MBA in International Business Consulting at Offenburg University Study in English, Live in German(y)
Table of Content Note from the Program Director 3 Why choose an MBA in Germany? 4 Why MBA at the Offenburg University? 5 MBA important Facts /Statistics 5 Why International Business Consulting? 7 Course structure and content 8 Learning Method 10 Student Profile 11 Career Opportunities 12 Working in Germany 13 Graduate School & Student Services 14 Tuition Fees and Living Expenses 15 Eligibility & Admission Process 15 2
Note from the Program Director Welcome to the MBA Program International Business Consulting (IBC)! Based on my long career as a consultant and as an academician, I know how important it is to study and learn new skills throughout your life. Therefore in 1998, some of my colleagues and I researched and based on the conclusions, determined that the university should set up an MBA program for business consultants as well as inhouse consultants, especially to tackle the need for globally trained young professionals. Since the results of the research showed an upward trend and need for international consultants, the Offenburg University did not hesitate to launch MBA in International Business Consulting (IBC) program in 1999. internal professors, we employ professors from other German and foreign universities as well as senior consultants, from in-house consulting and renowned consulting firms. This is how the MBA in IBC program integrates a wide range of content and management tools, forming a homogeneous total; highly relevant and carefully considered content with a high orientation towards applicable knowledge. I would like to invite you to learn more about the MBA in IBC program by reading through this especially designed brochure for prospect students. If you are ready to dedicate yourself to this highly competitive MBA program, I look forward to welcoming you to our campus, located in the beautiful Black Forest region. The objective of the MBA in IBC program is to provide the best study environment and teaching methods available to enable the transfer of both established and modern knowledge in an easy and practice-oriented way. The teaching methods are carefully chosen: There is a balance between theoretical input and further development of topics in small groups on one hand, as well as the development of knowledge through completion of assignments, case studies and group discussion on the other hand. It has been seen that no university or business school is able to cover the various topics related to consulting in a professional way via only its own professors. Therefore, we apply the open faculty concept, i.e. in addition to our Prof. Dr. Rainer Fischer MBA Program Director 3
Why choose an MBA in Germany? Choosing the right MBA Program is not easy and is a decision which should only be taken after careful consideration. The most important questions are: Which MBA program is the best fit for me? Which one offers the best value vs. cost? Which one will position me competitively in a global environment? European MBA programs are known for their short duration and international approach. Studying your MBA in a country in which English is not the native language gives you the opportunity to get to know a new culture and language. Furthermore, Germany is the land of engineers, philosophers and innovators. Among being the top economy in Europe, there are many German firms which are present worldwide, including perhaps in your country. Hence, the search for best minds never stops in a developed country such as Germany. My decision of joining the IBC family was 100% the best one I have ever taken in my life. Before going to Germany, I knew almost nothing about the Black Forest. Now, after graduating I consider it my home, and IBC, my door to a multi-cultural, cosmopolitan and modern career. IBC is more than an MBA, it s a cultural experience. Axel Hein, Argentina Herrenknecht places a high importance in recruiting the best minds with an international outlook in order to continue to position Herrenknecht as the leader in the market. Graduates from Offenburg University are highly motivated young professionals with strong expertise in business administration while having an in-depth knowledge and intuition of the industries and markets that we operate in. MBA graduates from Offenburg University work in various business units all around the world for Herrenknecht. About Herrenknecht AG: The Herrenknecht Group has been present in the market for more than 35 years and has achieved sales of 1,051 million Euros in the year 2013. Herrenknecht has almost 4,600 employees around the world and trains more than 200 young people. The Group includes numerous subsidiaries and associated companies in related sectors in Germany and abroad. K. Stiefel, CFO Herrenknecht AG, www.herrenknecht.de 4
Why MBA at the Offenburg University? Study in English Live in German(y) The Offenburg University was founded in 1964 and is one of the most international applied sciences universities in Germany (currently out of a total of about 4500 students, 550 are foreign students originating from 60 different countries). Good location in the heart of Europe: in the Black Forest, close to France and Switzerland. The first international Master program was introduced in 1998 and today the University s Graduate School offers four international accredited Master programs. In 2001 the University received the award of Reform oriented University for implementing a new controlling concept. The MBA program, International Business Consulting (IBC), has been accredited by the FIBAA (Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation) since 2004. The IBC program was ranked 8 out of 103 in a study done by the University of Eberswalde about service and information quality of MBA programs in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In May 2008, Communication and Media Engineering, M.Sc. has been awarded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) as one of the TOP 10 International Master s Degree Courses Made in Germany. The MBA-program was acknowledged by QS TopMBA.com in its 2012/13 and again it its 2013/14 QS Global 200 Business Schools Report in the field of Emerging Regional Business Schools. Furthermore Offenburg University with its MBA-program placed 56 among the Top European Business Schools. MBA Important Facts/Statistics 1 85% of the IBC students are international students 80% of graduates choose to remain in Germany for employment 66% obtain employment within 1 month of graduation 28% obtain employment within 3 months of graduation 10% move on to pursue research/ph.d programs 1 Statistics are taken from an internal survey in June 2013. 5
Göteborg Riga Belfast Edinburgh Kopenhagen Kalingrad Vilnius Minsk Dublin Liverpool Hamburg Warschau Amsterdam Berlin London Brussels Germany Frankfurt Prague Krakau Bratislava Paris Strasbourg Stuttgart Offenburg Munich Vienna Budapest C Madrid Bern Ljubljana The MBA in International Business Consulting (IBC) is a compact program of 15 months. The program is conducted entirely Belgrad Coming to Germany the only Bordeaux thing I aimed at was to get an in English. Sarajevo MBA degree at the University of It is tailored to young professionals who want to prepare for a Offenburg. But I got more than Andorra career either la Vellain in-house or external consulting. just an MBA degree. The people I met in the program, from The program accepts professionals with at least two years of Skopje Rom professors and other faculties experience Barcelona and who have graduated from any disciplines i.e. to fellow students, were Tirana terrific. I feel like I became a part of bachelor degree in business, IT, Engineering or Computer Science to name a few. a big family. Valencia IBC students study in small groups of 15 to 20 students so that Budi Santoso, Indonesia each receives a personal attention and intensive counselling. The first 2 semesters are based in the campus and the 3rd semeter involves writing the master thesis within a company. About 30% of the students are employed by these companies directly upon graduation. Investing in education and knowledge is the best investment for young people. My later return on investment from the German language classes are offered weekly throughout the IBC program has much more program as an elective. value than the original input. All Master students receive special services such as sight-seeing trips, personal tutoring, housing services, application assistance and career counseling. Liyun Xiao, China Sofia Bukarest Athen 6
Why International Business Consulting? Worldwide development of the consulting market *Sources: FEACO 2013, market research 93,8 Mrd. 129,7 Mrd. 140,4 Mrd. 143,8 Mrd. 139,5 Mrd. 133,7 147,6 Mrd. Mrd. 180,7 Mrd. 2000 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2012 2017 The most decisive factor for success in business is the available management know-how which enables an enterprise to meet the wide range of market requirements. The aim of this master program is to transfer the varying aspects of management know-how and knowledge with practical application. Against this background the manager is expected to fulfill new, cooperative and interdisciplinary tasks - he has to act as an initiator and assistant but also as an accelerator for changes within the company. The above-mentioned tasks will be fulfilled by managers who are responsible for the strategic and operative task to restructure the company in cross functional and cross organizational teams (no matter whether as an internal or external consultant). Consultancy companies employ only qualified young graduates with international exposure. Modern managers are expected to integrate and utilize the consultants Tools-of- the-trade in their everyday duties. Responding to this need the Offenburg University offers a full-time MBA program focusing on consulting. The modules prepare you in 15 months for a leading position in international management and consulting. 7
Course structure and content The MBA-Course International Business Consulting (IBC) Compulsory Subjects Term Term Term IBC 1 IBC 2 IBC 3 General Management Consulting (GMC) Module Subject GMC Corporate Finance Corporate Finance 1 3 CP Corporate Finance 2 3 CP M GMC Microeconomics Microeconomics 3 CP GMC Accounting Cost Management A Financial Accounting and Reporting 1 3 CP GMC Advanced Accounting Advanced Accounting 5 CP GMC Strategic and Marketing Strategic and Marketing Management 5 CP Management Turnaround Management 1 3 CP GMC Turnaround Management GMC Integrated Case Study International Economic Law 1 Integrated Case Study 4 CP S T E R Logistics Consulting (LC) Module Subject LC Logistics and Simulation Production and Operations Management T Modeling and Simulation H Supply Chain Management Simulation Cases E Information Technology Consulting (ITC) Module Subject S ITC Business Information Systems Business Information Systems 1 Business Information Systems 2 3 CP I Leadership Management (LM) Module Subject S LM Leadership Management Organisational Behaviour Psychological Aspects of Consulting Managing People in Projects Total amount of compulsory hours 26 CP 26 CP + 8hrs. Elective Courses (minimum from first 2 semesters) 8 CP Total amount of lessons 60 CP 30 CP CP refers to Credit Points. The MBA program corresponds to the 90 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). 8
MBA-IBC elective subjects are offered in order to meet the 90 ECTS. A minimum of 8 Credit Points is required in order to graduate. There are no limitations in terms of participation in the elective courses offered. Elective Subjects Term Term Term IBC 1 IBC 2 IBC 3 Operational Consulting (OC) Module Subject Managing Complexity 1 M OC Operational Managing Complexity 2 Consulting Project Management A International Economic Law 2 Lobbying S Managing the Sales System T Advanced Business Analytics Principles of Pitching E Strategic Consulting (SC) Module Subject R SC Strategic Consulting Change Management Board of Directors Business Development T Management of Consultancies Turnaround Management 2 H Risk Management Financial Accounting and E Reporting II Management of Start-ups Corporate Sustainability S I Benchmarking German (G) S Module Subject German German Language Important hint: Students can choose to participate in all elective subjects offered and choose subjects with best results in order to graduate with better grades. 9
Learning Method The teaching method of the MBA in International Business Consulting (IBC) program is a perfect blend of theoretical input and practical application. The professors and lecturers transfer stateof-the-art knowledge via interactive seminars with the assistance of modern teaching tools. To ensure that the students obtain a holistic knowledge in consultancy field through the internationality of the faculty members, the MBA program management invites foreign lecturers or German professionals who have been actively engaged in consultancy projects abroad. Currently the IBC faculty includes lecturers from the USA, the UK, Finland, France, Switzerland and Mexico. Several IBC lecturers have been working for multinational companies such as Siemens Nixdorf, SAP, Dow Chemicals, Bosch and Daimler. Type of course: Seminar with written examination 30% 10% Seminar with Laboratory (includes presentation) 50% 10% Seminar with projects/assignments (individual or group) Seminar with Oral examination The increasing pace of change in mostly all industries in the 21st century is posing tremendous challenges for leaders. Not only do leaders need a clear vision and sharp analytical skills that help to shape the success in the future, but they also need an almost paradox blend of soft skills, intercultural awareness and humility to keep the workforce engaged and motivated to embrace the uncertainty of change. The IBC program is designed to develop both criteria, the numerical analytical that drives decision taking and the intercultural aspect that drives the implementation. The international background of the students and staff of the faculty underlines that. Frank Roederer Business Director A.Schulman, Germany Subject in IBC: Productions and Operations Management 10
Student profileprofile If you are looking for a real intercultural experience, the MBA in International Business Consulting (IBC) program at the Offenburg University is the right program for you. The students come from all over the world. Every year, one or two new nationalities are being added to the IBC history. Europe South and Central America Southeast Asia Central and Southwest Asia Africa Nationalities of IBC students: 7,6% 8,8% 21,8% 21,7% 25,9% Currently the average age of IBC students is 27 years old with professional experience of 4 years. North America Middle East 4,6% 4,1% 9,6% Professional experience is an important aspect of every MBA program, especially when it comes to group works and class discussions as the students can draw upon the experiences and culture of each other. Age 22-25 Age 26-28 Age 29-32 Age 33 + Age of IBC students: 10,1% 20,1% 29,1% 40,7% 50 Gender of IBC students: Female 51,1% From the beginning of the application phase, I realized the MBA program in International Business Consulting (IBC) at the Offenburg University is very interesting and will provide an Added-Value to my consulting career. Suan Liono, Indonesia Male 48,9% Work experience of IBC students: 2 to < 4 years 37,7% 4 to < 6 years 44,7% 6 years or more 17,6% 11
Career Opportunities Whatever career you will be choosing after graduating from the MBA in International Business Consulting program: You won t be sitting idle on the reserve bench, but you will be involved in action right from the first game on. You can opt for a job in an inhouse consulting as well as for a position in a consultancy firm. Flat hierarchies of the management consultancies firm (three levels of seniority: consultant, project leader, partner) not only ensure a tightly knit and efficient team, but also allow a rapid career development. Graduates from the MBA program in International Business Consulting (IBC) who have chosen a career in consulting would start off as a traditional consultant and go on to assume project responsibilities. They are able to do so thanks to the hands-on and substantial exposure they receive during their MBA studies at Offenburg University. Thus, the MBA program facilitates a smooth transition into the job market. 94% of the MBA graduates find a job within the first three months after graduation. The interdisciplinary of the MBA in IBC curriculum also enables our graduates to work in fields other than consulting. Many of IBC alumni choose to work as senior managers in the field of finance, marketing, controlling or project management. There is also a vast variety of industries in which you will find IBC alumni, e.g. automotive industry, consumer goods, engineering and banking. You may wish to carve your own career path, but our unique and tailored MBA program will equip you with all the necessary tools and skills to better do so. You will be able to make the best out of it and you will be soon playing in the first league. MBA Graduates from Offenburg University have gone on to assume some of the most challenging roles with international companies worldwide. Examples of some of the career roles undertaken by our alumni are: Suan Liono, Indonesian SAP Consultant, Germany Prakash K Chandran, Malaysian Project Manager, Aker Subsea AS, Norway Daniel Ferreira de Matos Manso, Portuguese/German Quality Systems Engineer, Roche Diagnostics International, Rotkreuz, Switzerland Panos Pramangioulis, Greek Supply Chain Excellence Business Analyst, Swarovski, Triesen, Liechtenstein 12
Working in Germany 2 The following is an excerpt from the Germany s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs regarding conditions and requirements in order to work in Germany. 2 For more information, refer to www.bmas.de (only available in German language). The following may work without a priority examination: All graduates (university or technical college graduates) from EU member states and their family members Highly-qualified individuals, in particular specialists and managers with special vocational experience, who are offered a job in Germany where they earn more than 47,600 per year. They immediately receive an unlimited settlement permit, entitling them to take up employment. Their family members may also take up employment without a priority examination. Managers and persons with company-specific knowledge, if they are transferred to Germany within a group of companies, and their family members Foreign graduates of German universities, for employment appropriate to their vocational qualification Working in Germany after completing studies Graduates from third states can remain in Germany for up to 18 months on conclusion of their Specialists residing with exceptional leave to remain may receive a residence permit to exercise studies in order to look for work employment matching (section 16 subsec. 4 of the Residence Act). When they have found a job, a residence permit for the purpose of employment (section 18 of the Residence Act) is required for taking up employment. They will receive this from the immigration authority. The general preconditions under the law on residence must be met. In particular, individuals must provide proof that their livelihood is secure and hold a valid passport. Furthermore, the approval of the Employment Agency must be obtained. their qualification subject to the following preconditions: On conclusion of a certified (three year) vocational training course or of higher education in Germany, or after two years employment in Germany in an occupation which corresponds to the higher education qualification acquired abroad, or after three years employment in Germany in an occupation which is subject to a certified (three-year) vocational training course. What is a priority examination? The priority examination entails the Employment Agency examining whether applicants who have priority are available for a specific job. Those who have priority are Germans, EU citizens, citizens from EEA states, citizens of Switzerland, citizens of new EU member states who have a work permit, and third state nationals with unrestricted access to the German labour market. Information on the priority examination is available from your Employment Agency. 13
Graduate School & Student Services The Graduate School at the Offenburg University coordinates four international Master courses and acts as the point of contact for all queries related to the Master s Degree programs: International Business Consulting (MBA) Communication and Media Engineering (M.Sc.) Energy Conversion and Management (M.Sc.) Process Engineering (M.Sc.) The Graduate School team members make every effort to help students feel at home. The following list shows some of the services that we offer to our Master students: Admission Advisory Services E-mail consulting, when students are still in their home countries, concerning the application and visa procedure, scholarships and academic related questions. Accommodation Our staff will find accommodation for new students in student residences or private housing in Offenburg or Gengenbach. Library It is in both campus location of Offenburg and Gengenbach. In total there are about 80,000 books and 55,000 e- books, bachelor and master theses and movies. Also included are more than 200 newspapers and magazines. Tutoring Prior to arrival, all new students are put in contact with senior students. These senior students provide invaluable assistance during the first few days and weeks in Offenburg / Gengenbach. Events & Excursions The Graduate School and the International Office of the university organize excursions to interesting sights in the area and to places of specific interest all over Europe. During the International Evenings offered each winter semester, students from various countries present their home country and culture to their fellow students, the staff and interested members of the local community. Senior Service The University has established an innovative cooperation with the Association of Senior Citizens of Offenburg. Many retired leading members of industry and also former professors of the university are members of the Senior Service. The senior citizens guide the students in their first weeks, ease the integration into local culture and hence assist to close the intercultural gaps. IT Services 24 hours access to the computer labs, printers, scanners and to the hot spots for wireless LAN. Each student obtains a personalized university e-mail address. Career Advisory Services We provide career advice opportunities to students and assist them to identify their talents and hence achieve their aspirations. Among support provided are interview training and guidance in job and internship search. The Career Center also organizes trips to job fairs in Germany. 14
Tuition Fees and Living Expenses 3 Tuition fees are payable in three instalments at the beginning of each term. The tuition fees and service contribution of 11,132 Euros include all courses, liability insurance as well as most services offered by the Graduate School. Monthly living costs amount to approximately 750 Euros. The IBC Program management gives performance based partial scholarships. In the second term good students (based on the grades of the first term) are granted a partial scholarship, funded by partner companies and by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and cover the approximate living cost of a three months term. If you want to apply for a full scholarship, we recommend checking your eligibility for one of the scholarship programs offered by the DAAD (www.daad.de). On our website, you will find links to other institutions granting scholarships. 3 Please refer to www.mba-ibc.com/adminssions to review the current tuition fees & living cost approximation. Eligibility & Admission Process Eligible are those students who hold a Bachelor degree or equivalent in Business Administration, Commerce or Bachelor of Science/Engineering. Furthermore a good proficiency in English language and a minimum of two years of professional experience are required. Applicants who did not study Business Administration or Commerce will receive a provisional admission and pass an admission test during the first weeks of the MBA program. The IBC program will provide the students with elearning material in order to prepare for this test. There is only one intake in October (winter term) each year. Application deadline is June 30th. Please apply online (mbaibc.com/admissions) and hand in the following documents via post when you are requested to do so. 15
Offenburg University MBA in International Business Consulting Klosterstr. 14, 77723 Gengenbach, Germany +49 (0)7803 9698 4443 +49 (0)7803 9698 4457 ibc@hs-offenburg.de www.mba-ibc.com www.hs-offenburg.de