Welcome to the second issue of i-MBA Scope! I’d like to initially thank all contributing managers and academics that made the first issue a firm success and that make the current one at least as interesting and insightful. Warmest thanks also to all readers that shared with us their positive feedback and ideas for how the newsletter can evolve. It finally goes without saying that the enthusiasm and hard work of our administrative staff has been a key factor for i-MBA Scope to materialize. Thank you all!
One of the ideas we received was about devoting some issues to a specific timely business topic. Looking into the profile of current students and alumni, an increasing number are working in the broad ecosystem of healthcare. It is also a topic of highest socio-economic and policy importance, and an area where new technologies are being implemented intensively and at very high velocity. Within the MBA International we thus seek to profile our educational offer to match these developments, and decided to focus the second newsletter on the topic.
The three lead articles provide different but highly complementary insights about the focal topic. Ms. Nelly Katsou, Vice President of the BoD & Managing Director of Pharmathen and member of the i-MBA Business Advisor Council since June 2015, explains the role and importance of the pharmaceutical industry in the economy, highlighting how the sector in general, and Pharmathen in particular has evolved during the financial crisis. She also discusses how the company’s strategic pillars have enabled growth and development even during this difficult period.
The second article delves into the changing landscape of healthcare provision. Dr. Manolis Alexandrakis shares his long experience as a Pharmaceutical Executive, Economist and Healthcare Sector Consultant by explaining and connecting the most recent trends related to integrated and preventive care, as well as presenting data regarding the Greek and international healthcare sector and its prospects as an engine for growth.
Finally, we proudly present two of our MBA International Alumni, Mr. Bozidar Jovicevic, Vice President, Global Head Digital Medicines of Sanofi, and Mr. Vangelis Oikonomou, Region Europe Brand Manager at Novartis Switzerland. In the interview conducted by i-MBA Career Development Manager Ioanna Tranou, Bozidar, who graduated in 2006, talks about developments in the sector and also shares some personal reflections on his MBA studies and career path. In the Career and Alumni Corner, Vangelis, who graduated in 2009, tells his career story and relates back to his MBA years as well.
The newsletter also contains suggested links to healthcare sector related studies and articles, as well as information about recent events. I’d like to draw your attention to the introduction, from the upcoming academic year, of a new elective course in “Strategic Restructuring in the Healthcare and Life Sciences Sector”, which will be delivered by Dr. Manolis Alexandrakis.
Finally, my warmest wishes for a pleasant and relaxing summer to all –Kalo Kalokeri in Greek- and a great welcome to the new classes that will be joining in September – the Full Time and Part Time 20, marking two decades of excellence in Business Education within the Greek public university system!
Asc. Professor Klas-Eric Soderquist, Head of Academic Affairs, MBA International program
