Schulich ExecEd Mini-MBA Features New Online ‘Ecosystem’ of Learning Resources

Ingo Holzinger is a professor at the Schulich School of Business and program director for the Schulich Mini-MBA, Schulich ExecEd’s popular program featuring a nine-day curriculum that builds a complete skill set in a full range of integrated disciplines relevant to the business world.

Due to the pandemic, Ingo recently faced a major challenge. Back in the spring, the Schulich Mini-MBA was already underway when it had to pivot quickly to solely virtual delivery for the remaining modules. It was no small feat. Although the Schulich Mini-MBA is a blended program which features video lectures and self-paced technology-enhanced learning, the heart of the experience is the highly interactive classroom sessions.

Holzinger describes how everyone involved came together to make it happen. The unusual circumstances generated palpable excitement. Instructors consulted extensively with each other, and students adjusted quickly to the new format to complete their certificates.

The results were excellent. In fact, participants had rave reviews:

“A huge thanks to all the instructors for putting on a very memorable mini MBA program. The way you pivoted and moved our sessions to Zoom was very much appreciated!”

– Charles Fordjour

“What an amazing time with everyone, the instructors have been top-notch and our host world-class. I would highly recommend Schulich ExecEd!”

– Sarid Layton

“Awesome program and great classmates. One the most respectful and professional environments that I been a part of.”

– Jim Brown

The program will be taught completely online this Fall, with the structure staying the same. The plan is to continue capitalizing on the strengths of the Zoom platform that result in a well-rounded learning experience: multi-modal presentation of the material, engaging activities such as role-plays and polls, and large and small group discussions and exchanges with the instructor and fellow participants.

But because Holzinger believes education should constantly innovate, he’s having the instructors supplement the experience with additional learning materials which will be available on demand, such as podcasts, downloadable pdfs, and archived videos. He refers to this as an “ecosystem” of learning, a variety of curated resources reflecting the concepts and approaches taught in class, that will allow students to determine for themselves which aspects of a topic they most want to delve into further.

Holzinger is also adding a new capstone project, related to the effect of the pandemic on business and workers, to give prospective students an even more relevant educational experience. Stay tuned to the Schulich website in the near future to hear more details about the capstone when the project details are finalized.

The next session of the Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management starts Sept. 24.