Executive MBA Programs Develop Skills Needed Post-Pandemic

The importance of making strategic decisions is one of the many business lessons confirmed throughout the pandemic. To successfully navigate the disruptions caused by COVID-19, companies needed leaders who could quickly analyze a situation, create a new strategy, and motivate teams to embrace change.

Not surprisingly corporate executives who responded to McKinsey’s Global Survey say that post-pandemic, greater importance is placed on skills that enable businesses and their employees to be ready for the future. Skills include, “developing leadership, critical-thinking and decision-making, and project-management skills.”

Executive MBA Teaches How to Make Evidenced-Based Decisions

Established almost 50 years ago, the Executive MBA Programs at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business are even more relevant in today’s ever-changing business environment. In addition to enabling executives to cultivate their business management skills, the Executive MBA programs teach strategic leadership and develop their ability to make evidence-based decisions.

“The courses in the program look at critical business problems from a decision-maker’s perspective using a multi-dimensional lens,” says Prakash Mirchandani, professor of business administration and academic director of the Executive MBA Program at Katz.

For example, accounting classes usually look at the subject from an accountant’s view but in this program, the emphasis is on a leader’s view; the leader needs to think about what needs to be done next. “This is done through a variety of pedagogies such as case studies, lectures, problem-solving with simulations either via a computer or in-person, or role-playing,” says Mirchandani.

Jonathan Hicks, an engineering category leader at Philips Respironics, was enrolled in Katz’s Executive MBA program during the pandemic and used what he learned in the classroom to rapidly research, develop, and launch an emergency-use ventilator in high volumes.

“When I look back, I can clearly see how my Executive MBA prepared me for that moment,” says Hicks. “Now I have mental models on various topics that I had not previously been exposed to in the workplace. Plus, I have a more rounded perspective when making decisions.”

Cohort Model Enhances the MBA Experience

Students usually have at least a decade of professional experience, including at least three years managing others, before they enroll in the Katz Executive MBA program. Since they are leaders within their organizations, they contribute real-world insights to class discussions. 

The cohort experience was an aspect of this program that Hicks found very beneficial.

“I was looking for a group of peers to learn from and collaborate with,” says Hicks. “I wanted to find a group of individuals who shared a similar passion and drive for excellence. I value the classroom environment and rich dialogue.”

Ready to Learn More about the Katz Executive MBA Programs?

This program is designed for experienced business professionals who are ready to learn to lead in today’s constantly changing world. To learn more about the Executive MBA program, complete this form and a member of the admissions team will personally answer your questions.