News/Events

WDI Plans To Expand Flagship Exec Ed Program

Thursday, September 12, 2019

WDI Faculty Affiliate John Branch facilitates the 2016 Strategic Management Program at the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga, Latvia.

Building on successes in Latvia, Croatia and Slovakia, WDI’s Education Sector plans to bring its flagship executive education program, the 10-day Strategic Management Program (SMP), to managers in new markets. To accomplish this, WDI is seeking new university or training partners that can benefit from its expertise and with whom it can form a long-term partnership. 

The intensive, two-week SMP, also known as a “mini MBA,” is currently being offered each spring in Latvia in partnership with the Stockholm School of Economics in Riga (SSE Riga). 

Amy GillettWDI Education Sector Vice President Amy Gillett said she has received several inquiries over the past few years from managers outside of Latvia interested in this program.

“Some are not able to travel to Riga and are looking for a program like this in their own country,” she said. “The MBA mindset and cross-functional approach are key tools for succeeding in business. But not everybody has time or money to pursue an MBA degree. That’s driven the popularity of this program.”

The program, tailored for high potential, mid- to senior-level managers, features four modules – strategy, finance, marketing, and leadership – and is structured around an integrative strategic framework. The sessions present both foundational general management principles and the recent business management theory. Additionally, participants from corporations, small businesses, and nonprofits grapple with real situations faced by their peers in their own business environments.

 The program combines lectures, discussions, cases and exercises. Participants also conduct group work, which enhances their critical thinking, decision-making and teamwork skills. 

“Peer-to-peer learning is a critical part of this program,” says Gillett. “There is a rich exchange of ideas that takes place across industries and organizations of different sizes. After the two weeks, participants feel energized to bring fresh thinking and new tools back to their organizations.”

Click on the image to view the Strategic Management Program brochure.

 WDI has organized the program annually since 2007 in cooperation with SSE Riga. A second session has been added in Riga this fall due to demand. Unlike the spring session, the fall offering has a break in between the 10 days of the program for managers who can only be away from the office for one week at a time.

Gillett said the program allows participants to upgrade their managerial skills, enhance their professional networks and boost their careers in just two weeks. “It’s efficient both in terms of time and money,” she said.

WDI has delivered the SMP more than 25 times in Latvia, Croatia, and Slovakia and has also created customized versions of the program for companies, including Oracle and US Steel.

“We feel confident we bring a very solid, in-demand program,” Gillett said. “Our content and format are proven. And our instructors are world-class and eager to teach for us in new markets.” 

 

Back to Top