Programme
“When deciding on an MBA programme, consider the opportunity to gain global business experience,” said Michael Langley, Associate Director, MBA Admissions & Corporate Outreach at the Eller College of Management, University of Arizona.
Business schools throughout the world are now offering global MBA programmes. So what exactly is this MBA and how is it different from other MBA types? Read on to find out.
What is a global MBA?
“While there is no single factor that defines an MBA programme as ‘global’, there are some characteristics to consider in evaluating the global nature of a school,” says Peter Zemsky, Deputy Dean of Degree Programmes and Curriculum at INSEAD. On the other hand, Michael Lu, spokesperson for Hult International Business School, says, “the term ‘global’ has been overused in business school marketing literature, but a truly global MBA needs to offer students a good deal of international business experience.”
The syllabus of a global MBA programme has certain similarities with that of a regular MBA, however, the focus is placed on developing an international outlook amongst students. Another important aspect of this programme is the global business experience, which helps students with cultural immersion, understanding of international business challenges, and assessing return on investment (ROI) with regards to a business organisation.
Due to constant globalisation, it is becoming increasingly important for MBA programmes to provide students with an international perspective. A global MBA degree provides students with a taste of new cultures, foreign businesses, and innovative leadership and business strategies.
What is the importance of a global MBA?
There are several factors that play a vital role in building the importance of a global MBA degree. Take a look at some of these factors below:
Global MBA syllabus
The syllabus for this type of MBA degree includes wide-ranging management topics that are studied from a global viewpoint. The focus of this programme is to equip students with skills and knowledge that will benefit them in their global careers. Fundamental management principles and techniques are taught from an international perspective to help students understand concepts and issues from a global point of view. Take a look at some examples of topics approached in global MBA syllabi:
These MBA courses also offer a variety of specialisations such as digital marketing, international business development, global finance, innovation management, global management consulting, luxury brand management, and global logistics and supply chain management.
How is a global MBA different from other MBA programmes?
As an international MBA is meant for professionals who have relevant work experience, this course teaches them about business administration from an international perspective. Students will learn how to manage international businesses based on agreed guidelines. These MBA courses also include other management focused modules and content that are taught on a global scale with the focus on decision-making, ethics, data modelling, communications, and digital marketing.
On the other hand, a regular MBA is designed to keep in mind those students who want to have a professional career in organisations that have limited international exposure. This course does not have a global viewpoint, but instead focuses on the fundamentals for a domestic business. Students on these courses will learn skills that will be valuable for them as managers, such as marketing management, strategic planning, and business planning. The course does not place such a heavy emphasis on global business rules and regulations, ethical requirements, and global financial issues and concerns. If students are interested in learning about these subjects, then they should opt for an international MBA course.
Who can pursue a global MBA?
People who are interested in pursuing this degree have to keep certain entry requirements in mind while applying for these programmes, such as:
Career options after earning a global MBA degree
Graduates from these MBA courses get job opportunities in multiple global industries, such as logistics, consultancy, marketing management, finance, and trade regulations. On completion of this degree, students can choose from a variety of MBA careers. Here are some examples:
If you are interested in pursuing a global MBA, you should check out the Grenoble MBA programme, delivered at GISMA by the Grenoble Ecole de Management.
GISMA’S mission is to empower management professionals to respond to the special challenges and stringent demands of today’s highly global business environment. GISMA is based in Hannover and Berlin.