INSEAD Inserts Sustainability Into Revised MBA Curriculum
Top-ranked European business school INSEAD recently announced revisions to its MBA curriculum that will embed sustainability into its 14 core courses. The renewed curriculum will also include a mandatory capstone that challenges students to integrate sustainability across all management areas.
According to a press statement announcing these changes, the renewed MBA curriculum meets the increasing demand for sustainability-focused leaders in the job market. It equips future professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to manage sustainability risks and opportunities in business, helping them make better decisions and integrate performance and progress. At the same time, it inspires them to champion creative, sustainable solutions addressing global challenges.
“Business schools have an important role in cultivating future leaders,” said INSEAD Dean and Professor of Economics Ilian Mihov. “We strive to provide our MBA students with rigorous and relevant business education to develop them into responsible leaders who will not only deliver prosperity, but also embrace sustainable practices to lead businesses that are a force for good.”
INSEAD has increasingly incorporated sustainability topics into its core courses in recent years. Students can further tailor the MBA program to suit their interests, choosing from over 75 elective courses across nine academic areas. The most recent additions include Energy Transition Finance, Well Being at Work, and Thoughtful Consumption. INSEAD will add new electives every six months to support learning the latest business practices.
Building on Excellence
In 2017, INSEAD enhanced its MBA curriculum by introducing a Personal Leadership Development Program (PLDP) with leadership coaching—the most extensive program of its kind offered at any business school. The new curriculum complements it in developing MBA students with a broader understanding of leadership, ensuring a balance between economic growth, environmental care, and social well-being.
“The renewed curriculum aims to equip students with the knowledge and tools so that they can make the right choices and have their own positive impact during their careers,” said Professor Urs Peyer, INSEAD Dean of Degree Programs. “When they make and create solution for a business, they will take into account the social and environmental impact. When they lead a business and appreciate the financial performance, they also keep in mind progress.”
The new sustainability-focused capstone will take place during the last period of the students’ MBA journey and puts theory into practice. Students will play the roles of leaders of a company facing strategic challenges. In their analysis and decision-making, they will practice integrating sustainability into all aspects of management, including operations, strategy, accounting, finance, and marketing.
Sustainability is a global challenge that requires global solutions. With locations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, and over 80 different nationalities in the classroom, INSEAD offers a high-impact environment to cultivate sustainability-focused leaders and entrepreneurs.
The refreshed MBA curriculum will roll out in January 2024.
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