BUILD YOUR FUTURE STUDYING AT AALBORG UNIVERSITY MSc International Business Economics MSc International Marketing Consulting Finances Management Globalization Marketing Innovation DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT AALBORG UNIVERSITY
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THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CENTRE: STUDY IN A TRULY INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT! The International Business Centre (IBC) at Aalborg University specializes in teaching and research in international business and international marketing. It has been an integral part of the since 1984. The IBC has been globally active within teaching, research and collaboration with business for nearly 30 years. It aims at training future executives through the internationally recognized Problem-Based Learning model. It contributes to knowledge creation through research and academic dialogue between the Centre and its broader environment. The IBC offers four programmes: the undergraduate level covers a top-up and a full Bachelor s Degree in Economics and Business Administration, while the graduate level consists of the Master s degrees in International Business Economics and in International Marketing. The studies taught are approached from a truly international perspective that characterizes the Centre s entire atmosphere. Students come from about 30 different countries, which creates an international environment where cultures meet and where people learn from each other at an academic and personal level. The composition of the academic staff is as diverse as the student groups, which provides a unique inter-cultural dialogue. Both professors and PhD students are from a range of different countries such as China, Ghana, the USA, Romania, Bulgaria, Denmark and others. The language spoken at the IBC is therefore English. 3
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PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING... A STEP INTO THE REAL WORLD Our mission is to educate independent, competitive and creative problem solvers within International Business and International Marketing. If you become our future Master s student, your studies will be approached through the internationally recognized Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model as a pedagogic foundation. The PBL approach ensures close interaction between theory and practice. You will actively participate in the learning process in order to solve real-world problems. The aim of this practice is to help you identify and deal with real-life international business and marketing issues and problems that contribute to a better understanding of the theories. The skills acquired will give you a competitive advantage in the extremely competetive world of job hunting. Project work will be conducted in groups under academic supervision. Group studies will help you develop learning communities in which you should feel comfortable in developing new ideas. You will also get the chance to enhance your communication skills as well as your abilities to manage group dynamics. This is especially important at the International Business Centre where you will work with classmates from different backgrounds and cultures. As a part of the PBL model, each class has the opportunity to attend study trips and to visit companies that have successfully entered global markets so that you can observe the dynamics of international business. The benefits of the PBL model are in particular reflected in the 3rd semester of the programme, when you can choose to undertake a traineeship. During this 3-6 month period, you will work in a company or an organization contributing to the firm s better performance. Furthermore, this unique opportunity will provide you with work experience by the time you graduate. 5
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A BRIDGE TO YOUR INTERNATIONAL CAREER MSc International Business Economics (IBE) Today s global economy is increasingly influencing firms dealing with international practices. Managers are, therefore, required to think globally and be aware of the relevant political, economic, social and cultural challenges that companies face. Being a specialist in global business studies, the International Business Centre at Aalborg University offers a highly competitive Master s Degree programme in International Business Economics (IBE) uniquely encompassing classic international business economic theories with relevant globalization issues in a practical context. This 2-year programme helps you understand the economic, social and cultural aspects of international business management and prepares you to translate market and companies resource potential into strategies, plans and actions. MSc International Marketing (IM) In today s global economy businesses and people are crossing boarders faster than ever. Marketers are, therefore, required to think globally and be aware of the latest internationalization and marketing trends. Being a specialist in global business studies, the International Business Centre at Aalborg University offers a highly competitive Master s Degree programme in International Marketing (IM) uniquely encompassing classic international business economic theories with new media and marketing trends in a practical context. This 2-year programme helps you understand customer behaviour in an inter-cultural context and prepares you to consider the potential of the internet as a driving technological trend when creating marketing strategies, plans and actions. 7
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ENTRY REQUIREMENTS A Bachelor s Degree in Business Administration (three years) or the equivalent is required. Students with a Bachelor s Degree in other fields plus relevant practical experience may also apply. Students may also qualify for admission to the programme by attending a three semester (1½ years) top-up Bachelor s Degree programme in Business Economics at Aalborg University, if their previous university studies qualify them to do so. Guest/exchange students are expected to have a minimum of three years of study within the field of general business administration and, depending on which semester they apply for, some theoretical knowledge and/or relevant practical experience in international business. Foreign students are required to pass one of the English proficiency tests accepted by Aalborg University. These are IELTS, TOEFL and Cambridge ESOL. The test must be less than two years old, otherwise it will not be accepted as valid. Danish students must have no less than a B-level in English. You do not have to submit an English test if one of the following criteria applies to you: You have completed a Bachelor s degree taught in English in either Australia, the UK, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, USA, New Zealand, South Africa or Canada. You have a Bachelor s Degree in English from a Danish University. 9
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4 SEMESTERS TOWARDS YOUR MASTER S DEGREE The International Business Economics and International Marketing programmes consist of four semesters. During the 1st semester, the International Business Economics (IBE) students are attending classes with the graduate students from the International Marketing (IM) programme because the modules taught provide the basic foundation for understanding the dynamics of the international economy. During the 2nd semester, the IBE and the IM students are divided to attend classes relevant for their studies. During the 3rd semester, the IBE and the IM students have the chance to undertake a traineeship and contribute to the operations of an international company or to continue their studies abroad. The 4th semester is devoted to the IBE and IM students writing their Master s Thesis. 11
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SEMESTER I AND SEMESTER II LECTURES AND PROJECT WORK International Business Economics and International Marketing Module 1a: Globalization and Internationalization of Companies in a Value Chain Perspective 1st semester Module 1b: e-business Module 2: Business Research Methods & Theory of Science and Project Work 2nd semester International Business Economics Module 3a: Inter-cultural Management Leadership and International Human Resource Management Module 3b: Transnational Business Strategies in a Legal and Financial Perspective Module 4: Semester project International Marketing Module 3a: Customer Behavior and Marketing Decisions in an International Perspective Module 3b: Marketing Research Quantitative Methods Module 4: Semester project 13
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SEMESTER III GAIN INTERNATIONAL WORK EXPERIENCE AS PART OF YOUR STUDIES! What makes the studies at the International Business Centre of Aalborg University competitive and exciting is the unique opportunity to undertake a traineeship as an integral part of the Master s Degree studies. It is a semester that the students look forward to. During the 3rd semester, you will have the chance to dive into the world of business and gain actual work experience. This semester will not only give you practical knowledge but will also add to your resume contributing to a more competitive profile. Former students have undertaken their traineeship at companies either in Denmark or in foreign countries such as the USA, China, India, Australia, Argentina, Ghana, the Philippines, Poland, Spain, UK, Italy, Lithuania, Germany and the list just goes on and on. Furthermore, a range of different companies have accepted trainees from Aalborg University and embassies have also been a popular choice with students. It will be your responsibility to find a traineeship, whether it is in Denmark or in another country. However, the university s help will be available all the time. It is of great satisfaction to us to see how many students have actually found their future employers among the host-companies. Although the traineeship does not automatically mean a long-term workplace, there have been many occasions when the student was offered a position at the company. 15
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SEMESTER IV FOCUS ON YOUR MASTER S DEGREE THESIS The objective of the Master s Degree Thesis in International Business Economics (IBE) and International Marketing (IM) is to offer you the opportunity to undertake a comprehensive study of any research issue in international business economics / international marketing of your preference. Your choices may be based on issues to which you have been exposed during the preceding three semesters or other issues of relevance to International Business Economics / International Marketing studies. The Thesis will also offer you the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to select theories that may be considered pertinent to the issues of investigation, critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of these theories and identify the knowledge gaps in the area. This assessment would normally include the meta-theoretical foundations of the chosen theories, in relation to the research problems. You will also be able to demonstrate your ability to justify your choice of research methods and follow this choice consistently in the study. The project may be written on an individual basis or in a group. 17
- MORTEN JEN Msc. Internat I chose borg Univers ty because it an education which opens doors to a range of careers possibilities in marketing sales, export business development etc. I find it positive that the people who are attending the programme a gives me an with differen and I am sur network in m perspective i gives me the national com goals. 18
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS - MORTEN JENSEN, DENMARK Msc. International Marketing I chose the MSc programme in IM at Aalborg University because it is an education which opens doors to a range of careers possibilities in marketing, sales, export, business development, etc. I find it positive that the people who are attending the programme are from all over the world. This gives me an opportunity to work with people with different cultures, which I find interesting and I am sure that I will use this international network in my future career. The International perspective in the study is good, because it gives me the opportunity to work for an international company which is one of my primary goals. - YAN HE, CHINA Msc. International Business Economics The reason why I chose Aalborg University is because of the PBL model and its study process that s totally different than my previous study. During the first year, I had many interesting courses, and also many guest lectures given by professors from other universities, and by entrepreneurs from local companies. In addition, I also visited many companies to gain the business knowledge outside the classes. My study is fruitful and the programme has comprehensively cultivated my capabilities. 19 - Kristina Petrova, Bulgaria Msc. International Business Economics Aalborg University is the place to study at mainly because of its Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. The study programme has managed to cover all the aspects from the diverse economical prospects that I was expecting. The Problem-Based Learning intertwined with many case studies for international companies has fostered my innovative thinking and developed my academic comprehension. Furthermore, the supportive academic staff has also empowered the learning and understanding process.
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OPPORTUNITIES The IBE and IM programmes offer students an opportunity to have clear-cut profiles upon graduation. Having a clear-cut profile strengthens students ability to convince future employers of their skills and competencies. Many of our students have worked towards one of the following profiles: MSc International Business Economics (IBE) International Marketing and Market Analysis Digitalization and Global Sourcing Network Relations and International Value Chain Analysis Leadership, International Human Resource Development jand Intercultural Competence MSc International Marketing (IM) International Market Analysis Digitalization and Global Sourcing Global Advertising and Communication International Supply Chain Management International Relationship Marketing International B2B Marketing International Consumer Behaviour You can pursue careers in: National or international organizations The private sector (large companies, banks and financial institutions or consultancies) International research institutions and universities 21
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THERE IS A GOOD REASON WHY AALBORG UNIVERSITY HAS MORE THAN 17.000 STUDENTS! Many students choose AAU as their place to study because Aalborg University is known for its unique Problem-Based Learning model ( PBL ), which is implemented through group and project work. The PBL model provides students with the possibility to: Work analytically, acquire knowledge and skills at a high professional level Cooperate with the business community and explore authentic issues Link their professional knowledge with concrete application possibilities Develop their teamwork skills and become well prepared for the job market. Students will experience a strong focus on research activities. This is one of the reasons why AAU is ranked 67 th, in the 100 under 50 ranking list. 23
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AALBORG UNIVERSITY LIBRARY IS MORE THAN JUST FINDING BOOKS Aalborg University Library (AUB) is an excellent place to meet with your fellow students and work together. AUB has comfortable chairs, sofas and bean sitting bags, computers and free internet as well as access to thousands of books, periodicals, magazines and databases from the campus or from home. For project work you have mobile whiteboards, colour markers to write and a lot of space to present. The best part of the library is that you can gain access even after closing hours with your student card you don t have to be worried that the library is closing - just enter with your card and you can use the facilities as usual, even borrowing and returning books. AUB is connected to all libraries in Denmark and you can order and collect AUB books at other public libraries, for example at Aalborg Main Library, in the city centre. www.aub.aau.dk 25
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AALBORG IS THE PERFECT SETTING FOR YOUR STUDENT LIFE... Aalborg is a natural hub of cultural and academic activities in the Northern part of Denmark, making it the 4 th largest city in the country. Aalborg has developed into a cultural power base and with AAU at its core, into a student city of international standards. Located near Denmark s stunning west coast, Aalborg is known for its cozy café life, cobblestone streets and a charming harbour front. Aalborg offers a wide range of activities within music, film, theater, art and sports together with a unique nightlife. The students have their own organization, the Student Society which arranges a vast number of various events and parties. The AAU student house is crowded every Wednesday for International Night and at the end of the week, the campus is bustling with life centred around the Friday Café. se 27
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D e p a r tm e n t o f B u s i n e s s a n d Ma n a ge m e n t 29 Welcome to Aalborg!
Birgitte Phone: + E-mail: www.ibc Internat Departm Aalborg Fibigers 9220 Aa Denmar www.bu Student Phone: + E-mail: PROG 30
CONTACT DETAILS PROGRAMME SECRETARIAT Birgitte Krogner Phone: +45 9940 8051 E-mail: bk@business.aau.dk www.ibc.aau.dk International Business Centre Aalborg University Fibigerstræde 10 9220 Aalborg Ø Denmark www.business.aau.dk Student Counselling Phone: +45 9940 2718 E-mail: eba-counseling@business.aau.dk 31
Learning seriously affects your brain www.aau.dk DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT AALBORG UNIVERSITY