Coursework in each residence period is designed around a learning theme. Residence period themes are:

Residence Period 1: Shaping the Future
Strategic directions for improving the organization’s performance are taught throughout the program year, but in the first residence period a great deal of class time is spent “learning the numbers” with detailed coverage on how to read and use financial statements and managerial accounting reports. The emphasis is on what information financial indicators can provide regarding current performance, and on opportunities to improve future performance. Students will consider topics ranging from performance metrics to evaluation incentives, increasing confidence in using financial data to measure and manage organizational and individual performance.

Residence Period 2: Building an Enterprise Strategy
One of the strategic keys to excellent organizational performance is providing superior value to customers. Today, competitive superiority does not just depend on what a firm does in isolation. Rather, it is a function of what the entire value stream or supply chain does cooperatively. Working across organizational boundaries to integrate a supply chain offers a powerful and difficult-to-replicate source of competitive advantage. Making a strategic decision to integrate the supply chain or value chain requires leadership that understands and can work cross-functionally to see connecting systems and processes that ultimately determine the organization’s competitiveness.

Residence Period 3: Gaining a Global Advantage
During the international residence period, a global business seminar is held in two markets which are attracting significant foreign business investment. The destinations typically rotate among Asia, South or Central America, and Eastern Europe. Students obtain first-hand insights into issues affecting the global business environment. Site visits to manufacturing facilities and service organizations are combined with lectures and presentations by business executives from both local organizations and multinational corporations, as well as by educators from local universities. This hands-on approach is key to fully understanding the opportunities and challenges that exist when conducting business in a global environment.

Residence Period 4: Making It Happen
Knowing what an organization needs to do in order to remain competitive in the future is a huge accomplishment. But how does a manager effectively lead the wave of change needed to take the organization to the next level of competitiveness? The first half of the fourth residence period focuses on leading organizational change. The second half of the residence period is spent applying all of the principles learned throughout the Executive MBA year through a business simulation where students manage all aspects of a business that competes in a global marketplace.