Executive MBA Method of Learning & Program Curriculum

Assignments for the year are based on the following framework:

Corporate Action Project (CAP)

The Corporate Action Project (CAP) is an in-depth project designed to further learning while also furthering the goals of the sponsoring organization.  For this year-long project, you and your employer choose an issue of major importance to your organization. You work closely with a faculty advisor to research, structure and plan the project; then, you work with your corporate team to implement it. This thesis-like undertaking is graded independently of all other assignments in the program. It is not uncommon for your CAP project to make a significant impact on the revenue growth and/or cost reduction efforts at your organization — an impact that more than pays for your time and tuition.  There are a number of deliverables spread throughout the year designed to keep you on track and moving forward with your CAP project.

Examples of past projects include: redesign of work processes; market analysis for new services; new products or new international markets; organizational restructuring; analysis of mergers and acquisitions; cost-analyses; new product development processes; customer value analyses; full-blown business plans; and human resource initiatives.  

Comprehensive Strategic Assessment (CSA)

The Comprehensive Strategic Assessments (CSA’s) are a series of written assignments applied to the student’s sponsoring organization. Assignments follow each residence period and apply concepts and tools developed in that residence period. CSA topics include: financial analysis; customer value analysis; assessment of supplier and customer conditions within the firm; competitive environment and assessments based on a cutting-edge model mastered in the second residence period; exploration of international possibilities during the global business seminar; process analysis; critical review of the role of IT within the organization; and in-depth look into the capacity for an organizational change. Based on these and other perspectives gained through the year, the final CSA suggests strategic recommendations for action.

Leadership Development Program

Ultimately, your success hinges on your ability to communicate with and influence others. The Executive MBA program at the University of Tennessee challenges you and helps you reflect on your current operating style and the way it impacts others. These invaluable opportunities for self-reflection occur in the form of personal assessments, 360-degree feedback, group exercises, and role plays. Based on the outcomes of these activities, each student, with the guidance of an executive coach, prepares an individualized Leadership Development Plan to help facilitate the development of leadership skills and strategic perspectives.