About the Program
Learn more about our structure, methods and competencies
Rationale
The University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture has a 46 year long tradition in education in agricultural economics. However, the faculty does not have a postgraduate curriculum for executive managers, although a lot of agricultural and agri-economic graduates work as executives: directors, heads, principals, etc. The faculty is also committed to the internationalisation of education, as well as to the development of study programs in the English language.
Given the planned combination of knowledge that this is to provide, the need for graduates can be expected amount agribusiness companies (from agricultural inputs, to production of high-quality food products), agricultural cooperatives, state institutions (public administration, agencies, extension) as well as in regional government bodies. The study should be especially interesting for individuals and companies operating internationally, as it will be conducted regularly both in English and Croatian.
Previous experience of applicant
Education in the field of agricultural economics has been an enviable tradition at the Faculty of Agriculture, and the first generations of students were enrolled in 1963. Prior to the introduction of the new Bologna Declaration scheme, the Faculty previously had one graduate and one postgraduate curriculum in agricultural economics (“diploma engineer” and “master of science”). Furthermore, a number of doctoral theses related to management, marketing, sociology and similar topics of research were defended in the last few decades.
Since 2005, with the acceptance of the Bologna Declaration, the Faculty offers undergraduate study program Agricultural Economics, graduate study program Agribusiness and Rural Development, and postgraduate doctoral study program Agricultural economics.
The establishment of this study expands the program of education in the field of business management in agribusiness and graduates in related fields allowing for continued education for the acquisition of professional, specialist knowledge.
With a tradition of almost 50 years, the faculty has achieved skilled available staff and physical resources, backed by a strong support from foreign partners and participation of colleagues from the Faculty of Economics. This in turn guarantees that the Faculty of Agriculture can successfully carry out this postgraduate specialisation in agribusiness management.
Structure and duration of the programme
By its structure, the proposed program will last 4 (four) semesters over a two-year period. The educational phase lasts 3 semesters, while the last semester is intended for work on the thesis and final examination. The languages of training are English and Croatian.
- semester: 4 compulsory and 1 elective modules, 6 ECTS credits/module (total: 30 credits)
- semester: 4 compulsory and 1 elective modules, 6 ECTS credits/module (total: 30 credits)
- semester: 4 compulsory and 1 elective modules, 6 ECTS credits/module (total: 30 credits)
- semester: final thesis and final exam: 30 ECTS credits
Total: 120 ECTS credits
Methods of teaching
The study program provides significant individual engagement of students in all modules. Due to the significantly reduced number of hours of direct teaching, students will be expected to work individually through seminars and practical essays using the English language. Through contact with foreign lecturers, all participants have an opportunity to receive international experience in research and professional work. All students must choose the topic of their thesis work by the end of the first semester. Research and preparation for the work on the thesis will continue over the next two semesters, and the thesis is to be completed during the fourth semester. The defence of the thesis will simultaneously be the final examination.
Programme title
Executive MBA in Agribusiness (MBA-AB)
Postgraduate specialisation
Home institution
Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb (AFZ)
Programme structure
2 years (4 semesters, 120 ECTS)
Titles awarded after the completion of the course
University specialist (univ. spec.) – Awarded by the University of Zagreb
Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Awarded by the International MBA Network AGRIMBA
Preconditions for enrolment
- completed graduate study with minimum 300 ECTS credits awarded according the Bologna system, or completed graduate study if awarded prior to the introduction of Bologna system
- knowledge of English language
Competencies achieved upon graduation
The graduate study programme in Executive MBA in Agribusiness offers multidisciplinary knowledge in a number of social sciences, particularly economics as applied within the field of agribusiness. Graduates of this programme upon completion will be able to:
- Develop strategic plans and business plans
- Use accountancy data for management purposes
- Develop marketing plans
- Work on organisational issues of business organisations
- Understand business transactions in international business
- Use modern methods for decision support.
- Employment possibilities: The intention of the programme is to enable graduates to become leaders in different business environments, as entrepreneurs in agribusiness, as heads of local governments and self-government bodies, as managers in trade and distribution of Agri-food products, as Agri-tourism workers, as leaders in consulting and marketing, or insurance in agriculture, etc. Already employed graduates will be in a position to practice their knowledge in day-to-day management, which is characterised by increasingly competitive business surroundings.
- Possibilities for the continuation of studies: Upon completion of this programme, it is possible to further ones education in other postgraduate programmes offered by the Faculty of Agriculture, as well at other similar studies in Croatia and abroad.
