there is nothing more practical than a good theory DISTANCE LEARNING Doctoral Programs.Swiss Management Center has grown into one of the field s international leaders, offering truly flexible and comprehensive online MBA and Doctorate programs.. Newsweek, September 4th, 2006
Table of Contents Welcome...03 Swiss Management Center Year 2006 Facts & Figures...04 Selected Corporate Employers Year 2006...05 Student Profiles Year 2006...06 The Online Learning System...07 How does it work?...09 Program Design & Curriculum...11 Doctorate In Business Administration...12 Doctorate In Finance...17 Doctorate Of Diplomacy...22 Admissions Criteria & Tuition fees...27 there is nothing more practical than a good theory 2
Welcome Prof. Kurt Leube Member of the Academic Board and faculty member of SMC FREE Dear Participants, The Doctoral Programs of Swiss Management Center are designed with the high-aiming executive in mind. We are strongly oriented towards the practical application of theoretical insights by combining advanced academic content with hands-on application. Our curricula are clear and concise and deliver comprehensive, challenging and innovative concepts. We continuously update them in order to avoid the somewhat static and distant characteristics of established academia. In this way we strive to equip you with the right tools to meet the global challenges of today and handle social phenomena of an accelerating complex nature. Swiss Management Center has made significant efforts to create the most advanced and most practical- oriented distance learning solution to date. We provide you with flexible delivery methods that allow you to study at your own pace within a pre-defined system and framework. The result is a state-of-the-art, cutting edge online learning system that allows students to be part of the SMC learning experience from anywhere in the world, at any time, and any pace. We are proud and confident when we say, that the SMC online learning solution is becoming the global benchmark in distance education. This catalogue will provide you with detailed information on our program philosophy, methodology and course content and will demonstrate you the innovative features of our distance learning solutions. I invite you to discuss, design, and deploy your career development with us. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 3
Swiss Management Center Year 2006 Facts & Figures Swiss Management Center has become the leading distance learning university in the field of business education in Switzerland. In its Swiss Educational Guide 2006 (September 4th, 2006 edition), Newsweek featured SMC as one of the leading Swiss business programs and one of the international leaders in distance education. SMC Vevey learning center With students from more than 60 countries, we have become a truly global institution, providing executive education aimed at the working professional. Supported by our centers in Europe and Latin America, as well as our partner network in the Middle East and Asia, we have a global reach and assist you in creating locally adapted professional solutions. ACCREDITATIONS European Council of Business Education ECBE is an affiliate of the International Federation for Business Education (IFBE).Other affiliates of IFBE are PRCBE: Pacific Rim Council for Business education, SACBE: South America Council for Business Education, ACBE: African Council for Business Education. MEACBE: Middle East and Asian Council for Business Education and ACBSP: Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (CHEA and US Department of Education accreditation agency). CANDIDACY ACCREDITATION STATUS Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) ACBSP is the one of the leading specialized accreditation associations for business education in the United States, recognized both the US Department of Education and CHEA. ACBSP acknowledges the importance of scholarly research and inquiry and believes that such activities facilitate improved teaching. MEMBERSHIPS Swiss Federation for Adult Learning (SVEB) SVEB is the Swiss national umbrella organization for adult education, It groups about 175 institutions. Its main activities include representing adult education / learning in Swiss educational policies and educational legislation, quality certification and publications. European Association for International Education EAIE is a non-profit organization whose main aim is the stimulation and facilitation of the internationalization of higher education in Europe and around the world, and to meet the professional needs of individuals active in international education. It is made up of more than 1600 international education professionals. Swiss Multimedia Association SwissMedia, The Swiss Multimedia Association, was founded in 1995 by the Swiss government authorities and leading private enterprises with the aim to assemble the competence and know-how in the country in the field of new technologies. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 4
Selected Corporate Employers Year 2006 As a truly global university, SMC's students come from various industries in over 60 different countries, and possess diverse professional backgrounds. Below is a partial list of student employers. 3i Implant/Biomet African Banking Corporation American Express BNP Paribas Delft University of Technology Deloitte & Touche Deutsche Telekom (T-Mobile) Emirates Telecom Corp. Exxon Mobile Finansbank Romania S.A. First National Bank of Namibia Ltd. Ford Foundation General Electric Genesis Pharma SA Government of Rwanda High Commission of Tanzania Holcim Group International Labour Organization King Fahad Medical City King Saud University, College of Engineering KPMG Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts Microsoft Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Canada National Commercial Bank, Saudi Arabia Norwegian People s Aid Novosibirsk Electrovacuum Plant-SOYUZ Oxfam GB Paramount Universal Bank Panalpina Premier Banking Corporation Limited Promotion of the Rule of Law Programme & Improvement Prudential Bank Raiffeisen Bank Romanian Air Traffic Administration SAS Scandinavian Airlines System Texaco Energy Development Toshiba Tyco International Inc. United Nations Development Programme United Nations Volunteers U.S. Social Security Administration Universidad Francisco Marroquin World Conservation Union Zagreb School of Economics & Management there is nothing more practical than a good theory 5
Student Profiles Year 2006 Student Average Work experience...8 years Student Average Age...34 Male/Female Ratio (%)...59/41 Truly International Designed to be internationally acknowledged, the programs of Swiss Management Center s have been developed with an international focus reflected in content and delivery methodology. The result is that today students from 67 different countries choose to be educated by SMC. Student Origin % Africa... 14 Asia... 23 Australia... 3 Latin America... 6 Middle East... 8 Non-EU Europe... 12 North America... 9 EU...25 Enrolment per Program % MBA... 24 MSc. in Finance & Controlling... 18 MSc. in Human Resources Management... 7 DBA... 27 Doctorate of Finance... 19 Doctorate of Diplomacy... 5 Student Background % Pharmaceutical... 8 Telecom... 15 Financial Services... 11 Consulting... 12 IT... 21 Engineering... 19 Other... 14 there is nothing more practical than a good theory 6
The Online Learning System Studies are enhanced by one of the technologically most advanced and content-rich distance learning solutions to date. SMC s Online Learning System is a highly interactive platform, utilizing videos, recorded and live lectures, narrated presentations, e-books, various communication platforms for interaction with the faculty & students, professional networking, and many more features. A one-stop solution Courses are supported through interactive online books, presentations, video lectures, case studies, and research papers. All relevant content is being provided by via SMC s online learning system. Electronic Bestsellers Together with Pearson Education, we have developed customized e-books and supported content from the world s leading authors. The result is an interactive learning experience in a text-rich and graphically enhanced format supported by online exercises, assignments and tests for enhanced comprehension. Online Research Center Our efforts have led to the creation of a comprehensive online research center, which together with its partners provides access to well over 2 million articles, texts, and research papers and to the latest content and news of the New York Times, Time Magazine, and other leading media and their archives. State of the art Curriculum A clear, concise, and contemporary curriculum which pragmatically delivers practical concepts in a challenging intellectual environment. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 7
Renowned Faculty & Extensive Support SMC provides personal attention to each student. The learning system guarantees timely support on both administrative and academic levels.. Our international board of renowned scholars and practitioners serves as an active partner in the design and development of solutions applied in the real world. Students work closely together with their faculty and colleagues. The lecturer s role is that of a facilitator, supporting, following-up, and providing feedback to the student s progress. Films, Interviews and cases Many classes are accompanied by video lectures and interviews with world business leaders from across a wide spectrum of industries. Narrated presentations for an easier understanding have been developed and students take advantage from a large database of cases for the practical application of theory. Live and recorded video lectures Certain courses are supported with live lectures via the Virtual Classroom. In case students miss a class, the lectures are recorded for a later preview. Community Building and Networking The SMC Online Learning System embeds a universe of active communication and networking means, including student and alumni databases, discussion forums, message boards, and profilebased search engines to facilitate the creation of partnerships. Lifelong Partnership We offer career services with ample information on issues and processes of job search. Open position postings from industry partners are being published, as well as student postings of job seekers. Lifelong learning is at your fingertips through updated professional development seminars. Take a virtual tour of our platform by clicking below: there is nothing more practical than a good theory 8
How does it work? Enroll at your convenience Enrollment is ongoing. You can join your program of choice at any time. Flexibility Responding to the increasing pressure for uninterrupted presence at the workplace, our programs provide the flexibility of creating personalized calendars and tasks targeted at the individual s needs. Upon enrolment, you work directly with your professors in each subject and progress in accordance to the pace which you establish. Residence Requirements The program does not require you to come to Swiss Management Center until the very end of your studies. All courses are completed online, as you have access to all your materials through the platform (textbooks, cases, research papers, library, etc). Exams Exams for each of the modules are completed either online or are done as take-home projects, cases, research papers which you send in electronically to the professors. Examination is done on a continuous basis throughout your course, assisting you in your progress and monitoring your results. Grand Exam & Dissertation The Final Grand Exam and the Dissertation require your physical presence. They can be completed in one visit, or in two, in accordance to your desire. The Grand Exam is an oral outcome assessment of your knowledge. It is a discussion on issues related to real business cases, which is aimed to show the skills which you have acquired in the process of studies at SMC. The Dissertation is your written product of the systematic study of a significant problem which follows a coherent methodology, independent research and comprehensive thinking. An appropriate organization and documentation is required, according to SMC s academic standards. Topics for the Dissertation are generally picked by the student and submitted to one professor who agrees to serve as the supervisor. Ongoing progress review and mentorship by the supervisor will ensure the highest quality and relevance of the final work. The Final Grand Exam and the Dissertation will be conducted in front of the Defense Committee. Representatives of the business community may be invited, thereby fostering the spontaneous development of networking opportunities. Defense generally takes place twice a year at the instruction site. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 9
Program Duration The programs provide an utmost level of flexibility and the possibility of creating personal calendars. Typical program completion is 1.5 to 2 years. Students have a 4 years maximum permission for completion of the program. Beyond this limit, you can be subject to special conditions, if granted. The date of commencement of study is considered the first day of logging in the system or 60 days after a registered payment, whichever occurs first. Graduation Requirements In order to be awarded a degree for the program attended, students must obtain a passing grade in all courses, achieve a minimum overall GPA 3.0, pass the Final Grand Exam and successfully defend their Dissertation. Student Financing Solutions The SMC Scholarship Fund provides financing support and facilitates the creation of tailor-made payment plans. There are no hidden costs and charges. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 10
Program Design & Curriculum The Doctoral Programs of Swiss Management Center combine cutting edge curricula required at this level of intellectual environment with innovative and flexible delivery methods. The programs consist of an obligatory Core Courses Stage. Its successful completion leads to the Specialization Courses related to the program of enrollment. Students are required to take all courses in both stages. You subsequently continue with the individual Dissertation Stage, which consists of research and dissertation writing. Upon completion of all subjects and the Dissertation, students are required to pass a Final Grand Exam and defend their Dissertation vis-à-vis the Defense Committee. In the following sections you will be able to explore in detail the content of each program. Please note that subject content will vary from one professor to another. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 11
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS Doctorate in Business Administration there is nothing more practical than a good theory 12
Doctorate In Business Administration The Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) is strongly oriented towards the practical application of theory, rather than on the development of new theoretical concepts. It is a combination of advanced academic content, coupled with advanced business strategies and solutions. The DBA is ideal for business professionals on a high corporate level who wish to acquire an extensive academic and industry related exposure. You will be actively involved in academic research, socio-economic ideas, and business interests. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 13
Doctorate Core Stage Presentation & Communication Skills Builds on the experience and exposure necessary to develop outstanding presentation & communication talents. The module examines the theoretical and practical concepts of public and face-to-face speaking and assists students to create a standing and authority through well applied dialectic. Content consists of methods of oral & written communication, persuasion techniques, managerial dialectic, and facilitation. Management The course examines the nature of complex organization and focuses on the basic theories, principles, concepts, etc. of management and organizations. We attempt to develop rational and systematic techniques of analysis and inquiry; and endeavor to interface theory with practice. We study the components of the organization s internal and external environment, their effect, significance, purpose, and impact on an organization and identify the factors and forces bearing on the leadership styles and the effect of change on the organization. Research Methodology & Design Examines in depth the research process and introduces doctoral candidates to the various aspects of doing scientific research, providing practical advice and insight in the field. Topics covered include hypothesis formulation and theory construction, data collection techniques, ethical issues in research, and research design. This is a very practical course aimed to guide participants through the research work that lies ahead. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 14
Doctorate Specialization Stage Corporate finance and governance This module is an analysis of financial structures and the evaluation of the underlying real assets; global strategic planning and controlling; corporate governance structures; legal matters and global tax structures; international corporate policy formulation; international money and banking. Topics further include capital structure, executive compensation, diversification and restructuring, bankruptcy, venture and private equity. It is a solid framework for critically evaluating the latest findings in the field and the future developments. International Marketing Management The course examines the marketing environment from an international perspective, analyzing the cultural, economic, political, and legal issues that the contemporary professional faces. Topics include globalization; foreign market assessment, selection and analysis; global product policy; global advertising and promotion; channel management and logistics for global marketing; coordination, selection of representatives and establishing of wholly owned operations. Managerial Economics Managerial economics is the application of economic theory to managerial issues. Practitioners often rely on economic analysis when they tackle business issues or make important strategic decisions. Elements of managerial economics can be found in all aspects of business activity, such as production, pricing, financing, management, and strategy. Economics by nature is a very broad and comprehensive topic. This course is condensed and focused in providing a generalistic overview of the latest concepts and applications. The Public Choice The course applies the principles and methods of critical policy analysis and examines theoretical frameworks from a variety of disciplines, such as welfare economics, political science, political economy, and organization theory. We analyze democratic actions and their impact on economic regulations; the meaning of the public interest ; the interdependence of law and economics; constitutional problems; freedom and the law; the economic theory of democracy; copyright and patent problems; political decision making. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 15
Strategic Leadership The module is an in-depth analysis of corporate strategies; net-structuring; strategic decision making, and alliances building; market niches and organizational capabilities; corporate leadership, knowledge management and diversification strategies; implementation and enforcement of organizational changes within small firms and across corporations. We explore further the processes of creativity and innovation work and their applications. The module builds strategic leadership skills of the participants and enhances the understanding of innovation management techniques. We will explore the various fields of research, research applications and implementations to the challenges of innovation. You will further learn to build effective organizational climate and create an organizational strategy map and scorecard. From Strategy to Results... Dissertation Stage The writing of the Dissertation and its oral defense are mandatory parts of our program. The Dissertation is defined as an originally written product of the systematic study of a significant problem which follows a coherent methodology, a scholarly documentation, and indicates comprehensive thinking and independent research. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 16
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS Doctorate in Finance there is nothing more practical than a good theory 17
Doctorate in Finance The Doctorate of Finance is an in-depth study of the strategic financial issues in today's economy and provides a solid base for conducting comprehensive research in the field, and applying it in your professional life. The issues raised typically have both a theoretical, mathematical and business application. The Doctorate of Finance is ideal for individuals with strong financial background and previous financial education who wish to excel in this very dynamic field. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 18
Doctorate Core Stage Presentation & Communication Skills Builds on the experience and exposure necessary to develop outstanding presentation & communication talents. The module examines the theoretical and practical concepts of public and faceto-face speaking and assists students to create a standing and authority through well applied dialectic. Content consists of methods of oral & written communication, persuasion techniques, managerial dialectic, and facilitation. Management The course examines the nature of complex organization and focuses on the basic theories, principles, concepts, etc. of management and organizations. We attempt to develop rational and systematic techniques of analysis and inquiry; and endeavor to interface theory with practice. We study the components of the organization s internal and external environment, their effect, significance, purpose, and impact on an organization and identify the factors and forces bearing on the leadership styles and the effect of change on the organization. Research Methodology & Design Examines in depth the research process and introduces doctoral candidates to the various aspects of doing scientific research, providing practical advice and insight in the field. Topics covered include hypothesis formulation and theory construction, data collection techniques, ethical issues in research, and research design. This is a very practical course aimed to guide participants through the research work that lies ahead. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 19
Doctorate Specialization Stage Commercial & Investment Banking The module discusses competitive advantages that reshape the future direction of the field and a multitude of problems from client and bank perspective. We examine investment banking, trading and investing, making markets and providing brokerage services, raising capital for clients, advising on and executing mergers and acquisitions, and managing third-party assets. The course studies conflicts of interest, the financial institutions, the opportunities, risks, and rewards in banking today, Controlling & Performance Management An in-depth analysis of controlling procedures, the module empowers participants to use controlling to turn data into information for better decision-making. The course presents a problem-solving model, Steps for Better Thinking (SBT), which can be used to analyze and tackle various ethical scenarios. Participants will examine new cost methods, cost control systems and understand the problems and issues related to implementing and maintaining a system of control. Derivative Instruments & Markets A thorough analysis of futures, options and swaps, application of complex trading and hedging strategies, dynamic strategies, exotic options, and implied binomial trees. The module examines the complexity of derivative trading both from a mathematical and strategic point of view. Participants will research markets and their regulations, the different instruments traded and will apply mathematical analysis. The course is an depth study of the different types of over-the-counter exotic options and their applications. Investments, Taxation & Fraud Examination An in-depth analysisof the processes of allegation, document examination, court testimonials, planning investigations, and location of assets and people. The module discusses taxes in relation to the development of an investment strategy, equities, fixed income investments and the risks associated with the credit markets. Further issues studied are international taxation, fraud, and examination, various methods of preventing fraud, investigating crime, and spotting high-risk control. The course aims to lead to the creation of an efficient organizational fraud policy, prevention techniques, and overall investment strategy. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 20
Project Finance The course concentrates on structured financing, examining the aspects of origination, analysis, marketing, primary issuance, and secondary sales/trading of projection financing, non-traditional asset-backed securities, structured corporate credit, contract/operating asset securitization, and lease financing as means of modern risk management. Its aims to raise a thorough understanding of the various debt markets and their categories and introduce the financial tools for financing development, construction and operation of projects and examines the result on overall sovereign and corporate financing capacity. Dissertation Stage The writing of the Dissertation and its oral defense are mandatory parts of our program. The Dissertation is defined as an originally written product of the systematic study of a significant problem which follows a coherent methodology, a scholarly documentation, and indicates comprehensive thinking and independent research. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 21
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS Doctorate of Diplomacy there is nothing more practical than a good theory 22
Doctorate of Diplomacy The Doctorate of Diplomacy is an extensive study of the political and diplomatic trends of today, providing a solid background in the field both academically and professionally. The program consists of political modules that lead to a broad perspective of the international problems of today. The Doctorate of Diplomacy targets individuals who wish to excel in this field of ever increasing importance and who wish to obtain an international perspective on their previous education and experience. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 23
Doctorate Core Stage Presentation & Communication Skills Builds on the experience and exposure necessary to develop outstanding presentation & communication talents. The module examines the theoretical and practical concepts of public and faceto-face speaking and assists students to create a standing and authority through well applied dialectic. Content consists of methods of oral & written communication, persuasion techniques, managerial dialectic, and facilitation. Management The course examines the nature of complex organization and focuses on the basic theories, principles, concepts, etc. of management and organizations. We attempt to develop rational and systematic techniques of analysis and inquiry; and endeavor to interface theory with practice. We study the components of the organization s internal and external environment, their effect, significance, purpose, and impact on an organization and identify the factors and forces bearing on the leadership styles and the effect of change on the organization. Research Methodology & Design Examines in depth the research process and introduces doctoral candidates to the various aspects of doing scientific research, providing practical advice and insight in the field. Topics covered include hypothesis formulation and theory construction, data collection techniques, ethical issues in research, and research design. This is a very practical course aimed to guide participants through the research work that lies ahead. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 24
Doctorate Specialization Stage Advanced Political Economy The module analyzes and explains political economy approaches to development and the deep interaction between the government and the economy. Alternatives that can be sustained in economic, social and ecological terms will be formulated to the dominant neo-liberal structural adjustment program. We discuss the nature of global capital today and its trends in development. It discusses the role of government in the economy, the behavior of the international participants, the structure of political-economic interests, the mediating effects of institutions, the conflict between classes, and the distribution of wealth, inequality and globalization. The Economics of Law and Legislation The course will provide an in-depth understanding and the analytical skills for the assessment of theoretical and analytical issues involved in policy evaluation. It will help identify the major institutions engaged in policy making and the impact of law and legislation on the economy and the social aspects of nations. The course will consist of a discussion and analysis of political actions and their impact on economic regulations; the meaning of public interest ; the interdependence of law and economics; constitutional problems; freedom and the law; the economic theory of democracy; political decision making. Political & Social Theory This module is concerned with the many conceptual interdependencies of cultural evolution, economics, the law, and social-philosophy. Emphasis is put on the leading thinkers, their main ideas, and how their powerful insights led to different legal, political and economic ideals that continue to shape our culture. We further examine the main controversial trains of thought that throughout history mutually influenced the legal framework and the economic actions of men: the labor theory of value and the theory of subjective value. An in-depth discussion of the controversial relationships between the various concepts of justice and freedom and the purpose of law, markets, public and private goods is also offered. there is nothing more practical than a good theory 25