This specialisation of the Executive MBA programme provides in-depth knowledge and expertise across key areas such as economics, strategy, management, innovation, finance, and accounting. The specialisation integrates theoretical and practical applications, focuses on problem-based learning, and features engagement and networking among faculty members and experienced classmates.

The specialisation intends to

• give students a broad, general curriculum with a strong focus on the seafood industry, its challenges and opportunities. Technology, sustainability and a global perspective are therefore main themes throughout the specialisation.
• give students breadth and depth through coursework that is topical, relevant and tailored to address the critical issues of the seafood industry today and in the future.
• give students the opportunity to interact in class as well as in modern distance learning settings. Furthermore, the specialisation includes training sessions on soft skills such as negotiations, communication and intercultural competence.

The group of participants is small and carefully selected, as we aim to bring together people from different regions and different parts of the global seafood industry, representing a broad set of expertise and experiences. This facilitates learning, stimulates discussions, and provides diverse perspectives on relevant business problems. This network element is an important learning factor, both during the programme and after its completion.

After completing the specialisation, candidates are expected to have achieved the following overall learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate has

• deep understanding of key business disciplines, such as economics, strategy, international business, management, marketing, accounting, and finance, and can apply essential elements to the seafood industry and beyond.
• thorough knowledge of the distinguishing features of the seafood industry and the managerial implications of operating in natural resource-based industries.
• advanced knowledge on how key models and principles can be applied to new problems and business challenges.
• thorough understanding on how to use new technologies in general, and in the form of digitization in particular, for the benefit of an organization.
• an understanding of the role of technological and societal trends for the seafood industry, and knows how to organize for, develop and implement innovations in an organization.
• knowledge on the importance of sustainability for the seafood industry and in the general economy.

Skills

The candidate is capable of

• demonstrating advanced critical thinking and can employ appropriate analytical models and apply critical reasoning processes to evaluate evidence, select among alternatives, and generate creative options promoting effective decision making in general and within the seafood industry.
• applying research-based management tools to practical business challenges.
• using advanced analysis methods to evaluate the profitability of business decisions.
• independently managing business projects within the seafood industry and beyond according to the current professional and ethical standards.

General competence

The candidate

• can use appropriate leadership skills and styles, collaborate well with others across cultures and different backgrounds, and effectively and appropriately structure teamwork.
• understands the importance of behaving ethically and responsibly in their professional lives, and they recognize and can frame responses to sustainability challenges and opportunities in both their organizations and their communities.
• possess effective communication skills and can write business documents and speak in groups and in public in a clear, concise, and analytical manner using business terminology.
• can contribute to innovation projects.

The specialisation is an experience-based part time study (90 ECTS) that is taught over a period of two years. It includes physical sessions, as well as digital seminars. and an independent work of 30 ECTS (master’s thesis).  The master’s thesis is written under academic supervision.

The specialisation consists of six modules.

Each module includes a five-day module meeting, digital preparation, repetition classes and distance learning elements. The preparation and repetition classes will be digital meetings of 4 hours duration and will take place in the weeks between the meetings. Total there will be around six meetings for each module.

Two of the modules will also include three-day case-working meetings in hybrid form for which students can decide themselves whether they want to attend in class or online. These meetings will be case-based in small groups where students work on a particular problem and present their solution to the whole group in the end of the session.

Four of the meetings take place at NHH and two meetings take place at collaborating educational institutions abroad.

The specialisation combines traditional lecturing with case-based approaches, elements of flipped classroom approaches and online learning technologies. This approach facilitates broad international participation from around the world. The specialisation builds on problem-based learning and each modules’ learning experience will have focus on a specific problem.

We complement the academic content with sessions on soft-skill development, such as for instance presentation and negotiation training.

Students are assessed both individually and in groups during the programme. During each module, students must participate in the module meeting and complete distance-learning assignments. Each module demands either submit either individual home assignment or a group work. In addition, students must submit their MBA thesis at the end of the programme.

Distance-learning assignments

During each module, students must solve assignments related to the modules’ content. The assignments aim to prepare and repeat and will be discussed during the preparation and repetition meetings.

Home assignment

At the end of the four modules, students must submit an assignment that is based on the content of the module.

As part of four of the modules, students must write an independent paper where they apply the insights, methods, and skills they have acquired in the respective module to analyse a company or organization of their choice. The paper is due at the end of each module.

By the end of the specialisation, each student should merge the four papers into a unified and coherent text, the MBA thesis. The complete thesis of 30 ECTS is due towards the end of the programme.

This module focuses on value creation in the seafood industry. First, it puts the seafood industry in a global context and presents the economic framework for modelling and analysing markets related to seafood. One part is primarily descriptive and historical, as it describes the broader industry context and shows how the seafood industry has evolved over time. A second part introduces relevant economic models and discusses how to apply them to analyse the seafood industry. This part of the module focuses particularly on economics, markets, regulations, and sustainability.

This second part of the module starts with how organizations are managed. It discusses not only the inherent agency conflict of organizations but also how different expertise and dispersed knowledge within a company can be used efficiently. Furthermore, it includes the basics of capital budgeting and resource allocation within organizations. The module then turns to the topic of marketing. Marketing is an integral part of a company’s road to success, as every business must successfully market its products and services. The module offers the basics of marketing, which covers fundamental concepts, theories, and frameworks in marketing.

The second module ties the analyses of the external environment to strategic decision-making. We discuss the industry characteristics identified in module 1 in a strategic perspective with emphasis on how regulatory, political and cultural conditions influence financial performance in an industry and the strategic options available to a firm. The module presents strategic alternatives at both the corporate and business-unit levels and introduces innovative business models for the seafood industry and other relevant industries. The module also explores how firms can identify, develop and make use of resources and capabilities that will enable them to create sustainable competitive advantage. The module presents models for analysing, rationalizing and organizing value creation processes and introduces value chain analysis as a way of understanding strategic and organizational choices, particularly tied to make-or-buy decisions. Module 3 also explores the connection between strategic thinking and sustainability, with emphasize on business-model opportunities to respond to current environmental and social challenges.

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the critical aspects of financial analysis and financial risk management within corporate finance. It emphasizes the interpretation and application of financial statements and reports to evaluate company performance and make informed decisions. The module explores various funding strategies to optimize an organization's capital structure for sustainable growth. It focuses on the application risk management tools and techniques, focusing on how to identify, assess, and mitigate financial risks in a volatile economic environment. The module also includes a thorough examination of valuation techniques. Simulation exercises provide hands-on experience in financial decision-making.

Sustainability and ethics are integrated in all modules. The seafood industry depends on sustainable business practices, and it understanding the sustainability challenges is therefore essential. That includes sustainability towards the environment, animal welfare and food safety, but also in terms of business models and management practice. It is furthermore crucial for the participants to understand the regulatory environment and reporting needs.

During the studies, the content includes sessions that aim to develop the participant’s soft-skills. That includes presentation skills, who to develop team skills, intercultural competence and career management.