Strategic Retool

It used to be that only top executives made strategic decisions about the company's operations. Now that's no longer the case, given the increasing impact and complexity of global business. On a daily basis, leadership at all levels must be able to design and implement resilient, strategic plans that take into account the dynamics of today's climate.

In response to this changing emphasis, the Notre Dame Executive MBA has revamped its curriculum to emphasize strategic thinking, business fundamentals and leadership. The new curriculum will take effect in August 2011 for the incoming South Bend class of 2013 and the Notre Dame Chicago EMBA program that begins in January 2012.

The program maintains its strong focus on values-based leadership, beginning with its signature program, Executive Integral Leadership (EIL), and continuing with courses in business ethics and emerging global trends. The redesign also considerably enhances the number of courses devoted to business strategy and the skills needed to make critical decisions that set the path of the company's future.

"Given the complexities and fluidity of the global business climate, effective business leaders must do more than consume information," said Paul C. Velasco, director of Notre Dame Executive Education Degree Programs. "It's vitally important that they understand how to interpret and use information to make critical business choices in an uncertain environment."

The changes include the addition of the Strategic Thinking course in the first year, the "structural steel" of the program's foundation. In the second year, the Systems Thinking and Advanced Tactics course evolves students' understanding of business problems in terms of system dynamics. Additional new courses include Design Thinking and Innovation, Change Management and Strategic Planning for Growth.

Students in the South Bend program will have a hands-on opportunity to gain international business experience through a one-week International Immersion, where they choose from a slate of 10 to 15 business projects. They also can customize their experience through Electives Week, an intensive one-week program offering sessions devoted to current business topics.

Learn more the Notre Dame Executive MBA