The virtual inauguration of the ‘Advanced Leadership Programme at SDA Bocconi’ for the one year, full-time, Post Graduate Programme for Executives (EPGP) took place at IIM Indore. The programme is a part of the International Immersion Module for EPGP, which is conducted in collaboration with one of the top-ranking international business schools. This year, this programme is being conducted online amid Covid-19. Spread over one academic term, the programme is being attended by 68 participants.
Contemporary education
The course content of the international immersion module at SDA Bocconi includes contemporary topics of the global business environment such as design thinking, family business management, private equity and venture capital, luxury management, innovation management, digital transformation, infrastructure finance, doing business in Europe.
The overall design of this programme focusses to complement the theoretical underpinning with perspective from the latest industry practices facilitating the participants a smooth transition back to their domains post this intensive learning experience.
The inauguration was attended virtually by Professor Himanshu Rai, Director, IIM Indore; Professor Saumya Ranjan Dash, Chair-EPGP and Faculty, IIM Indore; Professor Stefano Caselli, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Bocconi University; Professor Giuseppe Soda, Dean, SDA Bocconi and Professor Veronica Vecchi, Programme Director, SDA Bocconi Executive Education Director, SDA Bocconi Asia Center.
Time to introspect
Professor Rai shared insights on the positive aspect of Covid and how it can be used in a constructive way during the pandemic. “This programme is created with a vision to craft responsible leaders, who can contribute in building a peaceful and vibrant world based on equality,” he said. Sharing his apprehensions about the pandemic, he noted that it’s a signal from the nature that something is wrong; and we need to introspect and find a way to make this world a better place. “Discover your true self and follow your passion. Use this opportunity to learn as much as you can and implement the learning to create a better world around,” he added.
Professor Dash noted that the programme is designed for an increasingly globalised economic environment, issues of the world economy, and enable them to understand and compare the businesses in emerging and developed economies. “The international immersion creates a perfect platform for participants to learn the global business and to broaden their knowledge about various aspects of rapidly globalising economies,” he said.
Towards economic recovery
Professor Stefano Caselli, Vice Rector for International Affairs, Bocconi University
Discussing the importance of finance and investments in the current scenario, Professor Caselli emphasised on finding ways to recover the economy and GDP amid the ongoing pandemic. He said that we need to focus on long-term goals to strengthen the economy with the help of responsible managers and leaders. “Strong managerial skills are now required not only at the government-level, but also among the corporates; and this programme would help the participants develop a strong sense of responsibility and leadership at corporate level,” he said.
Professor Vecchi stressed upon the need to remain sustainable and responsible and mentioned that corporates need to find ways in which they can incorporate values in the system. She noted that the programme includes guest talks, simulation, assignments, classes and other interesting sessions.