Master of Business Administration International degree programme in Brussels www.hubrussel.be/mba Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel Academic Year 2012-2013
CONTENTS Dean s welcome...3 What to expect?...5 Why study Master of Business Administration at HUB?...6 Job perspectives...8 Three majors...10 1 International Business Management...10 2 Business Information Management...12 3 International Relations...14 Your application...17 Brussels: the place to be...21 Services & facilities...22 Meet us...23 Degree programmes at HUB...24 2
Dean s welcome Do you already have a bachelor or a master degree in economics or related field? Do you want to obtain or already have business experience? Do you want to gain knowledge in economics on a specialist level? Are you convinced that studying in an international environment is plus? Then the Master of Business Administration is something for you. In the course of one year, the programme offers you a solid academic training and prepares you for the business world. It has a strong international focus and combines an academic approach with the development of the practical skills employers want worldwide. At Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel (HUB) we have adopted a student-focused educational culture. Our full-fledged student counseling service and the numerous activities in which you can participate (from business seminars to company visits) enable you to develop into a competent and dynamic professional. Our campus is located right in the centre of Brussels the home of a vast number of international companies, organisations and institutions. Needless to say that the city is a multicultural and multilingual melting pot full of surprising contrasts. In short: following the MBA at HUB will not only broaden your knowledge but also your horizon. It is a stepping stone to a successful international career. Greet Raspoet Dean of the Faculty of Economics & Management 3
Launch your career where international business is done 4
What to expect? Companies are increasingly confronted with an ever more complex economy. The market extends far beyond national borders. Today, purchases and sales take place on a global scale. Technology is also evolving faster than ever. Products and services are not only increasingly complex, but they are also becoming obsolete at a faster speed. Consumers want quick and customised service at a fair price. Whether it is for household products, a new MP3 player or financial advice... Whether they are buying in a store or through the Internet These are examples of issues you will address as an MBA student. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a one-year English-medium master degree programme with an international focus. It is designed to provide you with academic knowledge as well as hands-on expertise, enabling you to be successful in international management positions. You opt for a major: International Business Management, Business Information Management or International Relations. International Business Management (IBM) The MBA with a focus on International Business Management invites you to take a helicopter view of a wide range of intensive and specialized courses in all fields of relevance to managers. It helps you acquire the hands-on skills you need to pursue a management career in business. The MBA with a focus on Business Information Management is a mix of ICT strategy, information systems development, information systems management and infrastructure. It covers the development and management of information systems and related technologies in a business context. International Relations (IR) The MBA with a focus on International Relations is embedded in the context of global economics and business life. It analyzes strategies of multinationals theoretically and practically. It covers international management and marketing techniques as well as international socio-economic analysis and monetary economics. You also get an insight into the role of governments in international relations and business. Business Information Management (BIM) 5
Why study Master of Business Administration at HUB? Truly international Going for the MBA at HUB means that you meet students from other cultures and nationalities. You learn to work together with them in teams. The number is impressive: some 80 nationalities are represented in the programme. Entrepreneurial Learning MBA graduates are business economists with a strong entrepreneurial twist. You will learn how to deal with practical problems and you will frequently visit companies. At HUB, we call this approach Entrepreneurial Learning. Maybe you will go on to set up your own company after you graduate Strong reputation in the corporate world Every year we check if the study programme is still in line with the needs of the corporate world and we consult managers and specialists for this. Consequently HUB s MBA students are ready for the labour market. Business-oriented We invite international managers and government officials to come and share their experiences with the students in the form of guest lectures. Via company projects and the master thesis you acquire the skills managers need: decision-making, teamwork, dealing with other cultures, time management, communication skills Tsveta Tsonkova (Bulgaria) Working on different projects in small groups was the usual way lecturers made us work together. This helped me become a highly energetic team player with a flexible, pragmatic, and problemsolving attitude a skill highly rated by employers. I would definitely recommend this programme to all who want to acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge of business management. 6
Interdisciplinary The MBA is interdisciplinary. You can address and solve problems of companies often as a team on the basis of information and skills you obtain in various MBA courses. In this way the MBA is a simulation of the real business world. In team you also learn how to make use of the input of people from different cultural backgrounds. In the heart of Europe Learn business where business is done: at HUB you will be studying in the economic heart of Europe. Brussels is where hun dreds of multinational corporations have their head offices and where many important political and economic decisions are made. Your campus is in the middle of this vibrant decision-making centre: a head start for your master thesis and an advantage for launching your career. HUB goes digital available through the internet on campus, in your student room or at home. Your master degree thesis The master thesis is the ultimate proof that you deserve an academic degree. At HUB you can carry out desk research or do a company project. In any case, you address the thesis from the perspectives of different business, economic, and management disciplines. Whether it involves marketing for political parties, the textile industry in the East, the economic impact of the ageing population, you become a real expert thanks to your master degree thesis. Master of Science After having passed the examinations of all courses and having successfully completed the master thesis, you will be granted the degree of Master of Science in Business Administration. HUB s digital learning environment enables you to consult course materials, assignments and electronic messages from professors. The digital learning resources are part of the students intranet, which is Charilaos Andreas Chaidos (Greece) The MBA at HUB offered many assets for my professional career, which I started in parallel at the European Parliament. The MBA encompasses high-level management training. Classes take place in a multicultural environment and deal with real-life cases. Study visits to SMEs and multinational companies are very interesting, offering a glance at theory put to practice. 7
Job perspectives HUB is well-equipped to support you to find a job you like. Students and alumni can consult relevant job vacancies and internships with the help of an HUB online application. You meet potential employers at job fairs and during campus recruitment activities. Thanks to the comprehensive education you enjoyed as an MBA student, you can apply successfully to a wide range of vacancies in a wide range of sectors. What will your job be like? The MBA International Business Management prepares you for management positions in organizations and companies. It is a comprehensive programme and employment opportunities are numerous and diverse. In the first stage of their careers, graduates are mainly employed in financial, administrative, and commercial departments of organizations and companies (e.g. companies in the financial sector and management consultancy firms). In the further stages of their careers, they start to work on middle and higher management levels. Graduates of MBA International Relations very often start to work for international organizations and companies or for local institutes and enterprises that want to go global. The comprehensive education they received helps them find a job in a wide range of sectors (banks, commercial and industrial enterprises ). To perform well in managerial positions in various sectors requires a keen insight into the international economic and political events. Graduates of MBA Business Information Management are needed on the job market because of the continuous growth of ICT services in companies and nonprofit organizations. They become business consultants, business process engineers, project leaders, system analysts, functional analysts, information analysts, system designers/administrators, network and data administrators. They are also involved in sales and marketing of software. 8
Jani Singh (Finland) Marketing Manager at ASUS The international atmosphere and fellow students from all over the world offer a remarkable asset. In class we solved problems and applied theory to practice with the help of professors from various fields of expertise. Taking the MBA at HUB helped me take a further step in my professional career as I joined one of the world s leading IT companies ASUS as a marketing manager just a few months after I graduated. Öze Çıraklı (Cyprus) Owner of Caramel Confectionery The MBA helped me concentrate on the essential things in our family business Caramel Confectionery. I learnt how important it is to combine a long-term strategy and a well-balanced communication plan for our customers. I found out that honesty and being straightforward are crucial in this respect. Daniel Neicu (Romania) - Researcher at HUB After graduating, I worked for KPMG as a consultant, after which I joined HUB as a researcher and enrolled on a PhD track at K.U.Leuven. HUB s MBA programme provided me with the skills needed to succeed in what I would describe as a flexible, international career. Not only was the master s practical approach to business administration instrumental in my job at KPMG Advisory, but also a very good foundation for my new research endeavours. 9
Three majors Based on your personal interests and career planning, you will choose one of three majors: International Business Management, Business Information Management and International Relations. 1 International Business Management The International Business Management (IBM) major is a comprehensive programme since it provides you with an overview of the many different aspects of management of organizations and companies. You want to launch an international business career? You want to work for a company or an organization that operates on an international scale? Then the IBM major is something for you. to education is important and if you are convinced that studying and working in a multicultural team is an asset. On the level of study method and study environment the major will suit you if you believe that a business-oriented, hands-on, critical, and problem-oriented approach Adnan Masood (Belgium) The MBA International Business Management was a tremendous learning experience for me. I learnt a lot from the lectures and seminars as well as from the interaction with my fellow students. I know now how to put knowledge and skills to practice in my own family business. I appreciated the entrepreneurial ambiance at HUB very much! 10
Your study programme Courses 1 Credits STRATEGY & BUSINESS SCIENCES 33 Business process and operations 3 Entrepreneurship: Family businesses 3 Entrepreneurship and policy 3 Entrepreneurship: Stakeholders & governance 3 International management 3 International marketing capita selecta 3 Strategic management: Organizational learning and behaviour 3 Strategic management: Execution and control 3 Strategic management: Advanced managerial economics 3 Advanced corporate finance/corporate social responsibility/decision-making/advanced internal 3 and external control/economic Law: capita selecta² Tax and corporate policy 3 ECONOMICS & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 3 Advanced micro-economics/culture and economies/economics of innovation/ 3 Economics of social security and social insurance/environmental economics/public economics² RESEARCH & METHODS 21 Research proposal master thesis 3 Master thesis 15 Quantitative methods 3 HUMAN BEHAVIOUR, LAW & SOCIETY 3 Economics and ethics 3 TOTAL CREDITS 60 1 The programme is subject to minor changes. 2 The students choose one of these subjects. 11
2 Business Information Management If you consider Business Information Management (BIM) as a major then you must have a strong interest in the general operation of industrial processes and the related information technology they require. After all, a business information manager s job is to lead IT projects and to supervise the use of new IT systems. In the world of ICT everything revolves around three things: the right information, in the right place and with the right people. You require an eye for both the overall picture and specific details. Because computers and networks provide the necessary support, a certain interest in technology comes in handy, but it is not absolutely essential. You do not have to be a computer freak or a technical expert to choose Business Information Management. The focus is not on hardware or technical aspects, but on developing and evaluating information systems. For these issues the industry is looking for competent people who are willing and able to think creatively and logically. You have to be able to find solutions quickly and to explain them clearly to users. Information and communication are the keywords for modern IT specialists. They are not loners behind computer screens, but people with social skills who build bridges between users, managers and technical ICT experts. And this is exactly what HUB will offer you. Seifu Habtemichael (Ethiopia) Having a clear vision of my career aspirations makes it easier for me to define my goals. Completing the MBA Business Information Management at HUB was an important step in this respect. I grasped the knowledge and skills in Information Management and ICT, which I easily transferred to my current job. It is a solid and challenging programme. 12
Your study programme Courses 1 Credits STRATEGY & BUSINESS SCIENCES 33 Advanced corporate finance / Corporate social responsibility / Decision-making / 3 Advanced internal and external control / Economic law: capita selecta² Business intelligence methods 3 Design of a business information system (project) 6 Systems development & -economics 6 ICT governance and operational management 6 ICT strategy & architecture 6 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) & business process modelling 3 ECONOMICS & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 3 Advanced micro-economics / Culture and economies / Economics of innovation / Economics 3 of social security and social insurance / Environmental economics / Public economics² RESEARCH & METHODS 21 Research proposal master thesis 3 Master thesis 15 Quantitative methods 3 HUMAN BEHAVIOUR, LAW & SOCIETY 3 Economics and ethics 3 TOTAL CREDITS 60 1 The programme is subject to minor changes. 2 The students choose one of these subjects. 13
3 International Relations Ever more, the increasing internationalisation of economic life leads to the recruitment of MBA graduates who, in the course of their master programme, gained a broad understanding of international affairs. The MBA International Relations (IR) is embedded in the context of global economics and business life. It analyzes strategies of multinationals practically and embedded in a sound theoretical framework. It covers international management and marketing techniques as well as international socioeconomic analysis and monetary economics. As a student, you get an insight into the role of governments in international relations and business. this environment?) and a political/legal pillar (which political and legal aspects does an international firm have to take into account?). You are passionate about the international dimension of the economic life of companies with international operations and the numerous international institutions? The MBA International Relations warmly welcomes you. Not a single international dimension will be neglected. The programme is built on three pillars: an economic pillar (what is the economic environment in which an international firm operates?), a business pillar (how does an international firm operate in Elena Sokolova (Russia) The MBA International Relations, was a logical choice for me. I wanted to continue my four-year degree in International Economic Relations, and it seemed perfect in terms of the content offered. After completing the programme, I realized that it gave me even more than I expected: very practical knowledge on the subject, multicultural environment, and new methods of learning. 14
Your study programme Courses 1 Credits STRATEGY & BUSINESS SCIENCES 33 International management 3 Advanced corporate finance/corporate social responsibility/decision-making/ 3 Advanced internal and external control/economic law: capita selecta² ECONOMICS & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS 25 Advanced micro-economics/culture and economies/economics of innovation/ 3 Economics of social security and social insurance/environmental economics/public economics² International trade policy 3 International business and strategy 5 International monetary policy 3 Applied European policy 5 Exchange risk management 3 Socio-economic geography 3 RESEARCH & METHODS 21 Research proposal master thesis 3 Master thesis 15 Quantitative methods 3 HUMAN BEHAVIOUR, LAW & SOCIETY 8 Economics and ethics 3 Capita selecta of international and European Law 5 TOTAL CREDITS 60 1 The programme is subject to minor changes. 2 The students choose one of these subjects. 15
Practice as orientation, science as foundation 16
Your application You are eligible to register for the MBA programme directly if you obtained a recognised academic Bachelor degree or Master degree in business administration, economics or management which is considered equivalent by HUB to a related Flemish degree in higher education and you provide evidence of proficiency in the English language. Application deadlines The application deadline for the academic year 2012-2013: 1 May 2012 for citizens who do not hold a valid residence permit and need a visa. The admission letter needed to apply for a visa will only be issued upon the payment of the full tuition fee. This payment is to be transferred to HUB s bank account before 1 June 2012. 15 August 2012 for Belgian nationals and citizens from the European Economic Area and for citizens who hold a valid residence permit in Belgium (valid until 31 October 2012). All necessary documents need to reach us by the application date applicable to you by post addressed to Hogeschool- Universiteit Brussel, Student Administrative Services Centre, Warmoesberg 26, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. Tuition fee The annual tuition fee is set at 578.70 EUR if: you are a citizen of one of the member states of the European Higher Education Area (www.ehea.info) or you have been granted admission or authorization for permanent residence in Belgium or your request for asylum in Belgium has been accepted. In all other cases the annual tuition fee is set at 5400 EUR. Tuition fees are subject to indexation and only cover scheduled learning activities and exams. They are exclusive of study material, travel and living costs, personal insurance, etc. The letter of acceptance to apply for a visa will only be issued upon the payment of the full tuition fee. Full access to HUB services (digital learning environment, course material list, coaching, etc.) will only be granted when your registration has been completed and the complete tuition fee has been paid. 17
Application procedure If you obtained a degree that is awarded by an institute of the Flemish Community in Belgium, you can register online through www.hubrussel.be as of May 2012. If you prefer to register in person, please visit the Student Administrative Services Centre on Campus Brussel during the Open Days and from 13 June until 7 October 2012. You will need to submit the following documents to complete your application file: a copy of your diploma of secondary education a copy of any diploma, transcript of academic records or diploma supplement (if you were registered in higher education before) a copy of your national identity card a recent passport-sized photograph If you obtained a degree awarded by an institute of the French or German Community in Belgium or an international degree, please fill out the online application tool and send the following documents to HUB: a signed application form (see application tool on www.hubrussel.be/english) a certified copy 1 and translation into English (if not available in Dutch, French or German) of your diploma of secondary education a certified copy 1 and translation into English (if not available in Dutch, French or German) of any diploma and transcript of academic records (listing courses, credits, marks) a copy of your national identity card (for Belgian students) or a copy of your international passport including if you already have it a copy of a valid visa and/or valid residence permit (for non- Belgian students) 1 A certified copy is a copy of a filed document that is sworn to be a true copy by the awarding body, a The Hague Apostille or by a Belgian commune. 18
evidence of proficiency in the English language: - IELTS 6.5 or - TOEFL ibt 79 or CBT 213 or PBT 550 or - Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) grade A, B or C or - TOEIC Listening 490 + Reading 455 + Speaking 200 + Writing 200 - SAT Reasoning test Critical Reading 500 + Writing 500 or - ACT English 20 + Reading 20 If you obtained a diploma from a Dutch-or English-taught programme of Secondary and/ or Higher Education which is awarded by an institute of the Flemish Community or the Netherlands, or if you obtained a diploma from an English-taught programme of Secondary and/ or Higher Education from a country of the Inner Circle 2, you will be exempted from the English language test admission requirement. a motivation letter, including study objectives proof of payment of the 63 EUR application fee 3 If your diplomas were awarded by an institution in Belgium or the Netherlands you are exempted from this application fee. 2 recent passport-size photographs 2 Inner Circle (Kachru 1985): United Kingdom, United States of America, New Zealand, Australia, Canada (but not Quebec), Ireland, The Caribbean and South Africa. 3 An application fee of 63 EUR should be transferred to HUB s bank account (see details below) before submitting your application file. Without payment of this fee your application will not be dealt with. The application fee is non-refundable. However, it will be deducted from your tuition fee once you officially register at HUB. Bank: DEXIA, Pachecolaan 44, B-1000 Brussels - IBAN: BE20 7785 9999 3656 - BIC (or SWIFT-code): GKCCBEBB - Reference: Application fee your name academic year Miriam Weber (Austria) During my studies at HUB, I had the chance to participate in the Warsaw Negotiation Round. We were able to put the theory we learnt to practice. From the results of this experience I still benefit. Negotiation is like a game of chess: the one who anticipates best wins. I am very thankful that I had the chance to enter into a competition with top negotiators. 19
With respect to the language admission requirements please note that: HUB institutional codes to be mentioned on the exam paper are TOEFL: 7039 IELTS, TOEFL, CAE and CPE test reports are valid for two years We only accept original test reports (no copies): if you do not have the original test report form, please ask IELTS, TOEFL, CAE, CPE, TOEIC to forward one to HUB Students who have not taken the IELTS or TOEFL test yet but are planning to are recommended to take IELTS Academic or TOEFL ibt. Preparatory year Would you like to take the MBA but feel that you are not entirely ready for it yet? Do you need an English immersion course to increase your chances to succeed in passing the MBA? If so, you may find that English & Economics for Academic Studies is a programme that is worthwhile. English & Economics for Academic Studies is a preparatory programme which aims to increase students chances of attaining the MBA. For more information, please go to: www.hubrussel.be/eefas. Start of the academic year The academic year starts on Monday 24 September 2012. On Friday 21 September 2012, you can take part in the introductory activities on campus. Sun Hanhan (China) I wanted to deepen my knowledge and learn more practical matters. The MBA was a great help in this respect. It provides students with up-to-date theoretical models as well as case studies and simulation games where business skills can be practised. You get an interesting variety of lectures from academics and hands-on experience from business professionals. 20
Brussels: the place to be As a student you will discover a city full of surprising contrasts. Brussels is a place rich in art and architecture, treating you to its local specialities, and its friendly atmosphere. The city has a lot to offer to students: sport facilities, libraries and bookshops, shops, tasteful food and drinks. Rich cultural life Explore the rich cultural life of Brussels. Brussels is not only considered a mecca for performing arts, it also houses more than 75 museums, which exhibit a variety of museum pieces: from modern arts to comics. The city is rich in historic buildings, beautiful parks and cosy town squares, all within walking distance of Campus Brussel. A cosmopolitan population The population of Brussels is truly cosmopolitan. One of the reasons is the presence of many international organizations and companies. 30% of the population in Brussels is of a foreign nationality. 134 languages are spoken within a few square kilometers. Brussels has two official languages, Dutch and French. However, English is rapidly becoming the lingua franca in the city. Cuisine An interesting mix of international cuisines comes with this cosmopolitan population. You can find practically any type of restaurant in Brussels. Do not forget to taste the Belgian cuisine with its crispy French fries, delicious chocolates and authentic Belgian waffles. Brussels and beyond If you would like to explore the rest of Europe during your stay in Brussels, you will be delighted to find cities like London, Paris, Cologne or Amsterdam all within a radius of 300 km. These cities are easily accessible by high-speed trains and cheap plane tickets. Steven Desair (Belgium) Studying in a metropolitan city, as Brussels, is challenging. You do not only meet different cultures, but are offered the possibility to learn and practise various languages. I chose HUB because it offers an international learning environment in an international city! 21
Services & facilities As a new student, you will quickly feel at home at HUB. At the beginning of the academic year you will be invited to take part in the Orientation Days. Besides meeting your programme coordinator and fellow students, you will receive practical information about HUB, its facilities and services and your curriculum. In addition, you will be taken along an exploration of the campus and fun places in Brussels. In this way, you will get acquainted with your peers and HUB staff in a relaxed atmosphere. Housing Finding a place for yourself in an unfamiliar city is not always easy. Not to worry as HUB s social services staff will assist you with advice and support. They give you information on private persons or organisations renting out student rooms. Hungry! Thirsty! Healthy students are often hungry and, most of all, thirsty. But Brussels is not always cheap. Fortunately, all HUB campuses have a cafeteria where you can grab a sandwich or snack at reasonable prices. Campus Brussel has a quality student restaurant offering hot lunches, snacks and salads, and the popular Sofie s Clubke, the place to be to meet your fellow students. other sports events in cooperation with Brussels-based universities and university colleges. The Brussels Student Sports Card gives access to a variety of sports activities and courses. Student associations Would you like to experience real student life? Then join one of our international student organisations: AIESEC or I*ESN. They organize management trainings, international conferences but also sports and cultural activities. Sports Anyone keen to play sports or improve their health and fitness can use the HUB s sports infrastructure on Campus Parnas. In addition, HUB s social services staff organise the HUB Futsal cup and lots of 22
Meet us Open Days An Open Day is the ideal way to get firsthand information. You have a chance to speak to lecturers, students and staff. Visit HUB and get a taste of the atmosphere. Dates Wednesday 14 March 2012 from 13:30 until 16:30 Saturday 28 April 2012 from 9:00 until 13:00 Wednesday 27 June 2012 from 13:30 until 16:30 Saturday 30 June 2012 from 9:00 until 13:00 Saturday 1 September 2012 from 9:00 until 13:00 Saturday 8 September 2012 from 9:00 until 13:00 For more information about the Open Days or other international fairs we attend, please check www.hubrussel.be/meetus. Virtual tour Take a virtual tour and experience HUB and its urban surroundings. From lecture rooms and library to historical locations within walking distance, these 360 photographs will give you a good idea of what life is like at HUB: www.hubrussel.be/virtualtour. Easily accessible Campus Brussel is located in the heart of the city, a five minutes walk from the Brussels-Central railway station, with several metro (underground) connections in the immediate vicinity. Extensive directions can be found at www.hubrussel.be/directions. Any further questions? Contact Mr Maarten Hulselmans Hogeschool-Universiteit Brussel Programme coordinator MBA Warmoesberg 26 1000 Brussels Belgium Phone: 0032 (0)2 210 16 34 mba@hubrussel.be 23