Gothenburg’s flagship programme for managers – the Executive MBA programme – is expanding its network in Asia to four partner universities in three countries. Parts of the programme are already being taught at the elite schools Indian Institute of Management Bangalore in India and Zhejiang University in China. The network is now being expanded to include two additional top-ranked universities in China and South Korea.

The School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg partners with more than 180 universities all over the world. GU School of Executive Education, which is responsible for the school’s executive education programmes, collaborates strategically with several of these universities. The latest additions are Shanghai Jiao Tong University in China and Yonsei University in South Korea. Both are top ranked and maintain the highest international standard.

Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

– We’re proud to be collaborating closely with four well-reputed universities in Asia. This gives us access to local expertise and contact with multinational companies such as Infosys, Alibaba and Samsung. With Swedish companies expanding in countries such as China, India and South Korea, there is a growing need for knowledge about how to do business in these countries. The participants in our Executive MBA programme often work in export-oriented industries and via our network they can make direct contact with researchers and executives in the region says Per-Olof Larsson, CEO of GU School of Executive Education. Karin Broman is studying the final term of the Executive MBA Programme and has just returned from a 10-day education module at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore, one of two overseas modules in the programme.

Karin Broman, CEO, FreeWheel Consulting, studying in the Executive MBA programme
Karin Broman, CEO, FreeWheel Consulting, studying in the Executive MBA programme

– Our stay in Bangalore was truly a journey in several respects. We learnt so many things, not only about how to do business in India and about leadership. We also gained deeper understanding about the journey that we each and every one are pursuing in our Life’s Journey. One of the most important lessons I learnt was the importance of looking beyond the obvious. Indian traffic, for example. At first sight, pure chaos until you realise that it is inclusive and allows everybody to be part of it. All types of vehicles as well as cows are allowed. Somebody said that the traffic in India reflects the Indian society and that really got me thinking.

Plans for several executive education programmes in South Korea

In November 2013, the first executive education trip to South Korea was arranged in collaboration with Yonsei University in Seoul. The purpose of the trip was to develop and strengthen contacts in Asia and to deepen knowledge of how companies in South Korea work on questions of leadership, marketing and innovation.

– The Korea Business Programme was specifically designed for our Executive MBA alumni, but after a dialogue with Swedish export companies, we decided to invite additional participants, for example, from the Stena Sphere. The Korea Business Programme was so highly appreciated that we’re now planning a second trip as soon as in the autumn of 2014. Apart from the fact that South Korea is an interesting country on the rise, Yonsei University has excellent lecturers and we’re now discussing how they can be involved directly in several of our executive education programmes, says Per-Olof Larsson.

About the School of Executive Education at the School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg

The School of Executive Education at the School of Business, Economics and Law, University of Gothenburg offers the only AMBA-accredited Executive MBA Programme in Sweden as well as tailor-made programmes for internationally oriented companies in the Nordic market. Our education programmes are offered in, among other countries, the US, India, Singapore, Hong Kong, China and South Korea. By combining academic rigour with practical relevance we develop our clients’ key employees. The School of Executive Education is part of the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg – one of just under 70 business schools worldwide with 5-year EQUIS accreditation. https://www.guexed.com/