Search
Back to advice

Frequently Asked Questions

How can we help?

Business School Nederland has compiled frequently asked questions for you regarding all our programmes and courses. If your question is not listed, please contact one of our programme advisors.

Frequently asked questions about our MBA and management courses

We have compiled frequently asked questions for you regarding our MBA and management programmes. If your question is not listed, please contact one of our programme advisors.


MBA Programmes

01
What is the value of the International Action Learning MBA programme?

Our MBA programmes are Professional Master’s Degrees. A Professional Master’s focuses primarily on applied research. The MBA programmes at Business School Netherlands therefore deliver immediate returns for the student and their organisation, as theoretical knowledge is directly applied to their own practice. The Professional Master’s has learning outcomes and final results that correspond to level 9 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), which is the second-highest level within higher education in South Africa.

ROI at Business School Netherlands

At Business School Netherlands, every participant applies what they have learned directly in practice through the Action Learning method. This sets us apart from any other management educator in the world. Moreover, the impact/return on investment of this application is high to very high.

For organisations

Our MBA graduates claim that the study costs are easily recouped by the organisation. Some even speak of returns ranging from tens of thousands to millions or more. This is excellent for the employer and also for the participant who undergoes personal growth through their studies while contributing to the organisation’s return on investment. A true win-win situation.

For individuals

MBA alumni earn more, attain better positions, and believe that an MBA has been valuable to their professional success. We rank in the top business schools in the world when it comes to improved positions due to the programme and an increase in gross monthly salary before and after the programme.

02
Are there any exemptions available for the MBA programmes?

If you have completed the Action Learning Leadership Programme, you will be exempt from Phase 1 of the International Action Learning MBA and the Online Action Learning MBA.

03
What is Action Learning?

The educational philosophy of Business School Netherlands is Action Learning: a methodology that ensures practical applicability and learning from your own organisational challenges. Your personal development and the concrete issues within your organisation are at the core of your education. You learn by doing. Action Learning is a process where a small group of participants collaboratively learn and work on real, urgent, and complex problems within their organisations. Action Learning involves asking clear questions and reflective listening. It addresses problems by first asking questions to clarify the precise nature of the problem, present possible solutions, and identify them before taking action. Questions build group dialogue and coherence, generate innovative and systemic thinking, and improve learning outcomes. Action Learning can be used as a standalone tool.

04
What if I don't have an organisation where I can work and complete my tasks and assignments while I complete my studies?

First, try to find a company within your own network where you can apply your assignments. If that is not possible, as Business School Nederland, we have a national and international Alumni network. Many MBA graduates express their willingness to provide students with opportunities to work on projects with them. For more information, please contact our programme advisors.

05
What is the minimum size of one's own organisation required to carry out projects during the MBA programme?"

At least 10-15 employees within the organisation are required to effectively carry out analyses and projects during the MBA programme. If your organisation is not large enough, perhaps because you are a freelancer (self-employed individual), analyses and projects during the MBA programme can also be conducted in another organisation. This could include an NGO or a sports club of substantial size, for example.

06
Is the MBA programme offered in English?

The International Action Learning MBA and the Online Action Learning MBA are taught in English. With these MBAs, you will be part of an international group with students from various countries.

07
What is a subset?

A subset is a small group of 4 to 6 students with whom you work closely throughout your MBA program, under the guidance of an Action Learning Coach.

08
What do the tests/exams in the MBA programmes consist of?

The assessment in the MBA programmes consists of analysis assignments, Question and Answers assignments, Action Learning Projects, and reflection assignments. The assignments are always related to your own organisation and are carried out at home or in the workplace. There are no traditional classroom tests or exams. This makes the MBA programmes at Business School Nederland unique in its kind.

09
How are the core courses of the MBA programme structured?

A core course in the MBA programmes is prepared at home using a study guide with Questions & Answers. You read the corresponding textbook and articles selected by Business School Netherlands. Additionally, you prepare a concise company analysis using the provided questions in the study guide. You visit your organisation to interview colleagues for this purpose. Then, there are two to three sessions per subject, during which you engage in discussions with instructors and fellow students regarding this company analysis. Afterward, you finalise the analysis on a specific aspect, such as Marketing or HRM. If the analysis is satisfactory, the subject is concluded.

10
How does the guidance/coaching work?

During your practical assignments within the MBA, you are guided by an experienced coach. The final project, the dissertation, is additionally supervised by one of the subject instructors.

11
What is the size of the MBA groups?

Each MBA group consists of a minimum of twelve and a maximum of twenty individuals. This group is further divided into subsets of approximately 6 participants. Keeping the groups small ensures an effective Action Learning process.

12
How do I convince my manager/employer?

An MBA programme requires a significant investment in both time and money. In many other MBA programmes, the benefits are primarily reaped by the employee, with the employer gaining very little. However, when you pursue an MBA at Business School Netherlands, the employer directly benefits from the study:

Not only does the manager gain valuable knowledge, but the employer also gains access to various business analyses and sees their manager solve a variety of pressing business challenges. What would typically require hiring a consultant is now addressed and implemented by the MBA student, resulting in immediate cost savings on consultants and problem resolution. This often translates to the employer earning multiples of the study costs back in monetary terms. Business School Netherland’s MBA programme is an ideal means to discover and develop talents within the organisation, reducing the need to hire external senior management (with uncertainties about their qualifications).

13
Is it possible to pay for the MBA programme in installments?

It is possible to pay in a maximum of 4 installments. Please note that there will be administrative fees.

DBA Programme

01
What is the focus of the DBA programme?

The programme focuses on developing critical thinking, creativity, and applied research skills to enable candidates to combine modern business theory with effective management practice. It also trains candidates to create new value and implement innovative solutions in today’s digital business landscape.

02
What is the Bologna Process, and how does it relate to the DBA programme?

The DBA programme falls under the jurisdiction of the Bologna Process, a series of agreements between European and non-European countries aimed at ensuring comparable standards and quality of higher-education qualifications.

03
What is the Action Learning method used in the programme?

The innovative Action Learning method is an integral part of the Global Executive DBA. It provides candidates with a practical framework for decision-making and problem-solving in real-world business scenarios.

04
What are the research topics relevant to the DBA programme?

The programme focuses on Great Leadership, which includes research areas like Responsible Leadership, Change Leadership, Decision-making Leadership, and Performance Leadership.

05
Is the Global Executive DBA accredited?

Yes, the programme holds double accreditation from both the American Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) and the Accreditation Agency of Curacao (AAC). The Global Humanistic University, awarding the DBA degree, is officially recognized by the Curacao government.

06
What opportunities are available for networking and collaboration during the programme?

Candidates have the chance to participate in optional in-person conferences and workshops, fostering networking opportunities and identity development as business leaders.

07
What can graduates expect after completing the Global Executive DBA programme?

Upon graduation, candidates become part of the BSN alumni network and may be invited to become scholars at one of the BSN Impact Leadership Centres. They can share their insights with leaders from various companies and organizations within the BSN network, further contributing to the field of business knowledge.

Master of Science in Finance

01
What makes the MSF programme different from a traditional MBA?

The MSF programme focuses primarily on financial models, markets, investment, and analytical strategies, providing specialized expertise in finance, while an MBA covers a broader range of business disciplines.

02
How is the MSF programme delivered, and what resources are available for online learning?

The MSF degree programme is delivered through an online, virtual-class environment, with face-to-face video calls and access to a 24/7 online student portal. Students have full support from academic tutors, plagiarism and spell-checking software, and access to Microsoft Office applications.

03
Are there any scholarships available for students from Africa or developing countries?

Yes, Cambridge College Global and BSN offer partial scholarships for eligible applicants from Africa and certain developing regions. For more information, please inquire with us directly.

04
What accreditation does Cambridge College Global hold for the MSF programme?

Cambridge College Global is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (USA), ensuring the programme’s quality and recognition.

05
What career opportunities are available for graduates of the MSF programme?

Graduates of the MSF programme can pursue various roles in the finance sector, including financial analyst, financial planner, CFO, stock trader, investment advisor, director of finance, portfolio manager, bond trader, and more.

06
How will the MSF programme prepare me for the global financial environment?

The MSF programme equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to strategize and implement effective financial plans and investment policies in the current global financial landscape.

Masterclasses

01
Do I receive a certificate for the masterclass?

After attending the class sessions, you will receive a certificate of participation.

In addition to attending the class sessions, you will also have the opportunity to solidify the knowledge by applying it in a Personal Effectiveness Paper (PEP). In this paper, you will further develop your vision on a specific topic to make it applicable. The topic must fall within the scope of the masterclass. Business School Netherlands will evaluate the PEP.

Upon achieving satisfactory results, you will receive a certificate for successfully completing the masterclass.

Moreover, MBA students can integrate the masterclass into their programme by incorporating the topic into their dissertation, for example, as a chapter. If you have written a PEP and included the additional focus in the dissertation, you will qualify for a major. This major will be mentioned on your diploma and transcript with a weight of 2.5EC. You will then graduate with 67.5EC instead of 65EC.

02
What is expected of me during the masterclass?

As in all our courses, we also establish a direct connection to your own practice during the masterclass. The lessons are interactive, allowing you to scrutinise yourself and your organisation further. Therefore, we expect an open and proactive attitude from all participants.

03
How often are the masterclasses presented?

Typically, once a year, in the spring. If there is sufficient interest, we will schedule an additional group in the autumn.

Back to top