Glenn Omura

Glenn Omura

The pace of change in business has never been faster. Talent quickly moves from one job to another, entire categories face obsolescence, and volatile political environments can send shocks to the economic systems of countries all around the world. Now, one of the country’s top business schools is making sure that its graduates are ready for all of it.“As technology rapidly disrupts industries and organizations,” said Glenn Omura, Associate Dean for MBA and MS Programs at Michigan State’s Broad School of Business, “there will be a premium on individuals who possess breadth of knowledge and the ability to adapt.”In order to prepare students for volatility, a curriculum review was launched by the faculty at Broad. A narrow focus went out — plans for a wider spectrum of study have arrived.

Four concentrations — Finance, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Supply Chain — are now supported with Areas of Interest. There are nine — Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Global Business, Insights & Analytics, Leadership & Strategy, Product and Service Innovation, Risk Management, Strategic Performance Measurement, and Talent Development.

The Areas of Interest were created to specifically address the most pressing issues in business today.

“We need to arm students with a cross-section of skills that allow them to adapt when markets and even entire industries change,” Omura continued. “Success in today’s workplace requires being your own personal brand with multiple competencies.”

The curriculum changes were made in Fall of 2017, offering incoming and returning students new options.

Omura added, “As challenging as the future of business may be, it’s also incredibly exciting. We look forward to sending passionate leaders out into the world.”