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Master Degree in Family Business Management (FAB)

Introduction

Introduction

Welcome to the Master’s in Family Business Management (FAB) at the Royal University of Phnom Penh – where tradition meets innovation, and family enterprises thrive. Are you ready to revolutionize your family business? Our cutting-edge program, part of the prestigious ERASMUS+ initiative, is designed to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and insights needed to navigate the unique challenges of family-owned enterprises in today’s dynamic business landscape. At FAB, we understand that family businesses are more than just companies – they’re legacies, dreams, and the backbone of our economy. That’s why we’ve crafted a program that goes beyond traditional business education. Here, you’ll learn to balance family dynamics with professional management, drive innovation while respecting tradition, and prepare for successful succession planning. Whether you’re a current family business leader looking to expand your skills, a next-generation member preparing to take the reins, or an entrepreneur aiming to start your own family legacy, FAB offers you:

    • A world-class curriculum tailored to the Asian family business context
    • Hands-on learning experiences through our Family Business Development Center
    • Access to cutting-edge virtual learning environments and resources
    • Networking opportunities with fellow family business leaders
    • Guidance from expert faculty with real-world family business experience

Our Value Proposition

At FAB, we empower you to transform your family business into a thriving, sustainable enterprise. Our program blends cutting-edge management theories with practical, hands-on experience, preparing you to:

    • Lead with confidence in the unique family business environment
    • Drive innovation while honoring family traditions
    • Navigate complex family dynamics in professional settings
    • Ensure smooth succession and long-term business continuity
    • Contribute to economic growth and social development in your community

Our Vision

To catalyze a new era of family business excellence, where tradition and innovation converge to create resilient, forward-thinking enterprises that drive economic prosperity and social progress across Cambodia and beyond.

Our Mission: Empowering Family Business Leaders

We’re on a mission to transform family businesses through:

    • Cutting-edge education
    • Innovation with respect for tradition
    • Ethical leadership development
    • Pioneering research
    • Global networking

Our Objectives: Your Path to Success

  1. Lead with Vision: Navigate family and business dynamics like a pro
  2. Innovate Smartly: Drive growth while honoring your legacy
  3. Master Succession: Ensure your business thrives for generations
  4. Optimize Operations: Boost efficiency and profitability
  5. Think Strategically: Plan for long-term success in a changing world

Career Opportunities

The Master’s in Family Business Management (FAB) program prepares graduates for various leadership and advisory roles in family-owned enterprises and related fields. Our alumni are well-equipped to pursue careers such as:

    1. Executive Leadership
      • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
      • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
      • Managing Director
    2. Advisory and Consultancy
      • Family Business Consultant
      • Strategic Planning Advisor
      • Succession Planning Specialist
    3. Specialized Management
      • Innovation Manager
      • Family Office Manager
      • Governance and Compliance Director
    4. Entrepreneurship and Business Development
      • Business Development Executive
      • Entrepreneurship Advisor
      • Venture Development Specialist
    5. Financial Management
      • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
      • Financial Advisor for Family Enterprises
      • Investment Manager
    6. Human Resources and Organizational Development
      • Human Resources Director
      • Organizational Development Specialist
      • Change Management Consultant
    7. Graduates of the FAB program are uniquely positioned to:
      • Lead and transform family-owned businesses
      • Provide expert consultancy services to family enterprises
      • Facilitate successful generational transitions
      • Drive innovation and strategic growth in established family firms
      • Manage complex family and business relationships

Class Schedule

Graduation Policy

To graduate with a degree, students are required to complete the coursework (see Curriculum) and pass a thesis defense

  1. Students who fail to get a GPA of 2.75 from the first 2 semesters will not be allowed to enroll in the third semester.
  2. Students who get a GPA of 2.75 from the first 2 semesters are allowed to submit a thesis proposal.
  3. Students who fail a thesis proposal will repeat just one time with the next cohort.
  4. Students who fail a thesis proposal a second time will be dropped from the program.
  5. Students have 4 years since enrollment to complete the program.

They can suspend their study two times, one time for one year. The first suspension is free of charge. The second suspension incurs a year’s tuition fee.

Repetition of Courses

Students who fail any course(s) must take make-up exam(s) within one month. Those who fail the make-up exam(s) must retake the course(s) by cost (i.e., 1 course = USD 150.00) with the next cohort. Those who fail three or more courses in a semester will be dropped from the program.

Extension of Coursework

Students must complete the coursework and thesis defense within 4 years upon enrollment.

  • Students may extend their coursework by course or by semester with incurrence of course or semester fee.

  • Extension of the coursework must be applied before the inception of the course or semester. Late submission of extension means failure and students re-take the course(s) with the next cohort.

  • Students may resume the coursework before the extension’s due date by informing the Program Coordinator in writing.

Tuition fees paid for enrolled courses or semesters cannot be re-deemed for next courses or semesters within the cohort and with the next cohort.

Suspension of Thesis Defense

  • Students are allowed to suspend their thesis defense for 2 times (one year for one time) if they cannot do the defense by the due date set in their cohort.
  • The suspension may be applied when the students cannot complete their coursework within two years set in their cohort or when they cannot complete their thesis by the due date set in their cohort.
  • In the latter case, students apply for the suspension 3 months before the defense date. Late submission of suspension means failure and students will do the defense with the next cohort.
  • Failed students still need to apply for a one-year suspension to do the defense with the next cohort.

Curriculum

Year I​

Semester I

Course Code
Course Title
Credits
FAB501
Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice
3
FAB502
Family & Family Business
3
FAB511
Financial Management
3
FAB521
Governance and Law
3

Semester I​I

Course Code
Course Title
Credits
FAB503
Family Business Management
3
FAB504
Marketing
3
FAB522
Social Science and Family
3
FAB512
[Course Title to be Added]
3

Year I​I

Semester I

Course Code
Course Title
Credits
FAB513
Research Methodologies
3
FAB523
Entrepreneurship Theory & Practice
3
FAB514
Family Business Strategy
3
FAB524
Innovation Management
3

Semester II

Course Code
Course Title
Credits
FAB515
Internship or Industry-based Work Project
3
FAB516
Internship or Industry-based Work Project
3
FAB517
Thesis
9

Admission Requirements

The Master’s in Family Business Management (FAB) program seeks motivated individuals with a strong academic background and a passion for family business. Prospective students must meet the following criteria:

Academic Qualifications

  • A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.75 or equivalent in undergraduate studies.

Language Proficiency

For non-native English speakers:

  • Equivalent English proficiency certification

Professional Experience

  • Relevant work experience in a family business is highly valued but not mandatory.
  • Candidates without direct family business experience should demonstrate strong interest in the field.

Applicants must submit:

  1. Completed application form (available in Khmer and English)
  2. Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended
  3. Two letters of recommendation (academic or professional)
  4. Statement of purpose outlining career goals and interest in family business management
  5. Current resume or CV
  6. Copy of valid identification (national ID card or passport)
  7. Recent passport-size photographs (as specified in the application form)

Additional Requirements

  • Successful completion of an entrance examination
  • Interview with the admissions committee (for shortlisted candidates)

Application Fee

  • A non-refundable application fee of US$ 20

Deadlines

  • Application submission deadline: September 6th, 2024

  • Entrance examination date: September 14th, 2024

For detailed information on the application process or to request application materials, please contact the Admissions Office at room 308, building A, main campus, RUPP or +855 (12) 423-054.

Tuition Fee

The tuition fee for the entire program (24 months) is US$ 2,000.00 for Cambodians or US$ 4,000.00 for foreigners. This fee should be paid by US$ 500.00 or 1,000.00 installment at the beginning of each semester or by US$ 1,000.00 or 2,000.00 installment at the start of each academic year.