Smart Week Hybrid MBA BBS: Innovation, Growth and Collaboration
25 November 2024The Smart Week of the MBA Hybrid Online at BBS is a pivotal moment in the educational journey. An intensive immersion in innovation and professional networking.
From November 18 to 20, 2024, participants had the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences that perfectly merge theory and practice, interacting with leading companies and professionals across diverse industries.
Immersion in Industrial Excellence: The Tetra Pak Visit
The week began with a visit to the Tetra Pak plant in Modena, an experience that both engaged and inspired participants, including Edoardo Idà, PhD and Junior Assistant Professor at IRMA L@B, University of Bologna. “It was an uplifting experience,” Edoardo shared. “It allowed me to learn more about a company in my region that I had heard so much about but never had the chance to visit.”
Particularly notable was Tetra Pak’s approach to ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) principles. “It’s astonishing, especially considering the company’s financial results,” Idà highlighted. “It gave me renewed hope that modern and sustainable management is possible and inspired me to contribute to creating this in my own organization.”
Innovation and Professional Development
The program continued with high-level training sessions, including a workshop on the “Adaptive Mindset” led by Marco Marchegiani, Skills Trainer and Business Coach. On November 19, the day was entirely dedicated to an hackathon, allowing participants to apply the skills they had acquired in a real-world problem-solving context.
Engaging with Alumni and Looking Ahead
The Smart Week was further enriched by the insights of successful Alumni, such as Andrea Grillenzoni, General Manager of Garc Spa B.Corp, and Gian Franco Murrone, Group Project Portfolio Strategy at Credem Banca. These sessions provided valuable perspectives on the practical application of the skills acquired during the MBA program.
Lessons in Trust and Leadership
A recurring theme throughout the week was the importance of trust in corporate governance. “Employee trust in leadership permeates the entire organization,” Edoardo observed, emphasizing how this approach aligns with the principles of B Corporations. This insight sparked broader reflections on modern leadership: “I’ll work to find ways to boost performance by fostering trust with my colleagues. It’s far from simple or obvious, but I believe it’s key to more humane and effective leadership.”
The Value of Networking
In a flexible program like the Hybrid MBA, in-person events and live networking opportunities hold particular value. The Smart Week, held twice a year, is a concentrated blend of networking and team building, enhanced this year by the addition of the New Campus BBS. As Edoardo noted: “In these three days, I discovered aspects of my colleagues that I hadn’t noticed in the past six months.”
Conclusions and Future Perspectives
The Smart Week concluded with an inspiring talk by Alessandra Raggi, Consultant, Mentor, and Adjunct Professor, who offered a forward-looking perspective on the future of leadership and corporate innovation. The event reaffirmed the role of the MBA Hybrid Online at BBS as a cutting-edge program that effectively combines online learning with meaningful practical experiences.
