Our world has changed in fundamental ways. It has become data-intensive, AI is ubiquitous, markets are volatile, customer needs change rapidly, and competition is ever-increasing. All these challenges require a new kind of business leader equipped with the skills and tools to navigate this new environment, adapt, solve real-world problems, and shape the future of business.
IMD’s MBA has always been dedicated to leadership development and has continued to evolve over the years to address the many challenges leaders face in a fast-changing world. This approach meant it was again the right moment to redesign the MBA curriculum and launch the 2025 program with a renewed focus.
A fully AI-enabled curriculum
Our MBA is the first to embed AI throughout the curriculum – both as a topic and a tool for learning. Within real-world contexts, the program will provide candidates with the experiences and skills to help them navigate this data-rich world. Asking the right questions and drawing the right inferences from data is more important than ever, which is why the program is anchored on complex problem-solving skills. At the same time, we are placing a greater focus on the human qualities of leadership and enabling change, as these are absolutely critical in a world of abundant data and AI.
By leveraging real-world learning settings, the MBA enables students to develop the ability to solve problems with data and then formulate effective people-centric strategies for change and transformation.
Along their learning journey, candidates will be accompanied by IMD AI+ – a tutor in their pocket. Trained on the faculty’s expertise, this first-of-its-kind learning tool includes materials from the course and extends students’ learning journeys beyond the classroom into their leadership roles.
Essential leadership skills
Rigorous training and specific development across the curriculum will ensure graduates excel not only in the classic functional areas but reach exceptional levels in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Critical thinking is paramount as leaders grapple with these vast amounts of information accelerated by GenAI. Uniquely, these critical problem-solving and communication skills will be tracked across the whole MBA program.
“These skills will make sure our MBAs are prepared to succeed in an AI-intensive world, are ready to tackle challenges and seize opportunities across a variety of industries and roles with confidence, and adapt with agility to future challenges,” said Omar Toulan, Dean of the MBA program.
As a complement to the International Consulting Projects, to expand their global awareness, candidates will spend one month at our Future Lab in Singapore where they will experience innovation in action. Designed to deepen their understanding of international business practices and the pivotal role technology plays in shaping industries, MBAs will connect with global leaders, explore technological frontiers, and gain an understanding of government-business synergies.
Our MBA program retains all the features which have over the years made it one of the most valued in the world, including small class sizes and intimate environments. As the world becomes more complex, the MBA will continue to focus on ensuring our graduates are authentic, data-driven, and data-conscious leaders who are able to take responsibility and make an impact.
Find out more about the MBA program here.
