The MBA curriculum is structured to cover all essential knowledge areas of business administration, augmented by specialized content in IT management and intercultural competence. The program comprises 11 courses (modules) of 40 hours each, delivered over two semesters, plus a Capstone Project (60 hours) that synthesizes learning across disciplines. The course sequence is intentionally designed: the first semester builds a foundation in key business disciplines, while the second semester offers advanced and integrative topics, including strategic management and the new concentration modules.
This design is inspired by the proven structure of the WSB MBA program. For instance, WSB’s Executive MBA (3 semesters, 518 hours) covers a comparable range of subjects, including core modules like Strategic Management, Finance and Accounting, Human Capital Management, as well as electives in areas such as CSR and Intercultural Management. Adapting that framework to two semesters, the International MBA ensures coverage of all key topics in a streamlined format. In line with the WSB MBA structure, the program ensures coverage of core MBA topics (e.g., strategy, finance, marketing, HR, operations). Core Business Disciplines: The program covers fundamental business domains such as strategic management, finance & accounting, marketing, human resource management, and operations. These provide students with a solid grounding in managing organizations, understanding financial information, creating value for customers, and optimizing operations. Each core module emphasizes practical application – for instance, analyzing real financial statements in the accounting module or crafting a marketing plan in the marketing module.
New Concentration Areas: Two modules focus on emergent areas critical to modern managers. IT Management and Digital Transformation addresses the strategic use of technology and information systems in business, reflecting the increasing importance of digital skills for MBA graduates. Intercultural Management concentrates on managing people and projects in a multicultural context, aligning with the program’s aim to produce leaders who are comfortable in international environments. The inclusion of these topics is a direct response to industry demand for digitally savvy managers and culturally fluent leaders; notably, WSB’s own MBA offerings have evolved to incorporate digital transformation and intercultural organization content.
Ethics and Sustainability: Recognizing the growing emphasis on responsible business, the curriculum features a dedicated Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility module. This course ensures that students understand the ethical implications of managerial decisions and the importance of sustainable business practices. It reinforces the program’s commitment to ethical management and ties directly into one of the key intended learning outcomes (ethical and sustainable management).
Integrated Approach: While each module has specific objectives and topics, the program encourages cross-functional thinking. Case studies and projects often span multiple disciplines – for example, a business simulation might require teams to make marketing, finance, and operations decisions concurrently. The faculty coordinate to align content where appropriate (such as using a common case company across courses), so students can see how the different pieces of business management fit together. This approach culminates in the Capstone Project, which requires students to apply knowledge from all modules to a comprehensive business challenge.
Teaching Methods and Materials: All courses employ interactive and experiential learning methods. Students engage with case studies, simulations, group projects, and discussions to apply theory to real-world scenarios. Readings include textbooks, academic articles, and current business news or case reports, all provided in English. To support diverse learning styles, instructors use a mix of lectures, visual presentations, and hands-on exercises. Assessment methods vary by module and may include examinations, individual assignments, team projects, presentations, and participation in discussions. (For example, some modules have a final exam, while others require a major project or case analysis.) The use of English is consistent throughout, ensuring that students practice professional business communication in English as they learn the concepts. Quality assurance is maintained in line with WSB’s academic standards and any international partner requirements.
In practice, the First Semester focuses on foundation-building: courses like Economics, Accounting, Marketing, Operations, Human Resources, and Finance provide core analytical and functional skills. The Second Semester emphasizes application and specialization: courses in Leadership, Strategic Management, IT Management, Intercultural Management, and Business Ethics allow students to synthesize knowledge and address complex, real-world issues, supported by the Capstone Project.
Study Plan by Semester
The following table presents a recommended study plan, showing the distribution of modules across the two semesters of the program. Each module represents 40 contact hours of instruction. The capstone project (60 hours) is carried out primarily in the second semester.
Semester 1 (Fall) |
Hours |
Semester 2 (Spring) |
Hours |
Managerial Economics & Global Business Environment |
40 hours |
Leadership & Change Management |
40 hours |
Financial Accounting & Analysis |
40 hours |
IT Management & Digital Transformation |
40 hours |
Marketing Management |
40 hours |
Intercultural Management |
40 hours |
Operations & Supply Chain Management |
40 hours |
Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility |
40 hours |
Organizational Behavior & HR Management |
40 hours |
Strategic Management |
40 hours |
Corporate Financial Management |
40 hours |
Capstone Project (cross-disciplinary) |
60 hours |
Subtotal Semester 1: 6 modules, foundation |
240 hours |
Subtotal Semester 2: 5 modules + capstone |
260 hours |
Total Program Contact Hours: |
500 hours |
Note: The above sequence is illustrative. Minor adjustments to the order of modules may occur (for instance, some cohorts might take Corporate Financial Management in the second semester rather than the first). However, all listed modules will be completed within the one-year timeframe. The Summer School (Hybrid format only) takes place during the break between Semester 1 and 2 and includes approximately 40+ hours of combined academic and experiential learning activities, which complement the modules but are not counted separately in the contact hours total.