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PUBLISHED 21 SEPTEMBER 2022

The MBA (Master of Business Administration) was first introduced as a business programme by Harvard University Graduate School of Administration in 1908. In institutions all over the world thousands of ambitious professionals apply to different types of MBA programmes each year. Generally a full MBA programme takes one to two years to complete - so what do you do if that commitment is not an option for you right now? We have the answer - The Irish Times Training Mini MBA.

Read to find out more about the programme and the online information session taking place on October 19th.

This programme has been designed in partnership with the Ulster University Business School for aspiring senior managers and business leaders. It is an intensive four-module programme which takes places over two weeks and introduces participants to the latest business and management techniques across management, strategy, finance, and innovation. 

The aim of the programme is to help participants to become more effective managers and provide them with a crucial grounding in the latest business theory, as well as practical tools and techniques that can be implemented immediately in their role.  

Participants get a solid overview of business areas like marketing, finance and accounting, while also developing soft skills and leadership skills which will help them to apply their learning in their work environment.

Those who complete the programme receive a Level 9 Mini MBA Certificate, accredited by Ulster University; this can provide a pathway to a full executive MBA or MSc, for those who wish to progress further. As previous participants have told us, the Mini MBA programme is also ideal for those considering a Master’s or MBA programme.

Modules

Over an intensive two-week period, four modules covering key management and leadership themes are delivered by a panel of academic and industry expert lecturers.

Module 1, Leadership & Management, will guide you in improving your own management and leadership skills, as well as the performance of your organisation, on both an individual and collective level. 

Module 2, Financial Accounting and Strategy guides participants so they learn how to interpret the key figures and financial issues within their organisation to get a better indication of their department's or company’s financial health. 

Module 3, Innovation Management, aims to help you learn how to create a culture of innovation and encourage progressive, forward thinking. Discussions with lecturers, industry experts and peers give you invaluable insights into how innovation and entrepreneurship drive real-life businesses. 

The 4th and final module, Strategy & Change, focusses on developing your strategic decision making, change management, and strategic leadership skills in an ever-changing business climate.  

A combination of theoretical and practical

After the final module, participants begin working on the programme assessment. This is an assignment based on an area of strategic relevance within their own company or organisation. Participants choose to focus on a particularly relevant theme, such as managing people, organisational transformation, or innovation, so that their research can be fed back into their role an improving their organisation’s performance.

Lunchtime Information Session

On October 19th, 2022 you can attend an online information session on the Mini-MBA programme, and hear from previous participants about why they chose this programme, how they managed the workload, and, of course, why they would recommend it. You can register to attend the session here. We would love to see you there.