The Amsterdam MBA: Strategy, Innovation, and Leadership Development
The Amsterdam Business School offers a forward-thinking MBA program called the Business Administration (Amsterdam MBA), which strongly focuses on strategy and innovation. This program prepares students to tackle complex, real-world business challenges. Under the leadership of MBA Director Sebastian Kortmann, the program integrates practical tools and academic insights, making it a standout in business education.
Director Kortmann explains, “You want to make sure that you really balance this tradeoff between, on the one hand side, making sure that the students learn about frameworks, tools, things they can apply the very next day…you also want the students to think about not only business challenges, but also broader challenges, societal issues in a broader sense, and think more long-term.” (00:57)
This dual approach in the MBA program helps graduates develop both short-term problem-solving skills and long-term strategic thinking.
Why Strategy and Innovation Matter
Strategy and innovation are key pillars of the Amsterdam MBA. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a solid foundation in strategic thinking. Courses like Competitive & Corporate Strategy, Purpose-driven Strategy, Ethics, Responsibility and Sustainability, and Marketing and Sales in the Digital Age teach students how to address both business challenges and broader societal issues.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in an international study trip to South Africa, where they learn about diverse ways of thinking and international business practices, while attending lectures at the University of Cape Town Business School. Students can also take two electives from either the Entrepreneurship Specialization or the Corporate Transformation Specialization. These program elements further help students to gain global perspectives, broaden their mindset, and learn about strategy and innovation through a multi-faceted approach.
According to Director Kortmann, “[We] want to teach the students to think critically, to look at conflicts and challenges from multiple perspectives.” (04:06)
What sets the Amsterdam MBA apart is its blend of strategy and innovation principles. Students are encouraged to think beyond conventional solutions, integrating their learning into real-world applications that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Director Kortmann notes, “In the end, we develop leaders and decision makers that are able to deal with conflicts, to look at challenges from a very analytical point of view, to integrate different perspectives from different stakeholders, from different parties that might be involved in a conflict, in a difficult situation, and then come up with a solution.” (05:56)
The program ensures that students are well-prepared to drive growth and lead change in their respective fields by developing both strategic and innovative thinking.
Blending Theory with Practice
The Amsterdam MBA goes beyond theoretical knowledge by offering hands-on experiences. Students engage in real-world projects and case studies that challenge their ability to apply what they’ve learned in class. A standout course in the curriculum is Actualysis, developed in collaboration with Doron, a former VP at Liberty Global.
This course encourages students to critically analyze political and business events from multiple perspectives in a multidisciplinary way and find strategic solutions.
Director Kortmann highlights, “We have another course that’s called Actualysis; it’s a new course… what we do here is we say let’s look at recent events in the political arena, let’s look at things that are going on in the broader world out there, and [we] look at it not only from business-related perspectives but also from many other surrounding perspectives.” (04:15)
The Strategic Analytics course is another essential part of the curriculum. This course equips students with the tools needed to make data-driven decisions. Students learn how to leverage big data to drive strategic outcomes. This is a crucial skill in today’s business world, where the ability to interpret data can provide a significant competitive advantage.
The balance of theoretical learning and hands-on experience ensures that students graduate with a robust set of tools that prepare them to lead in any industry.
A Diverse and Collaborative Learning Environment
One of the Amsterdam MBA’s unique strengths is its emphasis on diversity and collaboration. Students come from various industries, cultures, and professional backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where everyone contributes unique perspectives. This diversity is not just a byproduct of admissions; it’s an intentional part of how the program operates.
Director Kortmann explains, “What’s also part of it is how you set up the classroom. What we intentionally support is we create these highly diversified classrooms and bring students together from very many different backgrounds to work together on business issues. And that by itself is all about strategic thinking.” (05:09)
Collaboration is a central feature of the program. Classroom discussions, case studies, and group projects are designed to foster teamwork, with students working together to solve complex business problems. By integrating diverse perspectives, students broaden their understanding and learn how to leverage their team’s talents and backgrounds to develop innovative solutions.
This collaborative approach prepares them for leadership roles in today’s increasingly globalized business environment, where the ability to lead diverse teams is essential for success.
Real-World Applications Through Company Projects
The MBA Thesis Project, also known as the Amsterdam MBA Company Project, is vital to the Amsterdam MBA. As the final requirement of the course, students spend two to three months working on a research project with an established company, applying the knowledge they’ve gained in the program. These projects allow students to test their skills in real-world situations. The students’ research projects culminate in a written report that includes their original research and findings.
Director Kortmann explains, “[They must] apply the knowledge that they’ve acquired in the program…The students are really put into the position that they have to solve one very specific business challenge, maybe for a startup, maybe for a corporation, maybe even within their own organization if they are part-time students – where this strategic thinking is applied.” (07:26)
The project itself can be highly flexible and individualized to the student. They can choose any company and industry that most interests them. The business problem can range from marketing-related to finance-related or other topics. The main criterion is that students must successfully showcase the knowledge and strategic thinking they have developed through the program.
Students must balance the expectations of two stakeholders: the client’s satisfaction and the school’s academic expectations. The school itself completes the project grading. The program grades students based on the tangible, strategic solutions they develop. Their work is graded on the practicality and impact of their solutions and the value their work creates for the company.
This approach ensures that students are rewarded for innovative thinking while maintaining a practical focus.
Tapping into Amsterdam’s Business Ecosystem
The program benefits significantly from its location in one of Europe’s most vibrant business hubs – Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Amsterdam is known for its innovative and entrepreneurial spirit, and the MBA program leverages this environment to enhance students’ learning experiences.
The city’s business ecosystem provides students with invaluable networking opportunities and exposure to various industries. For example, The Startup Village and other business incubators in Amsterdam offer students the chance to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
This connection between the academic environment and the business world is a key factor in the success of the Amsterdam MBA.
Why Choose the Amsterdam MBA?
The Amsterdam MBA stands out as a top choice for business professionals seeking to advance their careers through a focus on strategy and innovation.
The program’s blend of academic knowledge, hands-on learning, and real-world applications ensures that students are fully prepared for leadership roles. With its collaborative and diverse learning environment, real-world projects, and connection to Amsterdam’s thriving business ecosystem, the Amsterdam MBA offers a comprehensive and well-rounded business education.
Check the Amsterdam Business School profile page for more information.
