International Institute in Geneva

Master of Business Administration (MBA )

Be prepared to become a top manager specialized in business administration, in multinationals, international organizations and governments

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is designed for young professionals interested in pursuing a career in business management. The MBA provides a comprehensive introduction to today’s global business environment: what are the key challenges facing companies? How are businesses successful at an international level? Why are business ethics and social responsibility crucial?

 

Students have the opportunity to pursue a second degree at Boston University master’s degree program in an abbreviated time frame upon successful completion of the (IIG)’s master’s degree. Students will complete no less than 8 required courses to fulfill the requirements of the Boston University master’s degree.

  • Duration
    1 Year
  • Starting
    September November March May
  • Courses
    14 Courses

Key Benefits

  • Learning in a dynamic environment in Switzerland with a multicultural student body and faculty with “real world” experience
  • Providing practical skills to advance personal and professional goals
  • Exploring the latest business theories and practices
  • Gaining insight into global businesses, their management and operations
  • Optional double degree with Boston University
  • Study tour to Silicon Valley
  • Teaching on campus and online
PLAY
Graduation Ceremony 2015

Distinguished Speakers

Paul Polman

Paul Polman

Chief Executive Officer Unilever Graduation ceremony, 2014

Pedro Simko

Pedro Simko

Director Publicis Europe
Graduation ceremony, 2015

Program Details

In addition to core business courses with a focus on quantitative problem solving, the MBA trains young professionals to be future top managers with courses in theory and practice: operations and project management, leadership and organizational behavior, global entrepreneurship and venture initiation, strategic financial management and corporate social responsibility.

 

The Master of Business Administration is comprised of 14 courses taken over one year.

Course Descriptions

Trimester 1 Credits
  • ECO 607 – Global Economics This course examines the major principles of economics, economic policymaking and the role of the firm in the economy. It discusses the role of the financial system, (un)employement and international economic flows between the domestic economy and its international environment and provides the theoretical basis for understanding the economic importance of firms, international trade and international capital flows.
    3
  • ACC 514 – Financial Accounting & Analysis This is an interactive course that provides successful students with knowledge in financial accounting and enhances practical skills in using financial statements to evaluate value creation of the entity. Combining case discussions of actual companies’ financial statements and rigorous framework (IFRS & US GAAP) this course will enrich students' understanding of accounting tools, skills necessary to critically analyse firms’ actions and expose them to the current business landscape. In a collaborative atmosphere students will not only learn the accounting concepts, how to prepare basic financial statements for incorporated entities and groups of companies, but will also discover how to look behind the numbers, gain an understanding of the choices enterprises make in reporting the results of their business activities to be able to analyse financial statements effectively.
    3
  • QMB 513 – Statistical Methods for Data Analytics This course is designed to develop statistical thinking, understanding variation and using data to identify possible sources of variation. Specific techniques include basic descriptive and inferential procedures and regression modelling.
    3
  • MGT 605 – Strategic Supply Chain Management This course is concerned with optimising the global supply chain and leveraging it as a value-creating strategy to gain competitive advantage in the global marketplace. It addresses issues related to sustainability, risk management and the challenges of establishing trust and collaboration amongst supply chain partners.
    3
Trimester 2 Credits
  • NEG 625 – International Negotiations Negotiation skills are among the most valuable and sought-after skills both in crisis management and peaceful resolution of conflict. Students will analyze the process in which two or more actors, with differing views and interests, engage in dialogue using bargaining, trade off and persuasive communication to reach agreement on issues of common concern. The course consists of a series of interactive modules, simulations, and role-play exercises offering a practical insight of the art of negotiation in international relations. Through the analysis of in-depth case studies, students will assess the role and effectiveness of international negotiations in areas such as international trade, regionalism, disarmament or climate change on the local and global levels.
    3
  • MGT 657 – Project and Quality Management This course introduces students to the practices, concepts and techniques used in operations within manufacturing and service organizations. It teaches the fundamentals of Project Management and covers Quality Management concepts and tools.
    3
  • FIN 620 – Corporate Finance & FinTech This course is intended to familiarize students with principles of corporate finance and investment decisions. It develops students' understanding of fundamental topics in modern corporate world such as cost of capital, financial valuation, investments, risk-return, mergers and acquisitions and other financial tools. The theory is presented within a context which motivates students and equips them with practical tools for financial decision making and valuation; the skills they will require in their future careers.
    3
  • MGT 645 – Environment, Sustainability & Governance (ESG) This module aims to foster an understanding for the crucial importance of ESG leadership for the sustainability, profitability and social responsibility of public corporations and private businesses. The course aims to enable students to assess the importance of governance by embracing a holistic perspective to include environmental aspects (e.g. climate change), social inequalities (e.g. gender issues) and corporate governance (e.g. the agency problematic).
    3
Trimester 3 Credits
  • ACC 622 – Management Accounting This course explores the use of managerial accounting information for internal planning, decision-making, performance, evaluation and control. It stimulates the knowledge, skills and attitudes to understand, evaluate, and take action on the many financial and non-financial reports used in managing modern companies.
    3
  • MKG 667 – International Marketing Students will learn to devise an international marketing plan taking into account the overall international economic situation, the growing interaction of governments, international institutions, the global legal environment, the different cultures, etc. It emphasizes the challenges the international marketer is facing today in dealing with the complexity of globalization, internationalization and the impact of the modern technologies.
    3
  • FIN 678 – Risk Management This module is a comprehensive introduction to commercial and business risk, covering the core frameworks of business continuity planning, enterprise risk management and project risk management. The module will introduce the different types of risks and will provide analysis of changes in contemporary risk areas including measuring and transferring credit risk, supply chain, cyber risk, improvements in risk management documentation and statutory risk reporting. The module will introduce risk management programs to satisfy shareholders, employees, regulators, and other important constituencies in line with the evolution of best-practice risk policies, methodologies and associated risk infrastructure.
    3
  • MGT 666 – Managing Start-Ups Students will be exposed to all aspects of the entrepreneurial process, particularly in the digital era. This will include a discussion of what makes an entrepreneur – creativity, ability to distinguish between a business idea and a business opportunity, response to change and certain personality characteristics. Assembling resources, launching the business and harvesting rewards will also be discussed. Several sessions will be devoted towards developing a business concept, assessing and managing risk, and establishing a bankable business plan. Students are encouraged to develop and critically evaluate suitable business ideas in the digital era using entrepreneurship theories, concepts and frameworks.
    3
Trimester 4 Credits
  • MGT 650 – Digital Transformation Digital transformation is a fundamental driver of competitiveness for firms in a variety of industries. Digital transformation is not only about mastering technological change, but it involves and affects all aspects of the organization. Students will learn various methodologies, how to apply them to real cases, how to develop a roadmap to implement digital transformation for creating value, and develop skills as an innovator, entrepreneur or investor in new and dynamic environments.
    3
  • BUS 698 – Corporate Strategy (Capstone Course) This course examines the objectives and strategies of senior management for the attainment of corporate goals. The course takes an interdisciplinary and strategic approach to the firm's corporate policy. The interrelationship between the policies of international firms and the global business environment is analyzed. Emphasis is given to understanding the influence of the framework and issues of strategic decisions on the overall performance of the firm.
    3

Why IIG

Nationalities of Master Students
  • 1. Europe (62%)
  • 2. Asia (28%)
  • 3. America (7%)
  • 4. Africa (3%)
Faculty

Faculty

The faculty at IIG in Switzerland, is international in experience, practical in orientation and focused on their teaching. The faculty members are student-centered and committed to foster a stimulating learning environment.

Study in Switzerland

Study in Switzerland

Geneva belongs to a select group of truly “international” cities of the world, making it an ideal place to study international management.
 
 
 

An International Network

An International Network

The International Institute in Geneva has established a strong network, developing exchange programs with 23 universities worldwide.

Your Career with your MBA

Your Career with your MBA

MBA graduates have gone on to executive positions in multinationals, family businesses, international organizations and governments.

Career services

Career services

The International Institute in Geneva provides for counselling to assist students in their career decisions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Students will be able to demonstrate advance knowledge of functional management issues;
  • Students will be able to use advanced quantitative and qualitative methods to analyse business cases;
  • Students will be able to demonstrate analytical skills and critical thinking
  • Students will be able to link ethical management practices and corporate sustainability to long-term business success; 
  • Students will be able to present management reports

Admission Requirements

  • A completed application form (should include your Motivation letter)
  • Official Undergraduate Transcript (certified translation in English) (Minimum GPA recommended 2.7 or above on the scale of 0-4)
  • Official Undergraduate Diploma (certified translation in English)
  • Non-refundable application fee of CHF 150.- or € 140.- or USD 150.-
  • English proficiency test: either TOEFL (min score 80),  IELTS (min score 6.0) or Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE). IIG institutional code number for the TOEFL is 0130;
  • Curriculum Vitae stating any relevant professional work experience;
  • Letter of reference from an employer or a professor;
  • Copy of valid passport;
  • Two passport size photos.
     

The following additional requirements apply to MBA program candidates only:

  • A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0
  • At least 2 years of work experience is recommended
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