Inspired kick-off for the Gothenburg Executive MBA programme

On October 1,the Gothenburg Executive MBA programme 2015-2017 kicked off, with a group of animated executives from both small and medium-sized companies as well as multinational corporations. The Gothenburg Executive MBA programme is a part-time management programme over 21 months. It is taught entirely in English, and is the only MBA in Sweden accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). With its Nordic-Asian focus, the participants will acquire the necessary knowledge and tools to handle increased business responsibilities in a globalised market. 

21 months focused on leadership and corporate management

This year’s Executive MBA programme started with an intense three-day module on strategic management delivered by Professor PD Jose from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, one of the School’s strategic partner universities in Asia. The Executive MBA participants will meet every third weekend to learn from lecturers from all over the world. Each module focuses on a specific topic. The programme is delivered entirely in English, has a Nordic-Asian focus and includes two separate 10-day residencies at elite universities in China and India.

“A good way to accelerate my career”

Thomas Johansson, Area Manager at Dacapo Stainless AB, shares his views on the programme start with excitement.

Thomas Johansson, Dacapo Stainless AB

– My managers have high expectations of me, so I count on the Executive MBA programme to provide me with knowledge and tools that I can use directly in my daily work. We agree that this is a good way to accelerate my career, aiming at a leading position in the company. My participation in the programme is well anchored with the management team and I have delegated some tasks, which will allow me to be away from work during classroom hours. I also look forward to taking part of all the experience and knowledge of the other participants in the group, says Thomas Johansson.

A diverse group with extensive experience

In this year’s Executive MBA class, one third of the participants are women, and one quarter have an international background. With a median age of 38 years, the participants have more than 10 years of managerial experience on average. Both small and medium-sized companies, as well as multinational corporations, have chosen to invest in their key talents to develop their business skills and improve their career opportunities. Some examples of companies on the programme are SKF, Etteplan, Infranord, Volvo Cars and Volvo Group. While the majority of the participants reside in Sweden, several have chosen to commute to Gothenburg to participate in the programme, both within Sweden and internationally. One participant, for example, will be commuting to and from the United Arab Emirates.

”A springboard for personal development”

Roger Schweizer, Associate Professor and Programme Director for the Executive MBA-programme since 2008, is pleased with the diversity in the group.

Dr. Roger Schweizer, Executive MBA Programme Director, School of Business, Economics and Law

– There is an incredible amount of expertise and experience in this year’s Executive MBA class. As the Programme Director it is a privilege to follow the participants’ development over time. The Executive MBA programme is a springboard for their careers and their personal development, a fact that has been demonstrated over and over again, says Roger Schweizer.

For more information, please contact:

Olof E. Johansson, Business Manager, GU School of Executive Education, tel +46 31 786 13 83, +46 703 320 1383, e-mail olof.e.johansson@handels.gu.se;www.handels.gu.se/emba
Håkan Ericson, CEO, GU School of Executive Education, tel +46 31 786 53 81, +46 709 50 63 35, e-mail hakan.ericson@handels.gu.se; www.handels.gu.se/exed