The sets of skills and competencies that the students will develop throughout their studies in the MBA International are summarized by five Program Learning Outcomes that should characterize all students, as Graduate Attributes, upon completion of the Program:
- Possess Analytical Capability. Graduates will be able to break down complex problems into single and manageable components, by gathering relevant information and identifying key issues. They demonstrate ability to compare sets of data from different sources, identify possible cause and effect patterns, identify alternatives and the criteria for assessing them, and draw appropriate aggregated conclusions for optimal decision-making and strategy development.
- Possess International Awareness. Graduates have developed cross-cultural understanding and business acumen through knowledge gained about global economic, social and geopolitical trends, global markets and different cultures. They should be able to recognize and embrace global diversity, and lead and manage organizations in dynamically evolving international environments,
- Demonstrate Reflective and Critical Thinking Skills. Graduates will demonstrate a wide range of cognitive skills applicable in problem-solving, decision-making and human interactions. In combination with enhanced self-awareness, they will be able design and implement plans and programs to address strategic, tactical and operational business challenges and meet organizational and personal goals,
- Cultivate an Entrepreneurial, Visionary and Collaborative Mindset. Graduates should be able to identify opportunities in the marketplace, driven by the interplay between technology and socio-economic systems, and implement innovative solutions to seize these opportunities. Lead and inspire others by setting visionary goals and implement strategies to reach them. Excel as team players by collaboratively assessing and implementing alternatives that increase the probability of a desirable outcome,
- Consider business situations holistically in a changing environment. Graduates shall have the ability to apprehend the integrated nature of how a business operates, adapts and evolves in interaction with its environment and stakeholders. They shall understand a business as a system; how policies, strategy, structure, processes, technology and people co-evolve and interact in order to achieve success that is economically viable, inclusive and environmentally sustainable. They shall act according to the highest ethical standards.
The i-MBA offers a stimulating and exciting learning environment, conducive to the achievement of these program learning outcomes. By mixing pedagogical innovations with well-established training methods we develop an effective learning process through:
Preparatory Courses
Preparatory courses might be offered in Accounting and Finance to students, with little no prior knowledge of these topics at degree level, usually two weeks prior to the start of the academic program. Students are notified of the preparatory courses upon admission.
Experiential Learning and Business Games
Each year an orientation event is conducted before the start of the academic year, where students participate in experiential learning activities. The objective is to introduce students with each other and through a series of activities and games to cultivate skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, planning and organizing. In core courses, e.g., Operations Management, Responsible Business, Marketing Management and in elective course International Negotiations, games and role-playing bring theory closer to real-world situations. Throughout the program, you may also be encouraged to participate in international business games and competitions.
Rich Reading Materials and Case Studies
Wide-ranging and perspective-opening reading material accompanies every course, including electronic learning material and readings, most of which is available to the students through the program’s Moodle Platform. Students also have access to AUEB’s electronic journal databases through the central library website using a VPN or university IP address.
Immersion Project and Integrated Impact Project
Through the Immersion Project (Full Time) and Integrated Impact Project (Part Time), students address timely problems that companies and organizations face, and deliver professional analysis reports and presentations as their final graduation requirement. These projects take place during the last three months of studies in the respective program.
A faculty tutor is assigned to all Immersion and Integrated Impact Projects, which count for the Master’s Graduation Project (Διπλωματική Εργασία).
Personal Skills Development (PSD)
This course runs across several periods and focuses on developing leadership, communication, presentation and group dynamics skills. Such skills are as essential in order to succeed in a contemporary business environment as are technical and managerial skills. The PSD course is not graded on the 0-10 scale but is either Pass or Fail, based on attendance, participation in sessions, and performance in assigned work.
AMBA Accreditation
The MBA International Program of AUEB is officially accredited (both the Full-Time and Part-Time programs) by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) since 2005. The AMBA accreditation is the leading accreditation for MBA programs, which have demonstrated their excellence with respect to education, curriculum, pedagogy, innovation, research, and relations with industry. A limited number of schools in Europe have achieved AMBA accreditation, and, especially in Southern Europe, the number of schools is very limited. The accreditation confirms that the MBA International meets or exceeds the highest international standards; it is a guarantee to the students and graduates of the market value of their educational investment internationally, as well as a guarantee to employers concerning the level of their recruits. In November 2013, moreover, the i-MBA received the AMBA MBA Innovation Award for its e-skills curriculum.
Continuous Improvement
Since 1998, the Program has built an impressive international reputation which is reflected in numerous awards and distinctions. Its continued success relies on the commitment of its faculty, student body, and alumni. All these three constituents of the i-MBA family are expected to contribute, each one in its own way, towards the greatest possible improvement of the Program.
As a student, you are welcome to make any constructive comments, proposals, and suggestions for improvement on any aspect of the program at any moment of your studies (including the curriculum, the course content, the teaching effectiveness, the secretarial support, the infrastructure, etc). In parallel to course evaluations, general program evaluations are also conducted. You are also invited to undertake initiatives to raise the Program’s standards and its visibility.
As an alumnus, once you graduate, you are expected to continue to be involved. Through our Alumni Association, your help will be critical in assisting students in matters of career orientation and prospects, networking, and input to the program leadership concerning market needs and program development.
