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Participant insights: Dunja's experience on the Management Essentials Program

Designed for professionals ready to take the next step in their careers, the Management Essentials Program delivers more than just business fundamentals. For Dunja Vujosevic, Project Manager at Elanco, it was a powerful catalyst for personal growth, leadership development, and lasting peer connections. With a passion for continuous learning and leadership development, she embarked on this three-module journey covering leadership, finance, and entrepreneurship and corporate innovation.

Here is what she shared with us about the program:

“Signing up for the Management Essentials Program was like stepping into a playground for grown-up learners. I was eager to immerse myself in new ideas, sharpen my skills, and grow in a supportive environment. What I found went far beyond my expectations. The program fostered a dynamic community where learning extended beyond the classroom. Social events felt like mini-mastermind sessions where we shared our experiences, challenges, and victories. These interactions were incredibly valuable, offering not only insights but also inspiration from peers.

The program, structured around three modules – Leadership Essentials, Financial Literacy, and Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship Essentials – offered great tools and insights that have helped me develop as a leader and as a manager. Each module provided a unique perspective on essential business topics, putting together theory with practical application in a way that was both engaging and impactful.

Management Essentials Program at a Glance
  • Format: Part-time, modular (3 x 3 days)
  • Location: WHU Campus Düsseldorf, Germany
  • Language: English
  • Structure: Choose 3 out of 4 modules: Leadership Essentials, Strategy Essentials, Financial Literacy, Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship Essentials
  • Tuition Fee: €9,950 (additional €300 for ECTS option)
  • Next intake: Rolling format

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was the diverse group of professionals I had the privilege of working alongside. Each group in each module included highly motivated individuals from different industries, ranging from entrepreneurship to financial services, automotive, pharmaceutical industry, consumer goods, and many others. I felt fortunate to be surrounded by such accomplished peers, and the collaborative nature of the program enhanced our learning experience tremendously.

The balance of traditional lectures led by experienced professors and interactive group work with fellow participants was just right. It created an environment where learning and networking thrived, and the depth of knowledge exchanged was exceptional.

The Leadership Essentials module, led by Professor Martin Högl, provided fresh perspectives on leading in times of uncertainty and change. His insights and practical tips were immediately applicable in my day-to-day role. I left each session with new strategies for managing teams and navigating complex organizational dynamics.

The Innovation and Corporate Entrepreneurship Essentials module, taught by Professor Dries Faems, was equally transformative. It was an intensive program that pushed us to rethink how we approach innovation. We explored everything from leveraging AI for business growth to navigating digital transformation and disruption. We even delved into the world of innovation ecosystems and learned how to apply lean startup methods to launch new ventures. This module equipped me with advanced tools to drive innovation and foster transformation within my organization.

Financial Literacy, led by Professor Christian Andres, was the perfect complement to the other two modules. He broke down complex financial concepts in a way that was both accessible and immediately actionable. My main takeaway from this module is the confidence to apply financial tools and techniques effectively in both business and private life.

In summary, this program has been an incredible learning journey – one that has enriched my leadership capabilities, strengthened my business acumen, and expanded my ability to drive innovation. I am grateful to the professors for their wisdom and to my peers for their collaboration and inspiration. The Management Essentials Program has not only provided me with new insights and tools but also equipped me the confidence to apply them in real-world scenarios.

I highly recommend this program to anyone seeking to elevate their leadership, enhance their innovation skills or become an entrepreneur, and sharpen their business acumen in today’s fast-paced, ever-changing business landscape.”

Management Essentials Program
About the program

Gain the core skills needed for effective leadership and decision-making. The Management Essentials Program is designed for professionals transitioning into leadership roles or looking to strengthen their general management expertise.

What you will gain:

  • Build a strong foundation in general management by completing 3 out of 4 essential modules
  • Strengthen your leadership, strategic thinking, and financial decision-making skills
  • Learn how to foster innovation and entrepreneurial thinking within your organization
  • Understand your leadership style through a personalized Birkman profile and analysis
  • Earn a Certificate of Excellence in General Management to support your next career move
  • Optionally, earn 6 ECTS credits to document your academic achievement

This program combines strategic, financial, and leadership knowledge with personal development to help you lead with confidence and foresight.

Leadership Essentials Program
 - 
Düsseldorf
3 days
Crafted for future & young managers

Intense leadership training tailored to shape your role as a future leader, build the leadership skills you need, and orchestrate team dynamics and organizational leadership.

Strategy Essentials Program
 - 
Düsseldorf
3 days
For young managers

Learn to develop and implement strategies that align with your organization's goals. This strategy program provides comprehensive training for effective strategic management and sustainable growth.

Innovation & Corporate Entrepreneurship Essentials Program
 - 
Düsseldorf
3 days
For young managers

Interactive program | 3 days | Practical tools & agile methods for innovation | Guest lectures from experienced practitioners | For young professionals, middle managers, & executives

Financial Literacy Program
 - 
Düsseldorf
3 days & self-paced learning
For young & middle managers

Intensive program | 3 days | Foundation in finance & accounting | Interpretation of relevant financial information to decision making situations | For managers who are not financial specialists

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Business and Leadership Skills for Experienced Physicians

In recent years, there have been substantial shifts in the medical profession, and today’s practicing physicians increasingly need to consider aspects of business, financial planning, and leadership in their daily routines. Typically, such topics are not a part of their medical training, neither while studying nor while interning. As such, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, in conjunction with MLP School of Financial Education, has conceived a specialized Executive Education program for physicians scheduled to start on October 1, 2022.

The Advanced Management Programm für Aerztinnen/Aerzte [Advanced Management Program for Medical Doctors] is a compact, intensive course that combines interactive online trainings and in-class sessions, the latter of which will be hosted first on WHU’s Duesseldorf campus and then later on MLP’s campus in Heidelberg. The program has been tailored to fit a medical professional’s often tight schedule. The modules, which are held exclusively in German, will enhance a participant’s ability to make managerial decisions within the context of the medical profession.

Over the course of two in-person modules, reinforced by a series of shorter online workshops, participants will take a comprehensive view on a wide range of topics that touch upon everything from practical matters (e.g., taxation, finance, and the sale of practice) to more recondite subjects (e.g., leadership skills and coping mechanisms). “WHU and MLP SoFE are confident that these highly specialized experts will benefit from all that is on offer. We want to ensure that we address their specific needs with this new curriculum,” says Executive Education Director Rebecca Winkelmann. “With a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, we offer physicians a distinctly flexible format with the latest insights from health economics and leadership.” Those interested in enrolling in the program should submit their applications through the program website by mid-September at the latest.

WHU is one of Germany’s top business schools, specializing in all topics relevant to finance, entrepreneurship, leadership, marketing, and much more. With a series of open enrollment programs already globally recognized by the Financial Times, as well as numerous partnerships with institutions both inside and outside of Europe, Executive Education at WHU continues to expand its course selection. From programs in advanced management skills and specialized coaching to branding and negotiations, WHU’s catalog has been designed with today’s leaders and managers in mind.

Prospective participants can find out more information here.

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