The MBA with specialisation in Clean Technology (Energy & Clean Tech) was specially designed by Wittenborg University of Applied Sciences as a direct result of an international (EU) Interregional-funded research project between the United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands.

The project, named GREAT (an acronym for: Growing Renewable Energy Applications and Technologies) sought to encourage SMEs and collectives of SMEs to develop and apply sustainable technological solutions related to Renewable Energy, Smart Grid and Distributive Generation.

Course structure:

The Wittenborg MBA is delivered in a block format, with 2 modules being covered every 6 weeks. The classes are inter-disciplinary - you study shared modules in semester 1 with MBA students from different business specialisations. Due to the rolling entry (6 times a year) groups are dynamic, extremely international and diverse.

The modules are delivered intensively over consecutive days in the so-called 'block format', which means that each module has 6 days of teaching split into two blocks of 3 days. Teaching methods include group work, case studies, presentations, and live projects. The course is delivered through a variety of approaches including lectures, presentations, tutorials and case studies, with an emphasis on interactive learning. Each module is taught by two lecturers, often a full time Wittenborg lecturer and a quest lecturer from a partner university. Modules include regular guest speakers from industry.

The Industry:

The main aim of the research project was to collect and supply information regarding economic and institutional aspects of decentralized energy networks and smart grids, and it also provided an assessment of the institutional and regulatory landscape. Business models were developed for several smart-grid collectives. An important role in this process was the development of a tool to support SMEs deciding on participating in decentralised energy networks (esp. in business parks). Finally, the project presented an inventory of collectives in the UK, Ireland, Belgium and The Netherlands.
 
WUAS took the project one step further by developing a number of training programmes for managers of local and regional business (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, building on the theme of technology and innovation particularly in areas such as smart grids, renewable energy, green energy, energy conservation, distributed generation, and energy management. Local and regional networks and knowledge centers (including Apeldoorn City Council, the Province of Gelderland, colleges and universities, and technical companies) were consulted, which ultimately resulted in the development of four specialized modules that would fit into Wittenborg’s standard MBA programme. 

The immediate consequence is this programme: a combination of technology-based modules covering state-of-the-art issues in sustainability and renewable energy, embedded within a core of traditional, management-related MBA modules. This unique combination of knowledge areas offers managers and entrepreneurs who realize that the future of any organization or commercial enterprise, albeit in a technology sector or in any other field or activity, relies these days on being sustainable, socially-responsible, and energy efficient.

Learning about both business and management applications as well as about the practical application of green technology will give the future manager a clear advantage and competitive edge, as much of what is learned in the MBA will be applicable to current business practices straight away.

The MBA will further the careers of:

• Dutch or other EU graduates who are working in an organisation, managing people or processes, and are looking to improve their career opportunities within their current employment position. These students are supported by their employer and can study the programme part-time;
• Dutch, or other EU graduates who have been working in an organisation, managing people or processes, and are looking for a full time MBA programme that will increase their employability chances in an international market; 
• International graduates in the Netherlands, who have a completed a Bachelor degree and have worked in an organisation with responsibility managing people or processes, who are looking to improve their career opportunities, either at their current employer or in the search for a new opportunity;
• International students worldwide, from business or non-business fields, with a proven number of years managing people or processes within an organisation. These students are looking for an English-taught, internationally orientated MBA programme that can allow them to improve their career prospects in the job market either at home or in the Netherlands, either at their current employer or at a new organisation, and possibly continue their studies at a higher level.