SET YOUR COURSE FOR LIFELatest trends in executive MBA programmesExecutive MBAExclusive interviews with students and alumniCourse characteristics in 2014the Greater China
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Y NN QEG ϋ ˜ ˚ ɨʹ CONTENTSExecutive MBA 201404 Background - What makes an EMBA different? - Important numbers in EMBA education 08 The trends - Senior executives head back to school to learn the basic tools $10 Interview - What an EMBA taught a PhD: . create simple strategies and explain them: $.12 Benefits.: - A distinctive part of the EMBA: $: the chance to interact with CEOs$.:,040814 China - Business school retools executives in China17 Hong Kong1012 - Top schools make Hong Kong a hub for EMBA education18 Kellog - HKUST - An EMBA programme which takes 1417 high flyers to the next level20 Career - Global minds for a global city 1820 Executive MBA 2014 is published by Education Post, South China Morning Post Publishers photo: iStockphotoAll rights MBA 2014 03
BcagurkodnPhoto: iStockphotoWWthaha emakmaks san anEMBA didffeffrrentn??- -HeHtaahehr rMceKKnzinzeyears, or require four- or five-day stints spread out over It is crucial to know the difefrences between a 20 months. EMBAs tend to have smaller class and standard MBA and an executive MBA, or EMBA, before cohort numbers and some allow students to customise deciding on the best fit and approach to earning an their coursework in order to fulfil specific career advanced business degree. The content and style can advancement needs by focusing, for example, on topics vary significantly, so it pays to be clear about exactly like raising capital, large-scale forecasting, or what is strategies. Many employers will pay for all or part of the EMBA degree and, therefore, have a rTaditional MBAs are generally two-year, full-time stake in the students’ successful completion of the programmes designed for students with only limited in the world of business. The curriculum gives exposure to all the key disciplines and many Both types of programme provide opportunities for students then choose to specialise in a concentration networking with classmates and faculty. A full-time MBA area such as finance, management, accounting, or ofefrs students the time and environment to engage in international business. Usually, courses are taught extra-curricular activities and get involved in campus during the typical academic year, with one summer life. The EMBA, though, requires very careful time internship also on ofefr. Experiential learning is an management, with students often having to juggle work, essential element of these programmes, allowing for the study and family commitments. Overall, employers practical application of classroom learning in the form of appear to view the two qualifications as equally useful, job shadowing, field projects, collaboration with while students surveyed by the Graduate Management companies, or local community Council in 2009 expressed a higher level of satisfaction with their EMBA than with other EMBAs, in contrast, are geared towards professionals programmes. with more work experience, who want to advance their education without taking a career break. Participants The decision about whether to take an MBA or an are generally in mid- to senior-level corporate positions. According to the Executive MBA Council, the average EMBA usually comes down to ones’ current position, work experience, age, and the employers’ willingness to student is aged 37 and has more than eight years ’provide funding or allow the flexibility needed to attend management experience. The teaching, or delivery, of classes. Either way, it makes sense to take the chance EMBA programmes varies widely. Some involve to advance ones’ knowledge of business. intensive two-week “bursts” over a six-month period. Others take place on Friday/Saturday only over two 04 Executive MBA 2014
BcagurkodnImporImportantan nunmbembrrs sin nEMBA edudctaaionon- -Michaehal lTayloraylorStudents enrolling in executive MBA programmes Mike Hall is an international education consultant who tend to be older and more experienced that those used to be programme director at EMBA-Global Asia, enrolling on conventional MBA programmes. Their University of Hong Kong. He warns that an EMBA is not reasons for returning to the classroom are also the faint of heart and that a considerable amount of time and efofrt needs to be students tend to be in their late 20s or early 30s. With a few years of professional experience under their “An EMBA is not a free ride,” Hall says. “A participant belts, they want to jump-start their careers or switch to must expect to do eight to 15 hours of work a week, something completely for the weeks they are not in class. They should also have complete understanding from their place of work.”EMBA students tend to be in their late 30s to mid-40s. Their desire to return to the classroom can be motivated by a variety of factors. Sometimes - as with MBA Prospective EMBA students pay a lot of attention to students - they want to switch careers. Often, however, business-school rankings, but its’ important to remember their motivations are more complex. Perhaps they have that the rankings are only one of many factors that been working in a specific functional area - such as should be considered when evaluating a business accounting or marketing - and they want to move into school. Especially important is to determine what your general management. Others might have been reasons are for pursuing a higher degree - and then look successful working in Hong Kong, but have no experifor a school that ofefrs the best fit.-ence working in the mainland or overseas.“There are many good EMBAs that are not ranked, and the way the rankings are arranged or computed doesn't always bring out the best points about particular A participant schools,” Hall says.“must expect to “There are better ways than the rankings to get to know a particular EMBA. If a prospective candidate relies solely on the rankings, they could easily finish up in an do eight to 15 EMBA that doesn't suit them.”hours of orwk So what should potential candidates consider when choosing a programme? “Perhaps the most important a ewekthing for busy executives is the timetabling,” Hall says. “Most of the top EMBAs will deliver similar subjects from ”Another reason could be that they are more interested in very good professors, so it may only be a choice of personal fulfilment rather than professional advanceavailable electives or other things like class profile that -difefrentiates the programmes.”ment. They seek a transformational experience that will broaden their horizons. They want to learn how to think outside the box - not just in their professional lives, but also in their personal MBA 2014 05
Teh tresdnPhoto: May sTe, MC THEC, one of the worlds’ top business schools based in interest in issues like how to build overseas headquarters Paris, was approached by the State-owned Assets and how to manage foreign employees in overseas Supervision and Administration Commission of the markets.”State Council to bring their EMBA programme to mainland said the school aims to do more case studies on Chinese companies and establish a China business HEC started its classes in Beijing in August 2006 and research of its students were the heads of large state-owned companies. In 2008, the school started to work with Zhejiang University to run a separate EMBA programme in present “original” teaching content to Chinese students, all teachers are from HECs’ headquarters and fly from Europe to Beijing to give Xu iYng, director of HECs’ executive education on the mainland, said the student profile has changed dramatically in the past few years, reflecting the changes in the profile of the nations’ top business leaders.“In the early years, the majority of our students were in their 50s and 60s. Most of them were involved in manufacturing industry and few knew English well. Now our students are younger. Some have had years of overseas work experience and can speak fluent English,” she trend Xu notices is the increasing interest Seninor orexecutives shehad adbacbak kto oscshool hoolto oamong Chinese entrepreneurs for overseas markets and globalisation. “Our students are showing a stronger lelararn ntheh basibasc toolsools - -Celilnen Sun nChen Haifeng is the archetypal self-made Chinese senior executives are returning to school to learn theentrepreneur. He founded his own company in 1998 to basic tools and find inspiration from systematic make automatic control systems used in coal mines and management knowledge and theories taught in other built it into a leading industry player with an annual of 800 million yuan (HK$1 trillion).“Since Chinas’ economy opened up 30 years ago, a But two years ago, the chief executive of Shanghai large number of entrepreneurs have made it big with Ousheng eTchnology decided to go back to school at their hard work, capability and sometimes with just the age of 40. He joined the executive MBA programme smart by Shanghai Fudan University and the National aTiwan University to learn how to do business.“However, today many find they are no longer able to take their companies to a new level after their The reason: “Some trivial things,” he reach a certain scale,” said iYn, pointing to why Chinese businesspeople are increasingly turning to “For example, in the past, I could easily tell how the formal management was doing by looking at the financial figures. But as the company grows bigger, I am not that sure The EMBA courses in mainland China, which was anymore,” said started in 2002 when the Ministry of Education approved the first batch of local universities to hold He was one of 60 students in his class. They paid such programmes, has been expanding fast across the 418,000 yuan for the two-year course, attending given by mainland and aTiwanese addition to the demand from private business iYn Zhiwen, associate dean of the management school owners, there is huge demand for EMBA education of Shanghai Fudan University, said more and more from the Executive MBA 2014
Teh tresdnHEC, one of the worlds’ top business schools based in interest in issues like how to build overseas headquarters Paris, was approached by the State-owned Assets and how to manage foreign employees in overseas Supervision and Administration Commission of the markets.”State Council to bring their EMBA programme to mainland said the school aims to do more case studies on Chinese companies and establish a China business HEC started its classes in Beijing in August 2006 and research of its students were the heads of large state-owned companies. In 2008, the school started to work with Zhejiang University to run a separate EMBA programme in present “original” teaching content to Chinese M ynaif dnteh y“students, all teachers are from HECs’ headquarters and fly from Europe to Beijing to give onegnol rElodie Xu iYng, director of HECs’ executive education elba t oteka on the mainland, said the student profile has changed dramatically in the past few years, reflecting the tehi rcinapmoe schanges in the profile of the nations’ top business o aen welve l“In the early years, the majority of our students were in their 50s and 60s. Most of them were involved in tfae rtehi rubis-manufacturing industry and few knew English well. Now our students are younger. Some have had years of eness sreca h aoverseas work experience and can speak fluent English,” she ncsela Another trend Xu notices is the increasing interest ”among Chinese entrepreneurs for overseas markets and globalisation. “Our students are showing a stronger Chen Haifeng is the archetypal self-made Chinese senior executives are returning to school to learn theentrepreneur. He founded his own company in 1998 to basic tools and find inspiration from systematic make automatic control systems used in coal mines and management knowledge and theories taught in other built it into a leading industry player with an annual of 800 million yuan (HK$1 trillion).“Since Chinas’ economy opened up 30 years ago, a But two years ago, the chief executive of Shanghai large number of entrepreneurs have made it big with Ousheng eTchnology decided to go back to school at their hard work, capability and sometimes with just the age of 40. He joined the executive MBA programme smart by Shanghai Fudan University and the National aTiwan University to learn how to do business.“However, today many find they are no longer able to take their companies to a new level after their The reason: “Some trivial things,” he reach a certain scale,” said iYn, pointing to why Chinese businesspeople are increasingly turning to “For example, in the past, I could easily tell how the formal management was doing by looking at the financial figures. But as the company grows bigger, I am not that sure The EMBA courses in mainland China, which was anymore,” said started in 2002 when the Ministry of Education approved the first batch of local universities to hold He was one of 60 students in his class. They paid such programmes, has been expanding fast across the 418,000 yuan for the two-year course, attending given by mainland and aTiwanese addition to the demand from private business iYn Zhiwen, associate dean of the management school owners, there is huge demand for EMBA education of Shanghai Fudan University, said more and more from the MBA 2014 09
tnIerviewPhotos: Nora aTm This changed his approach to strategy and dealing with issues in the workplace. “Economists tend to flip a problem upside down and inside out, to see it totally difefrently,” he says. “It stops you from defining the problem from just one perspective and then getting stuck. That has helped me go beyond what sociology taught me because, in business, simplifying and defining a key driver is part of every strategy.”Nowadays, iYn says he makes decisions with a clearer mind and is more articulate in describing the process. This has also helped him become a better manager. “Learning to create simple strategies means I can explain them easily to my staf,f who can then add their own tactics,” he says. “But I do thank FedEx for teaching me other management skills. The company is known for valuing people.”iYn may be one of few people who don’t place networking opportunities high on the list of reasons for taking his EMBA. “For me, being interested in the subject matter you’re working on is the most important thing,” he says. “Whether you are in academia, the public or private sectors, it is important to have an intellectual challenge. In terms of career choices, listen to your inner voice. One of my Chicago professors said that not everyone can be successful but that we can all be happy with what we do. So, it is best to do what you WWthaha an anEMBA tauaghtgh a aPhD: PhD:love and be happy.”crretaae sismplempl stsrrtaaegiges sand andexplaiplan nthehmm- -VVickike ChanhanMany of the key turning points in Peter iYns’ life companys’ vice president of marketing for the During a subsequent stint in Singapore, iYn came Asia-Pacific Chicago Booths’ campus, which got him thinking appear to have happened by chance, rather than about the possibilities of taking a formal business careful planning, but he can be more than satisfied with qualiDespite the shift, the principles of sociology still shape fication. “I wasn’t thinking about changing the way things have worked out so ’ work and have made him a good quantitative company, but I had an intellectual curiosity,” he says, analyst. “Research and analysis are important in private “FedEx agreed it would be a good idea to take an MBA Born in Hong Kong, iYn left to attend college in the and it has been one of the best experiences of my life, United States and at that point, thought he would stay sector business and how you apply statistics is crucial,” even over my PhD.”away forever. Later, he found himself unsure which he says. “A businesses strategy is similar to a theory in direction to take. “I hate to admit it, but I drifted and sociology, which teaches the linear structure of iYns’ criteria for choosing the course were quite changed major five times before settling on sociologythoughts. I use what I learned in my academic career , every dayspecific. He felt Chicago Booths’ purpose-built campus .”mainly because I could finish it in four years,” he something unique and because professors and assistants were flown in to teach classes in Singapore, In fact, iYn continues to find new ways to draw on his However, he came to love academic life and decided to it would be a bona fide experience. In addition, the become a professor, which entailed doing a PhD in his past experience. As a professor, he didn’t necessarily programme was well structured and, though intense, chosen subject. “I came to understand it as a social appreciate the practical applications of studying arts covered all the main subjects. “Every six weeks, we science and liked the scientific approach,” he says. “I and sciences. Students would complain that what they learned couldn’t be applied in the real world and, at the studied full time for a week. I’d go in at 8:30am and was intrigued by how people research and work constantly for 12 hours,” he says. “It was conceptualise the world.”time, he tended to agree. No,w though, he sees things difefrently. “If I could go back, I’d do more to point out invigorating to be challenged in this way, and to come through it physically and mentally is just exhilarating.” the relevance to daily life, explaining the applications of It turned out, though, that being a professor at the University of Memphis was not particularly well paid and sociology in business and the public sector,” iYn says. The schools’ reputation for economics was of particular ofefred little recognition. Therefore, iYn decided to benefit to iYn. He learned about economic science and change track joining Federal Express - now FedEx - as In the early 90s, another career change came about, how economists think, new areas for someone more a market researcher. “I was unsure, but it seemed like a more or less unplanned. FedEx asked him to move good opportunityback to Hong Kong to work at their new Asia familiar with how sociologists and psychologists think. ,” he says. “It fit my academicIndeed, he still feels that one of the lasting gains from background and I found it quite a natural move.” The headquarters. “After 20 years, this was an exciting the programme was seeing and understanding the key new role was intellectually challenging and iYn kept opportunity. I was happy to be back,” he between economic and social up to reach his current position as the 10 Executive MBA 2014
tnIerviewThis changed his approach to strategy and dealing with issues in the workplace. “Economists tend to flip a problem upside down and inside out, to see it totally difefrently,” he says. “It stops you from defining the problem from just one perspective and then getting stuck. That has helped me go beyond what sociology taught me because, in business, simplifying and defining a key driver is part of every strategy.”“eLrain gnt oNowadays, iYn says he makes decisions with a clearer cretae iselpm mind and is more articulate in describing the process. This has also helped him become a better manager. “Learning to create simple strategies means I can tstraeige sexplain them easily to my staf,f who can then add their own tactics,” he says. “But I do thank FedEx for em sna Ic naex-teaching me other management skills. The company is known for valuing people.”ialp nteh miYn may be one of few people who don’t place eisa lyt o networking opportunities high on the list of reasons for ymtaking his EMBA. “For me, being interested in the subject matter you’re working on is the most important ts ,faf owhc nathing,” he says. “Whether you are in academia, the public or private sectors, it is important to have an teh n datehi rintellectual challenge. In terms of career choices, listen to your inner voice. One of my Chicago professors said nwotcatic sthat not everyone can be successful but that we can all be happy with what we do. So, it is best to do what you ”love and be happy.”Many of the key turning points in Peter iYns’ life companys’ vice president of marketing for the During a subsequent stint in Singapore, iYn came Asia-Pacific Chicago Booths’ campus, which got him thinking appear to have happened by chance, rather than about the possibilities of taking a formal business careful planning, but he can be more than satisfied with qualification. “I wasn’t thinking about changing the way things have worked out so farDespite the shift, the principles of sociology still shape .iYns’ work and have made him a good quantitative company, but I had an intellectual curiosity,” he says, analyst. “Research and analysis are important in private “FedEx agreed it would be a good idea to take an MBA Born in Hong Kong, iYn left to attend college in the and it has been one of the best experiences of my life, United States and at that point, thought he would stay sector business and how you apply statistics is crucial,” even over my PhD.”away forever. Later, he found himself unsure which he says. “A businesses strategy is similar to a theory in direction to take. “I hate to admit it, but I drifted and sociology, which teaches the linear structure of iYns’ criteria for choosing the course were quite changed major five times before settling on sociologythoughts. I use what I learned in my academic career , every dayspecific. He felt Chicago Booths’ purpose-built campus .”mainly because I could finish it in four years,” he something unique and because professors and assistants were flown in to teach classes in Singapore, In fact, iYn continues to find new ways to draw on his However, he came to love academic life and decided to it would be a bona fide experience. In addition, the become a professor, which entailed doing a PhD in his past experience. As a professor, he didn’t necessarily programme was well structured and, though intense, chosen subject. “I came to understand it as a social appreciate the practical applications of studying arts covered all the main subjects. “Every six weeks, we science and liked the scientific approach,” he says. “I and sciences. Students would complain that what they learned couldn’t be applied in the real world and, at the studied full time for a week. I’d go in at 8:30am and was intrigued by how people research and work constantly for 12 hours,” he says. “It was conceptualise the world.”time, he tended to agree. No,w though, he sees things difefrently. “If I could go back, I’d do more to point out invigorating to be challenged in this way, and to come through it physically and mentally is just exhilarating.” the relevance to daily life, explaining the applications of It turned out, though, that being a professor at the University of Memphis was not particularly well paid and sociology in business and the public sector,” iYn says. The schools’ reputation for economics was of particular ofefred little recognition. Therefore, iYn decided to benefit to iYn. He learned about economic science and change track joining Federal Express - now FedEx - as In the early 90s, another career change came about, how economists think, new areas for someone more a market researcher. “I was unsure, but it seemed like a more or less unplanned. FedEx asked him to move good opportunityback to Hong Kong to work at their new Asia familiar with how sociologists and psychologists think. ,” he says. “It fit my academicIndeed, he still feels that one of the lasting gains from background and I found it quite a natural move.” The headquarters. “After 20 years, this was an exciting the programme was seeing and understanding the key new role was intellectually challenging and iYn kept opportunity. I was happy to be back,” he between economic and social up to reach his current position as the Executive MBA 2014 11
BeeniftsPhoto: David oWng A didstsincntive parpart ofof theh EMBA: :theh chanchane to ointnerracat wiwth hCEOss- -LiLnda ndaeYYungngAs many people will kno,w EMBA students are According to Professor Morse, following the trip, some established professionals in their fields, often in their participants were inspired to take the startup plans they late 30s at least. Many are also sponsored by their had developed during the module to create new companies as a way to groom their potential as with their classmates. Seeing with their own eyes how other enterprises operated can prove to be an What sets their training apart from other business-relat-enriching experience, besides building vital courses? oT prepare future leaders, one good component should be the chance to interact with CEOs Role models can of course be found locally. The and develop insights into business success. The Ivey Chinese University of Hong Kong (CsUHK)’ EMBA Business School, a leading provider well-known for its programme has produced a a“Tlking to CEOs” and the rich collection of business cases, took such an approach “New Thinking in Management" Radio and TV series by launching a recent visit to Silicon aVlley for 27 broadcast on THK Rand a number of paid TV channels. students from its Hong Kong EMBA Class of 2014. The It serves the wider purpose of leveraging the manage-students met the schools’ alumni working in the IThub ment experiences, insights and personal philosophies of and learned about the hi-tech areas’ unique business top business leaders to foster creative thinking for the Hong Kong community. Students enrolled in the programme, however, will still benefit from coming face Professor Eric Morse, Associate Dean of Ivey, said they to face with the top decision-makers. CUHK and other had received very positive feedback about this new local business schools have also run seminars featuring module for the Hong Kong EMBA programme. “Our these people. Undoubtedly contacts with inspiring students were fascinated to learn how entrepreneurs professionals can ofefr valuable in this hotbed of innovation and global value creation,” he , it is common for influential or inspiring figures to be featured in assemblies at secondary schools. The groups’ itinerary included five days in Silicon aVlley There is also a strong trend towards schools pairing and four days in San Francisco, where students met students up with mentors who are professionals. The representatives from companies including Achievers, adult figures are widely believed to be a key source of Deutsche Bank Financial, Intel, Joyopolis, LinkedIn, guidance and support for youngsters. The same applies Oracle, SAP, aWl-Mart Labs and ZenBanx. The students to mature EMBA students - they can benefit as much heard key insights about idea generation, startups, rapid from people with perhaps as much wisdom as them but growth, multi-round financing, exiting to IPO, organisation far more versatile , and ways to manage talent during explosive Executive MBA 2014
CihanPhotos: AFP, Reuters That's why we cannot simply use European or American EMBA textbooks in our class. eW are giving more courses on leadership, strategy setting, merger and acquisition, as well as corporate governance to meet the needs of higher-level is the profile of EMBA students in your school? Have there been any changes over the past few years?eYs, there have been. No,w nearly 50 per cent of our students are from local private enterprises. Such students accounted for only a third around five years ago. Meanwhile, we have fewer students from multinational companies as these companies have been cutting their staf ftraining budgets since the 2008 financial now runs two EMBA schemes. One is taught in English and the other in Mandarin. eW recruit more than 700 people per year. eW have over 8,000 alumni as of do Chinese entrepreneurs actually want from EMBA programmes?Many Chinese entrepreneurs have accumulated much work experience but haven't had the opportunity to receive systematic management education. Some of them may have been successful in business or have gone through dififculties. They come to us looking for answers as to why they succeeded or failed. They expect to find the answers here and to be inspired by Busisnenss ssscshool hoolrretools oolsexecutives sin nChihnana professors ’analyses of case studies and discussions with classmates.- -Celilnen SunnThese senior executives can also be very lonely people. The EMBA, for them, is also a place to find and connect with people with similar experiences and to learn from each Business School (CEIBS) even broke into Ten years ago, China formally introduced the the top 10, with a ranking of 4th and 7th, MBA programme, ofefring eWstern Our goal is to educate responsible leaders versed in management knowledge to local corporate honchos. CEIBS, a joint venture of the Chinese government and 'China depth' and 'global breadth'."The country has since become the largest EMBA the European Union set up in 1994, was the first in the market in the world, with more than 10,000 EMBA nation to start EMBA joining CEIBS in 2008, Chen worked as a students graduating from around 60 business schools tenured faculty member and head of the department of every at the City University of Hong Kong. He It was not until July 2002 that the Ministry of Education formally approved 30 mainland universities to start worked there for 13 years. He currently teaches Boosting the demand is Chinese entrepreneurs ’ofefring EMBA classes and issue degrees. It was financial statement analysis and corporate governance increasing desire to retool themselves with the most extended to another 32 universities in CEIBS, where he is a professor of management theories as the nation edges closer to becoming the world's largest the EMBA market grows rapidly in China, some The EMBA programme has been in China for 10 have raised doubts about the programmes ’staggering years now. What do you think are the major EMBA education first emerged in the United States in tuition fees. Critics point out that networking often differences between the EMBA market in China and the 1940s and thrived in the eWst for decades. Although seems to be the main draw for students to these in Europe or the US?senior executive education started late in China, it programmes, rather than on quickly. The latest global EMBA ranking First, our students are difefrent. Chinese EMBA compiled by the Financial iTmes in October shows Charles Chen Jieping, director of the EMBA programme students are older than their peers overseas. They are seven Chinese business schools made it to the oTp 100 and associate dean at CEIBS, who has seen this generally around 40. Most of them are top-level around the in enterprises or government departments. market boom and evolve over the years, shared his vision of EMBA education in an interview with the comparison, the average age of students in foreign The EMBA programme jointly run by Beijing's sTinghua e"W don't want to become a 'billionaires' club'," he said. countries is around 34, and most of them are mid-level University and French business school INSEAD and e"W want to be a learning platform linking East and managers, such as directors of human resources or another managed by the Shanghai-based China Europe eWst through teaching, research and business practice. Executive MBA 2014
CihanThat's why we cannot simply use European or American EMBA textbooks in our class. eW are giving more courses on leadership, strategy setting, merger and acquisition, as well as corporate governance to meet the needs of higher-level is the profile of EMBA students in your school? Have there been any changes over the past few years?eYs, there have been. No,w nearly 50 per cent of our students are from local private enterprises. Such students accounted for only a third around five years ago. Meanwhile, we have fewer students from multinational companies as these companies have been cutting their staf ftraining budgets since the 2008 financial now runs two EMBA schemes. One is taught in English and the other in Mandarin. eW recruit more than 700 people per year. eW have over 8,000 alumni as of do Chinese entrepreneurs actually want from EMBA programmes?Many Chinese entrepreneurs have accumulated much work experience but haven't had the opportunity to receive systematic management education. Some of them may have been successful in business or have gone through dififculties. They come to us looking for answers as to why they succeeded or failed. They expect to find the answers here and to be inspired by professors ’analyses of case studies and discussions with senior executives can also be very lonely people. The EMBA, for them, is also a place to find and connect with people with similar experiences and to learn from each Business School (CEIBS) even broke into Ten years ago, China formally introduced the the top 10, with a ranking of 4th and 7th, MBA programme, ofefring eWstern Our goal is to educate responsible leaders versed in management knowledge to local corporate honchos. CEIBS, a joint venture of the Chinese government and 'China depth' and 'global breadth'."The country has since become the largest EMBA the European Union set up in 1994, was the first in the market in the world, with more than 10,000 EMBA nation to start EMBA joining CEIBS in 2008, Chen worked as a students graduating from around 60 business schools tenured faculty member and head of the department of every was not until July 2002 that the Ministry of Education accountancy at the City University of Hong Kong. He worked there for 13 years. He currently teaches formally approved 30 mainland universities to start Boosting the demand is Chinese entrepreneurs ’ofefring EMBA classes and issue degrees. It was financial statement analysis and corporate governance increasing desire to retool themselves with the most extended to another 32 universities in CEIBS, where he is a professor of management theories as the nation edges closer to becoming the world's largest the EMBA market grows rapidly in China, some The EMBA programme has been in China for 10 have raised doubts about the programmes ’staggering years now. What do you think are the major EMBA education first emerged in the United States in tuition fees. Critics point out that networking often differences between the EMBA market in China and the 1940s and thrived in the eWst for decades. Although seems to be the main draw for students to these in Europe or the US?senior executive education started late in China, it programmes, rather than on quickly. The latest global EMBA ranking First, our students are difefrent. Chinese EMBA compiled by the Financial iTmes in October shows Charles Chen Jieping, director of the EMBA programme students are older than their peers overseas. They are seven Chinese business schools made it to the oTp 100 and associate dean at CEIBS, who has seen this generally around 40. Most of them are top-level around the in enterprises or government departments. market boom and evolve over the years, shared his vision of EMBA education in an interview with the comparison, the average age of students in foreign The EMBA programme jointly run by Beijing's sTinghua e"W don't want to become a 'billionaires' club'," he said. countries is around 34, and most of them are mid-level University and French business school INSEAD and e"W want to be a learning platform linking East and managers, such as directors of human resources or another managed by the Shanghai-based China Europe eWst through teaching, research and business practice. MBA 2014 15
CihanTuition fees of China's EMBA programmes have What's your view about the future development of EMBA education in China?been rising very fast. Why is that?This year, the tuition fee for our two-year EMBAI think it will become more localised as China's programme is 568,000 yuan (HK$719,000). Fees rose enterprises get more and more sophisticated. eW are 10 to 20 per cent annually from 2008 to 2011. They rose past the stage of using foreign experience to address only 5 per cent last year due to the weaker economic local problems. oYu can see the same thing has environment. In other schools, the fees range from happened in South Korea, Japan and aTiwan already. 200,000 to 600,000 trend, I believe, is that Chinese cultural elements, such as Confucianism, will be increasingly a part of or not the tuition fee is too high depends on the perspective of those attending the programme. Many of our students are chief executives or general managers. They make critical decisions every day and may make or lose millions or tens of millions of dollars for their companies. If they can avoid even one mistake “Wehteh r roton by taking our courses, it would save them and their businesses a lot of money. Besides, our tuition fees are still lower than what schools with similar rankings in the teh tuiti noefe US st ooih hgThe most popular management theories in the world are from the eWst. How does your school adapt edep sdnnothem to China's needs in daily teaching?teh eperpsctive The courses in our programmes are based on those at the Wharton Business School of Pennsylvania University. I have fine-tuned it since 2008 by adding fo tesoh more content on leadership and culture. For example, our students in English-language classes now take a tateidn gnteh one-week course at eWst Point, the US military academy. They attend sessions presented by military emgrmropaofifcers and even receiving military training. eW've also started ofefring classes on Chinese philosophy and ”literature to our are universities in China so enthusiastic about EMBA programmes?Compared to MBA programmes, which are for young business executives, EMBA education is considered more efefctive, because the students are often the decision-makers and can apply management theories in their own companies right away. Another important reason is that EMBA tuition fees are relatively high. They are the major source of revenue for many business do you think is the major bottleneck for China's EMBA education?Lack of teachers. It's very hard to find capable EMBA professors. There are some successful professors in foreign countries, but they are only familiar with case studies in Europe or the US, with little knowledge about China. Chinese scholars often lack a world view and systematic management research around 70 per cent of our teachers are foreign passport holders. They are either Chinese scholars who have lived and worked overseas for a long time or expatriates who have stayed in China for at least 10 Executive MBA 2014
gnoHgnoKTop opscshools hoolsemakmak Hong Hongong ongKKa ahuhb bor orffEMBA edudctaaionon- -Errnensts Kao KaoThe University of Science and eTchnologys’ joint The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)'s executive MBA programme has topped the Financial independent EMBA programme was ranked 13 - four iTmes' 2013 list of global rankings for the fifth year in a places up from last year. The average CUHK EMBA row despite new competition in the city and from the graduate earned US$278,426 annually three years after - 56 per cent more than they did before the course. HKUS Tsalaries went up 47 per cent from The 15-year-old programme, ofefred in partnership with before the Universitys’ Kellogg School of Management, in the United States, scored top marks for Professor Andrew Chan Chi-fai, director of CUHK's graduates ’average salaries, as well as gender and EMBA programme, said its appeal was due to its ethnic diversity, the report from eWstern-based schools, which gave the university total control over its curriculum. “Our About 20 per cent of students were from the US, 15 per programme is designed to bring the world to China and cent from the mainland, and 8 per cent from Hong China to the world.” said Hong Kong had plenty of room for more such Behind Kellogg-HKUS Twas the joint EMBA ofefred by programmes and welcomed the entry of the University sTinghua University in Beijing and Insead; and at No 3 of Chicago's Booth School of Business. “More EMBA was the Anglo-American joint programme by Columbia programmes will only attract more talent into the city,” University in the US and the London Business average Kellogg-HKUS Tgraduate earned The Financial iTmes ’rankings evaluated 136 US$416,806 annually - more than double the world programmes on criteria including average salaries, average of US$$173,000 - three years after graduation, salary increases after completion, gender and ethnic said programme academic director iVdhan Goyal. “The diversity, and the number of doctoral graduates it rankings reflect the quality of our students and the , which is constantly innovating... to adapt to the needs of the world.”Executive MBA 2014 17
eK goll -SUKHT(Advertorial)An nEMBA prprogogrrammeamm wwhihch hteakaks shihgh ghflfleyyrrs sto otheh nenxt lelvel l - -ohn ohnJJCrrememrr a higher level of responsibilities,” Genuino says. “And Reflecting on his experience of the Kellogg-HKUS TExecutive MBA programme, recent graduate iVctor having access to the huge alumni network of the two schools will make it easier for us to tap into the advice Genuino has no doubt at all that he made the right call. and wisdom of any number of highly successful individuals.” Other options, of course, came under consideration when he started to contemplate how best to broaden his perspectives and acquire the all-round business skills Initially, getting to grips with the volume of course needed to reach the top in his field. But looking back, he material, case studies, group work and exams was has assurance of knowing that the programme he chose more than a little daunting for someone who had completed a BA in interdisciplinary studies at Ateneo De in fact surpassed his initial expectations, providing the insights, experience, world vie,w and network of Manila University almost 19 years previously. Good contacts to help him take the next significant step time management was also a key factor as Genuino sought the necessary balance between work, study and forward. family commitments. “I now look at the art and science of management as a set of constantly moving parts,” says Genuino, vice “After a few months of adjustment, the workload president and head of the corporate business group at became more manageable,” he says. “For me, the most Meralco (Manila Electric Company). “I have a much important thing was to learn about all the difefrent better understanding of how to drive the business aspects of running a major business and to build a proactively and prepare the internal organisation to stronger personal network in the region. The programme certainly met my expectations and I think meet the challenges of an ever changing market environment.” the ‘sacrifice ’in terms of cost and time was definitely well worth it.” In business, he notes, it is one thing to have a clear vision of how a company or, indeed, a sector could and His advice to potential candidates is to assess carefully should work. It is quite another to translate those ideas what they hope to gain from the programme and whether it is the most suitable for them in light of their into a properly financed and smoothly functioning operation which creates jobs, generates profits and current role and ambitions. meets consumer demand. However, the Kellogg-HKUS TEMBA taught invaluable lessons in “I took account of the feedback of alumni who spoke each respect, and the chance to discuss problems and very highly of their experiences and the benefits they cases with classmates from a widely diverse mix of derived both during the programme and afterwards,” other countries and industries added a whole extra Genuino says. “The flexible learning structure, part-time dimension. schedule, the case method of instruction, and the number one global EMBA ranking also played a part in my own decision.” “I am sure that the programme has armed all of us with both the theoretical and practical knowledge to take on 18 Executive MBA 2014
CreaerPhoto: AFP leadership qualities and are highly committed to their professional development,” Miller Cerullo, managing director at global talent acquisition and management solutions firm Alexander Mann Solutions, says an EMBA can help people improve skills and enhance leadership-management capability. “From a recruitment perspective, an EMBA from the right institution would definitely be seen as a plus by recruiters as some school brands can imply excellence,” Cerullo qualification preferences among employers, Marc Burrage, regional director of Hays in Hong Kong, says companies are increasingly requiring a mix of technical and business qualifications to help candidates make that crucial transition to senior Globalmimnds ndsor orffa agglobal lobalcityyFor example, Burrage says, top banks typically look for - -Chrihrs svDaDaissstrong academics when they are hiring entrants. “If candidates have an MBA or EMBA and Chinese language skills, they are in particularly high demand,” he a globally expanding and constantly changing The EMBA is jointly ofefred by HKU, the London by their companies to make projections and decisions, business environment, interaction and discussion with Business School (LBS) and New oYrks’ Columbia so they need as much information as possible. It is easy fellow executives through an Executive MBA (EMBA) Business School (CBS).to see from the interest level and participation that the programme is becoming a popular way for Hong Kong knowledge they leverage from the programme is professionals to boost their technical and theoretical According to Miller, the opportunity to interact with immediate and relevant,” she from three difefrent business schools from as many continents makes for a dynamic learning and Using the programmes’ module in China economy and One of the defining factors of EMBA programmes, discussion environment. “Not only do participants join financial systems as an example, Miller says feedback according to their providers, is that they are targeted at our programme to learn from faculty members and each from EMBA students highlighted the depth of interest. experienced managers and professionals. Generally, other, but they also relish the opportunity to explore “The faculty involved with the China financial systems this means individuals with at least 10 years ’new ideas,” Miller says. “In some ways, the classroom programme contains consultants and experts who talk management experience looking to develop their ability acts as a safe laboratory where students can explore directly to the people responsible for making important to conceptualise the application of new learning rather new ideas.”decisions,” she says. “They are living it, in the thick of it, than improve their functional management adds a lot of relevance.”Miller also believes life is about stretching capabilities, Mary Miller, University of Hong Kong (HKU) director of and growing into new and more dynamic roles. “Many The part-time programme requires an intensive the EMBA Global Asia programme, says they bring of our students have risen to the point where they need 20-month commitment, with the option to complete it in together high-calibre executives from various more insights and the credentials to support the 16 months. Graduates are awarded a degree jointly nationalities and industries. “A core strength of the decisions they are being asked to make,” she by LBS, CBS and HKU. Applicants are programme is the knowledge and experiences students required to have management experience, a are able to share, whether seasoned business veterans “Our students are the people in the trenches dealing satisfactory GMA Tscore and company support for time or budding entrepreneurs,” Miller challenges on a daily basis. They are being asked commitment. “It is important candidates demonstrate 20 Executive MBA 2014
Creaer“ nIemos ,syawteh c morossalcat s sa aefas traobalro yewhre tsuedtn sc naexreolp en wiedsa”leadership qualities and are highly committed to their professional development,” Miller Cerullo, managing director at global talent acquisition and management solutions firm Alexander Mann Solutions, says an EMBA can help people improve skills and enhance leadership-management capability. “From a recruitment perspective, an EMBA from the right institution would definitely be seen as a plus by recruiters as some school brands can imply excellence,” Cerullo qualification preferences among employers, Marc Burrage, regional director of Hays in Hong Kong, says companies are increasingly requiring a mix of technical and business qualifications to help candidates make that crucial transition to senior example, Burrage says, top banks typically look for strong academics when they are hiring entrants. “If candidates have an MBA or EMBA and Chinese language skills, they are in particularly high demand,” he a globally expanding and constantly changing The EMBA is jointly ofefred by HKU, the London by their companies to make projections and decisions, business environment, interaction and discussion with Business School (LBS) and New oYrks’ Columbia so they need as much information as possible. It is easy fellow executives through an Executive MBA (EMBA) Business School (CBS).to see from the interest level and participation that the programme is becoming a popular way for Hong Kong knowledge they leverage from the programme is professionals to boost their technical and theoretical According to Miller, the opportunity to interact with immediate and relevant,” she from three difefrent business schools from as many continents makes for a dynamic learning and Using the programmes’ module in China economy and One of the defining factors of EMBA programmes, discussion environment. “Not only do participants join financial systems as an example, Miller says feedback according to their providers, is that they are targeted at our programme to learn from faculty members and each from EMBA students highlighted the depth of interest. experienced managers and professionals. Generally, other, but they also relish the opportunity to explore “The faculty involved with the China financial systems this means individuals with at least 10 years ’new ideas,” Miller says. “In some ways, the classroom programme contains consultants and experts who talk management experience looking to develop their ability acts as a safe laboratory where students can explore directly to the people responsible for making important to conceptualise the application of new learning rather new ideas.”decisions,” she says. “They are living it, in the thick of it, than improve their functional management adds a lot of relevance.”Miller also believes life is about stretching capabilities, Mary Miller, University of Hong Kong (HKU) director of and growing into new and more dynamic roles. “Many The part-time programme requires an intensive the EMBA Global Asia programme, says they bring of our students have risen to the point where they need 20-month commitment, with the option to complete it in together high-calibre executives from various more insights and the credentials to support the 16 months. Graduates are awarded a degree jointly nationalities and industries. “A core strength of the decisions they are being asked to make,” she by LBS, CBS and HKU. Applicants are programme is the knowledge and experiences students required to have management experience, a are able to share, whether seasoned business veterans “Our students are the people in the trenches dealing satisfactory GMA Tscore and company support for time or budding entrepreneurs,” Miller challenges on a daily basis. They are being asked commitment. “It is important candidates demonstrate Executive MBA 2014 21
