Business School Netherlands International Executive MBA Presentation

1. Business School Netherlands
the action learning business school
www.bsn.eu/english the action learning business school

2. Welcome to Business School Netherlands
Impressively, we have been active in the development of business professionals
for around twenty years. We continue to expand our provision of Action
Learning programmes beyond the boundaries of the Netherlands, creating a
global Action Learning community of business leaders, all following the same
steps to success, the ever revolving; diagnose – plan – do – reflect.
In 1988 we established the business school, endeavour to inspire our whole student body, so
based upon our belief the courses available failed that as business managers they will grow and
to meet the actual training and development develop in the best possible way, establishing
needs of business managers. We developed themselves as true professionals within their
the courseware, built up a sound MBA portfolio competitive environments. The fact is we aim
and in the process became market leader in to be the best business school, so that in turn
the Netherlands. With the same courage of our students will aspire to be the best business
conviction today we continue to grow. Over managers.
the years we have learnt from our passed
experiences. Constantly we assess each new
situation and make our next decisions on our Juanita Bouwer
path to success. With these values in mind we Head of English Programmes
Lao Tzu was the original Action Learner
“Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Teach a man
to fish, feed him for a lifetime”; Action Learning is
not a gift but a valuable reusable resource.

3. Why Business School Netherlands
Action Learning required in a class of busy professionals, so our
Action Learning centres on the continued devel- faculty members are equipped with the most up
opment of established talents, growing levels of to date references, to ensure that you the student
confidence and optimising obtained competen- benefit from the highest-level interactions.
cies. The simplicity of Action Learning is that as
a working methodology, it can be implemented Market Leader
within most training and development environ- With an annual MBA student intake of approxi-
ments; making it one of the most flexible training mately 200, we are one of the largest business
tools available. schools in the Netherlands. Additionally with an
undisputed “number 1 on programme content”
World Institute for Action Learning consistently over 6 years from the Dutch rank-
We are the first European institution to become ing body and publication, Intermediair, we are
affiliates of the World Institute for Action Learning justifiably proud of our market leader status and
(WIAL). This intensifies our intent to excel as a regarded as experts in the field of professional
rigorous practitioner of this powerful learning MBA programmes.
methodology.
Professor Pierre Strydom CEO / Vice Chancellor Business School Netherlands
“Our classes are the safe place to experiment and
take risks, yet realise the returns in the real world.”
An International Business School
For many years, we have maintained an inter-
national vision and scope; outside of our Neth-
erlands head office campus, we are active
throughout other European countries, the African
Continent and Asia. Our programmes are offered
in various languages, contributing to the profes-
sional growth of managers and business leaders
internationally.
Professional Study Environment
As a business manager, you expect a professional
environment in which to study, our approach is
professional yet personal. All class environments
are established with like-minded professionals,
so when you share your experiences and exam-
ine your issues in a group setting, you can be
confident of qualified, competent discussions
with your sparring partners. Class interactions
are always of the highest level and because you
are reviewing workplace issues, always directly
relevant to your own working environment.
Renowned Faculty
Renowned professionals with extensive business
experience are the requirements for our faculty
members. Topical, relevant information is what is

4. International Action Learning MBA®
Our “flag-ship” English Language Programme; attracts managers and
business leaders from various continents. This MBA is the perfect educational
training programme for the busy professional where relevance, excellence
and flexibility are key criteria. Online study neatly combines with residential
conferences; offering a true Action Learning MBA, convenient for the
business traveller.
Action Learning – Project Based of the situation, and how you implement the
From the outset, as an IALMBA® student you will plan to resolve the issue. This way we can
focus 100% on topics of relevance to you and your gain an appreciation of how your managerial
organisation. Through research and discussion, and leadership skills develop throughout the
you will discover methods to resolve issues and programme.
implement new plans; applying change through
action. You will complete six Action Learning Valued Student Support
Projects (ALPs) aimed at issues of departmental From the outset our specialised coaches
level. Then the completion of the Dissertation, encourage student interaction and lively
tackles a strategic organisational predicament discussion within the virtual class environment.
where various research methodologies also come Renowned course instructors and our in-house
into play. staff play a vital role during your visit with us at the
international residential conferences. Here you
Replicates the Global Business Environment have the opportunity to ask the most challenging
Those who address problems alone stand alone, of questions, dispute theories and exchange
but those who form a strong team and tackle inspirational experiences. Once back in your own
a problem in a cohesive manner ask challenging surroundings, the 24/7 accessible virtual class is
questions and devise the strongest of formulas the place for continued interaction with the whole
for change, realising their goals in an empowering group, your set or your set facilitator.
fashion. For this reason your classmates from
various business backgrounds are your winning 24/7 Library Access
team, with whom you formulate the perfect plan With the additional support of our immense
of change for the toughest of workplace issues. database of online journals, periodicals and
Initially you will be part of an intake of no more management reviews, whatever your subject of
than 25 students. During the first international interest, there is no problem in finding topical,
conference, you will be assigned to a set of significant and relevant information at the click
between 4 and 8 students. This will enable the of your mouse. Demonstrate that you have fully
opportunity for regular interaction, which is a researched projects with the aid of this incredible
fundamental aspect of Action Learning. reference tool accessible from all corners of the
globe.
Continuous Professional Assessment –
No Conventional Examinations Accreditation
Assessment is based on the areas that are relevant The International Action Learning MBA® is a variant
to professionals in a leadership position; we will of the Distance Learning MBA® which is accredited
appraise your diagnosis of the problem, your plan by the NVAO, (Accreditation Organisation of the
of action, your field research, your evaluation Netherlands and Flanders).

5. The IALMBA Programme Structure
The three phases of the IALMBA®: Block 2
◆ Financial Management (FM)
Phase 1: here we lay the theoretical foundation ◆ Information Management & Internet Strategy
upon which your future study will be based; this (IMIS)
creates a common conceptual framework for the ◆ Strategic Management (SM)
whole set whilst you follow the IALMBA®. You will
write an Organisational Analysis of your company Following each international conference, students
and design a Personal Development Plan. work on the Action Learning Projects that they
identified within their company. Written reports
Phase 2: kicks off with a 9-day inspirational on the 6 ALPs serve as your assessment for
residential conference at one of our international phase 2. Each project report should demonstrate
campuses in the Netherlands or South Africa. that you have followed, understood and applied
Here you will meet your fellow classmates for the body of knowledge.
the first time. There are two 9-day residential
conferences during phase 2, each approximately Phase 3: rounds up the successful conclusion
eight months apart, and subdivide the phase into of your MBA by completing the Dissertation.
two distinct Blocks covering the following core This Dissertation differs from the previous
courses. 6 ALPs produced during phase 2, by addressing a
problem or challenge within your organisation that
Block 1 is considered of strategic value to the company.
◆ Human Resources Management (HRM)
◆ Marketing Management (MM) The internal examiner provides continued support
◆ Operational Management (OM) during this final phase.
The IALMBA Timeline®
Phase I 2 Months
Organisational Analysis & Personal Development Plan
Phase II 16 Months
Block 1 Block 2
International Conference / 9 Days International Conference / 9 Days
ALPs & Articles ALPs & Articles
Phase III 6 Months
Dissertation & Research Methodology
Total 24 Months*
* A maximum of 48 months is available for the completion of the IALMBA®
We offer the opportunity to customise the IALMBA® to country specific market requirements, which will lead to a
specialised industry specific International MBA qualification.

6. Action Learning in the Workplace
Having graduated close to 1500 Action Learning MBA managers from various
continents, we have demonstrated that the flexibility of Action Learning is an
attractive method of training and development within organisations.
Through the Action Learning process, individuals within its management team, the added value is
are open to and respond better to change and the return on investment demonstrated whilst
change management. Apply this principle to changes occur in time, on budget and in-house.
a set of business leaders and the results are Imagine your own internal consultancy team, keen
empowering. Therefore an organisation that to discuss issues and implement changes that
implements Action Learning processes as a base work to the good of the organisation, all based upon
for defining change will potentiate the abilities theory, referenced reviews and the experiences of
and motivation of its staff. Not only does the fellow experts. Few MBA programmes can offer
organisation benefit from having Action Learners such beneficial remuneration to an organisation.
The following are organisations that already benefit
from having one or more employee follow an MBA
programme with Business School Netherlands:
Adidas
Akzo Nobel
Cap Gemini
Connexion
Daimler Chrysler
Delta Lloyd
KPMG
Heineken
ING
Interpolis
Johnson & Johnson Medical
Royal Dutch Ministry of Defence
Timken
Nike Europe
Philips
Rabobank
Randstad
Unilever

7. Gary Potgieter MBA
Shoprite Holdings
“During my studies on the IALMBA with Business School
Netherlands and especially during the ALPs phase the
performance of my division improved in leaps and bounds,
becoming the most profitable division in the country, as I was
able to implement all the knowledge that I gained through my
studies.”
It is an age-old issue, how does an organisation
foster the continued focus of key personnel
whilst encouraging them to optimise skills and
develop diverse perspectives? Our programmes
work harder for your organisation so that you
can work smarter. Whilst following our IALMBA®
your managers will continue their daily workload
and carry out a series of change projects as they
progress through the programme. They now
have a stake in the ongoing change process and
development of the organisation.
How the IALMBA® benefits your Organisation:
◆ Subject areas are 100% relevant to your com-
pany, and learning outcomes offer significant
strategic solutions
◆ Return on Investment is directly measurable
through implementation of change projects
showing tangible results
◆ Just two 9-day international residency confer-
ences, reducing time outside of the workplace
◆ Action Learning methodologies will spill over
into other areas of the professional environment,
enhancing skill and competency levels
◆ Networking possibilities are endless and ensure
learning opportunities with every interaction,
leading to a broadening of horizons
◆ Professional development and career aspirations
are met, ensuring retention of key personnel.
Mike Lombard IALMBA Student
“It is around the discussion where real value is attained.
Perhaps more to the point, it is the topics raised, and the
need to think beyond what one can read or find through
research. The essence for me is challenging oneself and
looking beyond the ordinary and finding solutions that may
not have evolved save for the orientation of this MBA”.

8. Who should apply to follow the IALMBA® Need to Know More?
Our MBA students have studied to Bachelor / First If you would like discuss enrolment procedures
Degree level, and currently hold a managerial role; for the IALMBA®, or learn more about business
management trainees are considered candidates opportunities with Business School Netherlands
for this programme. We will consider applications and our International Division please do not
from those without First Degree education where hesitate to contact us on:
sufficient professional experience is shown.
Professional management qualifications are highly T.: +31 (0)344 57 90 30
regarded in the application procedure. E.: international@bsn.eu
In Conclusion
◆ Unique Action Learning Methodology
◆ Professional International Student Body
◆ Relevance, Excellence, Flexibility
◆ Work Place Project Based
◆ Replicates Global Business Environment
◆ Valued Student Support 24/7
◆ Governmental Accreditation
◆ Measurable ROI
Business School Netherlands t +31 (0)344 579 030
Herenstraat 25 Buren f +31 (0)344 579 050
PO Box 709 4116 ZJ Buren international@bsn.eu
The Netherlands www.bsn.eu/english the action learning business school