The global MBA Education Market size is expected to record a CAGR of 15.6 percent from 2023 to 2032, according to a report published by Custom Market Insights. In the last few years, the point of view toward management education has changed globally with the emergence of many new and advanced institutions. These institutions aim to make management education advanced and keep up with global standards. However, MBA institutions globally lack in a few aspects, among which employability is the most significant. Only the chosen few top B-schools across the world are able to provide expected job opportunities to candidates, which are very few in number, thus leaving a vast ocean of aspiring candidates behind. Moreover, not all countries have the required infrastructure to place students abroad. This is exactly where the IBR Institute of International Business Relations stands out as an innovation partner to multiple universities worldwide and a partner of Albstadt Sigmaringen University in Germany in particular. Not only does the college provide globally acknowledged MBA programs, but it also has the required infrastructure and associations that help students secure jobs in Germany and other countries as well.
In association with Altstadt Sigmaringen University (ASU), Germany, the Global MBA program of IBR provides education to first-class graduates who are currently employed in a managerial position with a minimum of 2-3 years of work experience. The faculty at IBR is drawn from the industry, with global work experience, and from 10 countries. The institution promotes blended learning that combines online study materials, self-study, solving real-life management problems (assignments) every 3 weeks, and attending residential sessions every 4 months. "Students choose case studies from their own organization as a hands-on laboratory for learning. It is one of the most practical and globally oriented MBA programs in India for working managers. The MBA is recognized in Europe and globally, offering opportunities to secure placements abroad," mentioned Dr. Muhldorfer, Rector, ASU.
Growth Story
IBR Institute of International Business Relations can be called a trendsetters for MBA education. The German, Swiss, and Austrian industries have repeatedly said that other business schools should emulate what IBR is doing. 25 years ago, IBRs Global MBA was the first MBA worldwide that was accredited based on solid distance learning criteria. The institution has been an expert in quality distance education since 1999, not just after COVID-19.
Since its inception, the institution has been closely collaborating with industries around the world to further develop the Global MBA into what it is today. "We asked ourselves: What does the industry need, rather than how does the typical MBA look? We examined the entrepreneur, running an international business; and the intrapreneur, wanting to grow a business. The IBR Global MBA provides the highest possible employability for graduates, focused on generating real and tangible value for both students and employers, which is unseen in other MBA programs. It is a global consulting experience with business experts from all over the world," mentioned Prof. Kelling, Director, IBR.
"The management believes that this is a great opportunity for Indians to enter the German job market & gain international working experience"
Wisdom Gained
ASU, the degree-awarding German university for Global MBA graduates, is one of the recognized universities in Germany, a country that has an excellent reputation in engineering and management. The institution believes that the purpose of education is to enhance the competitiveness of German companies that embody the 'Made in Germany' ethos. "Traditionally, German education has been much more application-oriented and industry-oriented than the Anglo-Saxon one. We have something unique to offer to the world. At ASU, we open ourselves and make our know-how and skills available to the world, and India in particular. We tell our Indian friends: welcome to Germany, mentioned Dr. Muhldorfer.
The management believes that this is a great opportunity for Indians to enter the German job market and gain international working experience. With a German degree, whether in engineering or management, the sky is the limit when searching for relevant job opportunities. Students returning to India will have so much to offer in terms of employability and international experience, which will immediately position them uniquely. They will outperform Indian competition in the job market.
Competitive Advantage
The didactic concept is exceptional. It is remarkably innovative because it revolves around providing a customized MBA program for each individual student that incorporates a refined blend of written study materials, in-person sessions, and support via digital platforms. At no other university would MBA candidates be given the opportunity to tailor 100 percent of their studies to needs at their personal workplace. This unique approach has the potential to foster advancements in distance learning internationally. Moreover, Indian students will be taken care of personally at the institution. "For me, care starts with the administration, and continues with the teaching faculty. Everyone is accessible, and without bureaucracy, they care and invest themselves in their students. This is truly a treasure," stated Prof. Kelling. All Global MBA students work while they study. They love their work and are being rewarded by their employers for the personal initiative to study and create value at work. There is a big difference between earning an ROI from day one and traditional MBAs, where students wait for graduation before they can ask for an increment in salary. The same applies to other programs offered at ASU: "Internships are built into our education, which is a great opportunity for our Indian students to find work in Germany while they are still studying," added Prof. Sommer, Chairman of the Examination Committee for the Global MBA and Representative of the College of Engineering.
One of the Directors of IBR also happens to be its alumnus and has achieved success in life through MBA education from the institution. "The program differs from traditional MBAs, which involve pressure before exams. The course is so structured that students don't learn to pass exams but solve real management problems, an incredible experience", mentioned Pandian, Pharma Professional and Professional Educational Consultant.
Internationally Recognized Courses
The institution establishes personal relationships with its alumni. They are not just a number, and this is how it cares for them. It builds a network that is informed about events, news, and more. On the other side, alumni approach the institution with networking requests, seeking business and other professional advice. The institution has developed its own Global PhD program with which it meets the demand of its Global MBA graduates of which the vast majority occupy executive management positions from New Zealand to India and the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to the Americas.
Students and alumni have realized that the world of doing business is much larger than their home market. While studying, thirty percent of IBR students entertain the idea of setting up their own internationally operating company. Many of those would have taken active steps in this direction. Also while studying, the rest would have renegotiated terms and conditions of their employment, with the intention to move into executive decision positions. Others would have found a different workplace, fulfilling their dreams and desires to move up. "This is the most practical testimonial to the applicability of the Global MBA learning experience, resulting in a significant increase in employability and entrepreneurial confidence internationally. The decision to enroll in the Global Ph.D. by IBR alumni further underscores the belief that there's no superior approach to advancing one's education than by integrating and customizing learning to align with workplace demands," mentioned Prof. Kelling.
The Global MBA has received accreditation six times from the German, Swiss, and Austrian industries. One aspect consistently highlighted by the accreditors since the initial accreditation in 1999 is the highly personalized approach of the IBR Global MBA faculty, administrative staff, and management. "This personalized approach begins right from the admissions process. Each applicant for the Global MBA undergoes a personal interview conducted by myself, the Director of the institution. This is of utmost importance to us," stated Prof. Kelling.