Curricula

Key learning outcomes

The objective of the programme is to gain the knowledge, skills and competence required to work in networks in expert-level development and management tasks, also on the international market. The studies will help the students acquire the newest knowledge of networks, business network management and the development of cooperation, as well as sales and purchasing management. The students learn how to apply working life research and development methods in developing their own competence and organisation. In addition, the students can react quickly to changes, create new operating models and manage change processes.

The objective of the degree in business network management is to provide tools for situations in which traditional management falls short. The importance of organisational boundaries in business is constantly diminishing. The ability of an organisation to recognise potential in the market and combine different operators into a successful network in an agile way is what makes a successful organisation.

In the complex business networks of the future, where value is created in cooperative efforts, traditional leadership and management or exact contracts provide limited opportunities for controlling the operations. Value creation and shared development are based on social interaction and trust between people and organisations. In network operations, the operator that manages to attract the best partners in their network reaps the greatest benefits. Organisations must strive to develop their allure and commit their partners to the cooperation while simultaneously taking into account the delicate balance of power and dependency relations.

Education content and professional growth and know-how

This multidisciplinary master’s degree focuses on business network management and development – also on an international level. The programme is intended for those seeking to advance their career and gain more responsibility and leadership skills in an increasingly international and more challenging operating environment. You will learn to successfully manage networked operations. The programme aims at developing competence related particularly to business networks and management in complex environments. The success of a network requires profitable cooperation and therefore developing cooperation and doing things together – development and innovation in particular – are an essential part of the programme content, in addition to research and development methods.

The education enhances your network competence, management skills and entrepreneurship, as well as your opportunities for accepting more challenging positions. The programme provides capabilities for internationalisation and the systematic development of the operations of your organisation and network.

The studies include advanced professional studies, elective studies and a thesis, i.e. a working life development assignment. The studies consist of courses and wider competence areas.

Flexible studies

The studies are offered in the form of part-time studies, with seminar days arranged on Friday afternoons and Saturdays during the first academic year. The studies include two seminar days (Fri-Sat) per month on average, between which you will pursue your studies independently. The studies in the 2nd and 3rd academic year will be part-time or online studies depending on your chosen study path.

Students have a choice of alternative or elective studies offered by partner universities in Finland and abroad, such as other universities of applied sciences (CampusOnline), universities and educational institutions involved in the EduFutura collaboration (University of Jyväskylä and Gradia). Higher level studies completed elsewhere may be accredited as part of your degree. The student must have a certificate or some other document to prove that they have completed the studies. Skills acquired elsewhere can also be described and demonstrated to enable accreditation. Further information is available in the Study Guide.

Working life oriented learning

The learning and development tasks related to the studies will be integrated with working life. The competencies and expertise of the group members will be utilised in the learning to the benefit of the entire group via active interaction. Visiting lectures given by working life representatives provide an apt overview of working life topics of current interest to serve as a starting point for discussion.

Career opportunities and employment

The degree programme in business network management is designed for individuals working in various fields with a desire to expand their competences for working in leadership, planning or development roles in networks. The objective of the studies is to deepen the students’ competence in the different areas of leadership and management and to establish the skills required for working in development tasks that require special expertise.

Development as an expert on business network management will provide the students with opportunities to apply for new and challenging positions and to advance their career. As a student, you will deepen your leadership, management and social interaction skills and learn how to work in international networks. Having completed a master’s degree at a university of applied sciences, graduates possess the skills required for developing the business operations of organisations and actively producing new competences. This will develop your organisation and increase your know-how.

You will gain significant benefits from networking and exchanging expertise with the other colleagues participating in the programme.

Qualifications

There are no specific degree-related or statutory qualification requirements in the field.

Further studies

The graduate may apply to continue on to postgraduate studies in science or arts at universities (Act 558/2009, Section 37) and in the school of professional teacher education. Studies can be continued by applying for corresponding post-degree education at universities abroad, for example. A university of applied sciences also provides opportunities for continuing education in the form of specialisation studies, open studies, an online study portal (CampusOnline) and working life based continuing education.

Education planning

Working-life representatives, academic experts, master’s degree students from universities of applied sciences and JAMK specialists from various fields have been involved in the planning of the degree programme. The planning of the objectives and content of the degree programme are based on reliable information gained from academic research. Advisory committees from various fields, consisting of experts and managers of different businesses, also regularly take part in the planning process. The programme is constantly developed based on the continuing feedback from students active in working life.

Contact Information

Järvinen Sari
Coordinator of Master's Degree Programmes
School of Health and Social Studies, Health studies
+358404861080
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi

Lahdenperä Emilia
Senior Lecturer
School of Health and Social Studies, Health studies
+358407354848
firstname.lastname@jamk.fi