The Executive MBA in Information and Communication Technology (EMBA ICT) combines an understanding of converged information and communication technologies with the ability to develop and analyze appropriate business strategies and public policies for this sector. Two key principles underlie the curriculum. First, convergence has blurred the historic boundaries that once separated telecommunications, information, and entertainment. Second, globalization has impacted these industries so that production of hardware and software, network design and operation, customer delivery and service, and business planning have become global activities. Deep and profound influences are captured by globalization, and these involve diversity of thinking, innovation, and unique modes of collaboration. This program has been designed to incorporate significant global exposure and to encompass the full array of information and communication industries.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of the degree, students will have:

• A basic understanding of the major technologies currently in use in the telecommunications and information industries, including emerging developments. Included are circuit switched technologies, packet switched technologies, both wireless and wireline analog and digital services, LANs, WANs, WiFi, WiMax, 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, cable television, cable modems, radio technologies, satellite, broadcast, internet, etc.
• An appreciation of the benefits and costs of using various technologies to meet the needs of a variety of end- users
• An understanding of the major regulatory regimes that govern each type of telecommunications service, including the rationale for such regulations and a critical view of regulatory issues. This includes an overview of how regulatory practice has evolved in other countries
• A broad range of managerial skills including the importance and practice of accounting, finance, marketing, management, and law. Students will appreciate the importance of these functions to the operation of telecommunications firms, as well as be able to integrate these areas in the context of particular business models
• Exposure to, and analysis of, a variety of strategic options, including financial, technical, value chain, marketing, and organizational dimensions
• An appreciation for the importance of, and boundaries for, ethical management decisions
• An understanding of how globalization provides both opportunities and constraints on stakeholders in the industry
• Students will also be effective communicators, quantitatively literate, and effective team members and leaders

Admissions

The general requirements for admission to graduate studies at APU are found in the Admissions section of the catalog. In addition, there are several specific requirements for the EMBA ICT program as follows:

1. A current resume demonstrating appropriate managerial experience of two years or more
2. Two letters of recommendation dated within the past year
3. 500-800 word essay outlining personal and professional goals as related to the EMBA program
4. Official transcripts from all postsecondary institutions attended*
5. Completion of admissions interview with program area faculty

*For applicants lacking an appropriate undergraduate degree, at least 60 credits of completed undergraduate work, 5 years of progressively responsible administrative experience, GMAT test with a score of at least at the 50th percentile will be required. Admission of applicants lacking an undergraduate degree will be reported to the Graduate Studies Committee.

Prerequisites

Students are adequately prepared for EMBA-ICT entry if they have a bachelor’s degree* in business or a related technical discipline, along with managerial work experience in the telecommunications/information technology sector. Coursework or work experience in accounting, finance, economics, and management, with math competency through algebra and statistics is expected. Students with non-business majors are welcome, and the faculty encourages students with a wide variety of undergraduate experience to apply for admission. If, however, a student’s undergraduate transcript does not indicate adequate preparation in quantitative skills and business, the student may be admitted and required to take some prerequisite courses. Students may also demonstrate that they have acquired prerequisite knowledge through work experience or self-study.