In an effort to meet the growing world-wide demand for executive education, universities are increasingly turning to customizable models of program delivery that are tailored to suit the evolving needs of 21st century organizations.
According to Sisi Jou, director of executive development programs at the Schar School of Policy and Government, “the past few years have seen growing interest towards innovations in technology and public policy as hot topics of study in executive education.”
To meet this need, the Schar School partners with public, private, and nonprofit organizations to develop tailor-made courses that enable organizations to discover innovative ways to achieve their strategic objectives. Ranging from half-day briefings to several week-long programs, programs address a wide range of topics including customs policies; think tanks and policies; government audit and taxation; copyright and law; higher education accreditation; diplomacy; food safety; and emergency management, among others.
Programs suit diverse learning styles including experiential and co-learning opportunities; site visits, and case studies. They also tap into Mason’s faculty and alumni networks for specialized speakers on key policy areas such as international trade and public sector service.
“Due to our proximity to Washington, D.C.—and including our faculty’s experience and engagement with different levels of government, and [their] expertise in public and foreign policy —the Schar School is uniquely suited to meet the requirements of this market,” said Jou.
One of the growing international markets for customized education programs is China. Within the past year, the Schar School received nearly 1,000 participants and delivered more than 50 programs for SAFEA, China’s State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs that runs overseas training for Chinese professionals.
Customized executive education programs are a collaborative effort that utilize the entire range of university resources to meet each client’s learning goals. The Schar School programs are tailored to suit diverse learning styles including experiential and co-learning opportunities; site visits, and case studies. It also taps into George Mason University’s faculty and alumni networks for specialized speakers on key policy areas such as international trade and public sector service.
Why choose the Schar School? Jou highlights a combination of factors. “I will have to say it’s the white glove service we offer. Our professionalism, flexibility, ability to customize programs, and our dedication to delivering what [client’s] want.
“With flexible training options, high quality programs with a fair rate, and outstanding customer care, a lot of our clients are returning clients for years.”