The changes come in response to both the results of its recent Corporate Learning Priorities survey and to expert feedback from the school's faculty.
The survey indicated what is important to businesses when choosing an executive education programme. Three quarters of respondents (76%) said reputation was extremely important, as was inclusion of recent, original research to 86% or respondents.
The use of up-to-date case studies was key to 65% of respondents and use of experiential learning and a focus on soft skills to 57%.
Seven out of 10 (71%) also cited the environment where training will take place as quite important to them. ??With little time to spare away from the office, 53% of respondents indicated that for open programmes two to three days are optimal, while 18% stated ‘the shorter the better'. However, 27% thought programmes ‘should be as long as the learning objectives require' - revealing scope for longer interventions where a case for them can be made.
Linda Irwin, executive director of corporate development at the business school, said: "The learning and development professionals who responded to the survey gave us a clear indication of their ‘worry list' for 2010.
"They want to focus on leadership development - both of senior and middle managers, managing change and developing high potentials. For renewal, regeneration and recovery, continued investment in all talent is the only sustainable option and the big emphasis seems to be on continuing to develop leaders holistically to make the right choices for themselves, their organisations and for the wider society.
"Skills that respond to the new business zeitgeist feature in this research - areas of such huge importance for global, 21st century responsible leadership: innovation, sustainability and rebuilding trust with all stakeholders. This reinforced the views of our faculty and conversations with our existing corporate clients and our alumni. We have designed this new portfolio specifically to meet those needs."
