IBMS Luxury Goods Management

The luxury industry has doubled in size over the past 10 years, reflecting an increasingly global presence. Traditionally a sector associated with Europe, luxury brands are expanding into the markets of the fast-developing BRICS economies.

Asia in general, and China in particular, are now recognized as the biggest potential markets for luxury goods. Recent luxury brand sales clearly demonstrate that Asian consumers love luxury items. Luxury brands are now targeting the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) to increase their growth rates, which is a clear indicator of bright prospects for the luxury business.

Managing companies operating in the Luxury Goods industry requires peculiar and specialized skills and knowledge that are usually not covered by traditional general management programs. Nowadays luxury brands require a new breed of managers, capable of managing both business, innovation and creative imperatives. The goal of the program is to ensure that participants develop a global vision of the luxury sector, some solid marketing and managerial abilities and the capacity to engage with innovation and creativity.

Do you have an international mind-set, a specific interest for entering the retail luxury sectors (Cars, Fashion & Accessories, Watches & Jewellery) and an interest for acquiring managerial, entrepreneurial or marketing expertise in luxury business?

Are you a sales oriented student willing to develop an international career in luxury distribution and/or do you want to set up a company in the luxury industry?

Then the Hbo program International Business Management Studies in Luxury Goods is the right choice for you!

General
The program IBMS Luxury Goods Management is a broad education in terms of content and teaching methods. The first 11 quarters (terms) shall be mainly at school. An important part of these quarters is the (real-life) project which highlights a specific aspect of (international) business every term. Of course, all classes are in English. The program offers great opportunities if you are ambitious and you want to excel.

First year IBMS Luxury Goods Management
During the first year you will be introduced to the international market from the perspective of an international marketeer, an international manager and an international communication manager, always with a special focus on your target group. General management and communication skills (taught in English) are an integral part of the program. Throughout your education, various modules and trainings will contribute to the (real-life) projects in which you will participate. During these projects, you will learn a lot about how to function in an international business environment.

Second year IBMS Luxury Goods Management
During the second year you will be working on your operational skills and learn how to identify business-related issues from a tactical point of view. You will see the international market through the eyes of a financial manager, an export manager and a retail manager of luxury goods. You will also participate in a project concerning the creation of a genuine company. You will finish this year with a ten-week orientation internship in the luxury goods branch.

Third year IBMS Luxury Goods Management
In the third year we will look at the luxury goods industry from the perspective of a brand manager, a management consultant and a product manager. As part of the program we will also visit France. As the home of cognac, fragrance, champagne, couture and foie gras, no one can deny that the French know a thing or two about luxury. And whilst the industry evolved from artisanal production, old-world tradition and a rich cultural heritage, the rise of modern companies LVMH and PPR has also cemented France as the business capital of the industry: home to one of the largest armies of luxury brand executives.

Fourth year IBMS Luxury Goods Management
In the last year you will perform an international internship in a Luxury Goods company. From our experience we know that working as a trainee is a perfect stepping stone to a career in the international luxury goods industry. You finish this last year with writing your thesis, which is the concluding highlight of your study. You are advising an international organization in the luxury goods industry on a problem they experience or an opportunity they want to explore. You work within a theoretical framework and carry out research in this organization in order to provide them with a good advice. Using the knowledge, skills and experience you have achieved during your study, you are expected to do research, analyse data and give specific recommendations to solve the business problem.