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Executive MBA

Executive MBA

Discover the EFMD internationally accredited 18-month Executive MBA Program designed for seasoned managers with a minimum of 5 years of managerial experience.

About the Program

Executive MBA at Krakow School of Business is a two-year program that provides you with a deep transformational learning experience empowering you to achieve your professional goals. It is targeted at middle and senior managers as well as business owners who want to improve their skills in leading people and organizations.

What makes Executive MBA unique?

the only MBA program in southern Poland with a prestigious international accreditation, guarantee of highest international MBA standards. The Executive MBA was accredited in 2020 (for 3 years), re-accredited for 5 years in 2023

International Partnership

Program delivered in a consortium with two top European Business Schools holding international accreditations

Strategic Leadership

Focus on strategic cross-functional aspects of leadership – developing and training executive level competence (strategic thinking, strategic decision making and public speaking)

Networking

Powerful networking and building strong and close relationships with driven business leaders

Coaching & Mentoring

Amplified personal growth – individual coaching and career mentoring sessions

Discounts

Special discounts for women, social entrepreneurs and single parents
*EFMD is the largest and leading global non-profit organization dedicated to management development, recognized globally as an accreditation body for business schools. Achieving the EFMD accreditation is proof of adhering to highest levels of quality. It awarded in effect of a long multistage evaluation, benchmarking and assessment process (covering all aspect of program design, management and operations) caried out by independent reviewers, experts from international business schools.

Student Profile

1

The Executive MBA Program carried out at the Krakow School of Business KUE is addressed to business owners, middle and senior managers, including current and future management board members, who aim to acquire General Management competence

2

From candidates we require a university degree diploma, very good command of English and at least five years of managerial experience. We also ask to provide two reference letters from business partners

3

We seek candidates with a good orientation in the business environment, with knowledge and experience, as well as flexibility, open-minded attitude and readiness to share their experience with other program participants

4

MBA studies are demanding and are meant to deliver top quality learning experience, hence the recruitment process is carefully designed and multi-staged. It is our responsibility to optimize the selection of candidates based on their education profile, length of professional experience, positions held, areas and scope of responsibilities

Women in MBA

The Executive MBA Program serves women to accelerate their careers and fulfill their potential as leaders. The program is designed to enable experienced professionals gain executive level acumen and serves business to establish gender diversity in management.

Uncomfortable facts

of all Fortune 500 companies, only 8.8% have women CEOs (Forbes, 2022)
Among European countries, Poland has the second lowest percentage of women on boards and below average percentages of women at the executive level (European Women on Boards Gender Diversity Report 2024).
The share of female program participants in MBA programs in Europe is around 30% across the years.

Our goal is to raise the share of women in the Executive MBA to at least 40% until 2025 and this way contribute to gender parity in top management in Poland.

We have asked our women program participants what is holding women back and four main factors stand out:

> lack of immediate female role models,
> being overburdened with long working hours and family duties,
> high MBA costs and being financially more cautious than men,
> undervaluing their own experience and potential.

If you experience any of these factors and hold hesitations regarding taking up an MBA, please watch short testimonies of our MBA women participants – these voices really matter! Together we can break every glass ceiling and empower fabulous women to achieve their personal and professional goals!

Study Program

Module I

LEADERSHIP CAPACITY

> Leading Self
    – Personal Development Seminar and Individual Coaching
> Leading Others
    – Leadership and Change Management
    – Leadership and Change Management Workshops
> Leading with Impact
    – Public Speaking Masterclass
    – Business Communication with Storytelling
> Concluding the Journey

Module II

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

> Relational Economics
> Global Marketing
> People Performance Management
> International Business
> Strategic Management
> Business Game

Module III

PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

> Strategic Financial Management
> Managerial Accounting
> International Taxation
> Corporate Governance
> Sustainability Performance

Module IV

EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES

> Organization Design and New Business Models
> Customer Centricity in the Digital Age

> Innovation Technology Transformation
> Corporate Entrepreneurship in Action
> Data Driven Organization

OTHER OBLIGATORY PROGRAM COMPONENTS

> MBA Induction
> Research Skills and Data Analysis
> MBA Dissertation Seminar
> Using Academic and Business Databases
> International MBA Congress
> Study Trip Poland
> Study Trip France
> Elective Courses

*We reserve the right to change the program curriculum.

Get to know us

Partner Schools

The School was founded in Le Havre in 1871 and is one of the oldest French business schools. It has 7 campuses in Caen, Le Havre, Paris, Oxford, Dubai, Boston and Dublin. The quality of education is verified by three accreditations: EQUIS (EFMD institutional accreditation), AACSB and AMBA. This unique distinction of the so-called Three Crowns of accreditations has been achieved by only 1% of business schools worldwide. The School’s mission is to educate the managers of tomorrow ready to work and develop in an international environment.

https://en.em-normandie.com/

Founded in 1980, it is the oldest business school in Portugal and since its beginning maintains a strong leadership position as a leader in Executive Education. The School operates two campuses in Lisbon and Oporto. AESE Business School gained international perspective and became part of a worldwide network of 20 business schools through its partnership with IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Spain. Executive MBA AESE is accredited by EFMD (program accreditation) and AMBA. The School’s mission is to educate leaders who want to learn, leave their mark and transform the world.

https://www.aese.pt/en/

Program Organization

> Executive MBA studies last 2 years (4 semesters). Classes are conducted over 15 months. The third and fourth semester is dedicated to write a final dissertation;
> The studies comprise 510 class hours;
> 100% of classes are conducted in English. English is used during some assessments, examinations and while preparing and defending the MBA dissertation;
> The meetings are held on:
– Friday between 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.,
– Saturday and Sunday between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
> There are 14 meetings and 2 Study Trip sessions (Poland and Paris) during first year of studies; 8 meeting and 1 Study Trip session (Lisbon) during second year of studies.

Recruitment

A candidate for the MBA studies must meet the following formal requirements:

have a university degree diploma confirming completion of Bachelor or Master studies

have a very good command of English

have min. 5 years of managerial experience (or high-class specialist)

Krakow School of Business takes much care in optimizing the diversity of participants within each program edition. We take into account various criteria such as partcipants’ professional backgrounds, experience, their current position within the firm, as well as the firm’s position on the market, its sector and industry. All these variables ensure a rich learning environment with access to various knowledge pools which enahnces the learning experience for program participants.

Enrolment stages step-by-step

  • cover letter
  • copy of a higher education diploma (original must be provided for verification)
  • current CV
  • certificates of completion of additional courses, trainings
  • 1 passport format photograph
  • application form for the MBA studies – in the case of financing or co-financing the studies by the employer or in the case of self-employment
  • Verification of the provided documents and the consent to the continuation of the recruitment process.
  • Providing 2 reference letters from superiors or business partners.
  • KSB KUE Admissions Committee conducts a personal interview to obtain an insight into the professional profiles of the candidates, their motivations and the goals they want to achieve in the future. The Committee consists of experienced managers – alumni of the MBA program and representatives of the School and University, among others: School Director, MBA Program Director or University authorities.
  • The Admission Test, which is a logical and analytical English test (modelled on the US GMAT test) as well as psychological test, must be taken as a mandatory part of the admission process. It is organized by KSB KUE. The Admission Test is divided into 3 parts covering English proficiency, logical thinking skills, the ability to do mathematical calculation and work under time pressure. Priorly obtained certificates confirming the level of English proficiency do not exempt candidates from the Admission Test.
  • Admission Test Sample
  • Decision by theKCSB KUE Admissions Committee whether or not to accept the candidate for the MBA studies
  • Informing the candidate of the recruitment process result and sending a letter confirming admission to the MBA studies.

Costs and fees

Type Cost
Enrolment fee
850 PLN or 200 EUR
Program price

14 500 EUR or 65 000 PLN (without the second Study Trip – Lisbon)

17 400 EUR or 78 000 PLN (with the second Study Trip – Lisbon*)

*travel costs not included

Additional remarks

Enrolment fee

> Before the personal interview the candidate should make the non-refundable payment of the recruitment fee of 850 PLN or 200 EUR;
> Individual payment in PLN in the IRK system (in EUR on request);
> Company payment (employer or other entity) in PLN (after receiving pro-forma invoice);
> The condition of receiving the pro-forma invoice is prior submission of the application form for the MBA studies.

Program price includes:

> all obligatory courses carried out during the program,
> Study Trip Poland*,
> Study Trip Paris*,
> participation in two editions of International MBA Congress (on the first and the second year of the program),
> printed teaching materials for selected courses,
> exams,
> defense of the MBA dissertation,
> supporting of the teaching process – access to Learning Management System,
> access to Krakow University of Economics Library and its online databases,
> dedicated individual coaching sessions during first year of studies,
> dedicated individual sessions supporting career development “My future after MBA” during second year of studies,
> meetings with business leaders within the KSB Alumni MBA Club,
> WiFi Internet access,
> coffee breaks during the classes,
> free parking at the University campus,
> access to School facilities (chill-out room, kitchen, rooms for individual and group work).

*the main costs of participation in the trip are covered by KSB KUE (travel costs not included)

Payment conditions

> Student covers the studies costs him/herself or they are covered by a company/institution;
> Individual payment in EUR or in PLN;
> Company payment (employer or other entity) in PLN (after receiving pro-forma invoice);
> The condition of receiving the pro-forma invoice is prior submission of the application form;
> There is a possibility to pay in installments as below:

1st installment – 30% of the fee,
2nd installment – 25% of the fee,
3rd installment – 25% of the fee,
4th installment – 20% of the fee.

> Installment must be paid until the beginning of each semester.

Financial Aid

All candidates can:

> seek funding or co-funding from their employer,
> seek funding or co-funding from Krajowy Fundusz Szkoleniowy www.kfs.pl.

Discounts:

> 5% – written recommendation from one of the KSB KUE Executive MBA Program graduates,
> 10% – social entrepreneurs and NGO leaders,
> 15% – single parents,
> up to 20% – high potential women managers who are committed to having a positive impact on people and society (based on income statement).

Discounts cannot be combined.

MBA funding – Click to see more details

Sponsorship tax credit

> An employer who pays college expenses for his employees may include these costs as deductible expenses, thereby reducing their tax base. At the same time (in addition to that), he can deduct 50% of this amount from the tax base – taking advantage of the so-called sponsorship tax credit. For more information, visit: Polski Ład – ulga na sponsoring (podatki.gov.pl).

Diploma

After the defense of the MBA dissertation student receives:

> Executive MBA diploma granted by Krakow School of Business at Krakow University of Economics in cooperation with EM Normandie Business School from France and AESE Business School from Portugal,
> certificate of completion of postgraduate studies Executive MBA,
> transcript of academic records.

Faculty

Assoc. prof. Bartłomiej Biga, Ph.D.

Prof. Ian Richardson, Ph.D.

Vanessa Collingridge, Ph.D.

Anna Curyło, MSc., MBA

Prof. Wojciech Czakon, Ph.D.

Prof. Marek Ćwiklicki, Ph.D.

Jef Teugels, MBA

Anna Dolot, Ph.D.

Prof. Christian Friedl, Ph.D.

Ivan Yakunin

Assoc. prof. Marcin Jędrzejczyk, Ph.D.

Oktawiusz Kacza, MBA

Tomasz Kasprowicz, Ph.D., CFA

Prof. Pedro Leao, MBA

Mateusz Młynarczyk, MBA

Prof. Eurico Nobre, MBA

Dawid Ostręga, MBA

Magdalena Petryniak, MBA

Kamila Pilch, Ph.D.

Paweł Schmidt, Ph.D.

Przemysław Powalacz, MBA

Adam Rogalewicz, MSc.

Assoc. prof. Katarzyna Sanak-Kosmowska, Ph.D.

Piotr Sedlak, Ph.D.

Accreditation and rankings

Program Executive MBA carried out by Krakow School of Business KUE is awarded by a prestigious Program Accreditation granted by European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

The goal of the EFMD Accreditation system is the identification of top MBA programs in Europe and worldwide. This label is thus a confirmation of highest international standards in MBA education. This relevance is a key aspect for managerial education. Krakow School of Business KUE is thus within an elite group of institutions that are proud to wear the EFMD Accreditation label. Only 142 programs across the world and only 2 MBA programs in Poland have earned the EFMD Accreditation.

Executive MBA Rankings

2024

MBA Perspektywy® 2024 Ranking:

> Executive MBA Program among top MBA programs in Poland,
> 1st place in małopolska region.

Executive MBA Program has advanced in the 2024 QS Executive MBA Ranking. We now hold the 8th position in the “Executive Profile” category in the European ranking.

2023

Executive MBA Program has advanced in the 2023 QS Executive MBA Ranking. It achieved 10th place in the “Executive Profile” category in the European ranking.

2022

In 2022 Programme has been included in the prestigious QS World University Rankings. For the first time, the Executive MBA Program participated in the QS World Ranking of MBA programs along with 199 best EMBA programs from around the world.

Executive MBA Program achieved its highest result in the “Executive Profile” category, where the QS ranking appreciated the level of experience of the program participants (mostly classified as C-suite executives). In the European ranking, the “Executive Profile” came 15th, and “Career Outcomes” came 44th among European business schools.

2021

In the MBA Perspektywy® 2021 Ranking, the Executive MBA Program took:

> 2nd place in the category Best MBA Programs in the opinion of graduates,
> 8th place among the best MBA studies in Poland.

2020

In 2020, the Executive MBA Program found itself in the highest Master Class category in the MBA rating developed by the FORUM Association of Management Education.     

 


Why choose to study Executive MBA in Krakow?

> Beautiful green campus situated in downtown Kraków;
> Access to all academic resources of the largest Polish economic university;
> Modern educational infrastructure dedicated exclusively for MBA students;
> Possibility of participation in the International MBA Congress held annually by the Krakow School of Business KUE.

Contact us!

Monika Bulsza, MSc.

Head of MBA Office

Agnieszka Żur, Ph.D.

Program Director

Martyna Frydrychowska-Bogacka, MA

Program Coordinator

tel. +48 12 293 75 95

emba@uek.krakow.pl