economies. The international immersion experiences in both Brazil and South Africa provide unique insights into a fascinating world marked by diversity. The tours aim at providing a connection between concepts and models learned in the classroom and the real world abroad. Students participating in one or in both of these study tours will be awarded ECTS credit points. 40 Hochschule für Wirtschaft 41

23 Application and Contact Information and Registration University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW School of Business Registration MSc Programmes Riggenbachstrasse Olten Switzerland T +41 (0) F [email protected] Websites Apply online fhnw.ch/business/msc-im 42 School of Business FHNW 43

24 Testimonials The lecturers of this programme are distinguished in their fields and have considerable expertise. The programme was well structured and related theory to practice. Furthermore, the modest class sizes enabled a very intimate and all the more intensive learning experience. My study experience was further enriched by engaging with other students coming from all around the world. It was a truly unique experience in and outside of the classroom. Andrew Mpeqa - South Africa Students from all around the world make the International Management programme at FHNW unique. Learning from and about the different cultural backgrounds is fascinating. The study trips to Brazil and South Africa are absolutely worth joining, they further enrich the study programme. Marilen Alison Dürr - Switzerland Practice oriented lectures working with people from all over the world is not only challenging but also extremely valuable and good preparation for the real world. Andrea Haupt - Switzerland M.Sc. IM is a great chance to learn and grow, the range and quality of available modules as well as the excellent teaching body makes the program an exciting and valuable experience; the practice oriented nature of this master allowed us to work in diverse groups formed of international students with different backgrounds and cultures, this interaction enriched our knowledge and helped us gain a lot of real life experiences. Christine Jacob - Egypt University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, School of Business Concept and design: canarini communications gmbh, Basel Photography: Alex Kaeslin, 4104 Oberwil Print: Dietschi AG, Olten June The information in this brochure is subject to change Every discussion gets a colourful touch when people with different nationalities are involved. All of a sudden you begin to understand point of views that you would never have thought of. The MSc International Management programme will definitively broaden your horizon. Adrian Schwaller - Switzerland 44 School of Business FHNW AS