Multiple Higher Educational Institutions - Masters in Entrepreneurship

Advenio eAcademy a licensed higher educational institution (HEI) based in Malta, in collaboration with a number of Higher Educational Institutions over the period 2016-2019, designed, developed and now operates an innovative accredited on-line Masters programme in Entrepreneurship. The collaborating partners are; Szent Istvan University - Hungary, University of Bari Aldo Moro - Italy, University of Ioannina – Greece, University of Zilina - Slovakia and Poltava University of Economics and Trade - Ukraine. This Masters programme is certified by the NCFHE, National Commission for Further and Higher Education in Malta, as a 90 ECTS credits Level 7 programme awarded by Advenio eAcademy in collaboration with the Partner HEIs. The collaborating Higher Educational Institutions bring to the programme years of international experience at graduate level and include some very well-known European universities. This international involvement is what distinguishes the proposed programme most from other programmes available in the market. It provides a uniquely European open approach to learning, focusing on the on-going development of best practices in the different fields related to entrepreneurship. This programme is designed to assist practicing entrepreneurs, current managers of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, or managers working within larger organisations who want to make the transition to the SME environment either as entrepreneurs or executives within SMEs. The programme is in response to the market requirements for specialised post graduate quality courses that meet the needs of existing entrepreneurs and small business managers. The focus of this programme is to provide entrepreneurs, or aspiring entrepreneurs, with a higher level of competence to enable them to successfully launch or grow their SME operation.The consortium developed the programme in 4 different stages:Stage 1 – 6 Foundation modulesPrinciples of Management – Developed and delivered by Advenio eAcademyPrinciples of HRM – Developed and delivered by Szent Istvan UniversityPrinciples of ICT – Developed and delivered by University of IoanninaPrinciples of Financial Management – Developed and delivered by Advenio eAcademyPrinciples of Marketing & Sales – Developed and delivered by Advenio eAcademyPrinciples of Entrepreneurship – Developed and delivered by University of IoanninaStage 2 – 3 Specialist ModulesFund-raising for Start-ups and Growth of SMEs – Developed and delivered by Poltava University of Economics and TradeCreativity & Innovation Management for SMEs – Developed and delivered by University of BariDigital Marketing & Social Media for SMEs – Developed and delivered by University of ZilinaStage 3 – InternshipThe Internship Programme provides an opportunity to combine theoretical education with applied work experience. During the internship, the intern will be expected to carry out a number of work packages. These will be assigned in each of the nine courses which students must complete. Stage 4 – Investor ready Business Plan ProjectThis research-based project compels students to investigate and plan for a new business launch or the growth of an existing business through new product or new market development.The pilot intake for the certified programme started with 15 students. However, due to other studies and work commitment 3 students had to withdraw from the programme. An additional, 4 students did not complete the full programme but received an Award in Entrepreneurship or Post-Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship depending on the ECTS credits obtained. The full Masters programme was completed by 8 students. All students praised the innovativeness of this programme in terms of faculty, content, and delivery.