On behalf of the members of the ALBA faculty, I would like to thank you for your interest in our specialized MSc in Strategic Human Resources Management, a program created in response to the challenges presented to modern organizations and the human resources profession by the globalized knowledge economy.

We, at ALBA, realized the necessity of introducing such a program by taking into consideration the new dynamics that prevail in the business world; on one hand, organizations increasingly realize the strategic importance of human capital for competitive advantage. On the other hand, it is no longer enough for HR managers to just know how to apply personnel practices within the small world of an HR department; they need to see the big picture, to be able to "talk business" and act as true strategic partners.

We designed this course having exactly this in mind. Specifically, our focus was on the following questions:

How can HR professionals

• develop strategic thinking?
• become able to integrate HR practices within the overall organizational strategy?
• build people competencies that will make the strategic vision a reality?
• have real voice at the management table and become able to unleash the full potential of the organization's human capital?

We are deeply proud of this Program and we believe it will make a real difference in the Greek HR community, since it brings cutting-edge knowledge and practical experience together, in a unique and balanced blend.

Major strengths of the Program include the following:

• A well-designed curriculum that covers all the core human resources areas such as Employee Recruitment and Retention, Performance Management, etc., all seen through a strategic perspective;
• Cutting-edge theoretical knowledge, delivered by distinguished international scholars as well as resident ALBA faculty with a strong academic record and a commitment to research within the HR field;
• A strong practical element manifested through a series of workshops (e.g., the HR scorecard) as well as through our collaboration with HayGroup, an ALBA Corporate Member. Their expertise and knowledge of the latest developments in HR practice in the real world will nicely complement most of the modules offered;
• Our Advisory Board, composed of leading international thinkers in the fields of HR and OB, as well as dynamic and respected HR practitioners and CEOs from major companies operating in Greece. All of them will ensure both the academic integrity of the Program and its practical relevance.

The rest is up to you, our future students. Since this is the first year that the Program will run, you will be the ones to set the standards, with your enthusiasm, your maturity, your willingness to learn. You are the ones who will make the vision of this Program a reality.