The perceived rapid pace of technological change, in and of itself more icing than cake, perhaps, tends to conceal the fact that basic values and competencies in management and leadership are still needed. Nevertheless, the change is felt in the asphyxiating quantity of often contradictory information disseminated daily and MBAs are feeling the effect.
Gilbert Probst and Sebastian Raisch, co-founder and director of the MBA programme at HEC UNIGE
With course books barely off the press – or out of the programmers machine – updates and critiques are often already found somewhere on the web. It may be “wow,” for the neophiliacs, but for universities and students striving to get a complete education, it can be nerve-wracking. But it has to be dealt with. The University of Geneva (UNIGE) MBA’s mission is to provide working managers with a first class education that equips them to deal with the particular challenges of a globalised world by focusing on all aspects of management.
The programme offers a balance between the academic tradition of the University of Geneva and the entrepreneurial perspective of the business school HEC. The modular curriculum provides in the first year a comprehensive overview of management research and practice covering a wide range of topics, such as finance, accounting, marketing, HR, economics and strategic management. These core modules can be studied in French or English. Many students then select the flagship International Management programme, which provides participants with the specific capabilities and skills required for a higher management position in a multinational company or organisation.
We are the world
The mission is to provide working managers with a first class education
Most of the MBA participants find themselves in a situation where they work in a functional department as part of a larger team, but they ultimately aspire to attain leadership positions with global strategic responsibilities. M. Sebastian Raisch, MBA director since September 2010, speaks of meeting market demand by “bridging the skill gap”.
He envisaged the International Management programme to focus on the acquiring of global skills, general management skills and leadership skills that participants need for their future careers. The tailored modules in this programme provide participants with the necessary tools and skills required to achieve their objective.
Alternatively, participants at the UNIGE MBA can choose one of the many specialisations. The offer in the second year of the MBA cycle has been continually enhanced over the years as demonstrated by the numerous areas of concentration. Some to focus on human resource management or marketing, others choose entrepreneurship or health organisations whilst some build upon the privileged situation of Geneva and select commodity trading or international organisations.
Develop yourself
The UNIGE MBA is the only programme that offers a comprehensive general management programme together with what it calls the Personal Development Programme (PDP). This innovative course is about connecting the gap between skills and ambition; it is an exploration process where company managers coach students on their future career development. Additional interactive courses with experienced-based learning are offered that will help students become aware of their skills and ambitions, to gain a better understanding of the gaps, and to develop their leadership skills. The diversity and high qualification of UNIGE MBA participants combined with the excellence of the professors have earned the University highest grades internationally, so naturally the MBA is also fully accredited by the Association of MBAs. This means that admission to the MBA Programme is highly selective. Accordingly, UNIGE MBA put all its effort in helping its participants to succeed in this challenge, as demonstrated by the continuous success of the 700 alumni since the programme was first launched in 1992.
For further information go to: www.mba.unige.ch, you can also visit the HEC Executive Programs Information Sessions on Thursday 31 March 2011 at 6, 7 and 8 pm, Room M1150, 1st floor.
Article by Rodica Miron
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