The Higher Education Review

For three decades, the European Institute for Advanced Behavioural Management (EIABM) has been delivering top-tier postgraduate education through its European Management MBA program at Saarland University. This milestone commemorates the institute's enduring commitment to providing professionals with ongoing education opportunities.

Over the span of more than thirty years, aspiring managers have benefited from a curriculum designed to equip them with the skills necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of Europe's business environment. Central to its program is the emphasis on behavioral management, focusing on understanding the dynamics of both people and markets.

Introduced in 1990, the European Management/ European Economics postgraduate program pioneered MBA education within German universities. Today, the program, now known simply as European Management, stands out for its distinct European orientation, emphasis on behavioral management, extensive international exposure, and practical applicability. The study program thus fits perfectly into the European ethos of Saarland University, which was founded in 1949 at the heart of Europe with the idea of a European university.

Since 2008, operating under the name MBA European Management, the program has consistently undergone accreditation, affirming its high standards. Recognitions such as the FIBAA seal of accreditation in 2009 and the UdS Quality Pass in 2016 and 2020 attest to its continued excellence.

The institute's dedication to internationality and behavioral management is encapsulated in its English-language nomenclature: European Institute for Advanced Behavioural Management, epitomizing its commitment to cutting-edge management education.

“Courses are taught by renowned professors from Saarland University as well as from other recognized universities in Germany and other European countries. We choose our lecturers very carefully from the elite range of leading experts in their fields. Our MBA program undergoes regular accreditation procedures that continuously confirm the high quality of the program, its contents and academic teaching staff.

In 2009 for example, the program, was awarded the FIBAA seal of accreditation. In 2016 and 2020 the program was awarded the UdS Quality Pass in the context

of the system accreditation of Saarland University”, shares Professor Bastian Popp, the Academic Director of the European Institute for Advanced Behavioural Management.

Resources & Scholarships at EIABM
Saarland University, boasting a modern campus and excellent infrastructure, provides an ideal environment for academic pursuit. The European Institute for Advanced Behavioural Management (EIABM) leverages these facilities exclusively for its MBA students, offering access to cutting-edge resources such as the CIP Pool, advanced teaching and study rooms, and a dedicated institute library. Moreover, students benefit from various support services including career counseling, language courses, and start-up assistance, enhancing their overall academic experience.

”Students enrolled at the European Institute for Advanced Behavioural Management (EIABM) hail from diverse corners of the globe, all on a trajectory towards leadership roles in global teams”

Located in Saarbrucken, at the heart of Europe, the institute's geographical advantage enriches the educational landscape, providing access to diverse job markets within the Saar-Lor-Lux region. The city's status as an economic and cultural hub further enhances the opportunities for entrepreneurial endeavors, making it an attractive destination for students seeking international exposure.

In terms of scholarships, MBA students can apply for the Deutschlandstipendium, providing financial support to deserving candidates. Additionally, students can explore various scholarship opportunities offered by organizations like DAAD. Furthermore, the institute recognizes academic excellence through prestigious awards such as the Villa Lessing Prize and the Hans Werner Osthoff Prize, offering monetary rewards to outstanding performers in the program. These scholarships play a crucial role in making world-class higher education accessible to a diverse range of students, fostering inclusivity and excellence in academic endeavors.

Industry Ready Approach
Students enrolled at the European Institute for Advanced Behavioural Management (EIABM) hail from diverse corners of the globe, all on a trajectory towards leadership roles in global teams. The MBA program equips them with foundational knowledge in modern management encompassing economic, legal, political strategies, and crucial intercultural dimensions through engaging discussions and case studies.

Complementing theoretical learning, field trips, lectures, and company visits to European partner universities facilitate practical application and deeper understanding of concepts.

The program's emphasis on practicality is underscored by cutting-edge teaching methodologies like interactive case studies and real-life examples, ensuring students gain insights into industrial practices early on. These experiences also provide ample networking opportunities with industry experts, laying the groundwork for future career prospects.

Central to EIABM's ethos is research and teaching focused on understanding human and market behavior, crucial for corporate success. Questions surrounding consumer behavior, internationalization's impact, and leveraging modern information systems are explored, reflecting the institute's commitment to addressing contemporary management challenges.

Structured into six modules covering essential management facets, the MBA curriculum encompasses topics ranging from strategic management to behavioral management. Additionally, students undertake a Master Thesis on innovative management and marketing topics.

The program offers flexibility with full-time and part-time options, enabling students to engage in both studies and work. The modular approach allows for tailored study structures, accommodating diverse student needs.

EIABM's industry connections and knowledge transfer initiatives, including guest lectures and international study weeks, ensure students receive practical insights and exposure to global business environments. The institute's advisory board fosters ongoing collaboration with local industries, enhancing networking opportunities and industry relevance.

Path Ahead
Starting in October 2024, the MBA program at Saarland University will introduce five elective courses in entrepreneurship, enabling students to tailor their focus within the program.

These additions aim to enhance the curriculum and meet the growing demand for expertise in entrepreneurship. Commencing from the winter term of 2024/25, these new courses will enrich the MBA program in European Management with a specific emphasis on entrepreneurship.

The offerings include modules such as Marketing of Innovations, Prototyping and Agile Project Management, Business Model Development, Data Analytics Project, and Entrepreneurial Management.

This expansion reflects the institution's commitment to providing students with relevant and diverse learning opportunities, equipping them with skills vital for success in today's dynamic business landscape.