Master's Degree Programme in Business Network Management

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 purchasing, customer experience and service design management. The students learn how to apply working life research and development methods in developing their own competence and organisation.

In the complex business networks of the future, value is created in cooperative efforts. The significance of organisational boundaries in business is diminishing, which means that an organisation’s success is determined by its ability to identify market opportunities and combine different actors in an agile manner into a successful network. 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.

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 cooperation. Developing cooperation and innovation in particular are an essential part of the programme content. Research and development methods support the deepening of their own expertise.

The education enhances your network and management competence, as well as your opportunities for more responsible positions. The degree programme provides capabilities for internationalisation and the 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 EduJyväskylä collaboration (University of Jyväskylä and Gradia). Higher level studies completed elsewhere may be accredited as part of your degree. The student demonstrates their completed studies with a certificate or other document. Competence acquired in employment or otherwise can be utilised as part of the bachelor’s degree. This will shorten the study time and partly reduce the amount of studies. Further information is available on the web pages for students.

Working life oriented learning

The learning and development tasks related to the studies will be integrated with working life. The learning process utilises students’ expertise and guest lectures where professional experts present various relevant topics and phenomena.

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. You will be able to act as a business developer for the organisation. In addition, you will gain benefits from networking and exchanging expertise with the other colleagues participating in the programme.

Qualifications

This master’s degree opens up new career opportunities, as graduates will be eligible for public posts or positions that require a master’s degree.

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, experts, Jamk specialists and master’s degree students from various fields have been involved in the planning of the degree programme. The planning of the objectives and content of the degree programme is based on insights on current and future competence needs obtained through research and from business representatives. 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

Anne Törn-Laapio
Principal Lecturer, School of Business
+358406350609
etunimi.sukunimi@jamk.fi