Time: 2 September 2024 – 30 June 2026
Duration: 1.5–2 years
Number of Student Places: 20–40
Target Group: Persons in senior management positions
Recommended Previous Skills: 5–10 years of work experience
Forms of Instruction: Online studies and meetings via Teams, optional on-site weeks in Cambridge (UK)
Language of Instruction: English and Finnish
Instructors: Instructors are determined based on the contents of the customisable modules
Registration Deadline: 1 August 2024
Price: €14,900 + VAT, including XaMBA modules 1–8.
Cambridge Weeks in the United Kingdom: The price for Cambridge weeks for those registered in the XaMBA programme is €2,450 + VAT per week. It is also possible to register only for the Cambridge weeks, in which case the price, without XaMBA, is €4,990 + VAT per week. The duration of the Cambridge week is from Monday to Friday. The price does not include travel or accommodation expenses. Small companies can apply for a discretionary Business Finland innovation voucher to fund the Cambridge week.
It is also possible to buy two modules of the programme at a time for €5,000 + VAT. / pair of modules.
Modules 1-2
Modules 3-4
Modules 5-6
Modules 7-8
NOTE: The official certificate is only issued after the completion of all modules and the final thesis.
Invoicing: The fee is paid in three instalments, and the first instalment (€5,000 + VAT) must be paid before the start of the programme. The subsequent instalments will be due in October 2024 (€5,000 + VAT) and November 2024 (€4,900 + VAT). The Cambridge weeks will be invoiced according to their timing and must be paid one month before the trip. For companies, the invoice will be sent as an electronic or paper invoice and, for individuals, as an email attachment.
Cancellation Policy: Registration can be cancelled free of charge up to 30 days before the start of the programme. Cancellations made after this will incur the full fee. Cancellations must be sent to taydennyskoulutus@xamk.fi.
What is XaMBA?
Xamk applied MBA (XaMBA) is an applied executive education programme that allows you to strengthen your professional leadership skills and advance the strategic objectives under your responsibility with the support of top professionals. The ‘a’ in XaMBA stands for applied and encapsulates our vision of an applied practical approach. XaMBA is tailored to your and your organisation's needs.
During the programme, you can apply the theories and tools you learn and advance your organisation's business objectives as part of your daily work.
XaMBA allows you to engage in discussions with professionals who are part of the world's most esteemed ecosystem of science, art, and business in Cambridge, United Kingdom. The speakers and instructors are successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, professors, researchers, and experts from sectors such as business, exports, growth, internationalisation, and technology.
XaMBA Applied Executive Education Programme
- XaMBA is designed to be completed over the course of 1.5–2 years alongside work.
- The programme consists of eight modules and a final thesis.
- A report is prepared for each module, serving as the basis for the final thesis.
- Upon completing all modules and submitting the final thesis, the student receives a certificate of completion for the programme.
The XaMBA programme is suitable for you if:
- You are interested in developing international business using the latest methods, and internationalisation is relevant to your company or organisation.
- You are considering further education to update your management skills.
- You are considering bringing in external support, such as consultants, to innovate your company's operations and implement the proper change measures.
- You want personalised training tailored to you and your company's needs.
- You want to study flexibly – these are blended studies.
The programme consists of the following:
- Personalised tutoring and customised content according to your needs.
- Lectures and lecture materials. Recommended literature is provided in each module.
- Self-study according to your own interests.
- Business materials to aid problem-solving and the exploration of opportunities.
- Shared literature and personalised theoretical and practical perspectives.
- Expert mentoring.
- Peer support.
- Independent work (reports, lectures, final thesis).
Programme Implementation
The programme is tailored to the participant and organisation. We adapt the content in the modules to suit your needs. Once the first instalment of the fee is received, our professional instructors will customise the programme for you. The programme includes online lectures and meetings, workshops, and optional on-site sessions in Cambridge. If you cannot attend the lectures and networking events in Cambridge in person, you can watch recordings of the lectures later.
The programme's strength lies in its versatility, allowing you to test various perspectives, thought models, and sources. The development measures are closely tied to your work and your organisation's development needs and are reported module by module, according to the agreed-upon schedule. The module reports serve as the basis for the final thesis.
During the weeks in Cambridge, 1-to-1 meetings and events are organised with professionals from various fields who are part of the Cambridge networks. These events aim to improve your company's internationality and expand its international network.
The programme’s languages are Finnish and English. The bilateral customisation, coaching, and guidance discussions with instructors are conducted in Finnish, and the language of discussion at the Cambridge meetings is English. The material used in the programme is mostly in English.
Participating in the programme requires approximately 10 hours of your time per week. The flexible schedule allows you to complete the programme alongside full-time work. Throughout the programme, you will be supported by our professionals.
The modules are completed in the course of 4 periods. The language of education is English.
Forms of instruction include online and contact teaching sessions, lectures, workshops, and real-life promotion and reporting of development measures. Our professionals in charge of the programme will support you throughout your studies.
AUTUMN MODULES
Module 1: Strategy and Leadership
In this module, we critically explore and evaluate historical and modern approaches to leadership from a strategic perspective. Particular focus is placed on leadership in the middle and top management of large enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, and public organisations. You grow your expertise in strategic leadership's impact on the organisation's performance.
Module 2: Digitalisation, AI, Deep Tech and Innovation Management
This module looks at digitalisation and the central questions concerning the changes it brings about in organisations. We examine the management of knowledge-intensive work and the creation of new knowledge. We also examine innovation cultures and digital capabilities in organisations. You learn how to build a long-lasting competitive advantage by promoting innovation in a complex global value network.
Module 3: Entrepreneurial Thinking
This module focuses on entrepreneurial thinking and activities and how they are supported in large companies and organisations through leadership, example, and strategic and decision-making levels. You can assess and develop your leadership skills and strengthen your capabilities as an enabler and promoter of entrepreneurial thinking and activities.
Module 4: Creative and Design Thinking
In this module, we examine design thinking approaches to creativity and innovation in situations where the aim is to create user-oriented products, services, and processes. On the topic of service innovation, we focus on new perspectives on value creation, which emphasise co-creation with users and partners through the active exchange of information.
SPRING MODULES
Module 5: Operations Management
In this module, we discuss the nature of organisations, the role of management, and relations with the external operating environment, all of which are under constant pressure for change. You receive frameworks and insights on the operations of organisations from the perspective of behavioural sciences. You have the chance to clarify your understanding and operating methods in your own professional setting and role as a manager.
Module 6: Change and Crisis Management
In this module, we focus on managing organisations during times of change and crisis by looking at the political, cultural, and ethical dimensions of change. We examine how leaders, managers, and various actors manage change and prepare for crises. You learn how to anticipate the unpredictable and potentially harmful impacts of changes and crises from the perspective of your own role.
Module 7: Brand Management and International Business
This module delves into strategic brand management in an era where internationalisation is focused on globalising operating environments through the use of the internet, smartphones, and social media. We look at brand and marketing management from the perspective of customer behaviour in both the B2C and B2B sectors, emphasising the critical link between brand management and international marketing.
Module 8: Green and Sustainable Economy
In this module, we examine responsible decision-making techniques. The main themes include financial impact, sustainability, and ecological thinking in business, particularly from the perspective of preserving non-renewable resources and reducing emissions. We also examine the corporate image from the viewpoint of the economy and profitability and explore the possibilities of utilising financial data in strategic decision-making.
FINAL THESIS
The final thesis brings together all the learning throughout the programme. In each module, a short report of approximately ten pages is prepared, serving as the basis for the final thesis. The final thesis delves into topics such as digitalisation and artificial intelligence, change management, brand management and international business, and sustainability. It is written from the perspective of your own company and is worked on for 12 weeks. The work must be submitted no later than 31 May 2026.
Cambridge Weeks:
11–15 November 2024
24–28 March 2025
9–13 June 2025
10–14 November 2025
Contact Information
Annika Salmi, Coordinator. Telephone: +358 50 401 5654 or email South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, Xentre Business Services at yrityspalvelut@xamk.fi
Cancellation Policy
Registration can be cancelled free of charge up to 30 days before the start of the programme. Cancellations made after this will incur the full fee. Cancellation must be made in writing to taydennyskoulutus@xamk.fi.
Invoicing
For individuals, the invoice will be sent as an email attachment (PDF). The first instalment (€5,000 + VAT) must be paid before the start of the programme.
For companies, the invoice will be sent either as an electronic or paper invoice.
We will email you to inform you about the programme's implementation. If you do not receive any messages, please check your junk folder or contact us.
We reserve the right to make any changes.
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences is audited by the Finnish Education Evaluation Centre (FINEEC).