The IBS Vision
Our mission is to advance knowledge on globalization and to train principled leaders for the global economy - we are the first business school at a major US research university to specialize in international business, economics and finance. We emphasize rigorous analytical skills, diversity, and close connections with international academic partners and best practice in business and policy
(see our Mission Statement).History
The School was established in 1994 as the Graduate School of International Economics and Finance with 50 students in the MA and PhD programs. In 1998 we launched the MBA and MSF programs, and in 2003 changed our name to Brandeis International Business School (IBS). Over this time, our enrollments grew eight-fold
(see a timeline).Strategy
IBS operates under a plan developed with McKinsey & Co. in 2001 and revised recently to factor in our rapid progress. We built a new building and doubled enrollments to 400, a scale large enough for choice and small enough for strong student-faculty connections. Our priorities now focus on adding faculty, investing in the student experience, including career services and technology, and achieving greater visibility through outreach and by completing accreditation by the AACSB (see priorities below).
Network
We are fortunate to be part of the accomplished and generous Brandeis University family, including many leaders in business and finance committed to a strong Brandeis presence in these fields. Our
Board of Overseers provide advice and crucial financial support, including recent commitments for four new professorial chairs and a new research center.
Priorities
The priorities established in the current strategic plan focus on academics, the student experience, and operations.
Academic Excellence
- Faculty growth. Hire outstanding faculty in fields critical to the School's teaching and research missions.
- Excellence in targeted fields. Develop "fields of excellence" in research and teaching in dynamic areas such as global capital markets, international production chains, international entrepreneurship, international real estate and global governance.
- International partnerships. Intensify collaborations with foreign partner universities, particularly in developing dual degree programs.
- Contribute to the University. Strengthen contributions to Brandeis University's other academic programs, including the undergraduate Business Minor.
Student Experience
- Student recruitment. Intensify recruiting activities and provide truly competitive scholarships to outstanding candidates from around the world.
- Improve career support. Intensify corporate outreach, job search support, and networking opportunities for students in Boston, New York and other cities.
- Learning environment. Celebrate IBS' distinctive international community with community events, increased support for student clubs, and prominent visitors from the business and policy worlds.
Operations
- Visibility and ranking. Invest in branding and marketing to raise the School's national and international visibility.
- Executive programs. Further develop the School's executive education capabilities.
- Development and finances. Build the School's strong financial foundations by increasing program revenues, raising funds and endowment, and controlling costs.
