Author: Dr Timothy (Tim) O’Shannassy, PhD FIML, Program Director, RMIT Executive MBA
The RMIT University Executive MBA is one of the first and best in Melbourne, commencing in 1978 on our beautiful Melbourne CBD campus, and enjoying continuing success.
At RMIT we believe thought leadership is an important attribute that can be developed in Executive MBA students, but the students must have the desire to develop in this area.
RMIT’s Graduate School of Business and Law faculty teaching the Executive MBA place great importance on developing business leaders of the future, with the right blend of academic and business knowledge, plus the right skills for the workplace now and the workplace of the future.
The workplace itself can be an intimidating place for the new Executive MBA graduate, when you are starting out and rubbing shoulders with senior executives and company directors with decades of experience and major career achievements.
The Executive MBA graduate needs to feel like they belong in that work environment, that they can make a strong contribution in the workplace, show leadership, survive and prosper.
With this in mind the RMIT Executive MBA curriculum includes a carefully calibrated balance of learning in design, leadership, ethics, cross functional management, innovation, strategy and consulting.
Class time is complimented by use of the Canvas learning management software to ensure students get a high-quality digital experience and access to premium course content. Teaching is a dynamic and interactive activity where theory is explained, the latest research introduced, case studies discussed, and great conversations developed around current practice.
In each academic year RMIT organizes a number of Thought Leadership Series Events to introduce current students to leading academic and industry figures, as well as provide an opportunity to mingle with and network RMIT alumni. This creates a rich learning environment.
Recent Thought Leadership Series Events have included experts such as Professor Sinclair Davidson talking about blockchain and cryptocurrency, Professor Shams Rahman and John Ditty Senior Partner KPMG Vietnam talking about the United Nations sustainable development goals and business, and Ability Works Australia Limited Chief Executive Officer Sue Boyce talking about the importance of social impact in our work.
The RMIT Executive MBA also has an extensive Guest Speaker Program in class bringing in company directors, C-suite executives, partners in professional service firms and recent alumni to meet and talk to students about the realities of the workplace and building a career.
At RMIT we believe the right business school environment with exposure to the right blend of academic and industry leaders at the right moments, can provide the necessary spark to help students develop the confidence and skills to be thought leaders, and survive and prosper in the workplace.
