CEIBS Global EMBA (GEMBA) global modules are in full swing, with seven being delivered during the first three months of 2024 alone! For GEMBA students and alumni, eager to combine classroom lessons with real situational learning in business environments across the world, the change couldn't be more welcomed.

In each of the following four highlighted modules, GEMBA learners enjoyed a wealth of unique experiences including insightful lectures, interactive company visits, thought exchange with business leaders and guided tours of relevant cultural heritage sites. In every instance, attendees were reminded that in the age of modern, globalised business, a broader mindset is an invaluable asset, no matter your role and industry.

01 Italy: The Management of Luxury Companies: Stories of Success in Italy

Led by: Gianfranco Siciliano, Assistant Professor of Accounting, CEIBS

The luxury industry has changed dramatically over the last two decades, thanks to the advent of digitalisation and rapid adjustments in luxury consumption trends by consumers around the world. Where better than Italy – home of global powerhouse brands like Gucci, Versace and Armani – to explore the nature and impact of these changes?

During the four-day module, attendees learned some of the secrets to Italian success in this hyper-competitive and complex industry. Through company visits to Armani, EATALY (artisanal Italian food emporium) and the Pino Grasso Ricami Lab (Haute Couture embroidery), they saw firsthand how Italian companies pull off a delicate balancing act between preserving their exclusivity while broadening their appeal in new market segments.

Similarly, a series of academic lectures and executive sharing sessions allowed everyone on the module to better understand the relationship between tradition and innovation, between expertise and experimentation. These are considerations that matter deeply in the luxury industry, but also have their place in the future strategies of any company, in any sector.

Jean-François Belleau
VP Business Development and Performance Management China, North Asia Oceania, Danone
Global EMBA 2023

"The Luxury, Made in Italy, module was a truly enriching exploration into the luxury and fashion business models. We delved into product desirability and timeless value propositions, enjoying unforgettable company visits to iGuzzini, Armani, Panerai, Eataly. We also witnessed the global presence of luxury – from Italian craftsmanship owned by MNCs like LVMH and Kering, driving consumer desire, to the universal allure of brands embracing digitalisation and sustainability."

Shirley Lu
BU Brand and Performance Marketing Lead, Unilever
Global EMBA 2023

"Our exploration of Italy served as a gateway to uncovering the timeless allure of Italian elegance, while also providing a glimpse into the future trajectories of the fashion industry and craftsmanship. After this journey, I now understand that luxury is not objective; it can be seen as an integration of the true values of luxury, art, and heritage into our everyday lives and professional endeavours. By embodying these values into daily life and work, I can create a luxury experience for customers or clients and stand out from the competition."

02 Switzerland: Neutrality as competitive advantage

Led by: Eric Bouteiller, Adjunct Professor of Management, CEIBS
In a deeply politicised and often divided world, is it better to stay neutral, keeping all options open? Switzerland, with its long history of determined neutrality, has enjoyed robust stability and prosperity decade by decade, attracting cross-border resources and talents vital for developing its leading companies.

This module was an immersive study in how neutrality has become a critical factor in the ongoing success story of major Swiss companies, not to mention the country’s sizeable influence within international bodies dedicated to trade, finance, sport and humanitarian fields. Attendees visited the Swiss Stock Exchange, Olympic Museum, WTO and Red Cross Museum, enjoying expert sharings in each location. From an exploration of the Swiss governance system led by Dr Michael Ambühl, Former Ambassador and Swiss State Secretary, to a geopolitical analysis of the advantages of neutrality in a fragmented world (delivered by Dr Koen Berden, Erasmus School of Economics), GEMBA learners gained rare insights into the Swiss approach to international diplomacy, commerce, cooperation and competition.

Jackie Wu
Senior Partner, Long An Law Firm
Global EMBA 2023

"When people talk about overseas modules, they may think it’s mainly about sightseeing and visiting places. However, the overseas module organised by CEIBS is totally different. The school scheduled four experienced professors every day to provide us insightful lectures. We explored the history, politics, and economics of Switzerland, to the latest hot topics – exploring the advantages and challenges of neutrality in the current era."

Dirk Vlaar
CEO, Lynch Group Australia
Global EMBA 2023

"The Switzerland module was only three days but we covered a lot of ground. Neutrality has an impact on so many different aspects of a nation, from its business to politics and its involvement in international organisations. The guest speakers were of very high calibre. All of this combined kept everybody engaged and resulted in a great learning experience. At the same time, I got to see beautiful views and experience the local cuisine with my fellow-classmates. Who wouldn’t want to join this module?"

03 France: Sustainability Strategy and Implementation in Leading Global Companies

Led by: Ding Yuan, Professor of Accounting; Cathay Capital Chair in Accounting, CEIBS

ESG is deepening its presence in future-thinking companies; it's driving their operations and culture, while becoming an integral part of their existence. This dedicated ESG module involved visiting some of the best-known French companies hailing from diverse sectors, including finance, food, technology and manufacturing, and luxury consumer goods.

Students saw firsthand how the likes of Danone, Valeo, Moët Hennessy and LVMH's La Samaritaine Mall are striving to embed sustainability (both economic and environmental) into every facet of their business. These company visits and sharings demonstrated how green financing solutions, natural regeneration innovations, green mobility technologies and decarbonisation journeys are all essential in guiding their respective implementers towards a more viable long-term future that contributes to society as well as shareholders.

Alexis Lago Torello
Regional Sales Director AsiaPacific, Ficosa International Taicang Co. Ltd
Global EMBA 2023

"Our exploration in France was greatly enriched by the module's immersive experiences. Visits to industry giants and sustainability leaders like Moët Hennessy, LVMH's La Samaritaine Mall, Danone and Valeo – the latter aligning with my automotive background – provided invaluable insights. Lectures by companies like Domofinance furthered our understanding of ESG practices. This experience has equipped us to address ESG development more effectively, and I recommend it to any professionals seeking to develop sustainability practices within their own industry."

Guanjun Li
Finance VP Greater China, Tetra Pak
Global EMBA 2023

"Just three days in France has really altered my understanding of ESG and its implementation. It is now evident to me that there exists a significant window of opportunity and it is imperative that we must collaborate. Thanks to the well-structured module arrangement and the amazing quality of the invited companies and speakers, this module has truly taught me some invaluable ESG methodologies, insights and best practices that can provide clear direction for the future."

04 India: Immersion in India for Business Success

Led by: S. Ramakrishna (Rama) Velamuri, Professor and Dean, School of Management, Mahindra University

Companies and business leaders come from all over the world to tap into India's vast (and growing) consumer market, or leverage its low-cost, high-quality resources to strengthen their position at home and abroad. Through an exploration of India's recent history, business culture and future prospects, GEMBA learners gained a better understanding of the opportunities and challenges of doing business in this extremely dynamic country.

This visit allowed attendees to visit not one but two of India's leading economic hub cities. Bangalore, the high-tech capital of India, and Mumbai, the country's financial and business nerve centre. Company visits included Infosys, a global leader in next-generation digital services and generative AI, where GEMBA students and alumni were led through the evolution of IT services in India. At Tata Group's Bombay House, they saw how one of India’s largest conglomerates ($132 billion revenues in 2022) has developed its global strategy to harness the strengths of its home country's economy.

Chris Dunn
Associate, Brunswick Group
Global EMBA 2020

"During our one-week immersion in India we visited the tech hub of Bangalore and financial centre of Mumbai. The thoughtful selection of lectures, talks and site visits allowed us to see this complex and diverse country through a variety of lenses. We interacted with India's top academics, investors and entrepreneurs, visited leading companies Tata Group and Infosys, saw the crucial work of NGOs like the Akshaya Patra foundation, and even learnt about the importance of Bollywood culture. I highly recommend it to anybody looking for a fast track introduction to this important emerging market."

Pablo Cuesta López
Finance & Procurement Specialist. Owner & CEO
IESE GEMBA 2024

"The India module will remain forever imprinted on my mind. Visits to two of the biggest corporations in the world, Infosys and Tata have enriched my understanding of the complex environment and key decisions faced by entrepreneurs in this country. I have learned how multiple opportunities are present in India, such as the rapidly developing consumer sector along with the growing middle class, the digital transformation accelerated by AI in the healthcare and financial sectors, or the development of the venture capital landscape and some growing sectors like electronics, pharma, automotive, IT or agriculture."

05 Going Global – Learning Experiences of A Lifetime

Technology, climate, geopolitics – they are all playing their part to increase the pace of change in globalised business. As the business world feels these changes more quickly and deeply than ever, it becomes more important for its leaders to look beyond the borders of a single role, industry or territory and explore the wider landscape.

Through its overseas modules, GEMBA gives its learners the chance to experience conditions ‘on the ground’ in places and situations they might otherwise never have encountered. Each module provides both a broader overview of the designated country’s business culture and macro-economic circumstances, alongside a deeper, more personalised exploration of what it’s like for real businesses, and real businesspeople, to operate there today.

GEMBA students and alumni have already begun their globetrotting learning experiences in Europe and India, but 2024 has plenty more in store. A total of 24 global modules are planned for the year, including upcoming visits to the UK, Vietnam, Spain, Singapore and the US, to name just a few.