There are many factors driving the challenges currently facing the business world. From global uncertainty to rapidly evolving technology, it seems the only certainty is ever-increasing ambiguity.
According to Associate Professor Udo Gottlieb, business leaders know they need a new skillset to be effective in this environment. “Leaders are facing problems that do not come with a playbook, so they need the right skillset to lead through this, including nuanced judgment and the ability to work across disciplines,” he says. “The QUT Online MBA is designed to be immediately practical, using real-world frameworks and assessments that students can apply in their roles from week one.”
Practical frameworks for the real world
The MBA is built on three foundations with core and advanced business units as well as career-relevant specialisations that students can tailor to their own professional path. Core units focus on setting the foundations that today’s business leaders require. Students learn how to lead their team and also assess and develop their leadership style as well as marketing strategy, accounting and financial management and then strategy and systems thinking. They then build on these through advanced core units which include economics, business law and governance as well as crisis management and negotiation. Entrepreneurship and innovation are also important areas of focus at this stage.
According to Associate Professor Gottlieb, these core units are strongly linked to what leaders will be experiencing in their workplace. “Decision-making and influencing skills are critical for workplace leaders today who need to guide their teams through ambiguity whilst providing strong advice to executives,” he says. “These core units help students to get the basics right and build from this strong foundation.”
Specialisations that match where business is heading
MBA students come from a variety of backgrounds and have the flexibility through the QUT Online MBA to not only study at their own pace and at times that are convenient, but also to carve a path that is most relevant to them. There is a range of specialisations to choose from, including data analytics, digital transformation and AI, as well as leadership and strategy, health management and project management.
For some, it may be immediately obvious which option will help to boost their career. For example, those working in health may be drawn to specialisation in health management. For others, it may not be as obvious. Students are encouraged to think about their next role, the problems they want to solve, as well as what skills are most important in their ideal industry.
Ambitious professionals ready to step up
Success in the QUT Online MBA is not determined by previous academic performance, rather the ideal learner is one that is curious, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. Academic Delivery Lead Broch Cleminson says she has seen students join the degree with a more technical background, such as engineering or medical professionals, wanting to move into more strategic leadership roles. “I’ve had conversations with students who are starting their MBA and feel nervous that their academic background isn’t aligned to success,” she says. “I have seen great success in students who are either new to study or from a more technical backgrounds, so prospective students shouldn’t feel concerned that if they don’t feel like the perfect fit.” Collaboration with other students is also an important feature of the online MBA.
Put it into practice: a high-impact workplace project
Cleminson says that students will likely start applying what they are learning in the workplace as they go and shouldn’t assume that the value of the course will only be realised once they graduate. “One of the areas where this can be seen most explicitly is through a workplace project which is an option that some students will take,” she says. “This will see students planning, delivering and measuring impact in their own organisation or sector.” Projects such as this or applied research help students to build confidence and capability, skills that are critical in helping them to lead teams, influence stakeholders and drive change.
Why QUT Online?
The QUT Graduate School of Business is Triple Crown accredited, placing it in the top 1% of business schools globally. Students completing the fully online MBA will not only get the chance to learn from industry-connected academics, but also build professional connections while they learn at a pace that suits them.
If you are interested in leading through change, building strategic capability and creating real world impact, join Associate Professor Udo Gottlieb and Academic Delivery Lead Broch Cleminson for a webinar on Monday June 15 at 6pm AEST. It’s an opportunity to hear about how the MBA has been designed, the key learning outcomes as well as what to expect from a practical perspective. Register now to secure your place.