Reinventing Business Education

COTRUGLI Business School prides itself on being a leading business school in Southeast Europe that addresses the needs of the modern business landscape. To keep up with industry trends and maintain academic versatility, the school offers three MBA programs: the Tech, Executive, and Chief Executive MBA. Each program is uniquely designed to address specific industry needs for various candidates, from junior managers to chief executives.

Regarding the Tech MBA, Petra Košic, the Program Director, explains, “It is actually created for entrepreneurs, for junior managers, for the people who would like to know a little bit more about how technology can support their business.” (0:47)

About the other two MBAs, Košic states, “The Executive MBA program is created and designed for the middle to top management, and it consists of 16 different modules that cover all functional areas of business. The third one is the Chief Executive MBA program, designed for board members and entrepreneurs.” (01:00)

COTRUGLI has two campuses in Zagreb, Croatia, and Belgrade, Serbia. Its branch offices span Bulgaria, Slovenia, Romania, Montenegro, and Bosnia. The school aims to create a transformative educational experience that enables individuals and organizations to succeed. This commitment to innovation is particularly evident in its Tech MBA, crafted for candidates eager to leverage technology for business advancement.

The Tech MBA: Bridging Technology and Management

With business environments rapidly evolving, integrating technology in management has never been more vital. MBA programs worldwide increasingly integrate technology-related courses such as AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity. These additions address the demands of an increasingly digital global economy, where companies require professionals skilled in data-driven decision-making and digital transformation.

That’s why COTRUGLI has formed an MBA specifically for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of how technology can transform office processes, company products, and services. The Tech MBA prepares candidates to adapt to today’s fast-paced, technology-driven business world. 

The Tech MBA is an AMBA-accredited, 16-month hybrid program that combines in-person learning with online elements that allow for greater flexibility. The curriculum includes basic functional management areas such as Strategic Management, Digital Transformation, Data Analytics, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership Development. Students learn how to make data-driven decisions, lead companies through digital change, and become better entrepreneurs and leaders. The program also incorporates a hands-on approach through interactive workshops, group work, and real-world consulting projects. COTRUGLI also offers in-depth career services, and students have plenty of opportunities for networking and mentorship with industry leaders and alumni. Students graduate with skills, knowledge, and a life-long network of 2,600 MBA alumni in Southeast Europe.

An Innovative Learning Experience

The Tech MBA structure is designed to promote collaboration and real-world application. COTRUGLI employs experts from top business schools across Europe who bring both academic knowledge and practical experience to the classroom.

Regarding the benefits of this approach, Director Košic notes, “They are not just academics who are bringing expertise and research from their own home universities; they are also working as consultants and bringing the best applications of real practices from international companies.” (02:22) This exposure to diverse perspectives enriches the student learning experience, allowing students to gain insights from various industries.

Throughout the Tech MBA, candidates are encouraged to develop as people, students, and leaders. Additionally, students are pushed to develop new innovative digital ideas under the mentorship of industry experts. Director Košic explains, “Throughout this whole journey, you will be working on an innovative digital idea… The idea is that by the end of the Tech MBA, you can present your business plan with a new digital product or service that you may even launch within your company or for yourself.” (03:54)

This hands-on approach prepares candidates to tackle real-world challenges head-on.

Cultivating Ethical Leaders

At COTRUGLI, the mission extends beyond merely providing technical knowledge; it encompasses fostering ethical leadership and a commitment to social responsibility. Director Košic says, “We are really trying to empower our students to become ethical leaders who are responsible and who would like to foster innovation and change. We believe they should step out of their comfort zone to think openly and think outside the box. To be focused on solving problems and creating solutions… you need to be a leader who leads by example.” (04:57)

The school encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, think creatively, and prioritize problem-solving and innovation. Ethical leadership is critical in today’s business landscape, as organizations are increasingly held accountable for their socio-economic and environmental impacts.

The classroom environment at COTRUGLI is dynamic and collaborative. Students come from diverse backgrounds and industries, enriching discussions and promoting the exchange of ideas. Director Košic highlights, “People that are in our classroom are very open; they are very collaborative, and they like to discuss a lot. These are all people who bring a lot of experience to the classroom.” (05:43)

International Mobility and Diverse Perspectives

The global business landscape requires leaders who can navigate cultural differences and leverage international opportunities. COTRUGLI recognizes this need and provides students with opportunities for international mobility. 

The program encourages candidates to engage with peers from various countries and cultures, broadening their perspectives and enhancing their adaptability in a globalized market. To further foster cultural interaction, lectures take place in various locations throughout the program, starting from the campuses in Zagreb and Belgrade.

The diversity within the classroom is not just a statistic; it is a key component of the COTRUGLI experience. Director Košic emphasizes, “It’s quite a mix of everything regarding different cultures, different positions, different industry backgrounds.” (05:56). 

This richness of experience cultivates an environment where executives learn from one another, gaining insights that extend beyond textbooks and traditional learning methods.

Admissions and Ideal Candidates

COTRUGLI’s Tech MBA program welcomes candidates from various backgrounds. The school values individuality and seeks to understand each candidate’s strengths and potential. The admissions criteria require a university degree, fluency in English, and a minimum of three years of professional experience. Applicants can apply directly online to the program.

Are you curious to discover more about COTRUGLI Business School? Visit their website or read the full program description to learn more about the Tech MBA.