How should a perfect MSc programme in
International Businesses (IB) look like?
Rzaev, Karina
Master of International Business (MSc)
Word Count: 2494 (without references)
P14B44: International Business Environment
Module convenor: Michal Lemanski
5th December 2013
Outline
1. Model of a competitive and sustainable IB masters program
1.1 Short definition and entry requirements of the New- Masters Program-in-International
Business (N-MIB)
1.2 Institution and environment
1.3 Relevant stakeholders
2. Program content, teaching methods and faculty
2.1 Compulsory Modules
2.2 Optional modules, languages and intercultural competency
2.3 Female leadership
2.4 Faculty
2.5 Teaching methods
3. Conclusion
Against the backdrop of the dynamics of competition the education industry is confronted
with globally, in which student demand for accessing education at elite institutions even
surpasses market supply, there is a great potential for institutions to satisfy the huge
enquiry for study programmes (Li et al., 2013, p. 381f.) like the masters programme in
International Business (MIB).
But, despite numerous institutions offering MIBs worldwide, one of prevalent problems is
that there is no unitary standard with respect to its curriculum; for instance, US Business
Schools curricula differ from that of European (Laughton, 2005, p. 57-58). In result,
important stakeholders like students and employers encounter obstacles in distinguishing
among the wide range of offered MIB programs and degrees. However, the inexistent
coherence of MIBs has a positive site too, as it leaves more space for strategic design of
the programme and thus the possibility to stand out. Still, a successful programme must
incorporate diverse factors and strategically reconcile varying interests and expectations of
relevant stakeholders. In the following a potential model of such a masters programme will
be illustrated.
1. Model of a competitive and sustainable IB masters program
1.1 Short definition and entry requirements of the New- Masters
Program-in-International Business (N-MIB)
The N-MIB is a fully accredited 2-year (4 semesters) non-consecutive IB programme of
120 credit points targeted at male and particularly female postgraduates in any field which
is moreover specifically tailored for a Business School (BS) in a big German city like
Munich or Berlin. As English is the language of instruction, the TOEFL IBT of at least 90
or equivalent is prescribed for non-native speakers and conforms with the standard
requirement of the only officially known and directly rivaling BS (Frankfurt School o
Finance and Management (FSFM)) in Germany that offers a non-consecutive M.A. in IB.
The total sum of fees is 26 000 Euro which is 4500 Euro below the sum that the FSFM
requires. The reason for charging fewer fees than the concurrent is to give an incentive for
studying this entirely new programme. Once it is fully established and generates a
satisfactory demand of applicants, the implementing institution of this programme can
gradually raise fees. To give students more flexibility of payment, 6500 Euro at the
beginning of each semester should be paid. For those with payment difficulties, installment
payments and attractive bank loan options should be offered, so that interested students
will not be hindered to apply because of the amounted money of fees.
GMAT is not required and thus is a competitive advantage, as for the FSFM it is
compulsory. So, applicants who didn’t take or don’t want to take the test for several
reasons will rater apply to the N-MIB. Unlike a great number of IB master pogrammes
requiring prior working experience (White & Griffith, 2010, p. 106f.), the N-MIB doesn’t.
Hence, BA graduates don’t have this obstacle, that they directly enroll in this programme
and continue studying without interruptions. These factors extend the scope of potential
applicants who fill the available seats of the programme.
1.2 Institution and environment
The primary reason for offering the MIB programme in a reputable institution in Germany
is that hitherto, expect from the FSFM, no other non-consecutive MIBs (nc-MIB) are
offered in this country. Therefore, unlike in France, Spain or the UK, the potential market
share of non-consecutive nc-MIBs is comparably high and possible profits of
implementing this programme for an institution in Germany relatively prospectus.
Moreover, an important rationale of international students studying abroad programmes
are development factors such as learning a language and/or career development (Schroth &
McCormack, 2000, Fitzsimmons et al., 2013). Both would be given through the N-IBM, as
students would have the possibility to learn German while at the same time obtaining an
Msc in IB, broadening their horizon through living in a foreign country and making first
important business contacts. Additionally, Germany’s geo-strategic location in the middle
of Europe is advantageous, as it holds great potential for short and long-term abroad
programmes and study tours in many European countries. Besides, because of being
located in a big German city like Berlin for instance, the fun factor (ibid.) which is another
major reason for students to study abroad is covered, as many big German cities are
modern, vibrant and offer myriad opportunities to have fun. Another reason for locating
the programme in a city like Berlin or Munich is that reputable institutions are mostly
located there. It is pivotal that the BS that implements the N-MIB is reputable, as the
image of an institution is an underlying factor for foreign students in their choice for an
abroad study programme (Li et al., 2013, p. 383f.). The last point that underpins why the
programme should be set in by an institution in Germany is that the selection of
international students of onshore programmes is significantly influenced by the country’s
