MBA program designed for product managers
The Estonian Business School (EBS) is launching a new modified two-year MBA program, focused on technology and innovation management.
This MBA program is designed especially for those who would like to learn more about modern tech product management.
Until now, Estonia had no special master-level program focused on digital and or tech product management. Even globally, such programs are still rare.
I believe product management is going through significant changes. The traditional approach, where business analysts acted as intermediaries between business and IT, gave way to a more effective model. In this new model, product managers are business professionals who operate in empowered cross-functional teams.
Some examples of where the program could be a good fit include:
Product managers who wish to systematically enhance their business and product management knowledge
Engineers wanting to lean more into business and step into a product role
Business professionals who want to move towards IT and tech
Business analysts looking to switch to a product management role
Public sector employees who want to take full responsibility for their service and apply modern product management practices.
In this article, I will explore what the new EBS TIMBA program offers and look at alternative master level study options for those seeking to expand their knowledge in digital product management.
First year - focus on general business management
The first year includes general business management courses, similar to EBS’s previous MBA programs. Having completed EBS's one-year MBA myself, many of these subjects are familiar to me. Since I graduated nearly four years ago, some courses may have changed slightly. Â
The first year covers financial management and business economics in depth. Key subjects include Financial and Managerial Accounting, Corporate Finance, and Managerial Economics. While the first two focus on general financial management and understanding financial management and funding, the third is directly linked to the economic aspects of product management. It covers pricing, forecasting, demand analysis, costs, and unit economics.
One standout course from the first year is Strategic Management and Innovation, taught by Marko Rillo. His energy in teaching this subject was remarkable. Marko combines theoretical frameworks with practical assignments, making the course both inspiring and useful. Â
The program also emphasises people and organisation management. EBS’s first-year curriculum addresses this through traditional HR topics and teaching coaching. As someone who believes in a coaching leadership style, I found this hands-on experience particularly valuable.
Another highlight is the Dynama business simulation game. This engaging experience allowed us to apply what we learned in practice. Teams formed competing companies, developed strategies, and adapted to changing market conditions. I became so immersed in the game that I spent late nights analyzing data to make better decisions for the next season. In the end, it paid off, and our team achieved the best results.
In addition to the subjects already mentioned here, the first-year program also includes courses on the application of modern technologies, operations and project management, leadership and ethics, as well as sales and marketing.
If I were to point out what could have been improved in my MBA studies, I would say that I would have liked to see more coverage of digital product marketing. Looking at the current curriculum and the background of the instructor, I believe that the marketing course now places greater emphasis on digital marketing compared to when I took the course.
Second year - focus on product management
The second year is entirely dedicated to product management, offering a comprehensive view of modern tech product management.
It includes four key modules:Â Â
Discovery – research and analysis
This module covers research concepts, frameworks, and methods. It builds skills in stakeholder management, user research, and market validation. The focus is on practical strategies for assessing market needs and validating business ideas. Â
Deep dive into product management, operations, and systems Â
This module explores key product management concepts, including strategy development, value propositions, vision, mission, roadmaps, and product metrics. Â
Design of product and serviceÂ
This module covers UI/UX design, prototyping, and usability testing. It introduces AI-based design techniques and includes a hands-on product design sprint. The module is delivered in partnership with Kood/Jõhvi.
Development and delivery
This module focuses on development frameworks, collaboration with development teams, and practical product delivery. This module includes a hands-on delivery sprint that is provided in close partnership with Kood/Jõhvi
Since the program is new, one question I have is how EBS will successfully combine the first and second years into a cohesive whole. Looking at the curriculum, there’s some overlap between the two years. However, this might actually be beneficial, as repetition can help reinforce knowledge.
For the second year, I believe the key challenge is ensuring that the individual modules come together as a unified experience. The curriculum covers all key aspects of product management, and I trust that EBS will be able to involve experienced product management experts from both Estonia and maybe even abroad. This could make the second year a highly practical, hands-on experience.
From my own experience, I can say that a significant part of the learning came not just from lecturers but also from fellow students. The planned practical sprints could provide an excellent foundation for student collaboration and peer learning in the new MBA program.
What I really liked about the EBS program was that most of the lecturers were practitioners themselves. The sharing of practical experience, both by the lecturers and the students, added tremendous value to the course.
Organization of studies in the TIMBA program
The studies are conducted in English. If English-language studies feel challenging, I would encourage pushing past that fear. From my experience at EBS, not all participants were native English speakers, and studying in English is a great opportunity to improve language skills. As a product manager, using English for professional communication is necessary anyway
Studies follow a session-based format, with study sessions held on-site every two weeks on Fridays and Saturdays. Based on my experience, I can say that session-based study is an ideal option for pursuing an MBA alongside work. Of course, the studies also require completing assignments at home, and learning is not limited to just four days a month. However, my own experience and that of my coursemates showed that this study format made it possible to successfully complete the MBA program while working.
The program fee is 4500 euros per semester.
Detailed information about the TIMBA program and admissions can be found on the EBS website: https://www.ebs.ee/en/timba.
I hope EBS’s TIMBA program will help current and future product managers create valuable, user-focused products that are both sustainable and efficient. Successful product leadership requires both business knowledge and an understanding of technology - this program aims to deliver just that.
Alternative master level programs in Estonia
I have compiled a list of master's programs that may be of interest to product managers and those closely involved in coordinating software product development and management. In addition to the programs mentioned here, there are also some more specialized curricula, such as those focused on digital product design.
TalTech - Entrepreneurial Management MBA
Compared to the TIMBA program, this curriculum is more general and focuses more on broader entrepreneurship and management topics. At the same time, elective courses offer the opportunity to take subjects more related to digital product management, such as product and service design.
Similarly to the EBS curriculum, technology and innovation management are also well covered. The programme has AMBA accreditation.
The nominal duration of this MBA program is 2 years, but it can also be completed in 1.5 years. The studies are conducted in English and follow a session-based format, with three in-person study days each month, supplemented by online learning sessions.
The program fee is 3900 euros per semester.
Additional information: https://taltech.ee/en/masters-programmes/entrepreneurial-management-mba
Tartu University - Innovation and Technology Management
The Innovation and Technology Management master's program at the University of Tartu is tailored for professionals aiming to integrate ICT solutions into business processes to drive growth and innovation. It offers a double degree option with Ghent University, allowing students to earn two diplomas over two years.
The curriculum emphasises the development of skills in business data analysis, project management, and IT, equipping product managers with the expertise to analyse company data and develop innovative digital products and strategies.
The digital business analysis module, which forms a significant part of the given curriculum, is outdated and focuses on traditional information system requirements analysis rather than teaching modern agile product management practices.
The nominal duration of this MBA program is 2 years. The studies are conducted in English. While previous programs were session-based, this program follows a regular study format.
The program fee is 2100 euros per semester.
More information: https://ut.ee/en/curriculum/innovation-and-technology-management
Tallinn University - Management of Information Technology
The Management of Information Technology master's program at Tallinn University is designed to equip professionals with comprehensive skills in managing IT systems, including their planning, implementation, and maintenance.
The program also focuses on developing expertise in overseeing technology-driven processes and ensuring effective digital infrastructure management.
The curriculum emphasises research-based and innovative approaches, preparing students for roles such as Chief Information Officer (CIO), ICT manager, or ICT project manager. Graduates will be adept at analysing ICT processes, assessing the impact of technological changes on business operations, and developing strategies that align with organisational goals. The program also fosters essential communication and teamwork skills, enabling effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
The curriculum is more IT-focused and covers significantly fewer general business and management-related topics. I would not recommend this curriculum for product managers, as the organizational model it presents tends to reflect a traditional standalone IT organization rather than modern cross-functional product teams.
This MBA program lasts 2 years. Unlike the other programs mentioned earlier, the language of instruction is Estonian. Classes are held in sessions. One important difference is that this program is free for EU citizens.
Detailed information about the curriculum: https://www.tlu.ee/dt/infotehnoloogia-juhtimine (in Estonian)
TalTech - Business Information Technology
​The Business Information Technology master's program at Tallinn University of Technology prepares IT professionals to innovatively apply information technology to achieve business objectives.
Here are three specialization options in the program:
Business Analysis and Architecture
Focuses on business process analysis, design, and automation. Career options include process manager, quality manager, business analyst, and business architect.
Information Systems Analysis and Architecture
Focuses on designing and developing information systems and software. Roles include system analyst, software analyst, system architect, and development manager.
Data Analysis and Intelligent Systems
Prepares IT specialists to apply technology for business goals. Ideal for IT graduates or professionals interested in intelligent systems.
Similar to some of the previously mentioned programs, one big challenge here is that the curriculum follows a traditional information system analysis process, which tends to emphasize a clear separation between business and IT and it does not contain practices of modern tech product management. If we look at the potential job titles listed in the curriculum, we rarely see such titles in today's technology companies.
While the previous MBA programs award a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree, this curriculum leads to a Master of Science (MSc) in Engineering.Â
This program includes workplace-based learning, meaning that students can achieve 50% of their study workload by completing real work tasks within a company.Â
This MBA program lasts 2 years and follows a regular daytime study format. The language of instruction is Estonian. Similar to the Tallinn University curriculum, this program is free for EU citizens.
Detailed information about the curriculum: https://taltech.ee/sisseastuja/magistrioppe-erialad/ariinfotehnoloogia (in Estonian)
Conclusion
As we can see, there are numerous master-level study options available, and the choice largely depends on one's focus and desired direction for development.
Master's level studies are certainly not the only way to enter product management or expand your knowledge in the field. In addition to master's programs, there are many excellent books, courses, articles, and podcast episodes available for learning.
If the goal is to enhance product management practices alongside general business management knowledge and obtain a new master level degree, I believe that the new EBS TIMBA program is currently the best option available for learning product management in Estonia.