Evolving to face challenges of a changing world

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Whether examining major trends of the last 10 years or events of the last few months, the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA programme gives students an in-depth appreciation of the forces at work. The overriding message is that change is inevitable, but can also be unpredictable, making it essential to plan for both best- and worst-case scenarios, and adapt quickly in the face of new challenges.

“Traditional forms of economic might, social status and power no longer hold,” says professor Sally Blount, dean of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. “The old rules have been rewritten in a world now characterised by reduced barriers to entry, shorter product and idea life cycles, and endless amounts of data and information. There are also too many distractions, resulting in harder problems, which are more complex to solve. All of this is changing the way we approach management education in the 21st century.”

Blount notes, however, that the school has been a pioneer in the field for more than 20 years, and intends to continue in that role. Doing so depends on several factors. With particular reference to the Kellogg-HKUST EMBA programme, it means keeping the core curriculum under constant review to ensure that courses, case studies and group assignments are up to the minute.

It means being able to call on top professors, industry executives and entrepreneurs with the know-how and experience to provide new perspectives and cutting-edge insights. And it means creating a dynamic learning environment which sparks discussion and brings out the best in every participant.

“The combined strengths of the HKUST and Kellogg faculty bring incredible breadth and depth to the classroom,” Blount says. “As a result, our students enjoy a clear advantage: deep knowledge and experience of global leadership challenges and practices, combined with rich, local expertise.”

This explains why the EMBA programme consistently attracts senior executives from worldwide with significant work experience. As students, they work collaboratively, learn from each other and, thanks to a unique integrated delivery model, can study at some of the best business schools in the world, located on seven campuses across four continents.

“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with students from all seven campuses when they come together for a Global Electives Week,” Blount says. “I saw first hand the meaningful peer relationships that were being formed between students from different countries, organisations and markets. We hear similar feedback during Global Week in Chicago, which is a requirement for all students during their first year. In addition, they can become fully engaged with our Kellogg alumni network, which now numbers as many as 60,000 members and spans the globe.”