The International School of Management (ISM) is a state-recognized private university. The ISM International School of Management gGmbH, headquartered in Dortmund, is the sponsor. Klaus Evard founded the university in 1990 as the IDB business academy, and it was renamed the International School of Management (ISM) in 1992. It was designated as a private university of applied sciences in 1994. The Quality Community Euro-Schools-Organization purchased the company's shares in 1998.
ISM is internationally oriented from the core with students coming from 84 nationalities, many international lecturers and over 56 additional guest lecturers. Students at the ISM develop lingual and intercultural skills through intensive foreign language training as well as integrated foreign semesters at one of around 190 ISM partner universities and internships abroad. This international focus is reflected in all the ISM's study programs. This makes sure their students receive optimal preparation for a global business career. Furthermore, they gain practical experience outside Germany during their 10 weeks internship abroad.
ISM creates the opportunity for students’ professional development in national and international internships. Practical learning content and projects with well-known companies result in the best possible preparation for a successful professional life. Small study groups & a personal atmosphere allows individual support for the development of students. ISM has 100% open door policy with 1:7 supervision ratio of university teachers/students.
The ISM's MBA programs are no less international. The MBA General Management program in part-time comprises three modules abroad (in the United States, India and Hong Kong). The MBA General Management program in full-time integrates a module abroad in Spain.