MANNHEIM & TONGJI Executive MBA (EMBA): Start of Program with Opening Ceremony in Shanghai

• Mannheim Business School and the School of Economics and Management of Tongji University in Shanghai jointly launch a double degree Executive MBA program
• Strong demand due to innovative program concept
• Program allows a high degree of flexibility: it is possible to start the program with each one of the modules

With today's official opening ceremony in Shanghai, the first class of the MANNHEIM & TONGJI Executive MBA started the part-time English-language MBA program which has been jointly created by Mannheim Business School (MBS) and Tongji University in Shanghai. Both institutions have long been leading in the field of management education on their respective continents and are regarded as placing a strong emphasis on research. Furthermore, both are already well established in the international MBA market with similar program offerings.

Professor Dr. Huo Jia-Zhen, Dean of TONGJI-SEM, emphasizes, "With the MANNHEIM & TONGJI Executive MBA, two renowned institutions have created a top level Executive MBA program with a strong Sino-German focus, targeted at senior executives with experience in Asia and Europe." And Professor Wüstemann, President of Mannheim Business School notes, "The intensive and ever-increasing trade relations between Asia and Europe as well as specifically between China and Germany are an ideal basis for the new program. Nevertheless, the high demand has even exceeded our expectations." Jointly with Professor Huo, Professor Wüstemann officially opened the program today in the presence of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in China, Dr. Michael Schaefer, and the president of Tongji University, Professor Dr. Pei Gang. Dr. Schaefer is also a member of the program's Advisory Board which consists of 19 high-ranking personalities from politics and the economic sector of both countries.

With its highly flexible structure and unique content, the MANNHEIM & TONGJI EMBA program will give executives from around the world the skills and tools they need for positions in international top management. The participants must complete six course modules which last nine to eleven days: three in Mannheim and three in Shanghai. It is possible to complete the double degree program within one and a half years; however, students are free to take breaks or to only take individual courses within a module. "The essential point is that students complete all course and other academic requirements within five years," Professor Wüstemann explains. Moreover, it will be possible to register for individual courses and modules without pursuing a degree. "This will enable all participants to build up a unique personal network, whether they are aiming at an MBA degree or whether their goal is rather to broaden their knowledge of a specific subject area," says Professor Huo.

The Executive MBA program covers all essential general management areas with a strong focus on Sino-German business topics. Curriculum requirements include training in key qualifications essential to a leadership position, guest lectures, company visits, and excursions. "Such elements provide the students with an in-depth insight into the corporate world, as well as enhancing their knowledge of Asian and European cultures," underlines Professor Wüstemann.

Admission requirements for the MANNHEIM & TONGJI Executive MBA are: a first academic degree, at least eight years of work experience including leadership experience, international experience, a strong Sino-German affinity, and very good English skills. The tuition fee of the program will be €42,000; introductory fees for a program start in 2011 will be €29,900 and €38,000 for those who will start the program in 2012. It is possible to start the Executive MBA program with each one of the modules. Applications will be accepted throughout the entire year.