Last year, I wrote a blog detailing the changes we were making to the Modular Executive MBA (MEMBA), which included introducing pre-course modules to ensure students have the financial and quantitative skills needed to thrive on the programme, as well as new core modules and a refreshed selection of electives. We also introduced several format improvements, including a new three-day weekend structure enhanced by asynchronous learning via pre-recorded materials before class and live synchronous teaching two weeks after class.

At the end of Year 1, feedback on these changes has been consistently positive, with students appreciating the blended learning approach, increased timetable flexibility and additional touchpoints with Bayes’ world-class faculty. In a few weeks, we will also implement a new weekend dedicated to Consulting Skills in preparation to the International Consulting Week which will be at the end of March in Kenya, working with a variety of clients on strategic challenges around the theme of technology for impact.
With these foundations in place, we move onto the next phase of development which focuses on Year 2.

Additional networking opportunities

A key element of the changes already implemented has been increasing the opportunities for students to network with each other and to have additional touchpoints with faculty. This will continue in the second year of the programme.

Between April and July 2024, students on the Modular Executive MBA will take electives with students from the Full-time MBA, and from September 2024 through to February 2025, they can take elective modules together with students on the Evening Executive MBA and the Global MBA (Online) programmes. This will help foster a greater sense of a Bayes MBA community and give students a much-wider pool for networking and collaboration through group work.

Become a more successful leader

In November 2024, the Leadership and Performance mandatory module covers the latest evidence on why leadership is crucial and how someone can be a more successful leader.

Drawing on current research about leaders and managers, this module presents robust empirical findings which are practical in nature. We consider how this body of evidence can help students on their own leadership journeys, by examining how leaders influence productivity, trust, job satisfaction and worker engagement. There are many takeaways which can be quickly applied to the workplace – such as how to spot, develop, motivate and incentivise team members to improve organisational performance. We reflect on individuals’ past leadership experiences, learn from peers and consider how to navigate the future as leaders.

For example, how do you, as a leader, foster trust? How do you establish a truly diverse workplace? In building a team, are you conscious of the risk of homophily - selecting others in your own image or with your exact same views? Addressing these questions will help develop conscious leadership skills and new ways of thinking.

New elective modules introduced

We are introducing two new elective modules for students who wish to deepen their knowledge.

Leading Strategy Execution, running in September 2024, is specifically tailored to C-suite executives. It looks at the challenge of translating strategy into actionable results – addressing the often-overlooked complexities of bridging the gap between strategy formulation and execution. How do you identify hidden execution barriers and navigate formal and informal organisational interactions? How do you understand stakeholders’ explicit and concealed agendas? This module gives participants a comprehensive executive skill set, and the ability to develop actionable execution plans. It includes insights on fostering a supportive environment, aligning operations, implementing performance metrics and conducting stakeholder engagement.

The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already having a profound impact on the way business operates. Huge volumes of data and the evolution of machine learning is changing the way business leaders think and make decisions. Companies like Tesla employ AI in their production lines to optimise manufacturing, detect defects and enhance product quality.

Advanced Analytics for Business, a new elective running in January 2025, is an essential addition to the MEMBA programme which will equip students with advanced analytical skills and improve employability. Organisations are investing enormous sums of money on data management systems to improve their business, attract more customers and introduce innovative services and products. Netflix, for instance, uses machine learning to analyse viewing habits and recommend content tailored to individual preferences. More than ever, employers are looking for advanced analytical skills and people who can understand and interpret data.

Alongside this deep-dive into big data and developing analytical skills, it is crucial that executives take a step back and consider the real strategic leadership implications of data and AI.

Widening horizons

The Modular Executive MBA programme has always attracted a multi-cultural international cohort – the 2023 intake covers 15 nationalities.

Since we have introduced the new flexible structure, we are seeing an increase in applications from ‘long distance flyers’ – people prepared to travel to London from Asia and Africa, for example. This is because of the condensed weekend in-person teaching schedule, and an increase in blended online learning, which offers greater flexibility in how students learn. This increasing diversity will enrich the learning experience for all and add new voices and viewpoints to classroom discussions. Alongside this, we have seen a significant increase in applications, so we know the new formula is attractive to students.

When we began the strategy review of the Modular Executive MBA, we considered what MBAs would look like ten years hence. It’s been hugely encouraging to see that our change to a more experiential MBA with flexible blended learning has been so well received. I am confident that the programme provides what students need now to thrive as leaders, and it will continue to respond to the external environment to ensure what we offer is always fit for the future.

Dr Alessandro Giudici, Reader in Strategy and Course Director, Modular Executive MBA