[Day 1-3] Executive MBA residency experience in USA
- 통합 관리자
- Hit6639
- 2018-10-26
SKK GSB Executive MBA has a three-time overseas Residency program during its 1.5year-long academic calendar, which helps students better understand major global issues. We would like to share an experience–rich story of our Executive MBA student, delivered from U.S., IU Kelley school of business..
[Day 1: IU Kelley Overview / Introduction to Business Analytics]
I have to admit that I had butterflies in my stomach before I attended the first lecture. What comforted me was the lecture by Associate Dean Ash Soni. Starting with an introduction of IU and Kelley School of Business, he went through the complete history of the school, faculty and its programs. They were all very interesting and impressive, but what touched me the most was his warm welcoming remarks: "You're a Kelley member, and you are no different from the other people who are affiliated with Kelley School. I hope you enjoy Kelley thoroughly during your stay.” Almost immediately I was able to put myself at ease and felt like I was already a part of Kelley.
His class, Introduction to Business Analytics, covered the development of decision tools and various technologies that marked the 4th Industrial Revolution, such as IoT, Big Data and Sensor Technology. Since these topics were of my interest, I was intrigued by the lecture even before it started. This was merely an introductory course that leads to more advanced courses of Business Analytics, and I can’t wait to learn more about this topic.
His class, Introduction to Business Analytics, covered the development of decision tools and various technologies that marked the 4th Industrial Revolution, such as IoT, Big Data and Sensor Technology. Since these topics were of my interest, I was intrigued by the lecture even before it started. This was merely an introductory course that leads to more advanced courses of Business Analytics, and I can’t wait to learn more about this topic.
[Day 2: The Leadership Challenge]
From the second day onwards, lectures began to thoroughly deal with ‘leadership’ as the main topic. Professor Douglas Austrom taught the five definitions of leadership (The Five Core Practices of Exclusive Leadership) and gave us various activities that can be done in classrooms and on campus. The first activity was to create a model consisting of several circles and bars. At first, all members except the leader were asked to cover their eyes and make a model according to the leader's instructions. After some time, they were asked to remove the blindfold and make a model once again. Since then, teams that were barely able to start modeling before having their blindfold removed, came up with ideas, made models in the most efficient way, and reduced time spent on tasks through perpetual attempts.
Through this activity, all members learned the importance of a shared vision, the role of the leader to realize a shared vision, and the need to increase their expertise through collaboration and repetitive performance.
In the afternoon, "Barrel Move" and "Rope Bridge" were conducted by Colonel Michael Ogden at the campus green. "Barrel Move" was about using tools to move barrels at the fastest speed possible, and "Rope Bridge" was not any different apart from the fact that it used ropes as a substitute for tools. Like previous tasks, they were team activities comprising leaders and team members. It was not an easy task – to move things in accordance to the set rules under the scorching heat of the late summer sun – but thanks to creative ideas and the collaboration of members, the mission was successfully accomplished. What we learned from this activity was that we all should think outside of the box. Especially for leaders, it was paramount that they try to achieve the best results under the given environment and conditions, with teamwork based on mutual trust.
[Day 3: The Leadership Challenge]
Lectures on leadership by Professor Douglas Austrom continued from the early morning. His lecture, Leadership Challenge module, comprised the five core practices of exclusive leadership and case studies: 1. Model the Way, 2. Inspire a Shared Vision, 3. Challenge the Process, 4. Enable Others to Act, 5. Encourage the Heart.
In the afternoon, the "Orienteering" activity by Colonel Michael Ogden took place at the college green. Absolutely drenched by the hot weather, we covered our eyes and painstakingly carried heavy things in the name of the task. It will linger in my memory for a long while, as hard-earned lessons from challenging experiences, ‘die hard’. I had to take a number of things into consideration: whether or not I put an unnecessary burden on the team, followed processes blindly than to "Challenge" them, and hindered collaboration in the name of competition. I am certain that the lessons I learned from all the above will form the basis for me to grow as a true leader.
Written by Eunyoung Lee (SKK GSB Executive MBA, Class of 2020)