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The MBA Tailored That s YOU To Alexandra Skinner speaks to Christine Clarke at European University s Barcelona campus 42 The European University Mission European University is a group of private business schools with headquarters in Switzerland. It operates campuses located in Switzerland (Geneva and Montreux), Spain (Barcelona) and Germany (Munich). Over the past 40 years, European University has developed a business education process that delivers high-quality teaching, a competitive learning environment and a network of several campuses in different countries. European University also has agreements signed with a variety of universities and colleges worldwide and, in this way, achieves a global campus reach. A principle goal of European University is to internationalise its programmes. This broad network encourages students to participate in inter-campus exchanges in the following countries, among others: Spain, Switzerland, Germany, UK, Austria, Syria, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, China, Russia, Taiwan and Singapore. European University offers the traditional programmes of Bachelor and Master of Business Administration (BBA & MBA), with the choice of specialising in 10 different majors at undergraduate level and 12 at MBA level in a wide range of specialties; for example, Communication and Public Relations, Information Systems Management, Wealth Management and Finance-Banking & Corporate Finance, among others. All programmes share common core management programmes (70-72 per cent common core). The master s programme is also offered online. European University s primary goal is to bring the American education model to Europe by relating classroom theory to professional skills. The courses are taught in English using the case study method and project work to prevent business theory from remaining abstract and incomprehensible. The school s secondary goal is to internationalise its programmes by providing a unique environment. An international perspective is guaranteed by the composition of the faculty and student body. European University s mission is to contribute to the global community by providing comprehensive, in-depth international business education to an inspired, culturally diverse student body, who are prepared to effectively deal with current business issues. Flexibility is Key Each major includes a set of five specialist courses addressing key management issues in the specialty area. The majors complement the 70 per cent core business courses to give a rounded, specialist management experience. Study modes Delivery modes Electives Price Full-time, Part-time or Online MBA? There are many considerations concerning this dilemma, not least of which are time, cost and location. Given the current economic situation, professionals in fulltime employment really should look into non-traditional options; combining work obligations with MBA requirements can be demanding, but it is manageable through part-time and e-learning options. Many institutions, such as European University, specifically offer their MBA course outside of the normal work timetable to facilitate professionals in combining their work and study obligations. The question of online or in-classroom learning is complex, and depends greatly on the professional s best study habits. Some individuals prefer a looser arrangement, and are internally motivated and at ease with technology; others perform better with direct group interaction and a more The MBA is offered as a full-time programme to be completed in one academic year. A part-time option is also available. Students may choose to follow a classroom-based programme or follow an online blended MBA. Students have a wide range of majors that they may follow: International Business Communication & PR International Marketing Global Banking & Finance Leisure & Tourism Entrepreneurship Leadership E-Business Sports Management Human Resources Design Management Reputation Management The cost of the MBA programme is 19,100, including registration fee. European University MBA Overview
Combining work obligations with MBA requirements can be demanding, but it is manageable through part-time and e-learning options. ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE The jet descended toward Zurich through a heavy cloud cover. My thoughts were elsewhere, floating on the different wings of fatigue and pride and no doubt fueled by the quality Bordeaux swishing around the glass in my hand. A new fifty-million-dollar private Airbus was on the last leg of a delivery and I was the sole passenger aboard, tended to by the immaculately presented crew; soft jazz music building to a crescendo as we flared to land. Finding myself as project leader, with full power of attorney and responsibility, to bring together to deadline this complex commercial, legal and financial transaction is a fitting testament to the power of a quality MBA to change the direction of a life and open new opportunities. Perhaps this was a crowning moment for a career that has given me the opportunity to lead the EMEAA team and create a multibillion-dollar business for a major airframe manufacturer in the executive jet sector. In 1995, I chose to undertake the European University Executive MBA, partially because the executive option enabled me to continue my full-time job as an engineering project manager and partially because the other students would also be mature and from different cultural and business backgrounds. The interaction and flow of ideas from the teaching staff and my fellow students opened my eyes to the vast array of business opportunities and functions beyond my own technical discipline. The opportunity to learn about the entire business process was enriching, and to get under the skin of the commercial and financial transactions was fascinating. The rigorous academic structure backed by real-world expertise and the advice of the teaching staff was an unexpected bonus. Was the MBA useful? Absolutely! I gained confidence across a variety of disciplines I would not otherwise have encountered. This in turn enabled me to obtain commercial management positions from which I was able to direct my career into the competitive but highly rewarding executive aviation arena, and how I found myself one stormy night the sole passenger aboard a luxury airliner experiencing life as few ever get the chance. Thanks, European University! Neil Patton, BSc (Hons.), CEng, MBA Independent Consultant for Corporate & Private Aviation, Paris. European University EMBA, Geneva and Montreux graduate, 1997. disciplined timetable. This dilemma also needs to address the question of location; some professionals would need to relocate (with the extra incurred expense) to follow their preferred on-site course. The real driver, taking into account the practical issues mentioned above, should be programme quality, derived from course content, faculty and services. Blended learning is a reality at European University; all programmes have an element of independent learning though computer-based tasks. If we take blended learning to mean a combination of delivery modes, then this is also an option; a student could follow certain courses in the classroom and others online. The Online MBA The European University Online MBA is an alternative option for prospective professionals, transfer students and other individuals who have neither the time nor the ability to be geographically present in our campus locations. However, the programme does not cannibalise on the alternative choice for students who wish to engage in the full campus life and experience. To ensure equivalence, the European University Online MBA programme standardises its academic content with that of the Montreux, Geneva, Munich and Barcelona campuses, so that the programmes and majors offered, course syllabi, and exam timetable run concurrently. A primary objective is to ensure campus-based faculty are also delivering the online programme, and that students are also procuring the same prescribed textbooks and materials. These policies bring closer conformity to a programme already operating in tandem, and also allow for a blended programme experience. While the relationships that are established on campus are not realised in a virtual environment, the European University Online MBA creates a sense of community through continual forum dialogues, enhanced with webinars and visual features, and complemented with an on-campus week for final exams, where networking and industrial visits serve to cement relations in this blended learning programme. 43
ALUMNI PERSPECTIVE Like so many other graduates that have just completed a university education, I was absolutely sure I would never go back to school again when I received my Ph.D. from St Andrews University in 2005. The programme I undertook at the time was highly technical and involved the synthesis of novel fluoro-organic substances; a challenging project that kept me chained to the laboratory bench for the best part of three years. Certainly studying an MBA at European University was far from my mind at that time. Exceptional for an accomplished organic chemist, I started my professional career in the area of technical marketing. Being responsible for the commercial development of a class of novel fluorinating agents targeting the pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals industry, I widely enjoyed my new role. I loved the flexibility and independence of the work schedule; the constant travel and connecting to new customers around the globe; and, last but not least, the success that came along with the project. Over the years, however, pursuing the marketing strategy and growing the business became a less-important objective, as our company established a leading position within a consolidated market environment. Step by step, and perhaps unintentionally, I grew into a much more commercial role, assuming direct responsibility in the product management and eventually sales areas. Once again, I welcomed the challenge of exploring a new world, quite remote from scientific norms and standards that had composed the basis of my work thus far. Certainly it was then when I started looking for options to feed my ever-growing thirst for business-related knowledge and education, even though I had many experienced colleagues at my side supporting me in my new position at the company. The Online MBA programme at European University convinced me it would offer the best option for achieving both my professional and personal objectives. Not only did it provide tremendous flexibility and convenience through online meetings and conferences, held from virtually any location across the globe; but it also offered students the chance to meet international staff and peers personally through pre-scheduled modules across the university s various European campuses. The European University programme offers participants the unique possibility of combining the online programme with on-campus semesters; this is perhaps critical for students who have doubts about the quality of online teaching at large. Although direct contact and time with teaching personnel is certainly less abundant and self-study perhaps plays a more important role in coping with the challenges of the course, contact with peers and the dynamics of team-building seem to be stronger compared to conventional forms of teaching. Perhaps surprisingly, the teaching quality was always at an exceptionally high standard and for me personally, an important factor in staying with the online programme the full three semesters required to complete the European University MBA programme. In retrospect, I am very happy to have chosen European University for this important step in my professional career; not only because of the convenience it provided in combining my studies with a challenging daily workload at my company, but also due to the incredible variety and quality of the course content at any time. Last but not least, I would like to express special thanks to former programme manager, Dr Guillermo De Haro, who managed the programme with exceptional determination and professionalism, and in organizing many inspiring industrial visits and enjoyable on-campus weeks in Barcelona, Geneva and Munich, made this programme a truly international MBA. Dr Martin Schüler European University Online MBA in International Business graduate. Hands-on Teaching European University s faculty is made up primarily of academically qualified, internationally experienced adjunct members, the majority of whom are working in their professional fields, thus ensuring not only a theoretical approach, but hands-on pragmatism and extensive business experience. Real-world is a must, not an option. As faculty members are active professionally, they are abreast of trends and innovations within their specialist area and are able to enrich their courses with up-to-date practical examples and chair discussions effectively. Faculty are also vital for input into curricula and programme issues. 44
We are training our students to face business challenges; it is our duty to be role models. STUDENT PERSPECTIVE In 2013, while working for the World Health Organization in Geneva, I joined the European University s online MBA programme in International Business. I wanted to develop a better knowledge of business processes, improve my leadership skills and further develop my network around the globe. In my work, centered around portfolio and policy management in infectious diseases of poverty research, it is important to master both technical skills and those related to management and finance. Ever since I joined (I am currently in my second term), I have felt the support of my organization, which is important considering I am employed full-time. Before joining, I scanned various offers; I found that taking courses individually did not possess the same value as taking a full degree. Fortunately, the European University offers the OMBA, which is a combination of live distance learning and on-site experience. Some of the most exciting moments of the first term happened during these site visits. We were given the opportunity to visit a state-of-the art facility of a worldwide famous manufacturer and understand first-hand their business model, as well as have discussions with some of their senior managers. We also received some very interesting insights from the head of one of the most prestigious banks in Switzerland. I must say that probably the most enriching encounter I had during the first term was discovering the vast range of expertise and backgrounds my colleagues had, and the chance I had to learn from their experience and stories. Our group brings together students from all the continents literally, other than Antarctica who have worked in different environments (public, private, government, U.N.), which contributes to a pretty broad perspective when we work in teams and interact during webinars. Studying an online degree, scattered around the world, we learn how to work in virtual teams with innovative communication tools, which makes teamwork and learning more effective and efficient. If I was to give advice to someone considering an online degree, it would be to carefully assess their availability because, even though it is an online degree, it requires a great deal of focus, effort and time. The programme thus far has been both rewarding and demanding. Dr Michael Mihut World Health Organization. Portfolio Management Officer, The Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases. Current European University Online MBA Student. The European Campus Network European University is located in key cities throughout Europe: Barcelona, Spain; Geneva and Montreux, Switzerland; and Munich, Germany. Students have the opportunity to seamlessly transfer between campuses at the end of any term to enhance their international experience. They may also consider studying a term at one of EU s partner universities. Alumni feedback indicates that it is, indeed, the international, practical working environment and transfer opportunities which give them a competitive advantage in the workplace. A global perspective is not an option, but an imperative. Value chains tend to be international, competitors are international; a global perspective is a basis for understanding industry and market dynamics. The reasons for a global perspective are numerous, not least the need to understand people and to understand different perspectives, which is why European University ensures an international background in its student body, faculty and staff. Stakeholder ROI Ensuring that we rise to market challenges and continue to meet student demands goes across industries and organisations; to be continually aware of our environment and plan ahead. In practical terms, it means we listen and reflect on input from all stakeholders; our board of advisors, our alumni and students, our faculty members our communities. Constant monitoring of our environment and understanding industry needs are essential and reviewing and updating programme content and delivery styles is vital. We are training our students to face business challenges; it is our duty to be role models. Biography Professor Christine Clarke is Dean of the European University Barcelona campus. 45