The Executive MBA Integrates Economics, Strategy, Management, and Leadership Development

The specialisation is a unique interdisciplinary programme providing a contemporary and forward-looking executive education. Through the use of problem-based learning, the programme aims to equip students with the knowledge to analyse and understand value creation within organisations, and to contribute to enhanced sustainable value creation through informed decision-making, governance, and leadership.

The programme enables students to:

• Gain diverse perspectives on disciplines including strategy, economics, innovation, and management, supporting improved decision-making and the development of their own organisations. The curriculum integrates theory and practical application, while participants address current challenges from their own professional contexts.

• Acquire up-to-date, research-based knowledge on strategic leadership from a broad perspective. Many organisations operate in dynamic and often international competitive environments, making a comprehensive understanding essential for meeting challenges and exploiting opportunities.

• Develop the capacity to identify factors that help organisations mobilise and utilise resources in ways that generate sustainable competitive advantages.

• Build networks for learning and ongoing development, both within and beyond the classroom environment.

• Develop their own leadership capabilities through personal and professional growth.

Modules

Module 1: The Big Picture – Competition and Economic Growth. How do changes in external conditions affect competition and competitive advantage?

Module 2: Customer, User, and Product Market Understanding. How can organisations understand their customers and users, and how does this influence product-market decisions?

Module 3: Sources of Competitive Advantage. How can organisations identify, build, and sustain enduring sources of competitive advantage?

Module 4: The Integrated Perspective in Strategic Leadership. How can organisations lead, organise, and implement strategic change within companies and corporate groups?

Online Modules

Online 1: Economics for Non-Economists – An introduction to microeconomics.
Online 2: Research Methods for Leaders – Research questions, research design, quantitative and qualitative methods.
Online 3: Accounting and Profitability Analysis – How to assess an organisation’s financial position through financial statement analysis.
Online 4: Valuation and Corporate Finance – Different approaches to accounting-based valuation.

The programme is designed for professionals with existing leadership experience, as well as for those with ambitions to assume leadership roles. It equips participants with comprehensive, up-to-date expertise at a high academic level, enabling them to pursue roles as advisors, middle managers, senior executives, or board chairs/members within both the private sector and public administration.

Throughout the programme, students are assessed through a combination of take-home exams, semester assignments, reflection notes, and peer reviews. Both individual and group-based assessment methods are used, with grades awarded according to the standard scale (A–F) and/or pass/fail.

As an integral part of the Executive MBA, students complete a group-based master’s dissertation. The dissertation is worth 30 ECTS credits. It provides training in applying theory and methods to practical leadership challenges and offers the opportunity to specialise in relevant issues from one’s own organisation or industry.

Upon completion of the programme, candidates will have achieved the following overall learning outcomes, defined as knowledge, skills, and general competence:

Knowledge

The candidate has:

• in-depth knowledge of key topics within the fields of strategy, innovation, marketing, leadership, organisation, accounting, finance, and economics (micro- and macroeconomics).

• specialised insight into strategic analysis of organisations and the environments and markets in which they operate, with a deep understanding of the significance this has for value creation.

• knowledge of how technology, innovation, and globalisation can impact both smaller start-ups and larger established organisations.

• knowledge of how objectives related to ethical behaviour and sustainable development can be integrated as a natural part of strategic and financial analyses, as well as organisational governance systems (including risk management).

Skills

The candidate can:

• analyse and critically assess various sources of information and use these to structure and formulate professional arguments.

• apply research-based strategy and management theories and tools in practical and theoretical problem-solving within various organisations.

• conduct independent strategy and leadership projects in accordance with relevant academic and ethical standards.

General Competence

The candidate:

• has a good understanding of fundamental mechanisms and tools, enabling the application of knowledge and skills to new challenges in a digital age.

• can reflect on ethical issues and sustainability within their own organisation.

• can communicate extensive independent work in writing using language appropriate to the discipline.

• can discuss professional issues and analyses with specialists and the general public.

• can contribute to innovation and creative processes.

To be considered for admission, you must have:

• Completed a bachelor's degree or equivalent (minimum 3 years)
• At least three years of relevant work experience

Applicants with other educational backgrounds may be considered on an individual basis.

The Executive MBA with spesialisation in Strategic Management is a part-time program over two years, designed for those with leadership responsibilities who want to develop their professional skills alongside their job.

Credits: 90 ECTS
Language: Norwegian
Campus: Oslo, with some sessions in Bergen.

• 17 physical sessions – each lasting three days
• 12 digital seminars
• Two international study trips – to partner top institutions (3–5 days each)

Teaching alternates between lectures, case work, and reflection assignments. Attendance at study sessions and study trips is mandatory.

The Program director follows the cohort throughout the entire study period, ensuring academic and pedagogical continuity.