Professor QIAN Yin Yi, School of Economics and Management Dean of School of Economics and Management, met with about 40 IMBA students during an open dialogue on December 11, 2008. The session also involved staff from the MBA Programs Office, International Affairs Office, Alumni Office and Career Development Center.

 

Conducted in an open discussion style at the new café in Shunde Building, the 1 ½ hour dialogue drew a spirited flow of constructive comments and suggestions from both sides. Such a dialogue is held once every semester, and this was the first one involving students from the new class of 2010. An earlier feedback session was held with Associate Dean Professor TONG Yunhuan in October 2008, where topics on course content and approach, communication channels and career development support were discussed.

 

 

Starting off with a short icebreaker quiz on the Dean’s background, students learnt about the Dean’s impressive qualifications and keen interest in the education sector. Moving on to the main discussion, Dean Qian encouraged students to raise any questions and provide feedback and suggestions to improve the IMBA program.

 

One of the areas which students were keen to understand was the vision and positioning of the program. Dean Qian explained that its positioning was to educate future leaders, with general management as a core competence. The school had recently announced curricular reform to emphasize on developing soft skills, incorporating global perspectives and providing experiential learning, through integrated courses.  The program changes were introduced after an intensive study involving employers’ expectations and needs, as well as other schools’ offerings. As the dean noted, being a relatively young program, the IMBA could be nimble and transform itself to be relevant to tomorrow’s needs.

 

Students also raised feedback on strengthening individual language skills. The international students were keen to learn Chinese, while the local students wanted to improve their English. Thus, it was suggested that students could have more opportunities for intensive language learning, with hands-on practice opportunities such as making presentations. The dean agreed on the importance of language abilities, and the administration would look into adjusting the program structure, such as holding a Chinese pre-course for new students.

 

Dean Qian also asked students about the workload and general feedback on courses. The discussion also covered other topics including improving infrastructure and facilities, engaging foreign visiting professors, facilitating contacts with alumni and enhancing employability.

 

The dialogue ended on a positive note, with conversation limited by time rather than content. The session served as an excellent opportunity for the students to provide feedback directly and hear the dean’s views. Moving ahead, the students and administration continue to have a two-way communication process and to work closely to further enhance the IMBA program.

For more details about new Tsinghua IMBA Curriculum, please click here