Annual Report 2021

Learning

Online learning

Introduction

In 2021, IMD’s award-winning online learning programs continued to provide personalized, impactful learning to participants across the globe. A mix of cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art pedagogy, engaging multimedia content, dynamic group work and one-on-one coaching provided unparalleled learning experiences with lasting impact.

The online learning portfolio continued to develop, adapting to the evolving needs of individual and corporate clients, including the use of virtual reality technology for the first time in an IMD program and a new, intensive 15-day method of online executive learning called “Sprint”. With eight new additions in 2021, IMD offered 25 online programs, covering four main categories – leadership, strategy, digital and topic-focused.

IMD’s flexible and modular approach ensured that bespoke digital learning journeys were effectively deployed across organizations, targeting specific company challenges, in a highly customized fashion.

More than 7,000 participants from numerous organizations followed IMD online learning experiences, representing significant year-on-year growth and building on 2020's stellar performance. Harnessing the power of digital learning to increase scale, reach and speed of deployment were three elements which were highly appreciated by the institute’s learning partners.

“2021 was a year of significant growth for our online programs. We were delighted to provide impactful learning opportunities for so many participants across the globe, whilst continuing to implement state of the art pedagogical and technological innovations.”
Paul Hunter, Director of Programs and Learning Design, IMD

New programs

The enhanced portfolio of programs in 2021 equipped participants to address a range of governance, leadership, marketing and strategic challenges facing executives in today’s fast-paced digital world.

  • Digital Transformation in Practice - a practical, step-by-step approach to digital business implementation
  • Mastering Board Governance - principles and best practices for effective board membership
  • Leadership Skills for the Digital Age – how to motivate, empower and build teams in the virtual space

  • Digital Transformation Sprint – an innovative 15-day learning journey to upskill executives in digital strategy
  • Digital Marketing Fundamentals – helping marketeers rethink their approach to digital marketing
  • Cybersecurity for Managers* – how to respond to new security threats and build a more cyber resilient business
  • Developing Digital Transformation Strategies* – targeted strategies for organization-wide digital transformation
  • Leading Digital Innovation in Supply Chain and Logistics* - exploring opportunities to transform supply chains by leveraging technology

*in partnership with 2U GetSmarter

Innovating for US growth

IMD partnered with online leadership development provider ExecOnline, launching a series of nine learning experiences in 2021 and further accelerating IMD’s growth in the US market.

What our participants say

“Thanks for an extremely well-constructed course. The flow, along with the videos and assignments, allowed both a progressive digging in on certain elements but also a broadening of perspective.”
Elaine Geyer-Allély, Deputy Leader, Governance, WWF International
(Inspirational Leadership)



“The course has been a wonderful journey for me and a great experience. I sincerely thank the entire course team for the excellent coordination, and my coach for fruitful discussions.”
Ayodele Alaiya, Scientist and Section Head, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center
(Leadership Essentials)

“The Digital Transformation Sprint was indeed a transformational experience. It was a great program to dive into a topic in a very fast and still conclusive way and empowered me with knowledge and tools that I can immediately use.”
Thomas Ullram, Innovation Director Savoury, Givaudan (Digital Transformation Sprint)



“Amazing journey mirroring the real world where impact can be felt within the organization even during the course and not after it, with all the tools and skills learned.”
Mustapha Chaker, Managing Director, Barilla Singapore
(Strategic Thinking)

2021 online learning

2021 online learning

Open online program participants +46% vs. 2020

1
programs (+32% vs. 2020)
1
new programs
1 +
participants

Participant impact

Online program will have an organizational or individual impact: 95%
Gained fresh knowledge and insights: 94%

Online impact: Blended IMD leadership program wins top award

IMD and Julius Baer recognized for their blended, custom leadership program

Professor of Organizational Behavior Robert Hooijberg, Head of Learning Management and Executive Coach Francis Pfluger, and Research Associate and Executive Coach Nancy Lane  won gold at the 2021 Brandon Hall Group Awards for their blended custom program with the leadership of Swiss wealth management firm Julius Baer.

The trio’s successful entry in the Best Advance in Leadership Development Category, “Winning the Future: Building Julius Baer’s Leadership Capabilities”, showcased how IMD and Julius Baer collaborated on a six-month journey that embraced an impactful and innovative combination of online and face-to-face learning.

By carefully balancing content input and coach-supported reflection, the program provided participants with the opportunity to explore and develop their leadership in the wider context of the wealth management industry and the specific context of Julius Baer.

“The bank and the participants inspired me,” said Professor Hooijberg. “The bank inspired me by being fully involved in the co-creation of the program and always having great senior executives available to contribute. The participants inspired me with their great learning attitude. These two factors were key to the success of the program.”

Online impact