MBA

Overview

The MBA programme is an intense, demanding academic experience, involving two years of full-time study. The programme develops business managers who can provide leadership at any level in an increasingly global economy. The two-year programme is based on a collection of Core and Elective courses which are taught in a case method based style. MBA programme is an experiential learning process which is based on practical application of reflective learning process in an entrepreneurial environment. The MBA program was recently revised according to the current best practices incorporating feedback from alumni, students and the faculty. The new experiential learning model is based on practical application of reflective learning process in an entrepreneurial environment, which augments personal leadership capacity building by bringing industry experts to the classroom.

For further details, please visit: https://sdsb.lums.edu.pk/mba-home

Structure

The SDSB - LUMS MBA is a rigorous 2 years degree programme encompassing numerous facets of business and management, enabling students to attain core knowledge of fundamental business concepts. The programme hones students’ ability to develop analytical and problem solving skills. With a long-standing history in academic business excellence, The SDSB-LUMS MBA provides an extensive and worth while experience unrivalled by any other institution of similar calibre.

Curriculum Requirements

Before the commencement of the 1st semester, students are expected to complete Online Courses before starting the Summer Orientation Programme (SOP). All first year courses are compulsory and students are required to complete 12.5 units. Table 1 gives you a list of courses you will enrol in 1st year.

Table 1: MBA First Year

First Semester (Fall 2017)		Spring Semester (Spring 2018)
Term 1A	Term 1B	Term 2A	Term 2B
Financial Accounting Marketing Management-1 Managerial Communication-1 Statistical Analysis for Management Operations Management Fundamentals EL-1	Finance Fundamentals Marketing Management-2 Managerial Communication-2 Decision Analysis Organisational Behaviour-1 Leadership and Team Building EL-1	Managerial Economics Managerial Accounting and Control Financial Management-1 Organisational Behaviour-2 Operations Management and Technology EL-2	Microeconomic Environment and Business Business Development and Economy Financial Management-2 Business Strategy EL-2
All courses are worth 0.5 unit, whereas EL-1 and EL-2 are 1 and 1.5 units respectively

In addition to the regular coursework during the first year, students are required to complete two experiential learning components, here in after referred to as Experiential Learning-1 (EL-1) and Experiential Learning-2 (EL-2). In the first semester, you will conducting industry analysis, which will be EL-1 and is equivalent to 1 unit.

During your second semester, you will put into practice the designing and execution of an entrepreneurial venture, which constitutes the second component of Experiential Learning (EL-2) and is worth 1.5 units.

Students are required to do a mandatory summer internship for 6-8 weeks between their first and second years. In the second academic year, all students are required to complete a core course on Business Ethics in Islam (0.5 units), 6.5units of elective courses and 2.5 units of the third module of Experiential Learning (EL-3), the Management Consultancy Project in semester 4A.

Table 2: MBA First Year

Third Semester (Fall 2018)		Fourth Semester (Spring 2019)
Term 3A	Term 3B	Term 4A (10 Weeks)	Term 4B (6 Weeks)
5 Elective Courses	5 Elective Courses	Experiential Learning (EL-3): Management Consultancy Project	Core Course: Business Ethics in Islam, 3 Elective Courses
All courses are worth 0.5 unit, whereas EL-3is 2.5 units.

In addition to the regular course work, students are also required to actively participate and attend activities such as career development workshops, activities organised by SDSB, extracurricular activities organised by executive clubs and societies, review sessions conducted by the relevant faculty, sessions with the Dean, Associate Dean and Programme Director, and any other projects and assignments organised by the Programme Coordination Office. Requirement for successful completion, if any, for such activities are defined and communicated by the relevant faculty or the Programme Coordination Office.

The MBA Programme is comprised of 22-Units, where 1-Unit is equal to 3 credit hours. One credit hour means 3 hours of class contact per week for 14 weeks. Therefore, One unit equals 14*3=42 class contact hours. First Year of the MBA programme consists of half semester core courses. Second Year of the MBA programme may consist of half semester or full semester elective courses.

Half course (0.5 unit course) = 15 sessions (including Midterm/Final Exams)
Full course (1.0 unit course) = 30 sessions (including Midterm/Final Exams)

**Several electives are offered in the second year of the programme. Courses with low enrolment (i.e. less than 15 students) may not be offered. Some courses may have pre-requisites which are identified in their respective course outlines.
***Online Courses, Summer Orientation Programme (SOP) and Summer Internship are all compulsory requirements for graduation.

The MBA Programme meets all the HEC guidelines, and our MBA programme is also accredited with NBEAC (National Business Education Accreditation Council) with the highest possible rating.

Online Courses

SDSB, in collaboration with Harvard Business School Press (HBSP), offers a wide array of preparatory online courses that enhance essential knowledge and skills fundamental to good business education. These courses should be completed before the start of SOP or as specifically directed. Failure to complete these courses within the timeframe specified may additionally result in assessed grade penalties. These courses include:

Finance
Financial Accounting
Mathematics for Management
Management Communication
Quantitative Methods
Spreadsheet Modeling

Important Dates

Round 1

Activity	Date
Deadline to take GMAT/GRE	08 Feb 2018
Online Application Deadline (PST)	15 Feb 2018	05:00 pm
Deadline to submit supporting documents	16 Feb 2018

Round II

Activity	Date
Deadline to take GMAT/GRE	11 Apr 2018
Online Application Deadline (PST)	12 Apr 2018	05:00 pm
Deadline to submit supporting documents	13 Apr 2018
Admission Decisions	03 Apr 2018 to 29 Jun 2018

Notes:

Each “round” stands for a distinct period in which you may apply. It does not represent a succession of steps for your application. In an application year, you may apply in one round only.
Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply in the first round of admission, as space becomes an issue in each successive round and one's probability of selection decreases with each round as fewer seats are available.
The University reserves the right to change dates and deadlines for admissions. Please keep informed of any changes by visiting www.lums.edu.pk periodically as well as the LUMS online application site.
Application is live on rolling basis till May 30. 2018.

Minimum Eligibility Criteria for Fall 2018 Admissions

Applicants must meet the minimum eligibility criteria in order to be considered for admission to the Graduate Programme. Meeting this criteria does not guarantee admission to the Graduate program.

Applicants are selected for admission to LUMS MBA programme based on the following factors:

Academic Background
Performance in the Admission Test
Work Experience (strongly preferred)
Two Recommendation letters
Interview

The Admissions Office will review applications to ensure requirements are being met. Shortlisted candidates will be called in for an interview, after which the final decision will be taken.

Merit Scholarships and Financial Assistance

Multiple scholarships and assistance ships available covering partial to full tuition fee expenses for bright and deserving students.

Merit scholarships covering 50% of tuition fee for admitted students based upon University merit evaluation.
Merit based scholarships covering 50% of tuition fee for admitted students scoring 700 or higher GMAT (or GRE equivalent) score.
MCB loan facility.
Applicants who are admitted to, and join, the MBA programme will get a refund of one GMAT/GRE registration fee.
LUMS interest free loans.
Asian Development Bank- Japan scholarship programme.
External scholarships (If available).

For more details please visit https://financial-aid.lums.edu.pk/mba-emba-programme-fa.

Academic Requirements for Fall 2018 Admissions

Applicants will be assessed on the following criteria:

Successful completion of sixteen (16) years of education leading to a Masters or Bachelor's* degree from a university recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.

* Candidates holding only a Bachelor's degree of less than four years’ duration will be required to produce an equivalence certificate of 16 years of education issued by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.

Decisions on admission are made after careful evaluation of all applications. Evaluation for interview call is carried out based on a combination of factors such as academic track record, performance in GMAT/GRE (General), and work experience (if available).

Note:

Applicants completing their last degree by May 15, 2018 are also eligible to apply.

Minimum eligibility criteria for Advance MBA programme +

Overview

SDSB is offering an advance MBA admission initiative for LUMS undergraduates. This initiative is targeted towards high achieving individuals who may desire to join LUMS MBA after getting some full-time work experience. This is an opportunity to secure a spot in advance (Deferred Admission) which can be availed after a minimum of one year’s full time work experience. This program is currently open to the graduating class of all schools within LUMS.

Who can apply?

Currently available only to LUMS graduating class of 2017, subject to requirements below:

Admission Requirements

Step-1: Requirements for Securing a Position in the MBA Program

Minimum performance in the GMAT/GRE of 670 GMAT score or GRE equivalent (no other admission test scores are valid)
Graduation CGPA of 3.7 or higher
Two letters of recommendation
Interview performance

Step-2: Requirements for Availing Admission

Work experience (1-3 years)
A letter of recommendation from the firm(s) worked in
Validation of experience

Dates / Deadlines

Activities	Date
Deadline to take GMAT/GRE	August 25, 2017
Deadline to apply for admission	September 7th, 2017 5:00 PM (PST)
Deadline to submit supporting documents for admission	September 8th, 2017
Position Decisions	September-October 2017

Note: An applicant can also apply through normal application of MBA as per their deadlines.

In case of any query please feel free to contact admissions@lums.edu.pk.

Admission Test Requirement for Fall 2018 Admissions

Applicants are required to take Graduate Record Examination (GRE)/Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) in order to be considered for admission. Only GRE (General)/GMAT scores are valid and, hence, applicants with previous LMAT scores need to take the GRE (General)/GMAT. For equivalency check from GRE (General) to GMAT please visit the following link https://www.ets.org/s/gre/flash/bschool/comparison/17302/170/index.html

GRE (General)/ GMAT is offered as a computer adaptive test worldwide. Apart from official test scores that LUMS will require directly from Pearson or Educational Testing Service (ETS) USA, applicants must submit or mail a copy of the unofficial GRE (General)/GMAT scores as soon as possible after taking the test. The LUMS code for receiving GRE (General)/ GMAT scores from Pearson and ETS is 0679. For further details on GRE (General) and GMAT, please log on to www.mba.com and www.ets.org respectively. The deadline to take the GRE (General)/ GMAT for Round 1 is February 08, 2018 and for Round 2 is April 11, 2018.

Note:

GRE (General)/GMAT taken more than five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid.
If applicant has taken more than one test, the best score will be considered for application evaluation.
Availability of valid GRE (General)/GMAT score will be mandatory for submission of online admission application.
Applicants who are admitted to, and join, the MBA programme will get a refund of one GRE/GMAT registration fee.

Supporting Documents Requirement for Fall 2018 Admissions

Applicants must submit complete online application form on or before February 15, 2018 for Round 1 and April 12, 2018 for Round 2; 5:00 pm (Pakistan Standard Time).

The deadline to submit all supporting documents along with the proof of payment of Admission Application Processing Fee in ONE Package is February 16, 2018 for Round 1 and April 13, 2018 for Round 2.

Application Processing Fee

The application processing fee of Rs.5,000

Payment Procedure

After the successful submission of the online application form through the LUMS Online account on or before the application submission deadline, applicants will be able to print a system generated Application Processing and LUMS Test Registration (if applicable) Fee payment voucher. For further details regarding Fee payment options Click here

Proof of Payment

A stamped copy of the payment voucher or a confirmation email of an online banking transaction constitutes proof of payment. Applicants are required to send a copy of payment proof along with all other required supporting documents as ONE package on or before the stipulated deadline.

Applicants must print and paste the “Mailing label” on the envelope before sending it to the LUMS Office of Admissions. Applications or documents received after the stipulated deadline will not be processed.

Interview Performance

A merit ranking for interview short listing is established on academic performance, work experience (if any) and GMAT/GRE (General) scores of the candidates. Only short-listed candidates are called for interviews.

Work Experience

Preference is given to applicants with prior work experience. Evaluation is based on the quantity and quality of the full-time work experience. Candidates are encouraged to acquire work experience of between 1–2 years before applying to the LUMS MBA Programme. This requirement, however, is not mandatory for admission to the MBA Programme.

FAQs

What is the admission criteria for the MBA Programme?

Please visit the following link; Admission Criteria

When should I apply, and when is the application deadline?

LUMS offers two rounds of admissions.To determine which is the best round for you, please visit the following: https://admission.lums.edu.pk/programmes/mba. We encourage all applicants to apply in the first round as space becomes an issue in each successive round and once probability of selection decreases in each round as fewer seats are available.

What is the minimum CGPA requirement for applying in LUMS MBA?

There is no CGPA requirement, minimum 16 years of education is compulsory for applying in MBA.

I already have an MBA. Can I apply to LUMS?

Yes. We do not exclude candidates who have an MBA or any other graduate degree.

Do you require any entrance test for admission to the MBA Programme?

Yes, Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score is required for admission to the MBA Programme.

What should I know about the GMAT?

The Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) is offered year round as a computer adaptive test. You should register for the test at least one month before you plan to take it. You need to complete the GMAT test before you submit the online application. You may submit your application with unofficial score report however, you will need to submit an official GMAT score report to our office before you can matriculate. There is no minimum required score. A high score does not guarantee anyone's acceptance, nor does a low score preclude it as there is no minimum score required. For further details, please log in to www.mba.com.

What is the last date to take GMAT/GRE (General) for admission for the session commencing August 2018?

The deadline to take the GMAT/GRE (General) for Round 1 is February 08, 2018 and for Round 2 is April 05, 2018.

What is the minimum score required in GMAT/GRE for admission?

There is no minimum required score.

For how long are the GMAT/GRE scores valid?

GMAT/GRE scores are valid for five years. GMAT/GRE taken five years before the admission deadline will not be considered valid.

How do I register for GMAT?

The GMAT bulletins are available at the American Centers in all major cities. Details regarding registration are given in the bulletin or www.mba.com.

How do I register for GRE?

Details regarding registration are given on www.ets.org.

I would like to submit my GMAT/GRE score to LUMS when I take the test. What is the code?

Our GMAT/GRE reporting code from ETS is 0679.

Is there any preference by LUMS in attempting GMAT or GRE?

There is no preference in taking GMAT or GRE, however your best scores will be considered in case you have attempted both tests.

What if I don't have my GMAT/GRE scores by the application submission deadline?

GMAT/GRE score is compulsory for submission of online application. You must submit/mail the copy of unofficial GMAT/GRE score report as soon as you take the test. However, the official GMAT/GRE scores can be submitted later.

How can I submit the application processing fee?

After the successful submission of the online application form you will be able to print a system generated Application Processing payment voucher. Please print the voucher for making payments at Allied Bank Branches throughout Pakistan. The voucher can be paid:

Online, immediately by visiting https://admission.lums.edu.pk/student-payment-options-0 or
In cash, the next day by presenting the payment voucher along with the requisite amount at any Allied Bank branch throughout Pakistan.

Can I defer admission?

In truly exceptional circumstances the Admissions Committee may grant a deferral. All requests should be made in writing and will be reviewed on a case to case basis.

For how long I can defer my admission?

An applicant can defer his/her admission for 2 years by informing LUMS admissions office before the deadline.

Do you have any age limit for admission to the MBA Programme?

No, there is no age restriction for admission to the MBA Programme.

Do you call all applicants for interview? What kinds of questions are asked during the interview?

A merit ranking for interview short listing is established on academic performance, work experience (if any) and admission test score of the candidates. Those who qualify this comparative ranking are called for interview. The interview is a key indicator of the potential of MBA candidates to become worthy professional managers. During the interview the Admissions Committee tries to assess the applicant's communication skills, managerial potential, thinking ability, subject knowledge and level of awareness of general issues. Final decision regarding admission is taken after the interview.

Does the full-time LUMS MBA Programme offer spring admission?

Given the structure of the curriculum we only offer fall admission.

My application for admission was denied and I plan to apply again. What will I need to submit? Can you review my past application and make suggestions?

When an admission application is rejected, the LUMS Office of Admissions retains the file for one year. Applicants who applied the previous year may reapply the following year for admission. In addition they must submit online application form, official academic transcripts, letters of recommendation and an updated work experience letter. All materials including the application fee are due by the application deadline.

If an application is denied it is not possible for the department to go back and review applications to justify the denial or offer advice on fortifying a future application.

I have a change of address and/or email address and have already submitted my application?

It is very important that you keep our department aware of any address or email change. Please send an email at helpdeskao@lums.edu.pk.

What are my chances of getting a job after I have completed my MBA from LUMS?

Over the years LUMS graduates have established themselves as highly marketable individuals with a diverse set of relevant skills. Our MBA graduates are adequately skilled for both the professional environment as well as undertaking entrepreneurial ventures. Our students are recruited by some of the leading organizations of Pakistan. They are offered excellent positions and normally at prominent salaries. Our Career Development Office provides substantial assistance to students in seeking placements for internships as well as regular jobs. The Office helps them in resume writing as well as job search skills development and also arranges interviews for them. Career fairs company presentations and on-campus interviews are some of the efforts in this regard.

Is there any format for recommendation letters?

An applicant need to furnish the recommendation letters on LUMS format only available in online admission application in recommendation letter section.

How many letters of recommendation should I submit?

Minimum of two letters of recommendation are required by the office.

Whom should I ask to write a letter of recommendation for me?

We recommend that at least one should be from a supervisor in your professional career. The other letter can be from a faculty member who has had a reasonable opportunity to evaluate you academically.

Can I transfer credits from another graduate programme?

Transfer of credits from another programme to the LUMS MBA Programme is not allowed. All admitted students regardless of having an advanced degree will begin the programme as a first year student.

If I provide you with my GMAT/GRE score or GPA or resume etc., can you tell me my chance of admission?

We consider many factors in the admissions selection process therefore, it is impossible to predict one's chance of admission without reviewing a complete application. You can review a class profile on our website if you like to benchmark your statistics against current LUMS MBA students.

Is work experience compulsory? I do not have any work experience. Can I apply to the LUMS MBA Programme?

Yes, you can apply. Preference is given to people who have some work experience. Candidates having an exceptional academic track record complemented by a very high GMAT/GRE score with the experience of a few internships are also considered for admission.

I don't have a business background. Will this impact my chances for admission?

We welcome applications from people with a variety of professional and academic backgrounds. We will be looking for you to demonstrate your potential as a leader and consider your professional experience and past performance while assessing your application.

How many years of work experience do I need to be admitted?

We do not have an absolute requirement for years of work experience although at least two years is preferred. However, applicants with less experience who demonstrate exceptional maturity and outstanding leadership through their personal experiences will also be considered.

Can I send in my documents before receiving my GMAT/GRE result?

You can send in your GMAT/GRE un-official score report along with your supporting documents.

What supporting documents should I send with my form?

Please visit the following link; https://admission.lums.edu.pk/checklist-required-supporting-documents-graduate-admissions

Can I submit more than one admission application for MBA?

No, you can submit only one application in an academic year for MBA Programme.

How does the round system work?

The purpose of rounds in an admission cycle is to start processing the applications as soon as they are complete and submitted successfully. An application is considered as complete when all of the requisite information and documents are in his file including the GMAT/GRE test results. In short the application would be considered in Round 1, if it is completed by the deadline for the Round 1. Similarly, if the application is completed by Round 2 deadline; it would be considered in round 2 and so on.

Will applying earlier benefit my application?

Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply in the first round as the available space is limited.

May I apply using the paper based application and send paper materials?

We only accept applications submitted electronically. This allows us to process your application more quickly. It also allows you to keep informed of the status of your application throughout the process by checking it online.

What is the application process?

Application for admission to the LUMS MBA programme is an online process (there is no paper based application to fill out or mail).
After creating an account and accessing the online admission application you may then begin to complete your application.
You can work on your application at any time and submit it when it is ready. Please note that we expect applicants to adhere to the deadlines stated on the LUMS website.
You can "track" the receipt of supporting documents submitted.
The earlier you submit your application the sooner you can learn about the receipt of these materials.After submission you may print a copy for your own use.

May I request for the application fee refund?

No, after the application submission, application fee becomes non- refundable.

How will you notify me regarding a decision on my application?

Admission decision will be communicated through courier service; however, you can also check your application status through your online account. Regretfully, we are unable to provide information regarding the application status by telephone or e-mail.

May I appeal my admission decision or ask to have the decision explained?

The admission process is a well deliberated and thorough process. Each year we receive a large number of outstanding applications. Unfortunately, all of them do not qualify because of the limited number of available seats. The decision regarding admission is final.

If your application is unsuccessful, you will also receive a letter informing you of this. Due to the volume of applications the University receive; it is not possible to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications.