The object of the diploma thesis is the comparison of selected educational institute with the competitors operating in the tertiary education field, using the external benchmarking method. The theoretical part presents the basic terms related to the issue, especially strategic management, benchmarking, SWOT analysis, Porter five competitive forces analysis, but also the tertiary education sector. In the practical part there is performed a comparative analysis of six companies operating in the education sector. It concerns the following subjects: Brno Business School, Brno International Business School, Institute for Industrial and Financial Management, Prague International Business School, VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava, University of Finance and Administration. The survey results are statistically evaluated through the tables and graphs with an accompanying written commentary. The objective of the diploma thesis is the comparison of six companies using external benchmarking method and thus to define the weaknesses of the company which is the subject of the thesis, based on five analyses. Subsequently, to propose recommendations to minimize these weaknesses in order to gain a stronger position in the tertiary education market and higher competitiveness.

Analyze the feasibility of creating a virtual platform for the logistics intermediation of goods and services. After identifying a market niche that can be served by a company engaged in logistics intermediation through a virtual platform that provides services as a link between buyers and sellers, whether for goods and / or services regardless of geographical location, it is enough to have users that have the capacity of attention in the indicated geographical point and the profile requested by the buyers users. The methodology of this business plan consisted of making a diagnosis and strategic analysis to national companies (especially focused on medium-sized companies), which also includes marketing, operations, finance and organizational plans. / Trabajo de investigación

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi compreender a relação entre Cognoscitividade do Agente e Produção de Conhecimento Especializado na experiência de formação gerencial de alunos de MBA. Sem partir de proposições estabelecidas, a pesquisa de campo se concentrou em aprofundar as categorias da literatura e as que emergiram durante o processo de investigação com objetivo de produzir teoria fundamentada acerca da aprendizagem gerencial em cursos de MBA (Strauss & Corbin, 2009). Participaram da pesquisa 48 alunos provenientes de dois programas de MBA Executivo no Brasil, com idades entre 27 e 54 anos (M=38,1/DP=7,15). Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal, em que a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da observação participante e da triangulação de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos e de dados coletados em fontes primárias e secundárias (Gray, 2012). Os dados foram obtidos por meio de: (a) pesquisa documental, (b) entrevistas com alunos, (c) dois questionários aplicados em momentos distintos da pesquisa, e (d) escalas validadas e padronizadas para população brasileira para mensurar Otimismo, Esperança Cognitiva, Autoeficácia e Autoestima; (e) diário de campo. Três Estudos Pilotos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de validação dos instrumentos de coleta com as fontes primárias; quais sejam: os dois questionários e o roteiro semiestruturado de entrevista com os alunos. Para validação das interpretações realizadas no decorrer da pesquisa foram aplicadas técnicas de validação comunicativa, pragmática e transgressiva (Sandberg, 2005). Os dados qualitativos foram analisados por meio de técnicas de codificação e interpretação de conteúdo da Teoria Fundamentada (Strauss & Corbin, 2009) e os dados quantitativos foram analisados pela estatística de tabulação cruzada para comparação das categorias pelo Teste t (Gray, 2012; Hair et al, 2007). Os resultados demostram associações significativas entre propriedades e dimensões específicas ao processo cognoscitivo dos alunos e à produção de Conhecimento Especializado nos programas de MBA investigados. A monitoração reflexiva dos alunos e sua relação dialética de poder nas transações com as propriedades estruturais do curso foram analisadas à luz de uma matriz interpretativa proposta nesta pesquisa para compreensão do processo de aprendizagem individual. Foram identificadas e descritas influências da Propriedade Estrutural do curso de MBA no engajamento do aluno, na articulação de conteúdos e experiências em conhecimento especializado e no desenvolvimento da Autoestima e Autoeficácia. Também foram identificadas e descritas influências dos modos e estratégias de aprendizagem aplicados pelos alunos-agentes na atribuição de valor e reconhecimento de contribuições efetivas do curso para sua prática profissional e o desenvolvimento de carreira. A partir das evidências obtidas é proposto um modelo teórico compreensivo do processo de aprendizagem individual em alunos de MBA. Limitações do estudo são discutidas e pesquisas futuras são sugeridas ao final do trabalho. / The objective of this research was to understand the relationship between the Cognoscitivity of the Agent and the Specialized Knowledge Production in experience of managerial formation of students of the MBA Executive. The present research did not start from previous established propositions. Actually, field research focused on deepening the categories of literature and those that emerged during the research process in order to produce grounded theory about learning management in MBA courses (Strauss & Corbin, 2009). Participants were 48 students from two Executive MBA programs in Brazil, aged between 27 and 54 years (M=38,1/SD=7,15). This is a longitudinal study, in which data collection was conducted through participant observation and triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods and data from primary and secondary sources (Gray, 2012). Data were obtained from: (a) documentary research, (b) interviews with students, (c) two questionnaires applied at different times of the research, and (d) standardized and validated scales for the Brazilian population to measure Optimism, Cognitive Hope, Self-efficacy and Self-esteem, and (e) a field diary. Three Pilot Studies were conducted for the purpose of validation of data collection instruments with the primary sources (i.e., the two questionnaires and the script of the semi-structured interviews with students). To validate the interpretations made during the research communicative, pragmatic and transgressive validation techniques were applied (Sandberg, 2005). Qualitative data were analyzed using coding techniques and content interpretation of Grounded Theory (Strauss & Corbin, 2009). and quantitative data were statistically analyzed by cross-tabulation for comparison of categories through the t test (Gray, 2012; Hair et al, 2007). The results demonstrate significant associations between specific properties and dimensions of the cognoscitive process of students and to the production of Specialized Knowledge in the Executive MBA programs investigated. The reflexive monitoring of students and their dialectical relationship of power in transactions with the structural properties of the course were analyzed in the light of an interpretative matrix proposed in this research for understanding the process of individual learning. Influences of the Structural Property of the MBA course in student engagement, articulation of content and experiences, and expertise in the development of Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy were identified and described. The influences of the modes and learning strategies applied by the agency of the students in the value assignment and recognition of effective contributions of the course to their professional and career development were also identified and described. From the evidence obtained, a comprehensive theoretical model of the individual learning process in MBA students is proposed. Limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions for future research are presented at the conclusion.

As críticas que os programas de MBA têm recebido (LATHAM; LATHAM; WHYTE, 2004; CLOSS; ANTONELLO, 2014; RAMLALL; RAMLALL, 2016) e o aumento da ofertas desses cursos no Brasil (KARAWEJCZYK, 2015; WOOD JR.; CRUZ, 2014; GIULIANI et al., 2007; BACELLAR; IKEDA, 2005) levaram ao objetivo desta pesquisa de compreender os cursos de MBA brasileiros sob a perspectiva de gestores egressos desses programas. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com vinte gestores egressos de MBAs. Através da análise de conteúdo, foram identificados como propósitos para realização dos cursos e que também foram contribuições dos mesmos: aprendizagem das ferramentas de administração, conhecimentos sobre gestão, criação de rede de relacionamentos, experiência internacional e desenvolvimento pessoal. Como lacunas e pontos fracos, surgiram aspectos como a falta de vivências práticas, a desatualização dos conteúdos, docentes com baixa qualificação, discentes com pouca experiência e a escassez de tempo (dos alunos e do curso). Já as sugestões apontadas para aprimoramento dos cursos relacionaram-se com o formato das aulas, a frequência e o local dos encontros, a internacionalização dos cursos, a vivência profissional dos professores e rigor nos programas, a composição das turmas conforme a experiência dos participantes e o desenvolvimento humano do gestor. / The criticisms that MBA programs have received (LATHAM, LATHAM, WHYTE, 2004, CLONE, ANTONELLO, 2014, RAMLALL, RAMLALL, 2016) and the increase in the offers of these courses in Brazil (KARAWEJCZYK, 2015; WOOD JR.; CRUZ, 2014; GIULIANI et al., 2007; BACELLAR; IKEDA, 2005), has led to the theme of the current research, which aims at understanding the MBA scenario in the country. For that, a qualitative exploratory research was carried out, through semi-structured interviews with twenty former MBA graduates. Through the analysis of content, the following purposes and contributions for the course were identified: learning management tools, management knowledge, networking, international experience and personal development. As flaws and weaknesses, aspects such as the lack of practical experiences, the outdated content, professor and students with little experience and the shortage of time (of the students and the course) appeared. The suggestions mentioned were related to course schedule, frequency and location of the meetings, internationalization of courses, teachers skills and rigour in the programs, the formation of the classes according to the participants experience and the human development of the manager.

As críticas que os programas de MBA têm recebido (LATHAM; LATHAM; WHYTE, 2004; CLOSS; ANTONELLO, 2014; RAMLALL; RAMLALL, 2016) e o aumento da ofertas desses cursos no Brasil (KARAWEJCZYK, 2015; WOOD JR.; CRUZ, 2014; GIULIANI et al., 2007; BACELLAR; IKEDA, 2005) levaram ao objetivo desta pesquisa de compreender os cursos de MBA brasileiros sob a perspectiva de gestores egressos desses programas. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa exploratória, através de entrevistas semiestruturadas com vinte gestores egressos de MBAs. Através da análise de conteúdo, foram identificados como propósitos para realização dos cursos e que também foram contribuições dos mesmos: aprendizagem das ferramentas de administração, conhecimentos sobre gestão, criação de rede de relacionamentos, experiência internacional e desenvolvimento pessoal. Como lacunas e pontos fracos, surgiram aspectos como a falta de vivências práticas, a desatualização dos conteúdos, docentes com baixa qualificação, discentes com pouca experiência e a escassez de tempo (dos alunos e do curso). Já as sugestões apontadas para aprimoramento dos cursos relacionaram-se com o formato das aulas, a frequência e o local dos encontros, a internacionalização dos cursos, a vivência profissional dos professores e rigor nos programas, a composição das turmas conforme a experiência dos participantes e o desenvolvimento humano do gestor. / The criticisms that MBA programs have received (LATHAM, LATHAM, WHYTE, 2004, CLONE, ANTONELLO, 2014, RAMLALL, RAMLALL, 2016) and the increase in the offers of these courses in Brazil (KARAWEJCZYK, 2015; WOOD JR.; CRUZ, 2014; GIULIANI et al., 2007; BACELLAR; IKEDA, 2005), has led to the theme of the current research, which aims at understanding the MBA scenario in the country. For that, a qualitative exploratory research was carried out, through semi-structured interviews with twenty former MBA graduates. Through the analysis of content, the following purposes and contributions for the course were identified: learning management tools, management knowledge, networking, international experience and personal development. As flaws and weaknesses, aspects such as the lack of practical experiences, the outdated content, professor and students with little experience and the shortage of time (of the students and the course) appeared. The suggestions mentioned were related to course schedule, frequency and location of the meetings, internationalization of courses, teachers skills and rigour in the programs, the formation of the classes according to the participants experience and the human development of the manager.

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi compreender a relação entre Cognoscitividade do Agente e Produção de Conhecimento Especializado na experiência de formação gerencial de alunos de MBA. Sem partir de proposições estabelecidas, a pesquisa de campo se concentrou em aprofundar as categorias da literatura e as que emergiram durante o processo de investigação com objetivo de produzir teoria fundamentada acerca da aprendizagem gerencial em cursos de MBA (Strauss & Corbin, 2009). Participaram da pesquisa 48 alunos provenientes de dois programas de MBA Executivo no Brasil, com idades entre 27 e 54 anos (M=38,1/DP=7,15). Trata-se de um estudo longitudinal, em que a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio da observação participante e da triangulação de métodos qualitativos e quantitativos e de dados coletados em fontes primárias e secundárias (Gray, 2012). Os dados foram obtidos por meio de: (a) pesquisa documental, (b) entrevistas com alunos, (c) dois questionários aplicados em momentos distintos da pesquisa, e (d) escalas validadas e padronizadas para população brasileira para mensurar Otimismo, Esperança Cognitiva, Autoeficácia e Autoestima; (e) diário de campo. Três Estudos Pilotos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de validação dos instrumentos de coleta com as fontes primárias; quais sejam: os dois questionários e o roteiro semiestruturado de entrevista com os alunos. Para validação das interpretações realizadas no decorrer da pesquisa foram aplicadas técnicas de validação comunicativa, pragmática e transgressiva (Sandberg, 2005). Os dados qualitativos foram analisados por meio de técnicas de codificação e interpretação de conteúdo da Teoria Fundamentada (Strauss & Corbin, 2009) e os dados quantitativos foram analisados pela estatística de tabulação cruzada para comparação das categorias pelo Teste t (Gray, 2012; Hair et al, 2007). Os resultados demostram associações significativas entre propriedades e dimensões específicas ao processo cognoscitivo dos alunos e à produção de Conhecimento Especializado nos programas de MBA investigados. A monitoração reflexiva dos alunos e sua relação dialética de poder nas transações com as propriedades estruturais do curso foram analisadas à luz de uma matriz interpretativa proposta nesta pesquisa para compreensão do processo de aprendizagem individual. Foram identificadas e descritas influências da Propriedade Estrutural do curso de MBA no engajamento do aluno, na articulação de conteúdos e experiências em conhecimento especializado e no desenvolvimento da Autoestima e Autoeficácia. Também foram identificadas e descritas influências dos modos e estratégias de aprendizagem aplicados pelos alunos-agentes na atribuição de valor e reconhecimento de contribuições efetivas do curso para sua prática profissional e o desenvolvimento de carreira. A partir das evidências obtidas é proposto um modelo teórico compreensivo do processo de aprendizagem individual em alunos de MBA. Limitações do estudo são discutidas e pesquisas futuras são sugeridas ao final do trabalho. / The objective of this research was to understand the relationship between the Cognoscitivity of the Agent and the Specialized Knowledge Production in experience of managerial formation of students of the MBA Executive. The present research did not start from previous established propositions. Actually, field research focused on deepening the categories of literature and those that emerged during the research process in order to produce grounded theory about learning management in MBA courses (Strauss & Corbin, 2009). Participants were 48 students from two Executive MBA programs in Brazil, aged between 27 and 54 years (M=38,1/SD=7,15). This is a longitudinal study, in which data collection was conducted through participant observation and triangulation of qualitative and quantitative methods and data from primary and secondary sources (Gray, 2012). Data were obtained from: (a) documentary research, (b) interviews with students, (c) two questionnaires applied at different times of the research, and (d) standardized and validated scales for the Brazilian population to measure Optimism, Cognitive Hope, Self-efficacy and Self-esteem, and (e) a field diary. Three Pilot Studies were conducted for the purpose of validation of data collection instruments with the primary sources (i.e., the two questionnaires and the script of the semi-structured interviews with students). To validate the interpretations made during the research communicative, pragmatic and transgressive validation techniques were applied (Sandberg, 2005). Qualitative data were analyzed using coding techniques and content interpretation of Grounded Theory (Strauss & Corbin, 2009). and quantitative data were statistically analyzed by cross-tabulation for comparison of categories through the t test (Gray, 2012; Hair et al, 2007). The results demonstrate significant associations between specific properties and dimensions of the cognoscitive process of students and to the production of Specialized Knowledge in the Executive MBA programs investigated. The reflexive monitoring of students and their dialectical relationship of power in transactions with the structural properties of the course were analyzed in the light of an interpretative matrix proposed in this research for understanding the process of individual learning. Influences of the Structural Property of the MBA course in student engagement, articulation of content and experiences, and expertise in the development of Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy were identified and described. The influences of the modes and learning strategies applied by the agency of the students in the value assignment and recognition of effective contributions of the course to their professional and career development were also identified and described. From the evidence obtained, a comprehensive theoretical model of the individual learning process in MBA students is proposed. Limitations of the study are discussed and suggestions for future research are presented at the conclusion.

D.Phil. / The aim of this research is the development of a spiritual leadership framework or paradigm for MBA programmes. The following research questions support the central research problem: Research Question One: What is meant by the concept of Spirituality (including its link to spiritual intelligence, spiritual leadership and its challenge to the traditional leadership view)? (Chapter Two) Research Question Two: What are the relevant criteria for the evaluation of a spiritual leadership development programme? (Chapter Three) Research Question Three: What should be the framework of such a spiritual leadership programme (elective)? (Chapter Four) Research Question Four: What is the potential value of a spiritual leadership elective to the MBA programme, the MBA students and how does it change their perspective regarding leadership? (Chapter Six) Research Question Five: Can spiritual leadership make a significant contribution to organisations? (Chapters Two and Six) Research Question Six: To what extent can the results of this research be generalised to all business schools in South Africa? (Chapter Seven)

The objectives of this study were to assess the perceptions of educational value of group learning held by students and compare it with the intentions of lecturers involved in the MBA programme. Eighty-two MBA students enrolled at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) of the University of Pretoria completed an online questionnaire, the results of which reflected an overall positive perception of educational value of group learning. However, negative perceptions of group dynamics, fairness and administrative processes also surfaced. There appears to be some evidence of racial undertones to the negative perceptions. These perceptions were significantly different between junior and senior students. Semi-structured interviews with lecturers and administrative staff revealed markedly different intentions and approaches to group learning. An awareness of the difficulties faced by students in group activities could be demonstrated, but different opinions were held on appropriate interventions. The study concludes with suggestions to improve identified weaknesses through a more focused educational approach. Such an approach would place greater emphasis on personal reflection and addressing of dysfunctional behaviour in groups, as part of a posited central skill in management.Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The final thesis deals with competitive position of an educational institution, which provides Masters of Business Administration programs on the Czech market with managerial education. Using the methodology of positional maps it evaluates the power of the school towards its competitors. The thesis includes an analysis of internal and external environment which provides us with major strengths and weaknesses of our institution. It also sets the fields management of the school should concentrate on. The thesis can also serve for MBA potential customers as a list of institutions which provide this type of education in the Czech Republic.

Bakgrund: Att kvinnor har svårare att göra karriär jämfört med män är något tidigare forskning menar kan bero på det som definieras som glastaket. Frågan är om detta glastak finns inom fler faktorer än kön? Syfte: Syftet med vår uppsats är att ta reda på om kön, ålder, nationalitet, informella nätverk, samhällsklass och hemmabild påverkar individers möjlighet till att göra en högre karriär. Detta vill vi göra genom att studera hur faktorerna påverkar individers möjlighet till högre karriär efter att ha läst en MBA eller EMBA utbildning. Vi ämnar studera detta med hjälp utifrån de tre teorierna, sociala identitetsteorin, homosocialitet och human capital teorin, samt fenomenet glastak. Metod: Vi har använt oss av deduktiv ansats där vi utgår från teorierna den sociala identitetsteorin, homosocialitet och human capital teorin. Vi har valt att utgå från fenomenet glastak. Med hjälp av teorierna försöker vi besvara våra ställda hypoteser. Studien och informationen är insamlad och utförd under år 2017 genom en enkätundersökning. Materialet analyserades utifrån en bivariat korrelation samt regressionsanalyser. Slutsatser: Vi kan i vår studie påvisa att det finns ett glastak för variabeln ålder. De resterande variablerna (kön, nationalitet, informella nätverk, samhällsklass och hemmabilden) har vi inte funnit att ett glastak existerar för individerna som har genomgått en MBA/EMBA-utbildning.