MBA Update

Staying sharp
MBA Update brings the Kellogg classroom back for school's alumni

One of the Kellogg School's major initiatives involves making lifelong learning a reality for its alumni. As part of this effort, Kellogg introduced the MBA Update programs last year, and the response from graduates has proven remarkable.

The day-long academic classes are designed as "refresher" courses to enable Kellogg graduates to stay intellectually sharp in their professional lives. Taught by senior Kellogg faculty using the latest business research and practices, these classes address a variety of subjects whose mastery is crucial for contemporary management leaders.

"The MBA Update series allows our alumni to enjoy an inside look at what is currently going on in the Kellogg School classroom," said Dean Dipak Jain. "We are very excited about increasing our alumni involvement with the school through this ambitious program, and we will continue to develop strategies that add significant value for our graduates."

Topics covered in the current update series include financial analysis, strategic value creation, business-to-business and channel marketing, entrepreneurship and family enterprise, teamwork, and decision analysis. Classes are held on the Evanston campus, although Kellogg offers MBA Update in select international cities as well.

One recent session occurred Oct. 20 at the Donald P. Jacobs Center. Titled "Financial Analysis: A Refresher," this class featured instruction from Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Robert Magee and Professor Artur Raviv, the Alan E. Peterson Distinguished Professor of Finance. Material covered included a review of accounting report essentials as well as an analysis of corporate investment decisions. Students enjoyed the chance to put the day's lessons into practice by working with two case studies.

"We believe that one powerful way to make this material useful to our MBA Update students is by blending theory and practice," said Magee. "Alumni who have, in some cases, been out of school for years have returned to Kellogg to participate in these sessions. Our feedback from students indicates the experience has been beneficial for them, and that the material we cover makes a practical difference in their professional success."

Learn more details about upcoming MBA Update classes.