GEMBA FAQs

These are the first 10 FAQs about Duke University Global Executive MBA (no longer called GEMBA) program as given among other FAQs at http://www.fuqua.duke.edu/admin/gemba/gemba_faq.html 

Q1. How is the Global Executive program different, in terms of academic content, from other Executive MBA programs (e.g., weekend EMBAs)? What makes it global? A1. The Duke MBA - Global Executive is every bit as academically demanding as Duke's other two MBA programs. Global Executive uses the same faculty base, the same rigorous grading standards, and provides the same Duke degree. However, the content has been adjusted to include more global issues and strategies to serve a participant population that has far more global management experience. Like most other Executive MBA programs, the Global Executive program is a lock-step curriculum, meaning that all students take all courses. The courses are targeted at general managers who have or will soon assume global responsibilities. The program is designed for those who want to enhance their career path within their existing company. International Residencies: See Q8 Global Student body: Unlike traditional Executive MBA programs which usually have a regional draw, the flexibility of Global Executive accommodates a student body from around the globe. Not only are the students diverse geographically, but they are also diverse in the types of global management experiences that they bring to the classroom.

Q2. How accessible is the faculty on-line? A2. Faculty/student contact is actually significantly greater in Global Executive than in other Executive MBA programs due to the 24 hours/day, 7 days a week nature of Internet mediated learning. In addition to weekly real-time office hours, faculty monitor class and team bulletin board discussions and respond to e-mails on a regular basis. Faculty vary in availability, usually due to the subject matter and other teaching/research commitments. However, you can expect that, on average, faculty will respond within 24 to 48 hours.

Q3. What is the purpose/value in having international residencies? A3. International residencies are an important ingredient in a global MBA program as they add to the value and richness of the classroom component by providing various lenses (social, economic, cultural, etc.) through which to view various economies and systems. Instead of simply studying about an economy, Fuqua provides an experiential component which adds value to the learning experience that cannot be duplicated in Durham. This is accomplished using a variety of means, including visiting regional companies, having regional speakers, bringing in company representatives to supplement case discussions, and simply by experiencing the region outside of classroom time. Additionally, being away from job responsibilities and family in an unfamiliar culture also helps build the intimacy and team spirit of the group. Oftentimes, Global Executive students who reside in the residency location act as hosts and expose the class to experiences and cultural insights that the average tourist would not encounter.

Q4. Can group or individual projects be done that are directly related to the sponsoring the company? A4. There are several opportunities to work on issues facing your company, although it is important to note that these opportunities vary depending on the professor and the course. For instance, one course may ask your learning team to analyze some aspect of a corporation; if your corporation has challenges that interest your teammates, you may be able to persuade your team to focus on your company. Another course may ask you to write analyses based on your experience within your corporation. Regardless of the specific project, the courses are designed so that you can implement course materials in your daily work within a reasonable amount of time.

Administrative Q5. Given the rigor of the program and the necessary time commitment, how do I fit this into my life? How are current Global Executive students handling it? A5. The Global Executive program will definitely require some prioritizing in your life. When deciding to apply to the Global Executive program, you need to make sure that those around you--your spouse, family, and co-workers--understand the commitment you've made and support your undertaking. Some companies help to alleviate workload by providing their employees with additional support (e.g., staff support, time off), but most Global Executive students see no relief in their responsibilities. Global Executive students vary in how they handle the Global Executive workload (e.g., some may do school work all weekend, some may set aside 3 hours every day). The important point is that you need to find a routine that works for you and for your team and stick with it.

Q6. Do I have to attend all of the residencies? A6. Yes, attendance at all of the residencies, for the entire residency, is a requirement.

Q7. Can I use my own laptop during the program instead of the one that the program provides? A7. The Global Executive program provides each student with an IBM ThinkPad, all of the program software, and technical support. In order to provide the necessary technical support, it is imperative that everyone be on the same platform. If you are using different hardware, we cannot provide assistance. A well-maintained laptop is critical to the distance learning component of Global Executive. The Fuqua School of Business Distance Learning specialists maintain, upgrade, and trouble-shoot Global Executive laptops during each residency. Some students have decided to purchase an additional hard drive in order to use the ThinkPad for work and Global Executive. Upon graduation, the ThinkPad becomes the property of the student.

Q8. How good/reliable does my Internet access have to be? A8. In order to be a solid contributor to your team and to the program, you should be able to connect to the Internet for at least 45 minutes at a time for a total of at least five hours per week.

Admissions Q9. How technologically savvy do I need to be to succeed in Global Executive? A9. During your first residency, we provide an extra week for orientation. Part of this orientation focuses on getting students comfortable with understanding and using the technology. Most students are familiar with word processing, e-mail and the World Wide Web, but many have not been exposed to spreadsheets, electronic bulletin boards, chat rooms, and messaging services. There is a wide range of computer skills among the Global Executive students, but we recommend that you have some basic skills on the computer (e.g., EXCEL, Word, PowerPoint) to succeed in Global Executive.

Q10. What "type" of student are you looking for? A10. Although each applicant will be assessed on his/her unique qualities, here are some characteristics that the admissions committee looks for in a Global Executive applicant:

Minimum of 10 years work experience Soon to be or already involved in significant global job responsibilities An enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and commitment to assure success in an intellectually challenging global learning endeavor. Quantitative aptitude and the intellectual ability to complete a rigorous graduate degree program at Duke University Highly proficient in English A clear understanding of the commitment required to succeed in Global Executive.