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Artificial Intelligence, FinTech & The 5 Hottest Topics On The MBA Curriculum In 2019

From CEO Activism to cutting-edge tech, business schools are updating their MBA curricula to meet demand from employers and prospective students

Wed Jan 2 2019

BusinessBecause
The MBA may have been created over a century ago, but the curriculum is always changing.

Beyond the bread and butter of business—accounting, finance, marketing—an MBA will include a wide range of optional courses on everything from entrepreneurship to big data, luxury strategy, interpersonal dynamics, and social media.

The demands of corporate recruiters and students are driving the changes. There is a need for more niche skills like data analytics, which can help students secure jobs on graduation. They know this, and are asking for new content, on blockchain, risk management, design thinking, social enterprise, and more.

Business schools have responded. Cass Business School in London, for example, offers seven concentrations as part of its MBA program, letting students gear their education towards a certain area of management, like real estate.

London Business School, meanwhile, has rolled out 22 new MBA electives in the past five years. The portfolio of courses never stands still, says Gareth Howells, executive director of MBAs at LBS: “The MBA is constantly evolving.”

Here are the five hottest topics on the MBA curriculum in...

>1. Artificial Intelligence

Intelligent algorithms promise to fundamentally change how we do business, automating low-skill tasks, freeing time up for more creative and higher value work. It could both destroy and create jobs, and an MBA is designed to equip candidates to cope with that change.

Electives on artificial intelligence (AI) are in the offing, with LBS already having introduced a machine learning for business elective, while the broader ‘digital economy’ theme is actively being explored by the school.

MBA students will need to understand the impact of AI on business, but also how it can create new business opportunities, products and services. Some understanding of the technical aspects of algorithms will also be required. The Kellogg School of Management in the US has introduced a course on AI while Chicago’s Booth School of Business teaches this to its Executive MBA (EMBA) students.


2. Corporate Social Responsibility

Business school students today need to consider more than just the bottom line. Companies are under pressure from their shareholders, customers, employees, politicians and regulators to consider their wider impact on society and the environment. Business schools have responded with a slew of new courses set to launch in 2019.

London’s Cass Business School, for example, is interested in running a corporate social responsibility (CSR) elective in British Columbia, Canada. “This would emphasize our commitment to encouraging Cass students to be a part of their wider communities and to understand the importance of social business,” says Steve Thomas, associate dean of MBA programs.

Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) in the Netherlands—a country whose companies tend to dominate rankings of business sustainability—is a leader in the field. CSR is a core part of the curriculum and it enriches all RSM’s activities, from teaching to research.

The first of its kind to be accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA), Birmingham Business School’s 100%-Online MBA also features a ‘business in society’ module. 


3. Change Management

We live in a VUCA—volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous—world. That may explain why change management is one of some business schools’ most popular MBA elective courses this year, including LBS. “The sheer pace of change in businesses—and the geopolitical environments they operate in—make agility essential, and change management more important than ever,” says Gareth.

At the UK's Cranfield School of Management, managing people, change and sustainability is a core part of the MBA curriculum. NYU Stern in New York City runs a change management MBA specialization, while NUS Business School in Singapore has an MBA elective on organizational change and development.

Madrid’s IESE Business School (pictured), has a course on innovation strategy. “We are constantly thinking about the future of business—where it is heading, what new challenges are on the horizon, and how we can help tomorrow’s future business leaders thrive in such an environment,” says Marta Escardó, executive director of the school’s MBA.


4. Fintech

Financial technology is high on the agenda across the finance world, as incumbents seek to avoid disruption by nimbler startups and as every financial company, large and small, turns to tech to improve efficiency and create new products and services. IESE is offering a course on the rise of fintech, Stern offers an entire fintech specialization, and MIT Sloan and Berkeley Haas have long been offering such classes as part of their MBAs.

Chinese schools are also leading the way, incorporating courses on cryptocurrency and blockchain into their MBA curricula. They include CEIBS and CKGSB in mainland China and CUHK and HKUST in Hong Kong.

Financial employers need people who can understand how technology is and will impact their business, and who can lead teams of technologists—an increasing portion of their workforce. The courses are also applicable to entrepreneurs, with many of the world’s most famous fintech companies founded by MBAs, including TransferWise and alternative student loans provider Prodigy Finance, both founded by INSEAD graduates.


5. CEO Activism

Many people dislike public speaking, but today’s business leaders are being called upon by all their stakeholders to take a public stance on often heated and controversial subjects, like gun control.

With dean Bill Boulding (pictured) at the helm, Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business is pioneering a course on how future leaders can navigate this new landscape. Stanford ran a series of seminars on the subject, while Harvard is using case studies to teach EMBAs about CEO activism. The courses focus on how business leaders can speak out on issues not directly related to their business and how to avoid it backfiring.

In Europe, IESE runs a course on public speaking for leaders and has introduced an elective on public affairs for 2018/19.

Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Best Journalism school in Europe

When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home. The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe! The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro. The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd. Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer! City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.

Lydia

Verified

23/02/2023

On Campus

Learning environment

The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.

Nathaniel

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London

Muhammad

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.

Dorah

Verified

23/01/2023

On Campus

professors

The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather

Nora

Verified

17/12/2022

On Campus

The best university I’ve been to

The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.

Antonia

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Bayes Business School

As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.

Muhammad

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

Economics and Politics

Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.

Navya

Verified

11/11/2022

On Campus

Clinical biology

I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society

Chen

Verified

5/10/2024

Blended

Unlocking My Potential at City University London

My time at City University London was truly transformative. The university's vibrant community and diverse extracurricular activities allowed me to forge lifelong friendships and professional connections that extend beyond the classroom. I was impressed by the university's commitment to academic rigor, character development, and personal growth, which created an ideal environment for me to reach my full potential. The research-driven and industry-relevant curriculum provided me with a solid foundation in international business, while the dedicated faculty and staff offered invaluable guidance and support. I feel grateful for the well-rounded education and holistic experience that City University London offered, preparing me for success in my career and beyond.

Elora

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Rather interesting

The academics are tough, but in a good way. The professors are experts in their fields, so you know you’re learning from the best. They push you to think for yourself and really dive deep into the subjects. But it’s not all about hitting the books; London itself is like an extension of the campus. You’ve got museums, galleries, and just the general buzz of the city to keep you inspired.

Barbara

Verified

28/08/2024

On Campus

Urban campus life

At the University of London, I have experienced dynamic and diverse academic environment where I was challenged by rigorous coursework. You will have the flexibility to choose from the wide range of courses, participate in numerous extra-curricular activities and take advantage of the many opportunities

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