How business schools in Hong Kong universities are tailoring their EMBA and DBA postgraduate programmes to prepare executives for the new global challenges
- While every good programme covers the essentials, business schools are well aware that graduates also need that special something extra to give them an edge
- Given the rising complexity of challenges now facing corporate executives, there is a special emphasis on improving analytical and decision-making skills
When fast track executives first decide to take a postgraduate business programme, most have a pretty clear idea of what to expect. That is usually the result of a detailed review of the various options; discussions with current students and alumni; campus visits wherever possible; meetings with faculty members; and useful advice from friends, family and colleagues.
Of course, the purpose of all that research is not simply to know about the curriculum and electives, the likely workload, the typical mix of applicants, and the opportunities to network beyond the classroom. It is to put a finger on what truly differentiates one programme from the others and what makes it the right fit for someone from a particular sector or industry – an entrepreneur as opposed to a senior manager, an international brand builder rather than someone more focused on fixing problems in their own organisation.
Every good programme, of course, will cover the essentials, ranging from finance and marketing to strategic planning, leadership and digital transformation. But business schools are well aware that candidates are also looking out for something extra. That makes it essential to keep revising the topics, offering new choices, and finding inventive ways to give students an edge.
“The key is to equip students with the necessary practical knowledge to cope with a changing world and solve complicated issues,” said Professor Howard Lam, director of the executive MBA (EMBA) programme at Chinese University of Hong Kong’s (CUHK) Business School.
“But we must also keep updating the curriculum to reflect changes in the business world and what society needs. So, our new subjects include applied entrepreneurship and innovation technology. And we have introduced seminars on the hottest topics such as ESG, Web3 and cryptocurrency,” he added.
