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MBA programme

MBA studies

The 21 months part-time MBA “General Management” of Düsseldorf Business School is primarily designed for participants who have not graduated with a degree in business, management, or economics. This postgraduate MBA programme offers the possibility to acquire the business and economic qualification needed to open the doors for management and leadership positions. In addition to this 100% English language programme Düsseldorf Business School also offers a MBA programme in German language:

MBA General Management (German language)

Excellent quality

After successfully completing the studies and passing examinations, Heinrich-Heine-University confers the MBA degree. Therefore you can benefit from the quality assurance of a top-level academic institution. The MBA programmes of DBS are accredited by FIBAA.

High flexibility

The English language MBA “General Management” is offerered in a part-time modus so that it can be combined with your professional life. Class sessions are scheduled on Friday evening (6:15 pm – 9:30 pm) and on Saturday (9:00 am – 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm – 4:30 pm).

MBA “General Management” (english) - Objectives of the programme

The general objective of the MBA programme is to optimize economic knowledge, the ability to think and operate within the terms of economics, as well as management skills.

In detail, the following skills will be fostered:

  • to recognize thought patterns underlying economically motivated decisions and behaviour,,
  • to analyse economic problems using the appropriate business instruments and methods,
  • to analyse the complex relationships between the various parts of a firm and between a firm and its environment,
  • to better understand actors and activities on markets in a competitive setting,
  • to lead departments based on business objectives,
  • to manage interfaces between the different departments in a company,
  • to adapt organizations to changing environmental and competitive conditions, particularly with respect to innovation,
  • to communicate efficiently with various specialists,
  • to work on your personality development as a result of further learning and intensive team work,
  • to lead and motivate others.

All the objectives of our programmes are pursued by means of a systematic integration of the theoretical knowledge base with the practical experience of teachers. Reaching the study objectives is supported by working in training groups, analysis of case studies, as well as the preparation of an application-oriented master thesis. A master thesis of an analysis and consulting type will enable participants to develop viable solutions to real problems.

Structure and Schedule

The currriculum is divided into four consecutive sections, and each of these sections consists of two modules, which again constist of two courses. Two elective courses and the Master-Thesis are additional parts of the curriculum: Module Guide.

  • In the first module of this section, students are first provided with a survey of the organizational structure of companies and the processes which take place within this structure. Further on, they are given a general overview of economics in order to gain a basic understanding of a field which has significant influence on business actions. The second module focuses on both the successful controlling of companies as well as the rules and instruments of external and management accounting, which aim to support the controlling process and external groups’ information regarding economic results.
  • The second section provides a deep understanding of the processes creating value in firms. At first participants are introduced to the concept of the “Value Chain.” This perspective is completed by explaining the dynamics of markets and customers. Students learn about customer orientation, competitive advantages, marketing, and service strategies. In the module “Finance,” participants learn how to evaluate capital investments and how to assess financial investments. Moreover, they will be provided with a holistic understanding of the propositions, instruments, and effects of financial management.
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  • In this section, the interfaces of the enterprise with customers, suppliers, and cooperation partners are covered first. To optimize these interfaces as well as for other strategic and operative decisions, knowledge of the primary objective of companies is necessary: the increase of the firm’s value. Participants will be enabled to identify the interaction between firms and their stakeholders on a social, political, or ecological level, and learn why and how firms should act ethically with respect to their corporate environments. In addition, students work out the economic framework for corporate strategies using concepts of modern Industrial Economics.
  • In Module 7 participants are enabled to discuss and formulate competitive strategies. Based on a systematic analysis of markets and resources, participants understand the driving forces of competition from a strategic point of view. They learn how to evaluate strategic options and how to put strategies into action. Module 8 takes an integrative look at functions and processes within the firm. Thus, students learn how all corporate activities and decisions are reflected in financial reporting based on International Reporting Standards. Further, participants are shown the importance of human resources management and organizational behaviour for corporate success.
  • In the later stages of the study participants will be required to choose two elective courses. Each elective course consists of 16 hours in the classroom and is worth one credit-point. Electives are offered in various fields of business and economics: Management Control Systems, Coaching for Leadership, Financial Risk Management, Financial Analysis, Financial Markets, Insolvency and Restructuring, Market Research and Analysis, Project Management, Entrepreneurial Finance.
  • An examination must be successfully passed in each module to receive the respective credit-points. Exams are taken in various forms, e.g. classroom-assignments, homework papers, or oral examinations. In the final stage of your study you will prepare a thesis in which you will apply your acquired knowledge to a problem in the field of your profession: Master Thesis.

 

Application procedure

Those interested in a study programme in one of the MBA programmes should first review the requirements for admission.

If the requirements are met, an application form including proof of an academic degree and a resume/CV must be sent to Düsseldorf Business School GmbH.

The existence of the formal requirements for admission (to examination) will be reviewed, and the application documents will subsequently be forwarded to the Academic Advisory Board.

  • In case of doubt regarding the existence of an academic degree, the relevant examination committee of the Faculty of Business Administration and Economics of Heinrich Heine University makes the final decision on behalf of Düsseldorf Business School.
  • The Academic Advisory Board makes the final decision regarding admission.  The basis of this decision is a selection interview, which is conducted by a member of the Academic Advisory Board with the applicant.  During the interview, the fulfilling of personal requirements for the participant in the course of studies should be determined.
  • The final admission is successful if the majority of the Academic Advisory Board votes for admission.
  • The decision regarding admission of the participant will be disclosed in written form.
  • Apply online.

In order to create a stimulating learning environment, only talented and motivated professionals are selected for the MBA programme.

The formal admission requirements are:

  • University or Higher Professional Education degree,
  • at least two years of relevant work experience,
  • proficiency in English language.

Proficiency in speaking, reading and writing English is essential since the entire programme is conducted in the English language. Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not graduated with a degree from an English language university are advised to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Test (IELTS). Both tests measure the ability of non-native speakers to use and understand the English language in a university setting. For more information, visit www.toefl.org or www.ielts.org.

When it is documented that those formal requirements are fulfilled an individual interview will be scheduled to understand the the applicant´s motivation and to assess her/his capabilities and competencies. The Academic Advisory Board decides on admission to the programme, taking into account the professional and personal abilities of the applicant.

Application document set

 

Applications for the English language MBA “General Management” are processed and evaluated on a rolling basis. We therefore advise you to submit your application as early as possible.

The following files have to be submitted:

  • 01

    Application form
    MBA "General Management“

  • 02

    Transcripts (legally certified copies)

  • 03

    Degree of study (legally certified copies)

  • 04

    Short CV with passport photo

  • 05

    Proof of English language proficiency

  • 06

    Proof of two years of working experience before the begin of studies (contracts, reference letters)

Tax aspects

  • If the studies are not conducted in the predominantly business interest of the employer, but in the interest of the participant, the fees are tax-deductible as income-related expenses from the participant’s income from dependent work.
  • If the studies are conducted in the predominantly business interest of the employer and paid by him, the fees can be deducted as business expenses from the taxable income of the employer.

Calculate your possible tax savings!

Just enter your data from your German “Lohnsteuerbescheinigung” and calculate your possible tax savings.

Total
= 0 €
Tax Rate
= 0 %
Tuition fee + reservation fee
33 950,00 €
Tax savings
= 0,00 €

Note: This is only a rough example calculation. Düsseldorf Business School cannot provide you with tax advice and therefore cannot accept any liability for the figures calculated here!

Feedback of our Alumni

Participants of the MBA programme complement one another by different educational and professional experiences. The classes consist of participants from all over the world. Our alumni attest that achieving the MBA is a significant step towards professional career and personal development.

“As the building blocks of success, the MBA is my personal career initiative.”
Heiko Dörschel MBA (Novero GmbH, Bochum)
“With the help of analytical tools from MBA program, I gained more confidence and knowledge for my future performance.”
Anuza Seidl MBA (Curex GmbH, Düsseldorf)
“The Düsseldorf Business School executive MBA programme is a stand-out for those considering a well accredited and academically rigorous part-time MBA. At the end of the programme you will understand that management can be lived rather than be learned! The experience of being lectured from committed professors surely deserves to be recommended.”
Razi Hamada MBA (Rafaline Networks FZ LCC)
“MBA: Broadened my horizon in key management techniques and economic relationships; in preparation for the next steps in my professional career.”
Jörn Kolodzey MBA (Vodafone Group Services GmbH, Düsseldorf)

Is the MBA a worthwhile investment?
A survey at Düsseldorf Business School (in German language)

Eine Erhebung an der DBS
Gesamtauswertung
Jahrgangsbezogene Auswertung
Auswertung: Absolventen vs Studierende