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Opleiding: Part-time MBA programme

Learning purpose

 

Target audience

The Part-time International MBA Programme is targeted towards (young) executives from various cultural, academic and professional backgrounds, who have the ambition and the potential to work towards a successful management career. Participants must be prepared to spend an appropriate amount of time and energy on preparing for lectures and participating in the sessions. Participants must be communicative, social and fluent in English.

 

Programme

The Part-time MBA Programme covers a period of two years, with classes being held twice a week.

• The introductory module consists of a number of introductory subjects, whose purpose is to refresh or introduce the basic knowledge and skills required to effectively follow the core programme courses.
• The main module treats all functional domains that are necessary for the professional management of a company. Second-year students complete the programme by carrying out a project in their own company or organisation.

 

Introduction Module Year A

 

Fundamentals of Financial Accounting

This course enables participants to critically read and use financial statements and financial reports.  Participants are first introduced to the main principles of financial accounting.  Based on this knowledge they then learn how to use financial statements in various decision-making contexts.

 

Macro- and micro-economics

This course provides participants with fundamental economic concepts and tools needed to understand the operation of markets, firm behaviour and economy-wide business conditions.

 

 

Introduction Module Year B

 

Fundamentals of Business Statistics

To make informed business decisions, managers must be confident and comfortable in their use and interpretation of data.  This course teaches participants statistical tools and methods for data analysis and statistical inference.

 

European Business Law

Law may be seen to impose restrictions on management.  However, it also offers managers a conceptual framework for their activities.  In this course we examine how companies implement strategies and management structures.  We also look at the use of power structures in and the continuity of companies.

 

 

Opening Seminar Year A

 

Industrial and Organisational Psychology

This course has two major objectives.  First, it wants to make the participants familiar with the basic concepts from the I&O Psychology field.  This is done by illustrating 'how' and 'when' participants are being confronted with these concepts in their daily practice.  Second, as this course bridges the gap between the introductory module and the basic module, the course creates a didactical opportunity for the group to get to know one another in a somewhat different way at the beginning of the academic year.

 

 

Opening Seminar Year B

 

Communication and Interaction Skills

The aim of the course is to lay the foundation for interpersonal skills.  Starting from increased self-knowledge (What role I play within a team?), participants learn to discover their strengths and weaknesses and grow to understand and appreciate the role that others can play.  During this seminar we also focus on social skills: communication skills, presentation techniques, discussion techniques, etc.

 

 

Main Module Year A

 

Business Ethics and CSR

Corporations are facing significant changes such as globalization, corporate scandals, conflict of cultures and ideologies opening up new dimensions of risk and challenges for business. This course provides an understanding of some important aspects of the non-market environment in which social and political forces impact on business.

 

Corporate Finance

In this course the major decision-making issues for corporate financial managers are considered, with a focus on value creation.  First, different financial instruments are valued.  Thereafter, financial planning is discussed, linked to capital structure, financing and risk management decisions.  Finally, financial management in an entrepreneurial setting is considered.

 

Human Resources Management 

It is increasingly emphasised that the 'human being' or 'personnel', is one of a company's main assets in getting a competitive advantage.  Human Resources Management examines the techniques, methods and strategies whose purpose is to get the right person in the right place and to keep him or her in the organisation.

 

Management Accounting & Control

During this course participants are introduced to the vital role of cost and management accounting.  The information that management accounting systems produce supports the company's strategic as well as operational needs.

 

Management and Organisation

This course deals with description and prescription of general management and organisation.  What is management?  What do managers do?  What is organisational design?  How useful is an organisational typology?  How does one perform an operational analysis?

 

Negotiation Analysis & Conflict Management 

We are living in a negotiating society.  Hierarchy is becoming unimportant, whereas motivation and communication are becoming increasingly important.  A successful manager is an efficient negotiator.  During this course, techniques will be taught by means of practical examples and exercises.

 

Strategic Management

The course puts emphasis on three skills in particular: participants have to learn to view the enterprise as a whole and to tune its ambitions to the market situation, organisational limitations and financial goals.  Secondly, they have to learn to deal with modified environmental factors.  Finally, they have to acquire the skills that will allow them to mobilise the necessary resources and to inspire commitment.

 

Project Management

Managers increasingly spend time working in projects that are outside their traditional functional domain.  Effective project management therefore requires additional skills and specific approaches.  The planning of these projects are of crucial importance and deserve special attention.

 

 

Main Module Year B

 

Decision Sciences for Business

Sound managerial decision-making requires the ability to understand and interpret (large amounts of) data and to base decisions on the results of data analysis and model-building.  Today's managers therefore need a basic knowledge of the more applicable ideas and methods in the description, analysis and interpretation of data and the model-building capabilities available in management science methodology.

 

Value-Added ICT

Managing and exploiting corporate information is becoming an important mission in today's corporations.  This course introduces participants to contemporary issues in developing and managing business information systems.

 

Innovation Management

Innovation is a major driver of competitive performance.  Innovation management in large, established corporations has been subject to intense scrutiny and has led to a rich set of insights into managerial practices that support the innovation process at the strategic, tactical and operational level in the firm.  In addition, the complementary nature of large, established, often multinational, innovators and small high-technology ventures will be an essential part of the course.

 

Integrated (e)Supply Management

This course teaches the key concepts and connected business practices in the field of supply management.  It covers both conventional, integrated, and 'e' thinking and doing in supply management through interactive class sessions, proven case studies, and a comprehensive textbook that blends theory with practice.

 

Marketing Management

Marketing is a value-creating process.  Marketing is therefore introduced as a concept with a particular emphasis on what it means for a firm to be market driven.  In this course topics such as consumer behaviour, product policy, market research, direct marketing, price management and others are covered.

 

Operations Management

Whether it produces goods or services, every organisation has a primary transformation process that adds value to the input factors.  The focus of this course is on the primary transformation process.  More specifically, the course focuses on the development and management of the operating system and of its parts such as the technical system (e.g. the process), the planning and control system, and the quality management system.

 

 

Integration courses Year A & Year B

 

Entrepreneurship (first-year participants)

During this course cases, guest speakers, and panel discussions highlight the major aspects of entrepreneurship, with a special focus on financing the entrepreneurial business.  Issues that are covered are: why is entrepreneurship important for society as a whole and how is it a legitimate career choice?  How to write a compelling business plan?  How to assess entrepreneurial opportunities?  How to start and grow a company?  How and where to raise enough financing?  How to value an entrepreneurial company? This course is only for first-year participants. Intro to project (first-year participants) First-year participants will learn about the concepts of conducting a project. This course consists of three sessions that will take place at the end of the first year.

 

Management integration (second-year participants)

During this exercise, second-year students have to integrate and apply the concepts from the different management domains in a business game.  It allows students to draw a comparison between generalist and specialised visions.  It differs from other exercises because of its dynamic and competitive nature.

 

 

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for our MBA Programme, either part-time or full-time, applicants should meet three requirements:

 

1. Hold a university degree (*)

The applicant should hold an academic degree (at least 3 years normal study duration, minimum 180 ECTS credits) from an academic institution that is recognised by the relevant authorities of the institution’s home country.

(*) Applicants who hold a 3 or 4-year professional degree, are also eligible provided they have a good GMAT result (min 550 with percentile scores of 50% for both the verbal and quantitative parts) in addition to the other mentioned criteria.

 

2. Have at least three years of working experience

The applicant should have an excellent professional history, with at least three years of business-related experience.

 

3. Pass the admissions process

The applicant should successfully complete the admissions process administered by Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School.

Applicants may apply for admission in one of two equivalent ways:

 

3 A. an on-campus assessment
The on-campus admissions test is administered on several fixed dates during the year. It consists of 4 parts:

 

1. Analytical Test

The analytical test assesses your ability to recognise, understand and apply mathematical and statistical reasoning. The test is designed to assess higher level numerical skills involving deduction, interpretation and evaluation. You do not need to prepare for this test.

 

2. Written Test

The written test assesses your comprehension and writing skills in English. You are requested to write a structured summary of, and comment on, an article that is read aloud on a relevant business concept.

 

3. Knowledge / Management Potential interview

In this interview the jury will assess your oral English language skils as well as your knowledge of current events and the socio-economic environment (e.g. Financial Times, The Economist, CNN, Business Week).

 

4. Motivation interview

The motivation interview probes your motivation to attend the programme, your background, your interest in management sciences, and your insight into your own personal strengths and weaknesses. The jury also assesses your social skills: i.e., the way you express yourself during the interview.

 

3 B. a distance assessment

 To apply through the distance procedure, you must:

 

Take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

The GMAT is a standardised test that is generally used by business schools worldwide to assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced business studies. It measures your verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills. Although we do not observe a strict minimum, admission with a GMAT score below 550 is unlikely (with percentile scores of 50% for both the verbal and quantitative parts). You can register for the test at www.mba.com by selecting your local test centre and the date on which you want to take the test. More details: www.mba.com

 

Take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

The TOEFL measures the ability of non-native speakers of ENglish to use and understand English as it is used in university settings. Exemptions are granted to native English speakers and applicants who have completed their entire undergraduate education in English. We require a TOEFL score of 100 (internetbased), 250 (computer-based), or 600 (paper-based). More details: www.toefl.org As an alternative to the TOEFL, IELTS (minimum band 6), PTE is also accepted. If you require TOEFL ibt 100 then this is the equivalent to PTE Academic 68. More details: www.ielts.org or www.pearsonpte.com

 

How to apply

The on-campus procedure:

Start your application online at: apply.vlerick.com/mba

 

Select the admission test date of your choice:

- Tuesday 22 February 2011, Leuven Campus

- Tuesday 12 April 2011, Ghent Campus

- Wednesday 6 July 2011, Ghent Campus

- Tuesday 23 August 2011, Ghent Campus

 

Complete the application form and submit it at least three weeks before your chosen date.

 

The distance procedure:

Start your application online at apply.vlerick.com/mba

Complete the application form and upload all required documents. Submit before 30 June 2011.

 

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"The Part-time MBA programme in Ghent was the most practical for me for several reasons: it was close to my workplace, and I could integrate the MBA course work into my normal working hours, which gave me some free time on the weekends as well as the chance to travel to the Middle East on business ( as they do business on Saturday and Sunday)."

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"I made the decision to start an MBA at Vlerick at the same time I decided to start my own company. I am a finance and banking specialist, but running a company requires a broader range of skills and knowledge. The Vlerick MBA really helped me by covering all aspects of running a company, both theoretical and practical. On top of that, it's fun. You get to know the views and opinions of talented people in other sectors and industries as well as other cultures.

 

The combination of hard work and social events makes it worthwhile to spend two years at Vlerick. The MBA has had a positive impact on our new company as well. Due to my graduation project we made the decision to establish a new business line in a different entity which will support our future growth."

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My reason for taking an MBA was the drive to increase my general knowledge of business and management. I loved learning about the business domains I never get in touch with during my day-to-day job. A key element of the Vlerick MBA is sharing knowledge and expertise with fellow students during group activities and classroom sessions. I met participants with completely different backgrounds who challenged and encouraged me to look at a business case from different angles. This broadened my business perspective significantly. Theoretical knowledge is put into practice via challenging business cases based on real-life situations. The MBA also enabled me to apply the lessons learned in my company. One more important point: Vlerick offers a broad alumni network and numerous alumni events, which give me the opportunity to stay in close touch with my MBA colleagues and other alumni.

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There is no doubt I’ve been very satisfied with the study trip in New York. I’ve enjoyed the experience and have reevaluated
my opinion of the United States. I’ve lived in California in the past, and I was missing the contact with American society. I took advantage of this study trip to refresh my previous experience − but it turned out to be much more than that. New York is an incredibly alive, idea-rich, source of inspiration global environment. The teachers and lecturers at Fordham University gave us an infusion of new thoughts and ways of doing business. We were spoiled by the Belgian ambassador and delighted by the notes of jazz musicians. Personally, I’ve also deeply enjoyed spending time together with the other students, ‘disclosing’ our lives while
discovering the city.

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New York is truly a wonderful place, a place you must see and experience for yourself. Thanks to the Vlerick study trip, I got this special opportunity.This was my first visit to New York, and I was amazed by the rich diversity and architecture the city has to offer. The Big Apple is alive and buzzing 24 hours a day – which is very different from Luxembourg, where I’m currently living.

Fordham University took great care of us. The lectures and company visits were exciting and opened our eyes to American business culture. The trip also helped all of us strengthen existing bonds and make new bonds with each other.

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An MBA at Vlerick goes way beyond the standard education in management-related issues; my two years at Vlerick have also broadened my managerial skill set and sharpened my analytical problem-solving capabilities. The efficient implementation of real-life cases, teamwork and group discussions encouraged me to apply the knowledge I was gaining in my workplace on almost a daily basis. Last year, a number of Vlerick students participated in the first edition of the ‘Battle of Talents’ competition. This virtual game presents ambitious MBA students from different schools with a continuous challenge to analyse business plans, decide on investments and coach young entrepreneurs in order to improve their projects. I am confident that the cross-disciplinary and practice-based approach of Vlerick was key to my victory in this competition and I sincerely hope that we can keep the title in Vlerick hands in the next editions.

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As an art historian, I have been working in the cultural sector since the beginning of my career. Even in that sector, there are increasingly strident calls to organise productions and organisations as efficiently as possible. Vlerick’s Part-time MBA programme gives me the opportunity to continue extending my professional experience in practice and, at the same time, to observe it from a perspective that is rarely offered in my own environment.

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After my first steps in the pharmaceutical industry, I realised that I lacked a thorough understanding of some fundamental business concepts and mechanisms. The Vlerick MBA has clearly filled this gap, so that now I can step up and engage in new professional opportunities. I have truly enjoyed this intensive experience especially the lively interactions with my fellow participants, who come from a variety of different backgrounds. The study trip to Mumbai was a real ‘eyeopener’ as well. Expert lecturers introduced us to the amazing mixture of history, culture and a rapidly expanding economy. What an unforgettable journey!

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