The Executive Multidisciplinary Action Project (ExecMAP) course epitomizes the commitment to action-based learning that distinguishes the Ross EMBA from other executive programs.
This four-month field study takes place between year one and year two of coursework, and connects Executive MBA teams with companies and organizations throughout the world. Though required, ExecMAP is comparable to an elective: EMBA students customize their business school experience via ExecMap to expand their knowledge and practical expertise in a desired area. Students bid on in-company consulting projects in completely new industries, functional areas, or types of ventures.
Some project sponsors ask teams to develop a business strategy, solve a market entry problem, or perform complex financial modeling for the organization. Others ask ExecMAP teams to generate product launch plans, propose operations improvements, or draft new customer relationship programs.
Sponsors include international incubators, entrepreneurial startups, nongovernmental organizations, and multinational corporations. Students often use ExecMAP to enhance their global expertise: Some 30 to 50 percent of projects are international. Time spent on site visits and travel will vary by project. Each ExecMAP team includes up to six EMBA students, guided by faculty advisers.
Recent corporate sponsors include
- MEDRAD Inc. (Pittsburgh, Pa.)
- Herman Miller Inc. (Holland, Mich.)
- The Carlyle Group/Sinorgchem (Shanghai)
- MultiGene Vascular Systems Ltd. (Haifa, Israel and Chevy Chase, Md.)
- The CPL Group (Limerick, Ireland)
- Enterprise Ireland (Dublin, Ireland)
- The Rainforest Foundation (London, England)
The bottom line: Each project requires analytical rigor, critical thinking, and genuine teamwork. Sometimes, as in the real world, you might have less time and information than you wish. How do you make decisions when the variables change? How do you bring a team together under duress? How do you lead when things go awry? Even when ExecMAP projects run into obstacles, the combination of sponsor and faculty support ensures that the educational value is solid.
On concluding the project, each team presents its analysis and recommendations in a formal presentation and written report to both the sponsor and Ross faculty.
