The traditional university learning journey is evolving faster than ever, with students embracing a range of new learning experiences and degree pathways.
As expectations of how students learn change, business schools are leading the charge to adapt their programs to provide greater flexibility and more opportunities for deep, experiential learning.
Queensland’s QUT Business School is leading the way in adopting innovative content and delivery options to enhance its Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Executive MBA (EMBA) to ensure they stay at the forefront of the learning revolution.
The range of experiential learning opportunities for current and future QUT MBA students has grown rapidly, with the expansion of co-varsity learning experiences like the International Collaboration Sprint and the addition of new microcredentials that provide a stepping stone into the MBA program or add an exciting new element for existing MBA students.
International Collaboration Sprint
In late October, QUT hosted the International Collaboration Sprint, a unique event that brought together MBA talent from around the world to develop impactful entrepreneurial opportunities relating to climate-technologies.
Participation in the Sprint provided students with credit towards their MBA as well as a unique learning and networking experience.
Associate Professor Glen Murphy, Director of QUT Entrepreneurship, leads the initiative that brings together MBA talent from around the world to help solve “wicked problems”.
“The Sprint concept is pretty simple; we put smart people in a room and see what happens,” he said
“During this year’s sprint, we hosted 25 students from QUT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), University of Auckland and National University of Singapore (NUS) MBAs to work on identifying entrepreneurial opportunities and develop a business case for green technologies.
“The teams get access to a wide range of researchers, industry practitioners, start-up founders and policymakers and are coached through the process.”
At the end of the week, each co-varsity team delivers a 10-minute presentation and a 2,000-word report for a panel of experts.
Tamara Dyer, QUT MBA student and Head of Tender Desk at Veolia Australia and New Zealand, said that the International Collaboration Sprint was one of the best experiences of her MBA.
“Collaborating and learning from peers from other universities in an immersive entrepreneurial program was extremely valuable,” she said.
“The individual reflection we were required to do ingrained a deeper level of understanding with the piece of climate technology my group worked on, and how my own organisation could adapt and use the technology in line with the Australian government’s Future Made in Australia plan.”
Masterclasses and Microcredentials
As part of QUT Business School’s strategy to diversify and expand its range of learning options, MBA students can study business microcredentials as electives, gaining specialised, future-focused knowledge before graduating.
Some available courses include AI for Business Value, Leading Sustainable Finance & Investment and FutureSport 360: Navigating the Future of Sports Management.
Masterclasses form part of these microcredentials, which can be converted into credit shortening the time needed to complete their MBA degree or enabling them to apply for advanced standing in the MBA program.
Professor Sarah Kelly OAM, Head of the QUT Graduate School of Business, said the microcredentials were developed to harness QUT’s extensive interdisciplinary expertise to help understand and solve real-world problems.
“The learning structure for each course is constantly reviewed to ensure students are getting the best possible experience and outcomes,” she said.
“Each of the credentials has the same academic rigour and standards as an MBA subject, so it is a great way for people to get a bit of a taster if they are still wondering if an MBA is right for them.”
Professor Kelly said the microcredentials were co-designed and delivered in cooperation with industry and experts globally.
“Our philosophy here is to be a classroom without walls. In practice, that means being accessible to all types of learners and delivering a range of different experiences and pathways,” she said.
One of the newly launched masterclasses, FutureSport 360, is a 10-week online course designed to equip current and aspiring sports professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the ever-changing sports industry.
The course, which Professor Kelly leads, covers an interdisciplinary range of topics essential for success and leadership in the sector.
“FutureSport 360 is a unique program that brings together the latest research insights and practical applications across various facets of sports management,” says Professor Kelly. “We aim to future-proof the careers of those working in or aspiring to work in the sports sector by offering a comprehensive, 360-degree understanding of the industry.”
Once participants have completed the masterclass, they have the option to undertake a extra work integrated project assessment, which make up the microcredential and can counts towards credit for an MBA.
QUT MBA student Tamara Dyer said the AI for Business Value microcredential she completed was a great opportunity to incorporate AI learnings into her MBA and in turn her own organisation.
“AI is now such a huge field ¾ it’s driving every industry, and we all have it available in our pockets now,” she said.
“The AI learnings delivered by QUT’s Professor Marek Kowalkiewicz were so current. The real gold for me was being able to use those learnings and write an AI strategy for my own organisation in the environmental services sector.
“It was a great experiential learning opportunity, offering additional subject areas to explore. I have thoroughly recommended this to all my peers.”
Applications for QUT’s Executive MBA are for Brisbane and in Canberra. Find out more and apply now.
