Update to innovate

In executive education, as in business, competition is tough and staying on top can never be taken for granted. Aware of this, the faculties behind the highly regarded Kellogg-HKUST EMBA keep every aspect of the programme - content, balance, electives and accommodation - under close review, and have made innovation and improvement a constant theme.

"A leading programme like this has to progress and adapt, to reflect the fast-changing global environment," says Leonard Cheng, dean of HKUST Business School. "And with a shift in gravity apparent in the world economy, it is especially important to understand Asia and China, and where they now fit in the macroeconomic picture."

Cheng notes that many lessons have already been drawn from the financial crisis and duly incorporated in course modules and discussion topics, such as the need to make risk management, ethics, structure and corporate governance central to their strategic plans.

Another vital factor is studying how evolving attitudes on green issues, technology and social responsibility are changing the business landscape.

"The principles of leadership and managing a business remain the same, but as the broader environment changes, you have to challenge perspectives and change some of the skills," Cheng says.

"Our job is therefore not to give a qualification or label, but to ensure executives have the comprehensive business knowledge and insights to take their companies into new areas in a changed or different environment, to do well, and to make an impact," he adds.

Specialising in macroeconomics and international capital markets, Professor Milind Rao, of HKUST's department of economics, finds that his course can be the easiest and toughest for EMBA students. On the one hand, it is interesting for senior-level managers to analyse policies that can topple governments and move markets. On the other hand, unlike in other courses, an EMBA class will include a range of strongly-held, contrasting views.