A New Full-Time MBA From October 1st

by Gianmario Verona

Thanks to the ongoing support of the Dean's Office, the Master Division and the Operations Division, three main changes have been introduced in the Full-Time MBA program offered by SDA Bocconi School of Management. These are aimed at addressing more effectively the growing international demand (our 2012 and 2013 classes are represented, on average, by 30 nationalities) and dealing with fierce global competition. The changes we have introduced include a new course structure, a stronger drive to build a feeling of identity relative to the program, the School and the University and greater alumni engagement.

The course is now structured according to four sequences, each representing skills and values that a modern manager should possess in order to succeed in their role. The "Planning and Innovating" sequence will focus on the development of skills required to deal with global competition: that is, the ability to plan based on current capabilities while introducing change and pursuing innovation. On the other hand, the "Controlling and Investing" sequence will equip students with the quantitative tools to manage performance and, at the same time, make investments and obtain funding to support business decisions. The "Leading People and Processes" sequence is aimed at giving students the framework to set up a project in terms of processes and resources. Finally, the "Soft Skills and Values" sequence is designed to develop skills such as communication, project & team management, and management ethics. The four sequences will take students from the start of the course through to the last term, which is dedicated to four concentrations: Innovation, Marketing, Finance, and the Luxury track. As of this year, our Concentrations will place an even greater emphasis on practical aspects thanks to several on-campus business projects. Besides Bulgari, which already sponsors the Luxury track, we have started a collaboration with Janssen Cilag, part of Johnson and Johnson, and Tetrapak.

There are also many initiatives focused on strengthening our identity. In addition to the traditional events that have created a strong image and contributed to the identity of our MBA program, such as the Rolex Regatta and the Ski Cup, this year there will be many other events aimed at growing the identity of our large community. "A cocktail with" is a bi-monthly lecture series that allows our students to meet with professionals from Bocconi's research divisions. This year's guests will include Guido Tabellini, Andrea Beltratti, Tito Boeri and Alfonso Gambardella. Another event is "A movie with", where students watch films that deal with economic problems and ethics. Following the screenings of "Il Gioiellino" – debated with Andrea Sironi and Francesco Daveri – and "Inside Job" – debated with Rob Grant and Stefano Gatti – over the next few months we will be showing and debating, with other faculty members, films such as "Margin Call" and "Too Big To Fail". However, the peak of our effort to strengthen our identity will be reached with an important innovation that will be introduced on 2nd October, which is the Opening Week. For the first time, our students will be welcomed on campus not only by their teachers but also by a full schedule of activities to encourage team spirit, motivation and commitment. This will be achieved through a variety of tools such as Art Lab and a visit to a leading Italian industrial organization.

Another innovation concerns the alumni network, which in every successful business school provides key support to the MBA program by assisting with admissions, placements and course content. Thanks to the support of BAA, a series of alumni events – including the recent MBA reunion – will enable students and alumni to come together and share their experience.

As a player in a complex and global market with increasingly fierce competition, SDA Bocconi's Full-Time MBA is committed to playing an active role and staying ahead in the years to come.