Corporate MBA programmes could save money

20 employees from Telus, Canada’s fastest-growing national telecommunications company, have just graduated from their own corporate MBA programme. With a university partner supporting the idea, such corporate programmes can incorporate a company’s values, purpose, and model of operating. Corporate MBA programmes could such be a new way forward for businesses wanting to further educate their employees and save money at the same time, according to an article in Forbes magazine.

Telus’ programme combined different teaching methods – formal, face-to-face and virtual live instruction paired with online discussion forums, social learning, coaching, shadowing and case studies. The programme was tailored to the company needs including a specialization in leadership and strategy that used diverse case studies.

According to Forbes, senior leaders of the company, including CEO Darren Entwistl, spent at least a day teaching and working with the cohort. Another element of the programme was an international residency for ten days in Bucharest which showcased the outsourcing of a business process.

Telus funded the project, whilst the Gustavson School of Business supported the programme by designing and developing the curriculum and content and delivering the programme. It has been recognized internationally already winning several awards like the “Innovations That Inspire” award from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business and the Silver Award for Talent Development at the Excellence in Practice Awards, an initiative of European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD).

Buoyed by the success, Telus has already enrolled the second cohort at the university and plans additional teams for 2019 and 2021.