Learning methods

The key factors in the learning are:

• Intensive participant contribution
• Involvement of internationally renowned faculty from leading business schools and universities as well as industry advisors
• Use of executive advisors from within and outside the home company
• Discussion of cases that are relevant to the industry
• Anchoring of home company assignments in the sponsoring company
• Multi-company group work on issues that cut across the industry, to broaden perspectives and develop new insights on key challenges

The program requires a lot of preparation and participation. This includes pre-reading, class lectures and discussions, case studies, individual and group assignments, application of learning to home company assignments, as well as multi-company group work on industry issues.

Each of the first three modules requires 5 - 10 hours of preparation, and 25 - 35 hours for the post-module, home company team assignment. The multi-company group work on industry issues requires up to 10 hours of work between modules. The personal leadership and relational skills aspect of the program forms a continuing and connecting theme through all four modules. Group work on this will require up to 10 hours of preparation between modules.

For module 4, participants are required to create a final report and presentation in collaboration with their home company advisor. These documents synthesize key recommendations from modules 1, 2 and 3 home company assignments and are presented to a panel of SIMI faculty and external examiners during module 4.

The home company assignments, the multi-company industry issue reports and presentations, the personal leadership assessment report must be completed successfully to earn a diploma. Grades A, B and C are passing grades, whereas F constitutes failing. Full attendance is required to qualify for a diploma.

Due to the international composition of the faculty and the participants, English is used exclusively throughout the course.