Lead beyond function
Understand how strategic, financial, market, operational, and people decisions interact.
SMC / EXECUTIVE MBA / EQF / MQF Level 7
← All programs
Expand the range of your decisions.
Executive MBA
A synchronous 90 ECTS management degree for experienced professionals ready to lead across functions, markets, and organizational boundaries.
0190 ECTSCredits
02EQF / MQF
Level 7Higher Education Program
Level 7Higher Education Program
0318–24 monthsAverage completion
04Weekly liveSynchronous classes
05€7,500Tuition
06OnlineStudy environment
What this changes
Turn professional experience into wider enterprise judgment.
The Executive MBA combines weekly live sessions, eLearning resources, case work, peer exchange, applied assignments, and independent research. It develops cross-functional fluency while experienced professionals remain active in practice.
Decide with evidence
Strengthen judgment under uncertainty through cases, research, and peer challenge.
Increase professional leverage
Prepare for senior management, transformation, entrepreneurship, and wider mandates.
Program learning outcomesOpen the complete outcome profile+
Program Specific Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of long-term business drivers and be able to advise, influence and make informed strategic and sustainable decisions.
- Show originality and value in developing and applying ideas in an organizational context, contributing to business and management practice.
- Critically evaluate and apply contemporary knowledge to business and management practice and research.
- Display a thorough understanding of current business and management issues and the interrelationship between the functional areas of business.
- Identify, analyze and solve complex organizational problems, applying appropriate theories, models, frameworks and tools to achieve practical and creative solutions.
- Demonstrate leadership, teamwork and communication skills to manage and motivate individuals and teams to achieve organizational goals.
- Integrate knowledge and understanding of the international context of business and management and apply this to decision-making processes.
- Critically assess ethical issues and demonstrate awareness of corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.
Knowledge and Understanding
- Critically evaluate and apply theories and concepts from a range of disciplines relevant to business and management.
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of functional areas of business and their interrelationships within organizations and across global contexts.
- Apply knowledge to formulate and implement effective strategies that enhance organizational performance and competitiveness.
- Assess the impact of external factors on organizations and recommend appropriate responses to opportunities and challenges.
Skills
- Gather, analyze, interpret and synthesize information from diverse sources to support decision-making.
- Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to solve complex business problems.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a range of audiences including specialists and non-specialists.
- Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills in managing people and projects in a multicultural and global environment.
- Exhibit self-direction, initiative and responsibility in professional practice and lifelong learning.
Autonomy and Responsibility
- Take responsibility for own learning and continuing professional development.
- Demonstrate independence and originality in tackling and solving problems.
- Work autonomously in complex and unpredictable situations requiring informed judgment and decision-making.
- Show commitment to ethical practice and social responsibility in professional contexts.
Who this is for
Recognize your next professional altitude.
Experienced professionals seeking stronger leadership depth, broader business judgment, career progression, or the capability to build and expand an enterprise internationally.
What the route can open
01Senior and general-management progression02Strategic and transformation leadership03Entrepreneurship and international growth04Optional Applied AI specialization
Executive leadership for the AI era
Eligible students may add the Applied Artificial Intelligence specialization to develop practical fluency in AI-enabled productivity, strategy, governance, and business transformation. The awarded degree remains the Executive MBA.
Complete academic structure
Every course. Every description. Every outcome.
All taught courses operate at EQF Level 7 and carry 5 ECTS and 125 learning hours. The Thesis Research Project carries 30 ECTS. Total program volume is 90 ECTS and 2,250 learning hours.
Course description
This course explores contemporary issues surrounding the internal environment of organizations. Topics include organizational and individual effectiveness, organizational culture, business ethics, leadership, introducing and managing change, especially in view of changing technologies and globalization, the use of teams and groups, organizational restructuring, changing employment relationships, and workforce diversity.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Assess trends (globalisation, virtual work) and manage opportunities/risks.
- Match competencies to roles; elevate performance and commitment.
- Manage stress; implement rational decision processes; enhance team effectiveness.
- Select influence tactics; apply leadership styles; deploy conflict-management approaches.
- Create effective structures; strengthen culture; enable sustainable change.
Knowledge
- Values, personality, perception, emotions, motivation, stress.
- Decision making & creativity; team dynamics; communication barriers/active listening.
- Power & influence; leadership models; conflict process; structure, culture & change.
Skills
- Diagnose behaviour drivers; design team-effectiveness interventions.
- Apply creative/rational decision models; improve communication.
- Use power bases & influence strategies; manage conflict; architect structures and change.
Course description
The course begins by reviewing basic accounting theory and principles and then explores how these are used by managers for planning and control. Topics include activity-based costing, evaluation of divisional performance, and standard cost variances. This course is intended for the consumers of accounting data.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Decide using financial reports; apply CVP to pricing/mix/facilities.
- Use job cost sheets; absorption/variable costing; ABC where appropriate.
- Run differential and capital-budgeting analyses.
Knowledge
- FS components; managerial accounting’s role; cost classifications.
- CVP interrelationships; job-order flows; absorption vs variable costing.
- ABC; differential analysis; capital budgeting; master/flexible budgets.
Skills
- Interpret FS; assign/predict costs; conduct CVP.
- Apply costing methods; implement ABC (pools/rates).
- Identify relevant costs; evaluate projects (payback, NPV, IRR).
Course description
This course introduces the student to the practice of research in academic and business application. It examines the research process and provides practical advice and insight. The course reviews important quantitative and qualitative research methods, with emphasis on statistical methods. Topics include hypothesis formulation, theory construction, data collection techniques, regression analysis, literature reviews, research proposals, research design, and ethical issues in research.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Select appropriate research/communication approaches and minimise error.
- Develop measurement instruments and pretests.
- Integrate all stages of the research process coherently.
Knowledge
- Research language/process; sampling and experimental design.
- Qualitative/observation methods; measurement & hypothesis testing.
- Regression/ANOVA concepts; statistical inference.
Skills
- Formulate questions; justify budgets and methods.
- Compute CIs; run and interpret hypothesis tests.
- Design effective instruments; apply experiment designs and evaluate validity.
Course description
This course is a comprehensive introduction to corporate finance, presenting essential concepts including accounting statements, security markets, interest rates, taxes, risk analysis, time value of money, and the basics of security valuation. The course shows how financial managers help maximize firm value through stronger decisions in capital budgeting, capital structure, and working capital management.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Value bonds/equities; evaluate capital budgeting choices.
- Assess capital structure and interest-rate/credit risks; link to cost of capital.
Knowledge
- Valuation concepts; financial statement ratios; TVM; risk/return.
- Capital budgeting (NPV/IRR/payback); capital structure; WACC.
Skills
- Analyse BS/IS/CF; compute key ratios.
- Solve PV/FV; evaluate projects; set hurdle rates via WACC.
Course description
The course is an introduction to the issues surrounding human resources and the complex relationship between management and employees. Students examine human behaviour and effective human resource management practices aimed at promoting employee well-being and improving productive efficiency. Topics include recruiting and selection, staffing, development, performance appraisal, labour-management relations, and ethics.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Align HR strategies with business strategies under globalisation.
- Apply performance management to align objectives with outcomes.
- Craft human-capital strategy in international organisations.
Knowledge
- HRM models; ethics/legal frameworks; EEO; job design/analysis; recruitment; T&D; compensation.
Skills
- Forecast HR supply/demand; design job descriptions/specifications.
- Manage virtual teams; conduct TNA; design/deliver training.
Course description
The objective of this course is to expose students to the field of marketing, the marketing process, its core functions, and the vital role it plays in business. Students explore the elements of the marketing mix and the components of a marketing plan, including environmental analysis, consumer behaviour, marketing research, product management, promotion, channels of distribution, and pricing. A central focus is the role of marketing within a broader strategic framework.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Make product and pricing decisions; choose promotion and distribution channels.
- Create global campaigns sensitive to socio-cultural context.
Knowledge
- Marketing mix & plans; consumer behaviour; marketing research.
- Product management, promotion, channels, pricing; global STP and distribution.
Skills
- Conduct STP; choose pricing/product/channel/promotion options.
- Develop a complete marketing plan; run research; manage brands/products.
Course description
This course examines the organization, planning, and control of projects and provides practical knowledge on managing project scope, schedule, and resources. Topics include the project life cycle, work breakdown structure, network diagrams, scheduling techniques, and resource allocation decisions.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Link projects to strategy; choose appropriate structures and cultures.
- Connect WBS to networks; plan resources; manage risk.
Knowledge
- Project forms (functional/dedicated/matrix); definition steps; risk & PERT.
- Time/cost estimation; AoN; resource scheduling/CCPM; team development.
Skills
- Build scope/WBS/coding; compute networks; time-phase budgets; schedule resources.
- Plan risk responses; assign work; control cost/time/performance.
Course description
In this course students learn how to use economic principles as analytical tools for managers, enabling more informed production and pricing decisions. Students also learn how different market structures affect business performance and strategy. Topics include demand and forecasting, production and cost, pricing and output decisions, and market structures.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Use supply–demand for qualitative forecasting; relate consumer drivers to demand.
- Link production factors to profit maximisation; align strategy to market structure.
Knowledge
- Quantitative demand analysis; indifference & budget lines; price/income effects.
- Cost functions; HHI; competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, oligopoly; pricing with market power.
- Auctions, strategic pricing, best-response functions, timing advantages.
Skills
- Analyse industry profit sustainability; apply marginal/PV analyses.
- Use elasticities for revenue/price forecasts; derive demand and input demand.
- Compute AC/MC; choose price/output; apply game-theoretic tools to strategy.
Course description
This course introduces students to the issues, strategies, and relationships involved in sales and business development activities. Students become acquainted with managing a sales force and enabling stronger selling performance. Special emphasis is placed on developing a sales force program, managing strategic account relationships, team development, diversity in the workforce, sales force automation, problem-solving skills, and financial issues.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Lead sales teams and key accounts; foster diversity and capability development.
- Leverage SFA/CRM; resolve financial and contractual issues; negotiate effectively.
Knowledge
- Personal selling’s role; customer retention and relationship value; international BD; negotiation frameworks; business model frameworks.
Skills
- Craft compelling pitches; use CRM proficiently; negotiate win-win; deliver post-sales service.
- Research opportunities; assess innovation potential; draft robust business models.
Course description
In this course, students are confronted with the complexities of doing business on a global scale. Focus is placed on the effects and demands on business operations and strategy when engaging in international trade. The topic is explored from a multifaceted perspective involving economic, political, legal, monetary, and ethical issues.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Evaluate environments and trade rules; set foreign-market strategies.
- Assess entry options and risk/reward; analyse firm competitiveness.
Knowledge
- World trading system; multilateral/regional negotiations; socio-cultural/political/economic/tech developments.
- Global competitiveness strategies; roles of key agencies and agreements.
Skills
- Analyse policy; navigate tariffs/NTBs; manage export-import issues; evaluate sourcing/outsourcing.
- Handle cultural differences and managerial styles in cross-border work.
Course description
The course provides learners with a global overview of the systematic planning, design, operation, control, and improvement of business processes within manufacturing and service industries. Leading industry examples and case studies are used to integrate real-world learning with theoretical understanding of operations and supply chain management. Major topics include quality management and control, capacity management, plant location, layout and design, production planning and scheduling, supply chain management, and inventory management.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Align OM/SCM with competitiveness and value-chain performance.
- Explain global SCM principles and performance management.
Knowledge
- Product/service development; QFD; capacity/learning; process mapping and service design.
- TQM/ISO; PM/CPM; sourcing/3PL; pull systems; SC design; ERP; S&OP; yield management; inventory/MRP.
Skills
- Deploy lean/JIT; apply QFD; manage capacity; blueprint services; use DMAIC.
- Run location selection; compute networks; plan resources and schedules.
Course description
The course presents the framework of the strategic management process through which managers shape long-term competitive advantage. It pursues three objectives: to expose students to important thinkers in strategic management, to help them connect those ideas, and to apply them to real-life cases. As a result, the course serves as a capstone experience for the program, integrating themes studied across previous modules.
25Contact hours
96Self-study hours
4Assessment hours
125Total hours
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Think and act strategically about position, direction, capabilities and moves.
- Apply analytical techniques; generate credible options and solutions.
- Build/align resources and capabilities with objectives; embed ethics/CSR.
Knowledge
- Five Forces, SWOT, Dynamic Capabilities, Value Chain, benchmarking, strength assessments.
- Five generic strategies; blue-ocean concepts; timing/first-mover; cross-functional alignment.
Skills
- Conduct strategic/competitive analysis globally; adapt to change.
- Formulate and implement business/corporate strategy; align processes.
- Exercise managerial judgment on ethics; capability development.
Course description
This module, carrying 30 ECTS credits, enables students to develop an applied research project that integrates the knowledge, skills, and competences developed throughout the Executive MBA program.
Course-specific learning outcomes
Competences
- Use established methods/sources to create or interpret knowledge at the forefront of the field.
- Critically evaluate, apply and extend existing knowledge in a systematic way.
Knowledge
- Attain deep topic insight; conduct critical literature analysis; design research that addresses gaps.
Skills
- Operate with self-direction/originality; apply logical/scientific problem solving at the frontier.
- Communicate and defend methods, results and conclusions to varied audiences.
- Evaluate processes and propose future research.
Tuition & payment
Know the financial route before committing.
Choose the €7,500 single-payment route or flexible monthly payments of €450. The approved terms are recorded in the written admission offer.
Academic review and admission come first. Payment instructions are released only through the secure SMC account.
Entry requirements
Academic ambition starts with a credible threshold.
Undergraduate degree
A minimum of 180 ECTS or an equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.
Professional experience
At least three years of relevant work experience, ideally at middle-management level or higher.
English proficiency
IELTS 7.0 or TOEFL iBT 100 for applicants who are not native English speakers, unless an exemption applies.
Application documents
CV, academic transcripts and diplomas, proof of English proficiency where applicable, and a valid identity document.
Admission remains subject to individual academic review. Prepare your documents before entering the application.
Start application →