IMBA Features

The University of Louisville IMBA is a two-year program designed for working adults. This integrative approach to graduate education combines cross-functional learning across all business disciplines with focus on intensive teamwork and sophisticated interactive technologies. The result?  We are creating entrepreneurs both inside established organizations and in independent startups who are skilled at recognizing and seizing opportunity.

The IMBA program is modeled to parallel real-world business conditions. By incorporating innovative concepts like team teaching, student team problem-solving and corporate partnership, the program exposes students to practical, experiential learning that extends beyond theoretical training. The flexible nature of course structuring allows easy modification to reflect changing business conditions and keeps the IMBA program at the leading edge of graduate business education. Some of the IMBA - The MBA for Entrepreneurial Thinking program features are as follows:

  • A two-year program consisting of integrated classes and special projects that challenge students to solve actual business problems. 
  • A practical, hands-on program for business and non-business majors alike.
  • Classes meet two nights per week (6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.), plus Saturdays during Business Foundations. Thereafter, classes meet two nights per week and occasional Saturdays each semester.
  • Semester-long, discipline-specific courses are replaced by variable length, cross-disciplinary modules jointly taught by two or more faculty members.
  • Just-in-time learning modules ensure subjects are presented on an as-needed basis (based on individual student requirements and/or current business conditions).
  • Faculty team teaching and student team learning within a high-tech environment that utilizes PC-based information and communication technology, including Internet/Web access, voice messaging and video conferencing.
  • Development of an entrepreneurship portfolio and a life-long learning plan to ensure students continue learning long after graduation.


Comments

Doug Cobb: Chairman and CEO of Appriss, Inc. and founder of Chrysalis Ventures, Inc.

Because IMBA begins by exposing students to the ideas of new venture creation, they are predisposed to think of every business situation as a possible new venture opportunity. Plus, the students in the IMBA program are picked from the brightest and most capable young people in the Louisville business community.


Harry Kron: President, Carroll-Kron Consulting, December 1995 IMBA Class

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The IMBA faculty made me a promise. They said, "By the time the program is over you'll be able to run any company you want to start." That was the kind of bold statement I was looking for. They delivered on that promise. One class alone paid for the program. What I learned in it helped us make improvements in operations and accounting that increased revenues by 250 percent and doubled net income.

 

Gregory Kuehl: United Parcel Service, May 1997 IMBA Class

Before the first semester was finished I was already applying the material from class directly to situations and projects at work. The curriculum is definitely relevant.


Frank McKinney: Former Manager, Louisville Gas and Electric Company; Former Director of U of L College of Business Ulmer Career Management Center (retired)

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LG&E regularly recruits IMBA graduates to work with the company. One student worked as an intern and was recently hired full-time while another student is working in Power Marketing. Both students are equal in qualifications as those we have hired from Purdue, IU, Vanderbilt and Virginia. The student we hired as an intern provided an outstanding presentation to senior management. We plan to continue recruiting from the University of Louisville.


Michael S. Wolf: May 1997 IMBA Class

The IMBA curriculum provides a realistic environment for learning skills being utilized in businesses today. Unlike traditional MBA programs, emphasis is also placed on the application of the acquired skills in U of L's IMBA program.


Brian Dos Santos: Frazier Family Professor, University of Louisville

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One of the great differences in the IMBA and traditional MBA programs is that the IMBA is a lock-step program - students come in and move through the program together. I was involved with such a program for seven years at Purdue. It does create a much better environment for group learning and interaction with faculty.

 


Patty Gibson: Systems Consultant, December 1995 IMBA Class

This program has been one of the best educational experiences of my life. The business education is invaluable to me. I've honed my analysis and problem-solving skills and developed increased confidence in my abilities.


Sid Baxendale: Professor of Accountancy, University of Louisville

sid baxendale photoI learned that accounting information, when properly structured, can be an important link in coordinating operations and marketing and developing a strategy for a firm. Activity Based Costing gave us insights about unused capacities that are not revealed when a traditional accounting system is used. Knowledge of those unused capacities permitted a more appropriate marketing strategy. The Activity Based Costing view also permitted process improvements.