Innovative EMBA core modules from around the globe

Getting to the core: interesting core modules in Executive MBA programs
Part 2

In the second of this two-part series, QS TopExecutive looks at five more innovative core modules found in some of the world’s top Executive MBA programs.

Core modules, or core courses, form the backbone of most Executive MBA programs. They typically focus on topics that form the essential knowledge and skill base every business manager needs in today’s fast paced and complex global business world.

While the vast majority of business schools offer a range of conventional core modules, many see the need for less traditional skills and knowledge in an increasingly dynamic and international business environment. To meet these demands, core courses and modules that fall outside the range of established key areas of business education are being included in the compulsory element of the Executive MBA degree.

We take a look at five more innovative EMBA core modules:

6. Collaboration, Conflict and Negotiation, NYU Stern

This core course focuses on managing conflicts that arise from individual and organizational contexts and aims to prepare students to learn about effective negotiation processes for the settling of such disputes. It includes a closer look at power, interdependence, trust and coalitions, as well as negotiation style and other aspects crucial for effective business strategy. In order to bring the material closer to students, the course extensively employs simulations.

7. International Policy Analysis, INSEAD Global Executive MBA

This course is both internationally and politically oriented and takes a look at the role of global politics in business. When conducting business in the international context, governments and societies can influence the effectiveness of business dealings and relationships. This core course aims to prepare its students to be politically savvy in a global context.

8. Leadership and Lifework, Goizueta Business School

Goizueta places great value in two specific aspect of its EMBA program: developing effective leaders and offering a global perspective in the EMBA curriculum. The ‘Leadership and Lifework’ core module does both as it seeks to “explore the changing requirements of effective leadership in a new economy and global environment”. In this, the module looks at long-term effects.

9. Managing in China: Burning Issues and Future Trends, TRIUM Global Executive MBA

TRIUM’s Global Executive MBA, a collaboration of NYU Stern, LSE and HEC Paris business schools, offers a focus on the ‘rise of China in the global marketplace’. This module, part of the program’s rotation module (China), engages unique perspectives of the Asian business environment and explores “business in emerging markets and China’s role in the new world order.” The module addresses important issues of globalisation and looks specifically to China as an emerging and rapidly developing business environment of growing significance globally.

10. The REMBA Advantage, Rutgers Business School

Rutgers Business School prides itself in being able to offer students an advantage of a different kind which they appropriately term ‘The REMBA Advantage’. This comprises a range of short modules students take in the first, second and fourth semester and include unconventional – but nonetheless important – modules such as ‘Business and Cultural Etiquette’, ‘Leadership Lessons from History’ and ‘Innovation and Art History’. According to Rutgers, each of these skill-based courses is taught by “superstars in the field – professors who can synthesize cutting-edge theory with real practical skills” – and gives EMBA students the opportunity to develop important inter-personal and trans-disciplinary nuances in their development as global business managers and leaders.

Take a look at some of the other interesting core modules found in EMBA programs around the globe in the first part of this series.