University of Economics – Varna

Speciality “Master of business administration“

Professional field 3.7 “Administration and management”

Professional qualification “Management and administration”

Professional qualificational degree “Master”

Period of study: full-time study, 1.5 years

1. Basic purpose of the characteristics

This document outlines the key characteristics and qualifications of the MBA program. It serves several important purposes:

• detail the program's curriculum and the role of the selected courses;
• define the essential professional knowledge, skills, and competencies graduates will gain from the MBA program; this comprehensive skillset equips them to excel in various business environments;
• this document serves as a cornerstone for ongoing curriculum development and improvement; it ensures the MBA program stays up to date with industry trends and prepares students for the dynamic business landscape;
• provide students with a clear understanding of the diverse career opportunities available to them upon graduation.
• Training within the MBA program is grounded in a broad foundation of scientific theory and practical application. The teaching approach utilizes modern pedagogical methods and tools to create an engaging and effective learning experience.

2. Professional knowledge and skills

The MBA program equips graduates with a comprehensive set of professional knowledge, skills, and values that prepare them to excel in various business environments.

Core Knowledge Areas:

• Strategic thinking and analysis – graduates will gain the ability to analyze business situations, develop effective strategies, and navigate dynamic market conditions.
• Global business acumen – the program fosters a deep understanding of international business practices, cultural nuances, and global economic trends.
• Sustainability and responsibility – graduates will develop a sense of social responsibility and environmental awareness, and be able to integrate sustainability principles into business operations for positive societal impact.
• Functional expertise – the program provides a strong foundation in key business functions, enabling graduates to manage people, processes, and projects effectively.

Real-World Skills Development:

• Business communication – graduates will develop clear and concise communication skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration – graduates will improve their collaboration and communication skills necessary to navigate diverse work environments and thrive in multinational teams.
• Leadership – the program develops leadership skills, empowering graduates to inspire and motivate teams.
• Entrepreneurship and innovation – graduates will develop an entrepreneurial mindset, teaching them to identify and seize business opportunities.
• Conflict management – graduates will be equipped with effective strategies to manage conflict constructively and foster positive working relationships.
• Negotiation and strategic thinking – graduates will develop strong negotiation and strategic thinking skills, enabling them to make sound decisions in complex situations.
• Research skills – graduates will develop the ability to conduct research, analyze data, and present findings effectively.

Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning:

• Critical thinking and decision making – graduates will improve their ability to think critically and make sound decisions.
• Problem-solving and adaptability – the program equips graduates with effective problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to changing business environments.
• Interpersonal skills – graduates will refine their ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders.

3. Training in the MBA programme

The MBA program curriculum is carefully crafted to equip graduates with a robust understanding of core business functions, strategic thinking, and the essential skills required to navigate the complexities and seize the opportunities of today's dynamic business landscape.

The courses can be broadly categorized as follows:

• Foundational courses – these courses provide a strong foundation in essential business areas like financial reporting and performance management, human resource management, marketing, sustainability in business models and service operations management.
• Strategic and global business courses – these courses explore topics like global business practices, corporate reporting, understanding strategies and business growth, and navigating change and agility in competitive landscapes.
• Leadership and entrepreneurial development courses – courses on developing entrepreneurial opportunities and conflict management equip graduates with the skills to lead and manage teams effectively, fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Research and analytical skills courses – these courses develop research methodologies, academic writing and clear communication of findings, essential for decision making.
• Elective courses – students can choose electives to deepen their knowledge in specific areas like European studies, business communication, or cultural policy.

The program utilizes a variety of engaging and effective teaching methods to promote active learning and the development of essential skills. This includes case studies and problem-based learning, where students grapple with real-world business scenarios to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problem solving. Students also work collaboratively on projects, fostering teamwork, communication, and project management skills. Interactive lectures and discussions encourage student participation and critical thinking, while business simulations allow students to test their decision-making abilities in a realistic environment. Finally, partnerships with industry experts provide valuable insights into real-world business practices.

4. Career opportunities

The potential career paths graduates can pursue include:

• Graduates can excel in leadership roles across departments, such as project management, human resource management, operations management, or marketing management. They can also pursue executive-level positions like Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the long term. This translates to graduates being well-positioned to become heads of various management levels of business organizations, functional and line specialists in the management hierarchy of business organizations, and management specialists and experts in the research and development units of business organizations.
• The program's focus on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis makes graduates well-suited for consulting careers. They can advise businesses on various aspects, from strategy and operations to marketing and human resources. This expertise positions them to become consultants and experts in management and organizational development in specialized companies and scientific research organizations.
• The program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, equipping graduates with the necessary skillset to launch their own ventures or intrapreneurially drive innovation within established organizations.
• Graduates will be able to identify and seize business opportunities, making them strong candidates for business development roles, where they can forge strategic partnerships and drive revenue growth.
• Graduates can leverage their MBA to pursue careers in various economic fields, including specialized industries, or non-profit organizations.
• Additionally, graduates can use their skills in the public sector.  Their strong understanding of business principles and administrative practices makes them strong candidates for management and administration specialist roles in local and state management structures.

5. Competence to be acquired by students during their training in the MBA programme

In accordance with the Recommendation of the Council of the European Union (EU) of 22 May 2018 on the implementation by Member States of a policy supporting the development of key competences for lifelong learning; The National Qualification Framework of the Republic of Bulgaria (NKRB), in which knowledge, skills and competences (including personal and professional) are presented, at UE - Varna, a competence approach is applied in the education of students, aimed at forming the necessary general cultural, professional and personal competencies.

The basis of the application of the competence approach at UE - Varna is the priority orientation of education towards its results: formation of the need on the part of the educated students for continuous development and acquisition of social, cultural and professional competences, self-determination, socialization, personal development and self-improvement.

When studying in the MBA program, an opportunity is provided for the balanced development of all key competencies in accordance with the competency model, namely: language literacy; multilingual competence; mathematical competence and competence in the field of exact sciences, technology and engineering; digital competence; personal competence; civil competence; entrepreneurial competence and cultural awareness competence.

The core key competencies acquired by the MBA graduates are:

1. Citizenship competence – graduates are equipped to approach complex business issues with an ethical and socially responsible lens, understanding and applying best practices in corporate social responsibility (CSR) to improve working conditions, employee well-being, and adherence to social and labor standards.  The program fosters a broader understanding of the role businesses play as changemakers, empowering graduates to identify and implement strategies that promote positive societal impact and contribute to sustainable development.  This global and multicultural awareness equips them to navigate diverse environments and contribute to solutions with a broader perspective, considering the multicultural and socio-economic landscape of Europe, global climate change, demographic shifts, and relevant European policies.
2. Entrepreneurial competence – graduates develop a keen eye for analyzing business opportunities across various management functions. They possess strong problem-solving skills, enabling them to identify and assess trends, challenges, and unsolved problems within organizations. By leveraging their team-building and leadership abilities, graduates can effectively guide teams to develop and implement solutions that optimize performance and drive future growth.  Their exceptional communication skills allow them to present ideas persuasively to diverse audiences, fostering collaboration and advocating for innovative approaches.

Personal, social and learning to learn competence – graduates demonstrate exceptional teamwork and collaboration skills, working effectively both independently and collaboratively on complex tasks.  They are adaptable and resourceful, thriving in dynamic environments while meeting deadlines and adhering to high ethical standards. Their strong decision-making abilities empower them to navigate challenging situations and make sound choices even under pressure. Furthermore, graduates possess a growth mindset, readily embracing opportunities to learn and develop both themselves and those around them. This commitment to lifelong learning ensures they stay current with industry trends and maintain a competitive edge

Programme

Master of business administration - DAHE, Full-time (January Admission) (2024)

First year

2024