Download pdf - Ashridge MBA Brochure 2012-13 Brochure

Be different. We are.

Rigorous. Relevant. Real. The Ashridge MBA.

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Being Different 3

Be Different. We are. 4

The Ashridge Experience 6

The Ashridge MBA 9

Case Study 1 11

MBA Programmes 12

Facilities and Resources 14

MBA Learning Zone 15

Programme Structure 16

Our Faculty 18

Employability Programme 22

Ashridge Alumni 24

Meet our Alumni 26

Case Study 2 28

Funding your MBA 29

Admission to the Ashridge MBA 30

Contents“ Studying at Ashridge has given

me a unique experience and a

totally different perspective, not

just on business but life”

2 [email protected]

There are so many MBA and

EMBA programmes to choose

from and if I’m 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.

Being Different

Kai Peters

Chief Executive

EFMD

3www.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: research-informed rather than research-led. You will fi 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 today’s 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 fi 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 won’t give you all the answers. You’ll complete your MBA at Ashridge being able to think and behave differently, knowing that you will be able to fi nd your own answers and create your own outcomes. Ashridge is a different kind of business school: rigorous, relevant and real. Making a difference – that’s up to you.

4 [email protected]

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


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 refl ection, 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 today’s challenging business environment.

We are real6 [email protected]


“Ashridge gave me understanding and confi dence in the full spectrum of business management.”8 [email protected]

Be different. We are. This is

the challenge to you from

Ashridge Business School.

As a world leader in executive development for over 50 years, we have always been able to offer our MBA students a different experience. Our MBA is informed by the insights we gain through our work with over 6,000 executives from around the world every year.

Our students, typically experienced professionals, describe studying for the Ashridge MBA as a transformational development experience that is relevant, rigorous and real.

Success in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world requires the ability to keep learning new skills and adapting to

new ways of working. The Ashridge MBA equips you with the capabilities you need to be successful as a senior manager in a challenging landscape. It enables you to become a more discerning consumer of management ideas and their application. As a result, we help you to make a ‘360 degree’ personal impact on your organisation.

We try to practice what we preach, and we’ve been busy changing what we do, while retaining the best of what we’ve done in the past. The curriculum offers insights into all core managerial functions in an integrative way, and develops four themes that preoccupy senior executives: leading change, creating value, embedding sustainability and managing globally.

Learning at Ashridge is anchored in reality. You work with faculty with real world savvy, and attend masterclasses with experts and company speakers. You tackle real world “live cases” in which you work in groups to analyse a situation, diagnose a problem, and make recommendations to the senior management of an organisation – both in

the UK and in the ‘international business experience’. Your learning culminates in a major real world project, for example internal consulting in an organisation, or developing the business plan for your own venture. For much of the programme we mix full-time and part-time groups to increase diversity, maximise your opportunities to learn from each other, and build a bigger network.

The programme is based at our stunning Ashridge campus and in London, England. The ideas, experiences, and teaching resources are international and contemporary. In addition to time on campus, you have access to a wealth of digital resources.

I am delighted to offer you the new Ashridge MBA, and invite you to get in touch to fi nd out how it can make a real difference for you.

The Ashridge MBA

A different view on business and life

Narendra Laljani

Dean of Graduate Studies


“An innovative approach with the right blend of practical and theoretical learning”10 [email protected]

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

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.

What did you think about Ashridge?

There was the right mix of professional and experienced faculty and class members. The learning environment was very innovation-oriented. It is also in a fantastic location and I valued the ability to develop a great worldwide network.

How would you describe the

Ashridge approach?

An innovative approach with the right blend of practical and theoretical learning.

What were the highlights?

• The programme: It has given me a whole new perspective and approach to evaluate and grow a new business.

• International consulting: A live case study in Argentina, where we worked on the growth strategy of a company called Alamaula.com – which was acquired by eBay last year. There was good exposure and implementation of key learnings from the MBA.

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 fi nal MBA project where I did a lot of research and viability checking for the future business.

Has your organisation benefi ted?

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 fi rst round of funding. And the story of growth is still going on.

Case Study 1

Launch of an entrepreneurial venture

Atal Malviya

Founder and CEO Odimax

Full Time MBA 2010


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 benefi t 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. It’s 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-of-class 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 fi 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

One Year Full Time MBA and

Two Year Executive MBA Programmes

How long is the

programme?

Full Time MBA

12 months (Starts September)

Executive MBA

24 months (Starts September or March)

12 [email protected]

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 defi ning 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 refl ective journals.

The MBA project is a substantial part of your overall assessment.

• Personal Mentor Programme

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.

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


Facilities and Resources

That make all the differenceMBA Learning Zone

To support your studies, you will have access to the MBA Learning Zone website. This provides you with an overview of each module, together with pre-module online work, recommended reading and a wealth of information to support your learning for each module of the MBA programme.

Virtual Ashridge

The MBA Learning Zone provides you with access to Virtual Ashridge, an online portal available to corporate subscribers and our qualifi cations 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.

Ashridge library

While on campus, you will have full access to the library’s facilities, collections and e-resources for the duration of your programme. This includes full intermodular access. Up to 15 books from our main book collection may be borrowed at any one time.

Working dinners, workshops

and guest speakers

Some of our students say that the working dinners are the highlight of the programme. They provide opportunities to grow your personal network of business contacts and hear more on current business topics. Recent dinner speakers have included experts on entrepreneurship, strategic sourcing, corporate social responsibility and leading change.

Accommodation and transport

Accommodation is the only major additional expense (apart from travel to and from Ashridge or London) that you will incur during your studies.

Most students tend to live in the neighbouring town of Berkhamsted and use the regular free bus service that runs between Ashridge and Berkhamsted.

For EMBA students, it is possible to book hotel rooms at Ashridge as required for the duration of the teaching block.

Please note that some teaching blocks will run in London and all students will be responsible for funding their own accommodation and transport at this time.

Relaxation and unwinding

It is essential that you make time to relax during your studies as studying for an MBA can be an all-consuming and stressful time. At Ashridge, we offer you free use of the Lifestyle Centre which includes a swimming pool, gym, squash courts, spa, sauna, table tennis, tennis, mini golf, football, cricket and cycling, as well as a range of fi tness classes.


Introducing the

MBA Learning ZoneAs soon as you have confi rmed your acceptance to join the programme, you will have access to the MBA Learning Zone website, a comprehensive online portal dedicated to providing resources to support you throughout the programme. You will use this website to complement your classroom sessions through video, audio and text-based materials.

Module overviews and resources: Each of our module leaders provides an overview of the subject, syllabus information and recommended reading. This is also where they will post your assessments, resources and activities to be undertaken outside of the classroom.

MBA community interaction: Use the community, networking and discussion tools to interact with your classmates and faculty.

Extensive reference resource: Access Virtual Ashridge through the Learning Zone to view thousands of leading industry articles, journals and company data for free through our subscriptions to many global databases.

24/7 online resource: The Learning Zone provides online support throughout the MBA programme and complements the face to face learning and guidance you will receive from our faculty, mentors and the Ashridge MBA team.


MBA Project To be completed by 12 months from start of course

Employability (optional) See page 22-23

Spring 2014 Semester(March 2014 – August 2014)

Full Time MBA

Programme structure

By applying the same principles

to our MBA programmes

as we do to our Executive

Education programmes we:

• provide you with a carefully selected cohort of peers, each one selected for what he or she can bring to the learning experience to enrich the group

• provide you with top class faculty who love what they do and who share from their personal experience of management and consulting with our executive clients

• create a highly interactive, personal, supportive and challenging learning environment

• treat you as an experienced professional who is able to engage with your MBA experience in a professional manner and develop with support

• maintain an open-door policy to allow us to be responsive and supportive to you

How is the Ashridge

MBA different?

*All dates subject to confi rmation

Autumn 2013 Semester(September 2013 - February 2014)

Modules

Operations

Innovation

Personal Impact

Marketing

Strategy

Finance

Managing Globally

26-28 Sep Orientation

31 Jan- International business

8 Feb experience (tbc)

Module dates

September 2013 - February 2014

Modules

Leadership

Managerial Economics

Leading Change

Creating Value

Embedding Sustainability

March 2014 - August 2014 Orientation

Module dates

March 2014 – August 2014


Spring 2014 Semester(March 2014 - August 2014)

Autumn 2013 Semester(September 2013 - February 2014)

Spring 2013 Semester(March 2013 - August 2013)

MBA Project To be completed by 24 months from start of course

Employability (optional) See page 22-23

Executive MBA

Programme structureAutumn 2014 Semester(September 2014 – February 2015)

Spring 2015 Semester(March 2015 – August 2015)

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.

Modules

Strategy

Finance

Creating Value

Modules

Operations

Innovation

Managing Globally

Modules

Leadership

Managerial Economics

Leading Change

Modules

Personal Impact

Marketing

Embedding Sustainability

Modules

Strategy

Finance

Creating Value

14-16 March Orientation 26-28 September Orientation 20-22 March Orientation 25-27 September Orientation 19-21 March Orientation

31 Jan- International business

8 Feb experience (tbc)31 May- International business

7 Jun experience (tbc)6-14 Feb International business

experience (tbc)5-13 Jun International business

experience (tbc)

Module dates

17-22 March

12-17 May

7-13 July

Module dates

29 September-4 October

10-15 November

12-18 January

Module dates

23-28 March

11-16 May

22-28 June

Module dates

28 September-3 October

16-21 November

18-24 January

Module dates

22-27 March

17-22 May

12-18 July


Our Faculty

Anthony Mitchell BSc, MSc, DIC, CEng, FIET, FHEAMBA Projects Director Module Leader: Operations

Anthony has experience in Design, R&D and Engineering with GEC-Marconi, consultancy with Touche Ross, and a variety of management roles for Gallaher Ltd. He is also a visiting member of faculty at EIPM in Geneva, and has taught in business schools in Australia, New Zealand, Rotterdam and Scotland.

‘Adding value and consistently meeting customer requirements presents a range of challenges to organisations. This module enables students to assess operational capability, and then to improve and extend this through the building of business relationships and the effective deployment of technology, innovation and multi-disciplinary processes.’

Steve Seymour BA, MBA, PhD, ACMA, CGMADirector of MBA Programmes Module Leader: Finance

Steve came to Ashridge from PowerGen (now e.on), where he was CFO for one of the company’s 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.’

Ilze Zandvoort MBA, DC, MScAssociate Director, MBA Programmes

A 2006 Ashridge MBA Alumnus, Ilze manages the operational aspects of the MBA programme and acts as an interface between students, faculty and clients. Ilze designs and facilitates a variety of tailored leadership development programmes across Europe, Asia and Africa with multinational companies.

‘I believe the Ashridge MBA is a life changing experience and nothing is more rewarding than watching students develop both professionally and personally as they engage with the Ashridge MBA programme of their choice.’

Shadi Kelly BSc, MSc, MBA MBA Careers Director Leader: Employability Programme

Shadi is MBA Careers Director joining Ashridge in 2004 as a consultant with Ashridge Consulting. Her industry experience spans from small companies to global organisations, including international export, fi lm production, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. As such she has worked with teams from Europe, Middle East and Africa, North/South America, as well as the Caribbean.

‘Most MBA students look at changing or improving something in their career when they embark on their MBA journey. The Employability Programme in the MBA aims to provide students with the skills, development and support needed to define the next step in their career and implement the plan to achieve that change.’


Alexandra Stubbings BA Hons, MSc, ACIPD Module Leader: Leading Change

Alexandra is a Business Consultant and Head of the Sustainability Practice at Ashridge Consulting where she teaches, consults and coaches at the intersection of change, strategy and sustainability. Her doctoral research concerns whole system change to effect cultures of sustainable practice. She joined Ashridge in 2005 from an earlier career in consulting in London.

‘Organisations operate in a complex and constantly changing environment. Successful leaders need to be able to live with uncertainty and to resist the temptation to revert back to comforting patterns of behaviour. This module aims to develop students’ ability to do just that.’

Matthew Gitsham MA (Hons), MADirector of the Ashridge Centre for Business and SustainabilityModule Leader: Embedding Sustainability

Matt leads research on the changing role of business in global society, and the implications for organisational change and leadership, working closely with the United Nations and major multinational organisations such as Unilever, IBM, and HSBC.

Patricia Hind BSc, MSc, PhD, CPsychol, AFBPS Module Leader: Embedding Sustainability

Patricia works with a range of clients, nationally and internationally from both the public and private sectors, specialising in leadership, organisational behaviour and change management. Recently appointed a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Stellenbosch, her most recent research interests include the role of responsible leadership in embedding sustainable businesses practices in organisations.

Maureen Vontz BA, MBAModule Leader: Leading Change

Maureen specialises in organisational transformation, with particular strengths in change management, leadership development, facilitation, executive coaching and team development. Consulting and coaching experience over 20 years includes organisational strategy and change at Microsoft, Oracle and KPMG and client experience in a range of global for-profi t and non-profi t organisations.

‘Challenging views on organisational change, what it is, how it happens and how perceptions flavour people’s experience of change, this module explores new ideas and models. It creates fresh perspectives on change strategies to meet diverse organisational and contextual needs through live action case work, critical reflection and skilful application of theory to practice.’

‘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.’


Alexandra Uhlmann Ingenieur Commercial, MBAModule Leader: Marketing

Alex joined Ashridge from Shell International where she was instrumental in developing the Asian Derivatives market. Previously she worked for Steelcase Strafor. In Ashridge she has been client director for Philips, Orange and Unilever specialising in branding and consumer insight.

‘With customer value as the foundation of any business, this module aims to equip participants with a process to build customer value in their management decisions and communicate it through innovative marketing tools.’

Marc Jones PhDModule Leader: Managing Globally

Previously a management consultant with KPMG and a fi 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.’

Jean Vanhoegaerden MSc PsyModule Leader: Leadership and Managing Globally

Specialising in international management, Jean has consulted to numerous fi rms and taught on executive courses in North and Latin America, Europe, Singapore, South Africa, Australia and the Middle and Far East. He also teaches at Gordon Institute of Business Science in Johannesburg and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

‘Leadership is more and more important in these complex times. This module will give students insight into leadership, leading in complex times and defining their own leadership style. Topics include leading organisations, teams and individuals and relate to organisational strategy, culture and systems.’

Roger Delves MA (Oxon), FRSAProgramme Director: Masters in Management Module Leader: Personal Impact

Roger has designed and led workshops for Peugeot, Nokia, DaimlerChrysler, Henkel, Shell and Bertelsmann. Previously Roger has been board director with top ten advertising agency DMB&B, Principal Consultant at management development consultancy Ellis Hayward, and Programme Director in Cranfi eld’s Centre for Executive Education.

‘Personal Impact is central to all aspects of leadership and management. This module will contribute to the creation of self-aware, self-confident graduates, grounded in reality. Within the Personal Impact subject area, three themes are explored: Personal Awareness; Personal Impression Management; Interpersonal Behaviour Management.’

Our Faculty


Mike Brent MA, Dip Mgmt, Dip Mkting, MSc, MSc Module Leader: Professional Development

Mike specialises in leadership, team-building, infl uencing, coaching, cross cultural management, leading change and personal development. His interests include how to foster self-awareness and creativity, and how to challenge effectively. He has worked as a management trainer and consultant with many international companies such as GE, HP, France Telecom, EDF, Total, Tetra Pak, Volvo and Bang & Olufsen.

‘Having a positive impact on the organisation, business and teams relies on a critical awareness of personal strengths and group dynamics, as well as an understanding of how these factors impact on interpersonal relationships. The Professional Development programme will build on personal awareness and develop personal professional management skills.’

Roger Martin-Fagg BA Hons

Roger is an independent economist with extensive knowledge of manufacturing, distribution, fi nancial services and energy sectors. Recent clients include Taylor Wimpey, BAA, Experian, Lloyds-TSB, Barclays, Hanson, and Nandos. His skills in the presentation of complex economic issues have earned him a reputation as a teacher, consultant, writer and broadcaster.

‘This module provides an overview of the main macro and micro economics affecting business resource allocation. The module will cover a limited number of concepts and models which can readily be applied to common resource allocation problems experienced around the world today.’

Matthew Copeland BSc (Hons), PG dip (Law)Barrister-at law, MBA Module Leader: Innovation

Previously a barrister, Matt has worked closely with and consulted to numerous fi rms, across a variety of sectors and geographies. He now specialises in open innovation, personal and organisational communication and negotiation. Matt’s work often focuses on disrupting existing patterns of thinking and structure, whilst improving prospects of novel and benefi cial outcomes.

‘Today innovation is essential to the future survival of any organisation. This module will help you to engage with the process of innovation and to experiment with various ways to identify opportunities, generate ideas and successfully select and implement the most beneficial ones, in a variety of contexts’

Mike Malmgren MSc, MBA, PhDModule Leader: Creating Value and Strategy

Mike has recently worked with international clients such as Alfa Laval, Volvo, Electrolux, Volkswagen, Ericsson and Tetra Pak and has extensive experience as Managing Director for several international technology companies. He has managed organisational change through acquisitions and growth through international marketing and sales in the automotive, chemical, power and the pulp & paper industry.

‘Strategy is the fundamental building block for successful organisations. This module helps students to reach their own critically informed position on the role, significance and difficulties of strategic management and to help them to implement the strategic intent of their organisations.’


Employability Module

Developing your careerThe Ashridge Employability Module runs alongside the MBA programme for either two years (Executive MBA) or one year (Full Time MBA). It aims to equip students with the necessary skills to make their next career move, whether that is in their current organisation, setting up a new business or moving into a new industry sector.

Three main areas are covered: Employability Skills, Employability Development and Employability Support. Here we outline just how comprehensive this service is, providing students with substantial support, for the entire duration of their studies, in achieving their career goals beyond the MBA.

This comprehensive programme demonstrates that the Ashridge MBA is not just about gaining a qualifi cation. It is about ensuring our students graduate equipped for the business world in every way, having already planned and researched their career pathway and are able to demonstrate their professional worth to potential employers or senior employees within their organisation. Today’s business environment is tough. No school can guarantee employment or promotion post-MBA, but Ashridge goes a long way to ensure the employability of our students.

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

• 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

Webinars/Online resources

• Intranet – career page – online career/job sources

• Webinars – career/visa related webinars shared with MBAs as and when available


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 specifi c 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 profi les

Researching potential employers

• OneSource Global Business Browser

• Salary surveys

• IDS Pay Benchmark – shop fl oor and offi ce 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


Ashridge Alumni

Network with a differenceOpportunities to network and keep on learning do not stop at the end of your programme. The Ashridge Alumni is a thriving international network which provides opportunities to build on the relationships founded at Ashridge and to develop networks across a diverse and growing community. As an MBA student you automatically become a member of the Ashridge Alumni when you start your programme, giving you access to a diverse international network with the opportunity to engage with individuals from around the world.

Continuing your free membership beyond graduation enables you to refresh your learning through workshops, business briefi ngs and the popular MBA Refresher event.

Members are also kept informed of the latest in management thinking through regular Ashridge publications and e-newsletters. Social events at Ashridge and in various venues internationally, enable you to maintain friendships and share experiences with other Alumni.

Alumni benefi ts at a glance:

• Invitations to networking, research and social events – held at Ashridge, London, various international locations and virtually through webinars

• Access to the various Ashridge Alumni LinkedIn and Facebook groups

• The Ashridge e-newsletter containing our latest news, research and events

• An electronic copy of 360˚ - the Ashridge Learning and Development Journal, twice a year

• Discounted offers from selected third party organisations

• Privileged access to Ashridge House and grounds

• Free use of the Ashridge Library and Virtual Ashridge for up to a year after graduation (and then at our MBA alumni rate thereafter)

For full details, please visit: www.ashridge.org.uk/alumni


Recent recruiters of Ashridge MBAs

• Abbeyfi eld Society

• Acano ag.

• Accure Capital Ltd.

• Barclays Capital

• Campion Willcocks & Associates

• CSR plc

• Ecolab Inc – China

• ESAB Welding and Cutting

• Eurocopter

• Healthcare Australia

• Homes for Haringey

• Northern Foods

• Novartis – Switzerland

• Reliance – India

• Royal Bank of Scotland

• BT

• Aston Martin

• Coca Cola

• Vodafone Group

• World Economic Forum

Full Time MBA 2010 Placement Summary

Full Time MBA Class Profi le 2011

Industry sectors: Consulting, NGO, IT, Real Estate, Automotive, Education, Health, Finance, Defence, Media, Hospitality, Construction, Energy, Telecomms, Legal.

9%

British23%

W Europe13%

E Europe42%

Asia9%

North America

Executive MBA Class Profi le 2011-2013

Industry sectors: Pharmaceuticals, Airline, Technology, Public Sector, Agriculture, Advertising, Education, Manufacturing, Construction, Aerospace, Telecomms, Cosmetics.

60%

British

35%

changed function42%

changed sector23%

changed countries

85%

were employed within six months of graduation

15%

German 5%

Portuguese

4%

Australia

5%

Danish5%

Spanish5%

Russian5%

Japanese


‘Ashridge gave me understanding and confidence in the full spectrum of business

management. The MBA project gave me a platform to develop my career from a background in IT and the NGO/Charity

sector to a clear focus on developing Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility.’

Quintin Lake

Full Time MBA 2009Head of Consultancy (Corporate Responsibility), EDP

‘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.’

Gordon Henrik Wollgam

Full Time MBA 2011Strategy and Policy development for Siemens AG, Germany

‘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 don’t have to

struggle to understand the business world.’

Takashi Tsutsumi

Full Time MBA 2009Senior Associate, Eli Lilly, Japan

‘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.’

Katarina Nielsen

Full Time MBA 2011Customer Engagement Project Lead, Aston Martin Lagonda Ltd

‘I know several people who have done the Ashridge EMBA and it came so highly recommended that I didn’t 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 it’s very practical.’

Peter Markey

Executive MBA 2007-2009Chief Marketing Offi cer, RSA Insurance Group

‘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!’

Mark Anderson

Executive MBA 2005-2007Sales and Marketing Director, Sky Ireland

Meet our alumni

Where are they now?

‘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.’

Steven Cochran

Executive MBA 2005-2007Head of Customer Proposition, Allied Irish Bank


‘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.’

James Filer

Executive MBA 2005-2007QA Director, GE Healthcare

‘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.’

Tim Lancaster

Full Time MBA 2011Consultant, British Telecom

‘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.’

Patrick Murer

Full Time MBA 2009Branch Manager, Renault Trucks Rotterdam

‘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.’

Keith Coni

Executive MBA 2005 - 2007Senior Communications Advisor, The Cabinet Offi ce, London

‘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.’

Tracy Woodward

Executive MBA 2006-2008Marketing Director for the Wealth Management Business, Canada Life

‘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 don’t 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.’

Grace Yang

Full Time MBA 2006Vice President (Investment Banking Audit), JP Morgan


Why did you decide to do an

Ashridge Executive MBA?

When I started the EMBA I was in a senior role at Vue Entertainment. I was reaching a glass ceiling and felt there were some gaps in my knowledge that needed fi lling in order to get to the next stage of my career. I chose Ashridge because of its personality.

What did you learn?

At work I found almost immediately that I was adding more value to conversations, which felt fantastic. I was able to challenge different departments more professionally which gave me more confi dence and improved my performance.

How did your company benefi t?

Thanks to the EMBA the deals I brokered were stronger. I also gave more to the business not only through the assignments but also because I was in the mind-set of developing and growing. My fi nal project focused on strategy mapping, some of which is now being used to give Vue a clear strategic direction for the fi rst time.

And how have you benefi ted?

Having completed my EMBA I landed a job with BAA in Stansted, without the qualifi cation I really believe I would not have got the job - it put me above everyone else in the CV stakes.

I now have more direction. I’m more focused and ambitious. I know what I want and how I’m going to get there. Also I can juggle a lot more balls than I could before. If you can work full time, do an EMBA and have three children in two years, then you can pretty much do anything!

Zoe Farmer

Head of In-Terminal Commercial Stansted, BAA

Executive MBA 2006-2008

Case Study 2

Breaking the glass ceiling


Funding your MBA

Presenting the business

case to your employer

In the current climate, it is more important than ever to be able to demonstrate effectively to your employer benefi ts of investing in an MBA.

We would suggest the following 4

elements in your business case:

• Business benefi ts: Demonstrate how you would provide return on investment and how the programme helps you to achieve this

• Personal benefi ts: How an MBA would benefi t your development

• Programme costs: How it can be budgeted for, payment options and comparisons

• Time commitment: Outline what is required of you to commit to an MBA

Please ask for our Fact Sheet, ‘Preparing for your MBA: Building a business case for company support’ to help you further.

Ashridge scholarships

and bursaries

Ashridge Business School recognises that funding your degree is not always straightforward, especially if company sponsorship is not available. There are 2 main types of scholarship you can apply for and you may apply for a scholarship in more than one category.

1. Ashridge scholarships

At Ashridge we offer scholarships in amounts of £5,000, £10,000 and £15,000 to self-fi nanced participants on the Full Time MBA and Executive MBA programmes.

Scholarships are awarded in 9 categories and you should be able to align your achievements to date and/or your ambitions for doing an MBA with at least one of these categories in order to apply.

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 benefi t 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 fi nd out more please email

[email protected] or visit

www.ashridge.org.uk.


Admission to the Ashridge MBA

Admission requirements

These guidelines outline the ‘usual’ minimum entry requirements. However, these should be seen as a guide only; each application will be considered on its own merit.

Admission to the Ashridge MBA is subject to your academic ability and track record of achievement in the workplace.

Essential information

• Your realistic and clear career goals and how an MBA fi ts with these

• Your understanding of the distinctive features of the Ashridge MBA and its implication for you

• Your ability to contribute in an environment that emphasises small groups and peer group learning

• Your ability to work independently within a virtual environment and to manage the demands of the Ashridge MBA

Entry requirements

• First degree plus three years’ work experience

• No fi rst degree but more than fi ve years’ work experience

English language ability

If English is not your fi rst language, you must provide evidence of strong English language skills via either the TOEFL IBT (score of 100+) or IELTS (minimum score of seven) test. Your spoken language skills will be assessed during your admissions interview and in some cases, (e.g. evidence of working in English on a daily basis) you will not be required to take one of the language tests cited above. If you have not already taken the tests, please check with Ashridge before booking them.

Graduate Management

Admission Test (GMAT)

Applicants for the Full Time MBA are usually expected to take the GMAT and are responsible for arranging their own tests. Ashridge usually asks applicants for theExecutive MBA to take the Ashridge admissions test as an alternative to GMAT. However, the Programme Director may ask for GMAT in certain circumstances. For either the Full Time MBA or Executive MBA, please

check with Ashridge before booking your tests.

Application deadlines

Offers of admission are made on a rolling basis. Closing date for applications is four weeks before the start of semester.

Study visa applications

Candidates from countries outside the EU will need to apply for a Tier 4 (General) Visa in order to study the Ashridge Full Time MBA in the UK. For more information on how to apply, visit the UK Border Agency website at www.ukba.homeoffi ce.gov.uk. Ashridge is recognised by the UK Border Agency as a Highly Trusted Sponsor (listed as Ashridge (Bonar Law) Memorial Trust).

The Ashridge admissions team will be able to support you in applying for your visa by providing the relevant verifi cation of your enrolment onto the MBA.


Find out more

Come and meet us

Visiting Ashridge is the best way to appreciate the unique study environment and understand the personal learning experience we can provide you with. Our ‘MBA in a Day’ events provide you with an opportunity to experience typical MBA sessions and to discuss the programme in more detail with faculty, current participants and alumni.

Alternatively, we welcome those who would like to arrange a more personal visit to Ashridge. You let us know when you would like to visit and we will do our best to meet your requirements.

We also attend many MBA events around the world throughout the year, where we offer one-to-one candidate interviews and your chance to fi nd out more about the programme.

For more details of all events, please visit www.ashridge.org.uk/mbaevents

For more details about Ashridge visit www.ashridge.org.uk

Our location

Ashridge is located 50km north-west of London, just a 30 minute train journey from London Euston station (next to King’s Cross St Pancras) and within easy reach of London’s international airports.

Programme fees

One year Full Time MBA and Executive MBA: £32,500, including the International Business Experience but excluding accommodation costs and travel to modules. Please note there is no application fee.

For full terms and conditions, together with methods of payment visit: www.ashridge.org.uk/mba

Once admission has been granted, you will be given access to the MBA Learning Zone and Virtual Ashridge to help you prepare for your programme before it begins.

To apply, download an application form from www.ashridge.org.uk or email [email protected] for an application pack.


Ashridge Business School

BerkhamstedHertfordshire HP4 1NSUnited Kingdom

MBA Admissions Offi ce

T: +44 (0)1442 841061F: +44 (0)1442 841144E: [email protected]/mba

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Registered as Ashridge (Bonar Law Memorial) Trust.Charity number 311096