An interactive experience that simulates real business dynamics, testing participants’ ability to make strategic decisions that are coherent and coordinated across different business functions – from marketing to logistics, from accounting to finance. The goal? To apply the skills acquired during the Master in an integrated way to maximize profitability and business value, just like in a real managerial context.
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WHY THIS MASTER AT BBS:
For you:
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acquire general management skills, transitioning from a primarily technical role to a managerial one
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increase the competitiveness of your CV and grow within the company by developing a strategic mindset and practical approach
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build valuable connections through stronger networking without compromising your work-life balance
For the company:
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develop high-potential profiles, transforming them into valuable human capital
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enhance motivate, and help retain talent
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improve managers’ performance and their ability to grow the business
SFIDA TE STESSO
The Weekend MBA is designed for professionals and managers who want to accelerate their growth, gain a strategic overview, and develop the cross-functional skills required for modern leadership.
The weekend format allows you to balance study and work without compromising the quality and intensity of the learning experience.
The program combines the academic expertise of university professors with the hands-on experience of managers and professionals, providing solid, practical, and immediately applicable learning in your professional context.
Companies recognize the Weekend MBA as an effective tool to develop and retain talent, enhancing both individual and organizational performance.
Choosing the Weekend MBA means investing not only in your education but also in authentic and lasting relationships: an opportunity to build a strong network and multiply your professional growth opportunities.
Accreditation
Bologna Business School is EQUIS – EFMD Quality Improvement System accredited, one of the most important international quality assessment and continuous improvement systems for Schools of Management and Business Administration.
Mariachiara Colucci
Academic Director
mariachiara.colucci@unibo.it
" This is a master where academic excellence and professional entrepreneurship are combined together to create the ideal training course for those who are active in the world of work but still want to do top training to aspire to ever more important roles in business. "
Andrea Cinti Luciani
Executive Director
A.CintiLuciani@scsconsulting.it
" 18 months of an intense and stimulating program, where academic knowledge and managerial experience, development of skills, tools and attitudes are combined together, and a strategic view is acquired to successfully face one's most significant professional challenges. "
Structure
The Weekend MBA effectively adapts to work commitments, with a schedule of two days per month (Friday and Saturday).
The program combines theoretical training, practical application through business cases and project work, and direct interaction with experienced managers and Alumni. This balance is designed to provide management skills that can be immediately applied in the professional context.
Company visits enhance the on-site experience and help build strong relationships with faculty, companies, and peers.
In addition to the on-campus sessions, the Weekend MBA includes a distance learning path, guided by the faculty member, to support individual study.
MENTORING PROGRAM
A senior manager with solid international experience supports participants through a Mentoring program designed to help develop personal and professional skills, with the goal of building a solid and successful career.
Specifically, the program offers:
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Career guidance: support in defining career objectives and planning strategies to achieve them
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Skills development: enhancement of leadership, effective communication, and time management abilities
BRIDGE TO MBA
Crash Course in Economics
An optional online module that connects theory with current events, analyzing key economic topics through real-world examples. It is an opportunity to critically reflect on the changes shaping the global economy and the context in which we operate.
Crash Course in Data Management
The course provides a comprehensive overview of data management in Excel, from fundamentals to advanced features. It covers basic formulas, PivotTables, and VLOOKUP, up to Power Query, Power Pivot, data models, KPIs in DAX, and an introduction to Power BI. The course offers differentiated paths based on starting level, allowing for a tailored learning experience.
MBA ESSENTIAL and MBA PLUS
The Master is structured into 10 core courses and several cross-cutting activities.
COURSES
The business’ decision-making process, the planning approach and the strategic positioning. The understanding of the competitive environment and competition dynamics. The process to generate value and the role played in this field by the relationships with other enterprises of the business system. The identification, pursuit and preservation of the sources of competitive advantage in changing contexts. The creation of the business model and its adjustment to the transformation of the framework conditions.
Cinti Luciani AndreaColucci Mariachiara
Accounting principles, consolidated statements and cost accounting. Context and relevance of auditing in company management. The analysis of economic-financial performance of a company. Economic-financial forecasts and budgeting. The use of budget analysis to understand competitive dynamics and to manage company-client-supplier relations. The calculation and analysis of costs in decisions and for management audit. Strategic audit systems and strategic cost management.
Bartolini MonicaBoccali Filippo
Silvi Riccardo
The cross-sectionality of the logistics function and the value chain. Design and planning of the production system layouts. Management and forecasting of market demand. General criteria of programming and audit of production. Procurement and management of inventory and consumable materials. Evolution of just in time systems: from lean production to lean thinking. Automation of the information flow: from barcode to RFID technologies. Management of physical distribution.
Regattieri AlbertoSome fundamental instruments needed to understand, analyze and build the network that a company establishes with its own market. The fundamental concepts of marketing: client focus, purchase behavior analysis, the role of brands, the segmentation and position processes, the development of new products and the diffusion of innovation, price decisions, distribution and communication. Client loyalty-building policies, business to business and services marketing, marketing plans.
Ancarani Fabio Guido UldericoMarzocchi Gian Luca
More and more people maintain that it is society’s needs, not just economic ones, which drive markets. The goal of this course is to transfer the concept that a company managed in a sustainable manner, i.e. that integrates elements of a social and environmental nature in the management of the business, will be more effective in the long run in creating value for itself and its surrounding context.
Fazio ValeriaZanni Sara
Financial mathematics fundamentals for financial evaluations; evaluation of efficiency and profitability of an investment project; company valuation and criticalities of different methodologies; understanding of the different variables that make up the optimal financial structure of a company; firm corporate governance and the problems of firms with diffuse ownership and concentrated ownership; risk capital collection through venture capital, private equity and public listing of companies.
Bigelli MarcoThe management of production processes that go beyond the boundaries of traditional business, company strategy and the sectorial life-cycle. Managerial methods and tools that allow companies to tackle the increased complexity coming from the management of acquisitions and diversified activities. The choices of external growth: joint ventures and global expansion processes.
Amadesi LauraToday’s competitive challenge is harsher, but is also more open to innovative solutions based on a sound methodological approach and adequate operational instruments. The goal of this didactic phase, one which represents a synthesis and linkage with preceding courses, is to delve further into select managerial knowledge tools such as business plan, benchmarking and balanced scorecard.
Di Marco PaoloThroughout the course particular emphasis will be placed on the development of a coherent language that allows participants to represent, understand, and tackle the main aspects of organizational life. The course contents can be traced to the following generic areas: the individual, individuals and relations, groups, relations between groups, personnel management tools, organizations and new organizational structures.
Ghini MassimilianoThe value of a digital transformation is to be found in the creation of connected organizations, able to provide goods and services in an increasingly efficient and effective way, ensuring the satisfaction of customers, shareholders and stakeholders. To support the company Business Model, Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Management, Supply Chain Management, systems are considered, together with the necessary tools to analyze data, in order to guarantee a good decision-making process (Business Intelligence). In addition, tools are provided to understand the software development techniques and the control of the Total Cost of Ownership
Put the general management skills you’ve acquired during the Master into practice by working side by side with real companies on concrete projects. The Company Consulting Experience is a unique opportunity to turn theory into action: participants collaborate with a partner company to analyze strategic challenges, propose innovative solutions, and contribute to tangible results.
This is not just a simulation: it is a true managerial laboratory where you can apply analytical tools, leadership, and problem-solving skills in real business contexts, while also enhancing teamwork, communication, and complex project management abilities.
A hands-on experience that enriches your CV, expands your professional network, and prepares you to make strategic decisions with confidence and competence.
Participants in our program enjoy the flexibility to choose an elective course in Innovation, Business Transformation and Regeneration. Thanks to this elective you have the opportunity to tailor your learning experience to suit your aspirations.
Dynamic seminars with management consultants, designed to provide practical methodologies and managerial tools that can be immediately applied to real business challenges.
Exclusive seminars with professors from prestigious European Business Schools, designed to broaden perspectives on key management topics and provide a cutting-edge view of the challenges and trends that truly matter for businesses.
Faculty
Faculty members at Bologna Business School work together offering outstanding teaching standards. An international and interdisciplinary approach is guaranteed by a joint team of distinguished national core professors, adjunct, visiting professors, guest speakers and top managers.
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Laura Amadesi
Managing Director
Antexis Strategies - Tinexta Group
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Fabio Guido Ulderico Ancarani
Full Professor of Marketing
University of Bologna
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Monica Bartolini
Associate Professor of Management Accounting
University of Bologna
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Marco Bigelli
Full Professor of Corporate Finance
University of Bologna
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Filippo Boccali
Adjunct Professor and Research Fellow of Management
University of Bologna
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Andrea Cinti Luciani
Managing Director
CliCon Health&Economics
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Mariachiara Colucci
Associate Professor of Economics and Business Management
University of Bologna
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Paolo Di Marco
Founding Partner
PDFOR Consulenza Direzionale
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Valeria Fazio
Senior Manager
BDO Italia
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Massimiliano Ghini
Director
European Center for Team Emotional Intelligence
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Gian Luca Marzocchi
Full Professor of Marketing and Consumer Behavior
University of Bologna
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Alberto Regattieri
Full Professor of Operations and Manufacturing Systems
University of Bologna
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Riccardo Silvi
Full Professor of Business Administration and Accounting Studies
University of Bologna
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Sara Zanni
Assistant Professor of Business Sustainability
University of Bologna
Last 3 editions
Age
Professional background
Academic background
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35
AVERAGE AGE
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8 years
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Alumni
Giulia Poli
Senior Advisor, BitBang
MBA Weekend (Ed. 2022/2024)
"The MBA has been a profoundly impactful experience that has enabled me to expand my managerial expertise and engage with individuals from varied professional backgrounds, enriching my outlook and exposing me to fresh concepts and methodologies. Throughout the journey, I've faced stimulating challenges, acquired fundamental skills for my career, and forged valuable connections with faculty and peers. It has been an opportunity that has significantly shaped my professional future."
Salvatore Masucci
Engine Development Manager, Ferrari
MBA Weekend (Ed. 2022/2024)
"The MBA has been a breath of fresh air, a journey of personal and professional growth. I approached these months with great curiosity and determination, taking away beautiful memories, a fantastic group, and the awareness that there are no unattainable goals with the right business plan!"
Giuliana Catalano
Innovation Project Manager, Ferrero
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2021/23)
"I felt the need to improve my professional skills and to undertake a challenging path that could help me developing my managerial skills. The MBA Weekend allowed me to broaden my corporate vision and to increase my business knowledge from a global perspective, thanks also to the networking with top-level professionals, tutors and teachers that I had the opportunity to meet in these months. "
Giacomo Spettoli
E-Commerce Manager, Bonfiglioli
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2021/23)
"The MBA Part-time Weekend gives you the keys to fully understand all aspects of corporate life, from all perspectives. At any moment of the course, both in the classroom and in the study groups, you have the opportunity to learn from highly trained teachers and from incredibly skilled fellow travelers. The master is a real turning point for both personal and professional growth. An encompassing experience that will open your mind."
Leonardo Bruni
Lead Manufacturing Finance, Eli Lilly Italia Spa
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2021/23)
"MBA Part-time Weekend is a unique opportunity to enhance knowledge and skills which are immediately applicable in everyday corporate life while developing a 360-degrees approach to business. Collaborating with different professionalities in a highly qualified environment really makes a difference."
Gilda Manni
Senior Consultant, Business Integration Partners
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2020/22)
"Curiosity, dedication, continued exchange and openness to new challenges are elements that accompanied me in this long path of personal and professional growth. The competencies acquired with the Master enriched me with the right instruments to tackle the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the most comprehensive way."
Giorgio Daziano
Capex & Indirect Operations Commodity Lead, Bormioli Pharma
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2020/22)
"This MBA grants me the opportunity to confront myself without reserve with "new adventure mates” and it is an opportunity not to be missed. The lecturers are helping me to see the world from a different perspective by providing me with suggestions, new tools and new knowledge that I can immediately apply in my daily work."
Alessandro Rosati
Management Consultant, Arthur D. Little
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2019/21)
"The variety of experiences and backgrounds of the participants together with a constant dialogue with a highly qualified faculty, make the Master extremely effective and stimulating."
Giammarco Scala
Regional Manager Africa, SACMI
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2018/2020)
"The MBA is a stimulating challenge that requires commitment and dedication, and offers fundamental knowledge and relationships in exchange, developing a managerial culture."
Anna Girotto
Worldwide Customs and Trade Compliance Manager Kering
MBA Part-time Weekend (Ed. 2017/19)
"MBA Part-time Weekend has been much more than an academic program. It has been an incredible marathon of skills and competences acquisition, that day after day has enriched my professional experience with new subjects and new abilities, building solid basis to my career aspirations."
Networking
MUCH MORE THAN A MASTER’S PROGRAM, A TRUE PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY
The Weekend MBA is a program that places people at its core.
It is not just education, but a stimulating environment where opportunities for authentic exchange arise—both inside and outside the classroom—encouraging the sharing of ideas, experiences, and perspectives among professionals.
Networking develops naturally: among Master classmates, with faculty, and it also extends to students from other programs and Alumni from previous editions.
A vibrant, dynamic network that continues to grow even beyond the Master.
COMPANIES
Many companies have chosen the Evening MBA as the best program to develop their internal talent, enhancing managerial vision and significantly improving performance within the organization.
In recent editions, partners have included, among others:
AD CONSULTING AEFFE ALCENERO ALENIA AERONAUTICA ALFA LAVAL ALFASIGMA ARCHIVA ARCHA ARCOBALENO ARCOTRONICS-KEMET ATLAS COPCO ITALIA AUTOSTRADE PER L'ITALIA BASF COATINGS REFINISH BEAMIT BECKETT THERMAL SOLUTIONS BERCELLA BERTOLOTTI RAIL BITBANG BLUE NAVY BMG ELETTRIC BONATTI BONDIOLI & PAVESI BONFIGLIOLI RIDUTTORI BOSCH REXROTH BP PROGECT CABOT ITALIANA CAF TOUR & TRAVEL CAMST CARPIGIANI CASA EDITRICE R. SPAGGIARI CEAM CEDASCOM CELI LANGUAGE TECHNOLOGY CIBA SPA C.N.S. TRADING COMMERCIALE FOND CON-AMI CONFSERVIZI CISPEL LOMBARDIA CORNELIANI CPL CONCORDIA C.O.C FARMACEUTICI CO.STELL CT PACK CVS CROMATOS DA LIO DALLARA DEMETRA FORMAZIONE DISTANTE ELETTRODOMESTICI DITEC DIVITECH DUCATI DUFERCO ECOFLASH ECOL STUDIO ELI LILLY ELETTRIFICIO DANY EMERSON ENEL EMMEGI EXPERT SYSTEM EUROSPITAL FALORNI FABER FASTER FATER FIAC FIP MEC FONDAZIONE DE LA SALLE FOSTER MACCALLUM INTERNATIONAL FS COSTRUZIONI GEA REFRIGERATION ITALY GIBAM SHOP GOLLINUCCI GRUPPO AUTOSTRADE PER L’ITALIA GSK VACCINES GRUPPO TOYOTA (TOYOTA E CESAB ) GT IDEA IDEAMANAGEMENT IFOA MANAGEMENT INFIA H.C.E. HERA HERA LUCE HOSPITALITY CONCEPTS H2H FACILITY SOLUTIONS IDRA PATRIMONIO IRSAP GENETIC GE TOOLING GOLLINUCCI ILLUMIA INDESIT IVECO JSB SOLUTIONS JUMP GROUP KME L’ARCOLAIO LABEL FORMAZIONE LAMBORGHINI LATTERIA MONTELLO LAVIOSA CHIMICA MINERARIA LEGA SOCIETÀ DI PALLACANESTRO SERIE A LOG80 MACDUE MANTUA SURGELATI MANZONI & C. MARAZZI GROUP MARCHESINI MASCHIO GASPARDO MASSENZA DRILLING RIGS MAX MARA MEDTRONIC INTERNATIONAL MITEC ELETTRONICA MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC MONDINI NETAFIM ITALIA NEXANS ITALIA NIEDERWIESER NOSTROMO OFFICINE MACCAFERRI OLEIFICIO ZUCCHI ONIT OVA BARGELLINI PARMAFOOD PERDOMINI-IOC PHOOPS PIQUADRO PIZZOLI SPA PRB PACKAGING SYSTEMS P.E.I. PRAESIDION PROGRA RAFFMETAL REDAX RENATO MONICA REKEEP REFEL ROS RIZZOLI EMANUELLI ROSETTI MARINO ROSSI SAATCHI &SAATCHI SACMI SALVAGNINI ITALIA SANCARMINE CAVE SAREL SASIB SCS CONSULTING S.E.F.A. HOLDING GROUP SICA ALTOPARLANTI SIA PARTNERS SIDEL SILVACHIMICA SMC ITALIA SIRA INDUSTRIE SITMA MACHINERY SITI - BT SIXTEMA SPINDOX SO.F.TER SOLAR SISTEMS SORIN GROUP SRB STC POWER GROUP STERNE INTERNATIONAL STUDIO FORESTALE ANTONIO BORTOLUZZI STUDIO LEGALE LUCCHETTI TEREX TERMOLAN TETRA PAK TOSILAB TRUZZI TST ENGINEERING LTD UMBRAGROUP UNICREDIT UNIPOLREC UNOX VEBA GROUP VENEZIANI VERONI VILLA ERBOSA VIS HYDRAULICS VODAFONE WARRANT GROUP ZOFFOLI HOLDING
Programme Advisory Committee
- Alessandro De Pestel – CMO, Under Armour
- Alfredo Gamberini – Managing Director & Founder, JP.N
- Armin Zadakbar – CEO , The Armin Bar
- Carlo Salizzoni – Trasformation Director, Apleona Italy
- Carmelo Bonaccorso -BU Director Energia e Patrimonio, MUNICIPIA
- Cinzia Angeli – Senior Manager, P&G
- Erica Fiorentini – Senior Corporate Relationship Manager, Bnl – Bnp Paribas
- Eugenio Sidoli – CEO, Max Mara
- Federico Tassi – Managing Director, Iceteam 1927 (Carpigiani)
- Francesco Millo – Strategy Business Development & Marketing Director, TESYA Group
- Francesco Pisano – CEO Europe, Beckett Thermal solutions
- Federico Zambelli Hosmer – Founder, Board Member & CBO, BKN301
- Gabriella Carrozza – Manager, Accenture
- Josè Cartellone – Owner, Grupo Benicio
- Leyla Osmanova – CEO & Founder, Centro di Diagnosi Molecolare delle Allergie
- Michele Perozzi – Operations Director, Laminam
- Nicola Gualandi – Retail & Advertising Manager, Aeroporto Bologna
- Paolo Avvanzini – Industrial Director, Scrigno
Community
THE STRENGTH OF THE BBS COMMUNITY: CONNECTIONS THAT CREATE THE FUTURE
The Bologna Business School Community is made up of people who share challenges, ideas, and visions, building connections that bring together diverse cultures, skills, and perspectives. It is a vibrant and constantly evolving network, fueled by the ongoing exchange of experiences and know-how.
Joining the Community means becoming part of a dynamic ecosystem, where members grow together and open up new professional and personal paths.
Alumni-dedicated activities include:
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Discussion groups on projects developed both inside and outside the School
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Exclusive networking and professional development events
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Opportunities to connect with over 14,000 Alumni worldwide
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Access to career opportunities with partner companies and organizations led by BBS Alumni
FEES
The tuition fee for the Master sponsored by a company is
€26,200 + VAT.
The tuition fee for the Master on an individual basis is
€20,800 + VAT.
YOUR FUTURE STARTS AT BBS. CONTACT OUR TEAM FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT:
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Scholarships and financial aid
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Loans and installment plans
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Interprofessional training funds and corporate welfare programs
Write to: mbapt@bbs.unibo.it
Funding
For individual enrollment in the Master, two financing options are available:
- “Per Merito” Loan – Intesa Sanpaolo Bank
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No collateral required
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Preferential interest rate
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24-month grace period and repayment over up to 30 years
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Eligibility requirements: minimum graduation grade of 96/110, residence in Italy, and enrollment in the Master
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- “Futuriamo” Loan – BNL Bank
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Preferential interest rate
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Repayment over 10 years
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Option to defer the first repayment installment for up to 36 months
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For more information, write to mbapt@bbs.unibo.it
INTERPROFESSIONAL FUNDS
Companies that financially support their employees or collaborators enrolled in the Master can make use of Interprofessional Training Funds, obtaining a partial or full reimbursement of the company participation fee paid.
For more information, please contact the relevant fund:
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Fondimpresa – for middle management
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Fondo Dirigenti PMI – for managers of industrial SMEs
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Fonditalia
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Fondirigenti – for executives
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Fon.Coop – for cooperative companies
SCHOLARSHIPS
Investing in your education is a key step for your professional future.
That’s why Bologna Business School offers scholarships and tuition benefits designed to reward merit, support talent, and encourage the participation of both professionals and companies.
BENEFITS FOR INDIVIDUAL CANDIDATES
If you apply on an individual basis, you can access a range of limited-availability scholarships, awarded according to specific criteria.
Send your CV to the Admission Team at mbaserale@bbs.unibo.it to explore the scholarship options you may be eligible for.
In addition, if you are connected with our Alumni network, you can take advantage of further benefits:
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Alumni Referral | 20% reduction
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Business Network Employees | +5% on the discount obtained
Note: Scholarships cannot be combined, except for the additional discount reserved for BN Employees.
BENEFITS FOR COMPANIES
Companies wishing to invest in the training of their employees can access advantageous conditions depending on the enrollment date:
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Very Early Bird (by 31/05/2025) | 20% reduction
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Early Bird (by 31/08/2025) | 15% reduction
Note: Early Bird conditions apply only to enrollments completed by the indicated deadlines.
REQUIREMENTS
The Master is aimed particularly at professionals with established expertise in a specific business function, who wish to broaden their skills across all the strategic areas of the enterprise and acquire the tools needed to support managerial decision-making.
The program is open to graduates with more than 3 years of work experience, as well as to non-graduate candidates with at least 5 years of professional experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Admission is subject to passing a selection process, which will take place at the Bologna Business School campus or online by appointment (contact Beatrice Vitali – mbapt@bbs.unibo.it – Tel. 051 2090119).
The selection test consists of:
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Entry test: maximum duration 30 minutes, online
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Evaluation interview with the Management, 30 minutes, online or on-site
The selection process is not binding for enrollment and will assess participation requirements (educational background and work experience), candidate profile, and development goals.
FAQs
The selection process consists of an interview with the Master’s Director, organised by the Program Manager upon candidate request and after sending of the Curriculum Vitae. The interview is not binding on enrollment.
The Program Manager can send a certificate of attendance record at the end of the didactic sessions to those that make a request, upon verification of the attendance.
In order to get admitted to the Master Executive, it is required to have a Bachelor’s Degree, however, a limited number of places are available for those who do not have a Bachelor’s Degree but that can demonstrate to have significant professional experience, to be evaluated during the assessment interview.
No, it is not. The Executive Masters are not University Masters, therefore they do not have ECTS credits (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System), that in Italy are called “crediti formativi universitari (CFU).
At the end of the Master, a certificate of attendance (which includes the achieved results) and a Diploma of Participation (upon verification of successful completion of each course and of at least a 70% of class attendance) are issued.
No, because it is not a university Master.
