Our MBA is a four-term course that comprises two terms of formal tuition and training at the University (2 semesters), the possibility of a practical training/ internship in relevant institutions in Germany or elsewhere in Europe, a research project in (preferably) the participant‘s home country and a finishing term at the university which covers the Master Thesis preparation and its respective colloquiums and follow-ups.

German Language Course (August - October)

It is recommendable for those students with little or non-German Language to visit an intensive German-Language course before the tuition begins. The Herder Institute of the University of Leipzig offers special German Courses for foreign students interested in accessing German Universities. For further information, please contact directly the InterDAF Program organized by the Herder Institute of the University of Leipzig.

Tuition

The study content (delivered mainly within the first 2 semesters at the university) is taught in modules. The term module refers to a combination of lessons that are stretched over a certain time and connected by methods and content. Modules will be respectively assessed by a written exam, an essay, an oral examinationor a project’s report.

This semester consist of trhee modules:

• Module 101: Development Economics
• Module 102: Entrepreneurship Management
• Module 103: Discourses of SME-Promotion

In addition to the courses, a one-week excursion to business promotion and development cooperation institutions in Germany is part of the Module 101.

The contents of the three modules are:

Module 101 Development Economics

• Lecture series: SME Promotion in a Globalized World

• Theories of development economics

• Reading Course on Development Economics

• Field trip – Visit to German development and cooperation institutions (one-week excursion)

Module 102 Entrepreneurship Management 

• The Entrepreneur and the Business Idea

• Idea Management

• Developing a Business Plan

• Market research

• Marketing and Distribution

• Financial Planning

• Business Simulation Game

Module 103 Discourses of SME Promotion

• Innovation

• Value Chain

• Clusters

• Social Capital

• Reading Course on Discourses of SME Promotion
• Local and Regional Economic Development

During the second semester, students can choose 2 of the 3 modules according to their own interests. In doing this, students can put emphasis and concentrate on the subjects they prefer. Participating in other courses without taking the respective examinations is always possible. For those students interested in gaining insight into institutions or firms dedicated to the promotion and development of small and medium sized enterprises in Europe, our curriculum provides for the possibility that an internship/practical training in Germany or Europe might be recognized as one of the elective modules.

Elective modul

• Module 201: Management of Innovative Services
• Module 202: Marketing of SMEs
• Module 203: SME Finance
• Module 204: Competence Development in SMEs
• Module 206: Internship in Germany or Europe (6 weeks)

Mandatory module:

• Module 205: Data Analysis and Project Management

The contents of these modules are:

Module 201 Management of Innovative Services

• Service Nature

• Strategic Management in Services

• Innovation and Quality Management in Services

• Service Innovation tools

• Quality Management Tools

• Service Marketing

Module 202 Marketing

• Price policy

• Communication Policy

• International Marketing

• Case Study Analysis

• Distribution of Technical Products

Module 203 SME Finance

• Financial systems and global environment

• Financial instruments

• Financial planning

Module 204 Competence Development in SMEs

• Human Resource Management

• Knowledge Management

• Competence Development

• Team Management

Module 206 Internship in Germany or Europe (6 weeks)

Module 205 Data Analysis and Project Management (Compulsory)

• Data collection and data analysis

• Project Management
• Questionnaire Design

Every participant will carry out his/her research project in conjunction with an institution working in the area of economic promotion (for example economic promotion agencies, chambers, ministries, development co-operation institutions, international organizations) at his/her home country.

Back in Germany for the last semester, the students will evaluate, present and discuss their research results. At the end of this process, they will hand in their master thesis documenting their research results.

Students finish the program with a Master‘s thesis, which is based on a research an investigation in one of the most relevant topics of SME development. A member of our faculty serves as thesis’ supervisor and helps to maintain rigor and continuity during the whole process.

Within the fourth semester, students complete the last module:

Module 401 SEPT Colloquium

• Presentation and Communication Techniques

• Colloquium: Individual Presentation of Field Research Results
• Team management