Main focus

This track focuses on helping you become a customer-centric manager or professional who effectively uses data and digital technologies in both commercial and non-commercial sectors. Customer centricity is a strategy that places the customer at the center of decision-making, ensuring that the organization’s products, services, and interactions are designed to meet (changing) customer needs, preferences, and expectations. The aim of customer-centric organizations is to be relevant to customers now and in the future, create positive customer experiences, build sustainable customer relationships, and ultimately drive organizational success by aligning every part of the organization around the customer. You will gain hands-on experience in managing customer experiences in a digital world and become familiar with digital applications and technologies (e.g., AI, VR, AR, IoT) that can be used to support and enhance customer centricity.

Courses and key topics

Customer Centricity and Digital Experience (12 ECTS, Semester 1): this course focuses on the foundations of customer centricity as well as the digital technologies supporting it. You will learn how to build customer-centric organizations, gather customer insights, and leverage digital technologies.

Applications of Customer Centricity (6 ECTS, Semester 2): this course builds on the principles of the course Customer Centricity and Digital Experience and provides practical hands-on applications. Specifically, we focus on various applications related to understanding customers and using these insights to optimize the digital customer experience.

Career prospects

There are many roles in commercial as well as non-commercial sectors that benefit from expertise in customer centricity and digital experiences. In non-commercial sectors ‘customers’ can, for instance, be patients, students, volunteers, or public service users. A customer-centric mindset is key in various roles focused on enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Customer Experience Managers optimize the journey across touchpoints, while Customer Insights Specialists analyze data to understand behaviors and inform strategies. Relationship Managers focus on building strong connections to foster loyalty, and Customer Research Experts gather insights to guide product and service improvements. Digital Marketing Managers handle online campaigns, and Digital Service Managers ensure platforms are user-friendly and strategically aligned. Marketing Managers oversee campaigns to align with organizational goals, and Product Managers manage product lifecycles to meet customer needs. Brand Managers maintain brand identity, Patient Experience Officers improve patient interactions in healthcare, and Customer Success Managers work closely with customers to help them achieve their goals, strengthening engagement and loyalty. Each of these roles uses customer insights to drive positive experiences and build lasting relationships.

Questions?

Sara Leroi-Werelds

Main focus

Data is an increasingly important asset for organizations to create business value and improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness. This track introduces you to the necessary knowledge and skills to unleash the full potential of data in a business setting. It does so by uniquely combining a technical and managerial focus.

Courses and key topics

Managing Data, Decisions and Processes (12 ECTS, Semester 1): this course starts with a focus on data and provides the necessary concepts and skills to handle data as it exists in a business context. You will start with the necessary data modeling concepts, which act as a common foundation for all other future data skills. Additionally, you will focus on the necessary skills to extract data from realistic data environments and how to prepare these data for future data analyses. Once you are comfortable with extracting and preparing data, the course will focus on the two aspects where data science shines within organizations, i.e., improving the quality of business decisions and business processes. For both aspects, you will learn a broad range of AI techniques to extract actionable insights from data.

Data Science for Business (6 ECTS, Semester 2): this course builds on the knowledge and skills from the first course, but shifts the focus to the managerial/business aspect of data science. You will be introduced to the domain of Business Intelligence, which covers how data can be transformed into actionable business insights that inform decisions. Additionally, we will also focus on the use of data science from a strategic perspective and recent trends in data science for business.

Career prospects

Upon successful completion of this track, you will possess a unique set of both business and data analytics skills, which will allow you to get involved in data science projects from a business perspective. You will be able to act as the crucial link between traditional business managers and technically educated data scientists. But also, if you pursue a career in more traditional management fields, you will possess a unique set of skills and knowledge that prepares you for the future of business, which will be increasingly data-driven.

Questions?

Benoit Depaire

Main focus

This track offers you a comprehensive exploration of governance in entrepreneurial contexts, combining theoretical insights with practical analyses and cases. On the one hand, you will study essential governance aspects throughout the lifecycle of companies, including startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and family businesses, while also examining the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems. On the other hand, you will conduct a governance scan of a chosen company and create an advisory report that identifies strengths and improvement suggestions. Through this hands-on, integrated approach, you will develop valuable skills to operate effectively as a future leader and advisor in the modern business landscape.

Courses and key topics

Foundations in Entrepreneurial Governance: From Startup to Longevity in Family Firms (12 ECTS, Semester 1): in this course, you will study essential governance aspects throughout the entire lifecycle of a company. You will gain insights into the unique governance challenges faced by startups, scale-ups, SMEs, and family businesses. Topics like setting up governance structures in young and growing firms, managing the impact of a family in a firm, creating transgenerational value, and securing succession in family firms will be handled. Also, leadership and emotional dynamics are crucial elements in this course. Furthermore, insights will be provided on the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in which these companies operate. By integrating theory with practical analyses and cases, you will develop the skills needed to operate as a future leader or advisor in the modern business world.

Entrepreneurial and Family Firm Governance: Applications (6 ECTS, Semester 2): in this course, you will conduct an in-depth scan of the governance mechanisms within an existing company. You can choose to analyze a startup, scale-up, SME, or family business by applying insights from the themes in the course ‘Foundations in Entrepreneurial Governance’. In groups, you will write a governance advisory report that identifies the strengths of the chosen company and formulates suggestions for improvement, or a report that guides a family firm in their succession process. This hands-on approach allows you to apply theory in practice and, as such, develop valuable insights that companies can effectively use.

Career prospects

This track in entrepreneurial governance can lead to a wide range of career opportunities. First, there is a significant demand in the job market for governance consultants who advise startups, scale-ups, SMEs and family businesses on best practices. Graduates may also work as entrepreneurial advisors, helping companies enhance their business models and growth strategies within dynamic ecosystems. Other roles include corporate governance analysts, who evaluate organizational structures, business development managers driving growth initiatives, family business advisors specializing in succession planning and conflict resolution, and even investment or credit analysts (e.g., financial institutions, investment companies) as the analysis of the people, the team and the governance behind a firm or project are even more important than the financial prospects of a project. Additionally, as most firms in the economy are SMEs and family firms, graduates are trained to fulfill any general and specific management position/role in these firms or prepare themselves as potential successor in their own family firm. The insights of this track are also crucial for every future entrepreneur intending to establish an own startup that might evolve into a scale-up. Finally, you can also become an ecosystem manager, fostering innovation by connecting stakeholders in entrepreneurial networks.

Questions?

Pieter Vandekerkhof

Main focus

The Human Resource Management track is designed to give you the knowledge and skills essential for making HR decisions—whether you're in an HR role, a (line) management position, or any other role involving people management. Through this track, you’ll gain the expertise needed to create economic and social value by developing, optimizing, and implementing HR strategies, policies, and practices. By the end, you’ll be well-prepared to address HR challenges in both regional and global contexts, taking into account diverse stakeholders' needs and incorporating sustainability. To achieve this goal, the track consists of two courses: Foundations of HRM theory and practice, and Integrative cases in HRM.

Courses and key topics

Foundations of HRM Theory and Practice (12 ECTS, Semester 1): the first course combines attention to foundational theory and to the practice of HRM in order to equip you with the knowledge and skills to address the most critical issues in HRM today. You will gain insights into the strategic role of HRM and in the way it can contribute to the creation of sustainable economic and social value for organizations and society. You will explore the development, optimization, and implementation of HR strategies, policies, and practices, focusing on the role of different organizational actors (e.g., HR professionals, line managers, trade unions,…) in these processes. The course further examines how HRM is connected to the broader characteristics of an organization, such as its structure, size, and work processes. Finally, this course will prepare you to navigate current trends impacting HRM, like digital transformations, diversity and inclusion, and the changing labor market. By the end of the course, you will have gained crucial insights into the development, optimization, and implementation of HR strategies, policies, and practices, be able to evaluate HR strategies based on their sustainable economic and social impact, and understand the organizational and societal trends shaping the future of HRM.

Integrative Cases in HRM (6 ECTS, Semester 2): the second course of the track builds on and deepens the insights developed in the previous course through the analysis of HRM cases. These cases, which you can choose, can involve specialized HRM topics (e.g., the role of AI in HRM, diversity management, burnout,…) or HRM challenges in specific organizational contexts or sectors (e.g., HRM in logistics, the public sector, SMEs,…). Working on these cases, you will apply the knowledge gained in the previous course, gather novel theoretical insights, and integrate the perspective of different relevant stakeholders. You will not only analyze and evaluate the cases and share your conclusions with each other, but also develop advice on the optimization and implementation of HR strategies, policies, and practices. This course therefore allows you to become an expert in HRM areas you are passionate about while strengthening your understanding of specialized HRM topics and of HRM applications across various organizational types.

Career prospects

The knowledge and skills that you will gain in the Human Resource Management track will be an invaluable asset in many different roles in organizations. It not only prepares you for a range of careers in HR (e.g., HR Business Partner, HR manager, HR specialist,…) and consultancy, but it will also give you a set of skills that is crucial in any management position requiring people management (e.g., General Manager, Operations Manager, Project Manager,…) across different sectors.

Questions?

Koen Van Laer

Main focus

The International Business track builds on international economics and global management insights to help you build timely managerial skills for the global market. The program covers international trade theory, EU policies, and cross-border strategies, alongside practical, managerial aspects like global supply chain management, intercultural marketing and international team management. Real-life testimonials, business case studies and exercises on economic policy advice deepen your understanding and prepare you for the complexities of international business.

Courses and key topics

The Economics and Management of International Business (12 ECTS, Semester 1): the first half of this course focuses on intermediate international economics, with an emphasis on trade theory and firm-level heterogeneity, the economics of regional agglomeration, EU policies (including competition, labor migration, climate, and digital innovation), and the cross-border mobility of services, goods, and people. The approach is primarily conceptual (macro- and meso-economic) rather than empirical. You’ll explore these concepts through various policy case study exercises at the levels of countries, regions, and industries. The second half centers on the management of international business. You’ll dive into types of internationalization strategies, market entry strategies, global supply chain management, international and intercultural marketing, and selected topics in international finance, human resource management, and production organization. This section takes a strategic managerial approach, incorporating several Harvard-like case study exercises. Both subtopics draw from book chapters, academic journal articles, and case studies. Assessment will consist of an individual written exam as well as preparation and presentation of policy and management case studies.

Doing Business in the World (6 ECTS, Semester 2):building on the first course, this second course explores various domains and competencies essential for global business. You’ll cover topics such as the management of multicultural teams, market research in diverse cultural contexts, international finance and risk management, expatriate management, business practices in specific countries, learning from the experiences of export managers, international business planning, and international contract law, including intellectual property protection, among others. Each topic is supported by selected academic literature and features guest lectures, team and individual assignments, and (in-firm) observations.

Career prospects

The International Business track adds an international flavor to a general management curriculum. It is relevant for each management/business master who aims an initial job (or general management traineeship) or career in an internationally or globally oriented firm. The track is not exclusively aimed at students who pursue a career abroad or a – nevertheless wonderful – job in export management.

Questions?

Piet Pauwels

Main focus

In today’s fast-evolving business landscape, driven by rapid technological advancements and shifting markets, innovation is essential for companies aiming to stay competitive and resilient. The Strategic Innovation Management (SIM) track equips you with powerful concepts, frameworks and strategies to harness innovation, drive meaningful change, and maintain relevance in an increasingly dynamic and digital world. The SIM track program offers in-depth insights into managing innovation strategically and explores the transformative impact of digital technologies on organizations. Through an integrated approach, you will gain a robust understanding of how to navigate complex challenges and leverage innovation and emerging digital technologies for a sustained competitive advantage.

Courses and key topics

Strategic Innovation (12 ECTS, Semester 1): in this course, you’ll explore essential concepts for managing innovation in competitive markets. You’ll examine diverse types of innovation and the stages of the innovation process. You’ll learn how to balance exploration and exploitation through organizational ambidexterity and dive into collaborative approaches such as startup engagement and innovation ecosystems. Additionally, the course covers the strategic management of intellectual property, technology licensing, and the dynamics of technology markets. By the end of the course, you’ll gain strategic insights to foster impactful innovation and ensure the future relevance of your organization.

Managing Digital Transformation (6 ECTS, Semester 2): building on insights from the Strategic Innovation course, this course applies and extends these ideas in a digital context. You’ll explore the disruptive potential of digital technologies, like artificial intelligence, and learn to manage the digital transformation process. The course also examines how companies can leverage digital advancements to gain a competitive edge with digitally enabled business models and platform strategies. Through engaging case studies and exercises, you’ll integrate strategic innovation concepts with digital insights for a holistic understanding of strategic innovation management.

Career prospects

The SIM track prepares you for forward-looking roles such as Innovation Manager, Digital Transformation Consultant, Product Development Manager, and Business Development Manager. With experience, these roles can evolve into broader general management positions, including C-suite roles, as you progress in your professional career.

Questions?

Yannick Bammens

Main focus

The sustainability track (short for the Economics and Business of Sustainability) prepares you for a professional career in an era where sustainability will increasingly be dictating society’s and therefore businesses’ priorities. The sustainability track focuses on equipping you with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills to address sustainability challenges faced by both businesses and consumers. This is an asset that responsible companies increasingly screen applicants on.

To reach these goals, you will learn why and how sustainability concerns can affect the economy, as well as how they can be addressed by firm action or governmental intervention. Key to this track is the acquisition of the following sustainability competences:  self-awareness, critical and normative judgment, systems thinking, stakeholder management, future-oriented planning, and strategic action.

Courses and key topics

To obtain the 6 sustainability competences the sustainability track is divided into two courses.

Sustainable Production and Consumption (12 ECTS, Semester 1): this course establishes the foundation of this track through diverse learning activities that cover key topics such as: major sustainability challenges for businesses today, the embeddedness of the economy within human society and a healthy planet, perspectives on sustainable development and economic systems, sustainability within economic theory, sustainability assessment methods, sustainability reporting, and sustainable consumption. This course is designed to foster sustainability competences 1 through 4.

Business Applications in Sustainability (6 ECTS, Semester 2): this course enhances your expertise in sustainability by further exploring key sustainability assessment methods and tools essential for their effective implementation, such as for example carbon footprinting and the Delphi methodology. These tools are particularly valuable for sustainability reporting and scenario planning in business contexts, directly supporting the development of sustainability competences 5 and 6.

Career prospects

Every business professional, no matter your role, needs to understand sustainability challenges. These challenges impact operations, reputation, and financial outcomes. Sustainability professionals can build careers in many different settings: from dedicated in-house roles within a sustainability department, to positions embedded in traditional departments like operations, HR, or finance, or as part of a cross-functional sustainability team. You might also work in government agencies or specialized consultancy, helping businesses adopt responsible practices and meet regulatory and societal expectations.

Questions?

Sebastien Lizin