Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Be different. We are.
Contents
Being Different Be Different. We are. The Ashridge Experience The Ashridge MBA Case Study 1 MBA Programmes Facilities and Resources MBA Learning Zone Programme Structure Our Faculty Employability Programme Ashridge Alumni Meet our Alumni Case Study 2 Funding your MBA Admission to the Ashridge MBA
2
3 4 6 9 11 12 14 15 16 18 22 24 26 28 29 30
Studying at Ashridge has given me a unique experience and a totally different perspective, not just on business but life
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
Being Different
There are so many MBA and EMBA programmes to choose from and if Im honest, the marketing material for the various programmes make many promises but ultimately sound quite similar.
At Ashridge, we truly believe we are different. Our MBA programmes are aimed at experienced managers from around the world. They offer a combination of learning, consulting, facilitation, coaching and research that is directly applied to the challenges faced by organisations. Ashridge is a school for working professionals. Our faculty all combine academic credentials with real world experience. In any given year, we will work with well over 100 companies, public sector organisations and NGOs within executive education. We are ranked top 20 in the world in Bloomberg/Business Week and we are triple accredited through AMBA, EQUIS and the AACSB. This focus on practice and impact provides the backbone to our MBA portfolio. It also means that we combine traditional business school subjects with an in-depth focus on the people issues faced in organisations. In the course of the programme, you will engage with issues concerning globalisation, sustainability, innovation and entrepreneurship. Classes provide you with an integrated view of business rather than isolated silos. Overall, we believe that a holistic view is needed in order to not only formulate the right strategies but perhaps more importantly, to make your strategy come to life in complicated, real-world situations. If you are interested in an intense intellectual experience which provides individual attention and a bias for action, I believe that Ashridge is unequalled.
EFMD
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
Be Different.
Take the Ashridge MBA and your world will become a different place. Learning through personal experience, in a truly inspirational environment, you will come to see yourself in a new light and gain a new perspective on how you think and act - in both predictable and unpredictable circumstances.
At Ashridge, we are rigorous: researchinformed rather than research-led. You will nd us more like consultants rather than lecturers, drawing on our own hands-on business experiences as well as over 50 years of corporate executive education experience. You will discover that we are relevant, in-touch with todays business issues and continually updating our content so that it remains timely and is centred around you and your objectives. Ashridge will provide you with a highly-developed sense of what really happens in organisations, outside the classroom and inside the workplace and board room. You will gain a greater understanding of business as a whole and how big and important themes, theories and disciplines t together. Beyond that, as much as learning from us, you will be enriched by the diverse experiences and outlooks of your fellow MBA participants. Every MBA is a unique experience, your experience. Yet, while an Ashridge MBA will open your eyes, it wont give you all the answers. Youll complete your MBA at Ashridge being able to think and behave differently, knowing that you will be able to nd your own answers and create your own outcomes. Ashridge is a different kind of business school: rigorous, relevant and real. Making a difference thats up to you.
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
We are.
Informed by over 50 years experience of working with business leaders from all over the world An executive business school, with a REAL and holistic view of management Intellectually-grounded and RIGOROUS, not solely research-driven Led by faculty who are academics and practicing professional consultants, connected to organisations at the highest level RELEVANT to your business and centred around YOU, supporting your learning as an individual Truly international, encouraging a diversity of perspectives and points of view Global and credible - in the top 1% of over 7000 business schools worldwide with triple accreditation Based at an inspiring, tranquil campus that gives you space to think, transform yourself and reach your goals
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba 5
For centuries, Ashridge has been a catalyst from which economic, social and political change has been generated. Originally a 13th century Augustinian monastery designed for reection, it was later a residence for both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. More recently, it was the home of the 3rd Duke of Bridgewater, the Canal Duke and facilitator of the Industrial Revolution. Ashridge opened as a business school in 1959 and now, business leaders from around the world come to Ashridge to renew and refresh their thinking. Its atmosphere is one where tradition meets innovation in one of the most beautiful locations in England. Ashridge combines the best of a business school with an innovative organisation consultancy. We work with thousands of executives across the globe every year. Our faculty comprises business professionals, consultants and researchers who bring in-depth industry experience, latest management theory and practice and real commitment to the learning process. This feeds directly into the design and teaching on the Ashridge MBA. We are not a university and do not offer undergraduate programmes. We focus on providing a personal learning experience for business executives that is relevant and integrated with todays challenging business environment.
We are real
6 admissions@ashridge.org.uk
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
Ashridge gave me understanding and condence in the full spectrum of business management.
8 admissions@ashridge.org.uk
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
An innovative approach with the right blend of practical and theoretical learning
10 admissions@ashridge.org.uk
Atal Malviya
Founder and CEO Odimax
Full Time MBA 2010
I had 10 years of business experience including 5 years of entrepreneurial experience when I joined the MBA, having worked in highly technical roles in organisations such as Oracle Corporation and SAP labs. I hold a Masters in computer application and I thought that having a business degree would complement my skills and give me a new perspective. When I exited my last business, I thought of going for a formal business education, and decided to study for an MBA. Why Ashridge? Key factors behind my decision about Ashridge, include its global reputation, small but very experienced class and a very focused and cooperative MBA Admissions Team. Any reservations before starting? Yes, I was unsure about going back to school after many years and a bit nervous about the return on investment.
How has the Ashridge MBA changed your career? I started my current business, Odimax, during my MBA and two of my classmates have now joined me. Odimax is a social media intelligence system which enables businesses to keep a close track on their brand presence on social media and help them to position themselves better. This business is an extension of my nal MBA project where I did a lot of research and viability checking for the future business. Has your organisation beneted? Due to increased credibility with my MBA and by implementing the learning in Odimax, we were chosen as one of the ten most promising startups in Europe by start-up accelerator programme Ignite100. Following this we were able to secure our rst round of funding. And the story of growth is still going on.
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
11
One Year Full Time MBA and Two Year Executive MBA Programmes
Whether you are looking to complete your MBA more quickly over a year, or to undertake your studies alongside your job so that your employer can benet at the same time, the Ashridge MBA will offer you the opportunity to develop into a high-performing strategic manager, develop your own business or become a consultant. There is one programme with two routes.
Full Time MBA students are usually looking for a career change, to develop entrepreneurial skills to set up their own business, or to quickly gain strategic management or consulting skills to achieve the next level in their career. Executive MBA (EMBA) students are usually aspiring to achieve the next level in their career but wish to continue working and applying their knowledge as they learn. Its not uncommon for EMBA students to be promoted part way through their programme or at the end of their programme due to the practical nature of the Ashridge MBA. Who studies for the Ashridge MBA? Those who are looking for a modular general MBA programme, covering all the core aspects of management whilst integrating key themes and challenges affecting organisations today Those wishing to embark on an MBA that will provide them with a perspective of how the various functions within an organisation co-exist and operate. It is not for those wanting to become a functional expert Those wishing to study for a very practical and applied MBA versus a more traditional, purely academic MBA and therefore willing to engage with out-ofclass learning, interactive classroom sessions and peer group learning Business professionals looking for an MBA that will offer them the opportunity to apply theory either within their workplace or within the local community as part of the learning experience and to develop powerful decision-making techniques that can drive business today Participants who value collaboration and teamwork and who are eager to engage in an interactive high performance learning experience How is the programme delivered? Executive MBA: Modular design with three teaching blocks per semester consisting of up to ve weekdays every two months Full Time MBA 50% of the programme delivery is shared with the EMBA class blocks and the other 50% is delivered in teaching blocks interspersed with out-of class learning activities The sharing of teaching blocks between Part-time and Full-time students increases international diversity and the opportunity to build networks and share live business challenges as case studies in the classroom
12
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
Masterclasses Masterclasses provide you with interactive workshops presented by leading industry experts working alongside our faculty sharing their real experiences. Masterclasses are also open to MBA Alumni in order to provide additional networking value over and above content. Masterclasses could cover topics such as mergers and acquisitions, digital marketing, critical thinking and employee engagement. International Business Experience One of the highlights of the MBA programme, this involves a group visit to an emerging market to meet businesses and explore the challenges and issues of working across diverse cultures and markets. The group will be presented with live issues from organisations and then be expected to develop their consultancy skills dening solutions to present back to the organisation.
Assessments Assessments are tailored to the learning objectives of each subject and are therefore not standardised across the programme. The aim is to ensure that you are as involved in a real life business situation as possible, thus the focus on practical assessments rather than traditional long exams. A range of assessments are used, including in-class tests, group or individual presentations and/or live case studies, individual assignments or reective journals. The MBA project is a substantial part of your overall assessment.
Programme at a glance
1 Orientation Module 8 Core Subjects (Personal Impact, Marketing, Finance, Strategy, Leadership, Operations, Innovation, Managerial Economics) 4 Integrative Themes (Creating Value, Leading Change, Embedding Sustainability, Managing Globally) 1 International Business Experience 1 Project Experience: Individual or group project selected from the following types of projects: consultancy project, entrepreneurial project, research dissertation Up to 12 Masterclasses Professional Development module Employability Programme Personal Mentoring
This is mentoring provided by a member of Ashridge faculty and staff who will be available for the duration of the programme, to offer support and guidance to students, typically in small groups or with some individual meetings.
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
13
Virtual Ashridge The MBA Learning Zone provides you with access to Virtual Ashridge, an online portal available to corporate subscribers and our qualications programme participants. Here you can study the research and use the expertise of Ashridge Business School through video, audio and text-based resources, as well as numerous business and media databases.
14
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
15
31 Jan8 Feb
Modules Operations Innovation Personal Impact Marketing Strategy Finance Managing Globally
Modules Leadership Managerial Economics Leading Change Creating Value Embedding Sustainability
Employability (optional) See page 22-23 *All dates subject to confirmation MBA Project To be completed by 12 months from start of course
16
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
Students may begin the Executive MBA at the start of any semester and must complete four semesters to complete their MBA. During this time there is the opportunity to take part in additional International Business Experiences, one of which is included in the programme fee.
31 Jan8 Feb
31 May7 Jun
6-14 Feb
5-13 Jun
Employability (optional) See page 22-23 MBA Project To be completed by 24 months from start of course
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
17
Our Faculty
Steve Seymour BA, MBA, PhD, ACMA, CGMA
Director of MBA Programmes Module Leader: Finance Steve came to Ashridge from PowerGen (now e.on), where he was CFO for one of the companys three operating divisions. Previously he spent six years as a management consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers and had earlier been Financial Controller at airline operator bmi. Interpreting and evaluating the financial implications of their decisions is a challenge faced by most managers. This module aims to equip students to meet this challenge, preparing them for roles requiring an understanding of financial management and enabling them to communicate effectively with financial specialists.
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
Business leaders increasingly see sustainability becoming one of the lynchpins of competition within their sector, and a significant source of both opportunity for and risk to long term competitive advantage. Many executives now acknowledge that the way they respond to the challenge of sustainability will affect their business competitiveness and the future of their company, as well as the future of the wider world. The objective of this module is to ensure such awareness is at the heart of the Ashridge MBA - designed to develop the leaders of the future.
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
Our Faculty
Marc Jones PhD
Module Leader: Managing Globally Previously a management consultant with KPMG and a nancial analyst with EDS. Mark has worked with organisations in Europe and APAC specialising in strategic thinking, strategy development, and managing the internationalisation process. Marc also teaches at Melbourne Business School, University of Sydney, and the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands. Organisations with global ambition need leaders and managers who demonstrate a critical awareness of the concepts and implications of international strategy. This module aims to address this need by fostering a rigorous but practical understanding of the economic, political, cultural and technological dimensions of globalisation and how these impact on strategy, structure and people.
20
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
Employability Skills
Optional Workshops CV and Cover Letter Mastering interviews Networking, Personal brand, Professional communication, Job search Career questionnaire and workbook exploring the anchors in your career and patterns of past career paths How to use the Online Career Planner Each section has a start and due date (linked to workshops) with automatic email reminder sent to encourage completion. Self-Development skills etc. CV and Cover Letter CV builder Interview Skills Interview simulator Webinars/Online resources Intranet career page online career/ job sources Webinars career/visa related webinars shared with MBAs as and when available Job Hunting including networking skills and use of LinkedIn Explore Careers videos of individuals talking about particular jobs Change information on changing sectors Recruiters FastClass - A group of 5 minute videos covering most of the above Search for Jobs Job aggregator
22
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
Employability Development
1-2-1 career conversation session to discuss career plans post MBA MBA Career Development Workbook covering the following: Self-assessment Skills Values Interests Work environment preferences Long-term goals Prioritising job targets Resource directory Company research, contacts, location Finding a job CV, getting interviews, types of interviews Ashridge Library Career Development Collection Books, magazine, journals Work/life balance Personal image and marketing yourself Networking Self employment and setting up your own business Career planning and career management Applications, letters and CVs Interviews Job hunting Working in specic industries
Employability Support
MBA Career Forum on-site event with recruiters and organisations Online CV profile shared with recruiters Suitable jobs and consulting projects emailed to MBAs and posted on LinkedIn List of recruiters already contacted by Ashridge made available MBA Graduate Schemes/ Internships list of programmes available for application provided to students Country information The Country Files collection Virtual Ashridge - country proles Researching potential employers OneSource Global Business Browser Salary surveys IDS Pay Benchmark shop oor and ofce jobs IDS Executive Compensation Review management / executive level salaries Job hunting/Job advertisements Advice on where to look for job advertisements in the media Executive Grapevine: UK and international editions Workmaze - Guide to MBA Recruitment in the FTSE 100
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
23
24
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
9% British
23% W Europe
13% E Europe
42% Asia
60% British
15% German
5% Danish 5% Portuguese
5% Spanish
5% Russian
5% Japanese
Ashridge gave me an opportunity to change my perspective on business and life thanks to the business-focused faculty and professional colleagues. With robust theory and practical experience at Ashridge, I dont have to struggle to understand the business world.
I know several people who have done the Ashridge EMBA and it came so highly recommended that I didnt look anywhere else. I loved the fact that assignments link into your organisation and that you spend a week at Ashridge every two months. I was also sold by the reputation of the faculty who actively consult for businesses and are plugged into the real world. They teach you things they have tried and tested themselves, so its very practical. Ashridge has an excellent reputation for teaching sustainability in business. The MBA has really helped me to link strategic business thinking with wider environmental and social challenges.
Ashridge gave me a wider perspective of management, structured applicable models and the opportunity to interview most of the Executive Team at Sky for my assignment!
Ashridge gave me the credibility and confidence to approach a company like Aston Martin to secure my MBA project and now a job where I am asked to implement the proposal in my project.
The MBA made a lasting impact on me and my career. It has made me a far more rounded business person, and this has taken me to an executive level in the corporate world which I would not have otherwise reached.
26
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
An MBA is an excellent way to understand the various facets of business, seeing it in terms of disciplines and then looking at the wider whole in a more rounded way. An Ashridge MBA is all the more special because class sizes are smaller and you get a lot of access to the tutors, who work with the wider group as well as study group. The Ashridge experience made it an excellent, though tough, two years.
Ashridge has an excellent track record of promoting its MBA Alumni and as a result I walked straight into a very well paid risk management job with Standard Chartered in Hong Kong. I dont have a finance background but the Ashridge MBA gave me the confidence and skillset to change function and sector. A couple of years later I moved to the UK after being employed by JP Morgan.
Ashridge helped me to develop an understanding of my management style and to improve it in order to get more out of my working teams. My project provided me with great professional opportunities and challenges.
Ashridge gave me the skills and knowledge to understand how a business operates, to grasp the levers that affect business performance and to have the confidence to communicate with leaders in all parts of the business.
The Ashridge MBA supported me to move from Finance and Project roles into the business as Marketing Director. It has helped me to develop related experience and confidence particularly in the area of marketing, which has enabled me to lead significant improvements in our marketing function over the last 2 years. www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
As well as providing a solid base in business studies, the MBA allowed me to move from a technical career in engineering into a consultancy role within BT. It provided a holistic approach to study extending further than simply academic learning to personal development and applied leadership.
27
28
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
2. The Santander Universities scholarships Ashridge is proud of its partnership with Santander Universities and is grateful for the scholarships that Santander makes available to Ashridge students each year. Santander scholarship awards are available to candidates based in the countries covered by the Santander Universities scheme (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela, Spain, Portugal, USA, UK, Russia, China and Singapore).
How to apply for Ashridge or Santander Universities scholarships You must have received an offer of a place on the programme from Ashridge to apply for a scholarship. You will then be asked to complete an essay under your chosen category to demonstrate your eligibility for the award. Essays are judged on a competitive basis and awarded to candidates who demonstrate the greatest potential or would benet most from doing an MBA. The deadline for scholarship applications will be no later than 2 months before the start of the MBA programme. To nd out more please email mba@ashridge.org.uk or visit www.ashridge.org.uk.
www.ashridge.org.uk/mba
29
30
admissions@ashridge.org.uk
To apply, download an application form from www.ashridge.org.uk or email admissions@ashridge.org.uk for an application pack.
MBA/EMBA
Ashridge Business School Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1NS United Kingdom MBA Admissions Ofce T: +44 (0)1442 841061 F: +44 (0)1442 841144 E: admissions@ashridge.org.uk www.ashridge.org.uk/mba Social Media /Ashridge /AshridgeUK /ashridge01442843491 /company/ashridge
Registered as Ashridge (Bonar Law Memorial) Trust. Charity number 311096