Next Generation MBA

Next-Generation MBA focuses on significant management, growth opportunity and leadership challenges based on business scenarios validated by Fortune 1000 companies. Scenarios custom designed for the University of Phoenix support the learning in the scenarios and allow students to make real-time decisions, just as they would in the workplace.

Simulations

Dynamic, custom business simulations are a key part of the program, placing students into real-world environments where they learn through the process of discovery. This discovery process allows them to apply critical thinking skills to decision-making situations and ultimately enhances learning outcomes. They have been designed to put the learner in the position of a key decision maker of an organization.

Working in simulations, students play the role of an MBA-prepared manager working for a fictional organization. In this role, students must make a key set of decisions for the company based on available information such as: marketing reports, financial data, and opinions from subject-matter experts. The goal of the simulation is clearly stated: “decide on the price for your new product,” “select which technology systems to implement,” and “decide which company is best suited for a joint venture partnership” are some of the goals of different simulations.

There are typically three or four cycles in each simulation in which the student has to make decisions. A cycle represents a period of time; it could be a month, a quarter, a year, etc. Once the student makes a decision feedback is given immediately. There can be hundreds of different paths a student can take in the simulations all resulting in the student receiving appropriate feedback. The results will vary tremendously and just like in the “real world,” there is usually not just one right answer.

Simulations offer clear advantages to students:

A clearly defined learning intent, a focus on specific topics, and a reinforcement of learning based on learning objectives.
A high degree of autonomy and control on the learning offered to the student.
A focus on higher order thinking skills such as decision making, analytical reasoning, and problem solving.
An experiential learning opportunity that helps to develop a deeper level of student involvement.

Scenarios

The scenarios used throughout the Next Generation MBA program mirror real-world business situations, providing students with the opportunity to work through complex issues. Students are required to evaluate the scenario, scanning it along with the external environment to identify the current situation and from it identify potential issues or opportunities.The topics for the scenarios vary and include such leading edge issues as:

Ethics and values
Negotiation
Executive decision making using market research
Executive decision making using forecasting techniques
Transformational leadership
Human capital development
Motivation and compensation
Investment strategy to maximize shareholder value
Financing strategy to maximize shareholder value
Working capital management for resource optimization
Supply chain management
Legal issues affecting enterprise risk
Risk management
New product introduction to sustain the customer relationship
Retaining and growing business with current customers to sustain the customer relationship
External and internal scanning to create strategies for competitive advantage
Selection of strategy for competitive advantage
Implementing a strategy and project management

These scenarios are discussed within the context of a variety of business environments, including: the communications industry, automotive manufacturers, financial services industry, technology organizations, sporting goods distributors, airline industry, and the electronic publishing industry.