Course Focus
Our International MBA programme in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development is a research as well as a practice-oriented post- graduate programme. The two-year study programme focuses predominantly on economic issues ranging from support for small businesses coping with survival, to promoting innovative, dynamic enterprises that can deal with intelligent decision-making tools and methodologies Special issues addressed are the identification of innovation possibilities inside SMEs and their growth potentials as well as new concepts for promoting SMEs and generating positive multiplier effects on their business environments. Moreover, socio-economic and political considerations such as securing employment and generating income for the majority of the population are also part of the programme. This approach facilitates qualified training for upcoming professionals and staff members from institutions who already hold a degree and have some practical experience in working with/in SMEs. Additionally, the course enables participants to work as multipliers in decision- making positions, provide support to small and medium-sized businesses and promote innovative entrepreneurs. Our MBA is a four-term course that comprises two terms of formal tuition and training at the university (two semesters), the possibility of a practical training/internship in relevant institutions in Germany or elsewhere in Europe, a research project in (preferably) the participant’s home country and a finishing term at the university, which covers the Master’s thesis preparation and its respective colloquiums and follow-ups. The study content (delivered mainly within the first two semesters at the university) is taught in modules. The term module refers to a combination of lessons that are stretched over a certain time and connected by method and content. Modules will be assessed by a written exam, an essay, an oral examination or a project report. During the second semester, students can choose two of the three modules according to their own interests. In doing so, students can emphasise and concentrate on the subjects they prefer. Participating in other courses without taking the respective examinations is always possible. For those students interested in gaining insight into institutions or firms dedicated to the promotion and development of small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe, our curriculum provides for the possibility that internship/practical training in Germany or Europe might be recognised as one of the elective modules. In addition to the courses, a one-week excursion to business promotion and development cooperation institutions in Germany will take place at the beginning of the second semester. Students finish the programme with a Master’s thesis, which is based on an investigation in one of the most relevant topics of SME development. A member of our faculty serves as thesis supervisor and helps to maintain rigor and continuity during the whole process. Every participant will carry out his/her research project in conjunction with an appropriate institution in the selected field in the student’s home country. During this time empirical data collection takes place. Back in Germany for the last semester, the students will evaluate, present and discuss their research results. At the end of this process, they will hand in their Master’s thesis documenting their research results.
Target Group
The Master’s programme targets upcoming professionals and resource persons with practical experience in promoting and/or managing small and medium-sized enterprises. German and foreign graduates with degrees in subjects such as economics, business management, geography, law, politics, administration and related areas can apply.