Introduction SBB Programme
An elective programme on Management, Business and Entrepreneurship designed to suit the interests of science students.
Science Based Business is a pre-MBA programme. It provides business education to science students who do not have prior business knowledge. The SBB specialisation has two directions: the “original” Science Based Business (SBB) differentiation and the more recently started Research Based Business (RBB) differentiation.
The Science Based Business Differentiation
The SBB differentiation focuses mainly on business practices in established companies. The Foundation coursework provides insight in strategic marketing, corporate finance, innovation and project management. These are the subjects that are considered the most crucial for science students preparing for a career in a business environment. What you have learned during the foundation coursework and elective courses will be applied and further enhanced in an SBB Internship. The internship is an in-company training period where your mission will be to add value to the company and to enhance your business skills. (Real life examples can be found in the Internship experiences page, written by SBB students).The Research Based Business Differentiation
The RBB differentiation focuses on new business venturing and entrepreneurship, and in particular on new business activities established through scientific research based discoveries and inventions. The Foundation coursework emphasises the spotting and framing of business opportunities, the conducting of solid business planning and the founding of new companies. The gained knowledge will be applied and enhanced in an assignment on opportunity evaluation and business creation. Your mission is to create value for society and for yourself.Which Direction to Take?
Science students who primarily want to operate in established companies will benefit from the SBB Programme. The RBB Programme will be suitable for those students who want to establish their own technology-driven company or create business in established entrepreneurial, research-based companies. However, the two programmes are not mutually exclusive and it may be beneficial to combine the two, for instance by taking elective courses from each programme.Learning Methods
Before you take a look at the programme in more detail, you may want to know more about the learning methods that are considered important in both programmes: collaboration, experiential learning, networking and student-centred learning.Collaboration.
Teamwork is an essential part of the business environment, therefore the courses focus a great deal on working in teams. Most business practices require people to work together in teams so it is vital to become familiar with this.Experiential Learning.
The case-method that was originally developed by Harvard Business School is used in most courses. This method is one of the best substitutes for learning from direct experience. Furthermore, assignments will be provided that require you to talk to and collect information from people in business.Networking.
As some say: “it is not what you know but who you know”. Networking is an important part of business and that is why guest lectures are a central feature in the SBB and RBB Programme. Former SBB students and CEOs of entrepreneurial companies on the Leiden Bio-science Park will give lectures to provide you with insights and testimonials on career opportunities in a business environment.Student-Centred Learning.
Both programmes focus on your personal goals and ambitions and on preparing you for your desired future. You will learn how to apply the unique skill set, that you have acquired through your training in science and research, in a business driven environment.
Interested? Continue to Participation Requirements or take a look at the Programme in more detail.
