How You Learn
The Executive MBA Americas program uses the innovative team-based learning approach developed by Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. It is an approach that is far more advanced than that used in other programs. We believe strongly in our team-based approach because it mirrors today’s progressive workplace. You will leave the program with a thorough understanding of the best practices for team building and teamwork — well-prepared to be a valuable member or leader of a high-performance team.
You Work as a Team. You Should Learn as One Too.
While other MBA programs talk about teamwork, what they are actually talking about is group work — a very different concept. In the Executive MBA Americas program, you are assigned to a team for the duration of the program and a significant portion of your overall grade is derived from teamwork. Team members collaborate on assignments, projects and presentations, drawing on the skills and experience of individual team members. Each Learning Team is composed of 5 to 8 participants.
Real-Time Connectivity from your Home City
The Executive MBA Americas program can be taken in one of two formats, depending on your geographic location. In many major markets throughout North and South America, participants attend classes in a boardroom learning facility. In all other locations, or if required due to work-related travel, participants are placed on a virtual team, attending class from their home or office.
Boardroom Learning Centres
The Boardroom Learning approach is offered in major cities across Canada, the United States and Latin America. So when business takes you on the road or you have to relocate, you can attend class in the city you are visiting or join the team in your destination city.
Classes are delivered via real-time, interactive videoconference technology that Smith has been utilizing and perfecting for more than 15 years. These class sessions are held all day Saturday and Sunday morning, every other weekend.
Professors lead the class from purpose-built studios on Queen’s campus. Participants are able to communicate directly with the professor and with the other teams. Our participants consistently tell us they prefer the Boardroom Learning approach to that of a traditional classroom.
Remote Teams
For participants living in North or South America, outside of the Boardroom Learning Centre locations, the balance of your class time is spent in your virtual boardroom. All that is required is high-speed internet service, a good computer, and a quiet place for you to attend class.
You will be part of a virtual team that draws its members from across the Americas, with the same level of real-time connectivity and interactivity as the participants attending class in the Boardroom Learning Centres.
Smith provides all the software, tools and team coaching you will need to create a high-performance virtual team.
World-Class Remote Learning
Smith School of Business was a pioneer in using videoconference technology as a means of creating a live, interactive learning experience in major cities across Canada. The School has continued to improve and lead in this technology and the teaching techniques to the point where many of our students find the seamless experience to be superior to a traditional classroom. Professors teach from state-of–the-art broadcast studios on campus at Smith School of Business.
Smith has expanded on the technology with Desktop Learning, enabling people living outside of these major cities to take the Executive MBA Americas program from their home or office, with the same level of live, interactive connectivity.
On-Campus Sessions to Strengthen
Your Learning and Your Network
Multiple on-campus sessions during the program allow you to solidify relationships with your fellow participants and professors:
- Opening Session starting in late June
- Live Networking & Teambuilding Session in October
- Business Venturing Session in December
- Strategy & Elective Session in April
- Global Business Session in November
These sessions are held at the Queen’s Campus, the Cornell campus, or at SmithToronto. Visit the schedule page for location and timing information of each session.
