Wednesday, February 10, 2010
SIMI decided in 2009 to build upon the success of its flagship offerings in the medical area, and offer a new Masters degree to candidates who wish to have an alternative to a full-fledged executive MBA. The new Master of Medical Business Strategy (MMBS) is shorter and more flexible than an executive MBA since it does not require a fixed chronology to complete its curriculum. The degree is closest compared to a sectoral MBA where the entire program of study focuses specifically on the medical products industry.
On February 9, 2010, Dorte Buch (picture), who is Medical Doctor, Divisional Director, International Clinical Research, Global Clinical Study Management at H. Lundbeck A/S, which is a Danish research-based pharmaceutical company, became the first candidate to graduate with an MMBS after successfully completing all elements of the program of study. Dorte was able to build upon assignments she had worked on within the scope of the various programs that make up the MMBS.
Earning an MMBS requires accumulation of the equivalent of 60 points on the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). No fixed order is required except for the two final theses which can only be undertaken after the completion of all the teaching modules. Candidates will have two years to complete the curriculum.
An MMBS thus entails the following 5 steps:
1. Completion of the MMPI, a four module diploma program on Managing Medical Product Innovation
2. Completion of the MMS, a four day certificate program on Medical Marketing Strategy
3. Completion of the MPS, a new program in Medical Manufacturing and Product Supply strategy which will be launched later this year. In the interim, comparable programs offered at SIMI partner institutions globally will be accepted for credit
4. Completion of basic Finance and Accounting requirements
5. Individual completion of two concluding theses projects
I. Personal Leadership Development
II. Strategic Business Development
Each of the above program offerings is complete in itself, and can be taken individually or used toward earning the MMBS. This modular, flexible approach to building a degree that takes into account each candidate’s work-life balance and allows candidates to complete the requirements at their pace, may be the way for the future to serve industry sectors deeper.
Since its introduction last year, more than 10 candidates from companies ranging from Pharmaceuticals to Devices and Diagnostics, have signed up for the full Masters program.
The MMBS seems to be here to stay...
For more information on the MMBS, please contact Program Director, Shubhada Watson.