Stuart Noble-Goodman, Dean

School of Business

University of Redlands

International Sustainability Travel Courses for Working Professional Students

Accelerated Courses8 weeks/course8 Regional Campuses1700 Students5 Degree Programs

Redlands School of Business Context

Desire for travel—may have missed it as “traditional” student

Adult students have the $$ to travelImmediate impact on their career trajectoryAccess to cutting-edge ideas and technologyNetworking/contactsAccess to international sustainability leadersExperiential learningGlobal Consultancy

The Value Proposition: Students

Fits with mission of School and University

Supports Liberal ArtsFosters Global CitizenshipSpreads Sustainability SupportAlumni Affairs: Career enhancementEstablishes international connections for home-campus recruitment

The Value Proposition: Institution

Make it easy for adult students; at Redlands, we do this through:

1. Integrated course substitutions:

MBA: Global BusinessMAM : Organizational BehaviorMSIT : Global Knowledge ManagementBAM/ BSB: International Business

2. High level of service

3. Involvement of Dean’s Office

Administration

Initial contacts are key; then leverage initial contacts—sustainability is an amazingly generous community

Address multiple sectors: Transportation, Food Industry, Business Solutions, Hospitality, Public/Private, Government/Business, Small Business, Retail, Green Buildings, Energy, etc.

Constructing the Trip

Intensive pre-trip activities

Combination of site visits, academic assignments, and free time

Post-travel academic products

Pedagogy

1. A pre-departure classroom phase to orient participants in preparation for the experiential learning component of the course.

2. An on-site phase with seminars, corporate visits, and cultural activities.

3. An integration of learning phase after the overseas component (preparation of a travel journal, website contributions).

Basic Academic Requirements

Travel journal (individual--on-site and post travel)

Research paper (country analysis, or topic as agreed upon by advisor-–post travel)

Travel website (group work-–post travel)

Presentations (pre- and post travel)

Course participation (all phases)

Specific Academic Requirements

Three All-Day Pre-Departure Preparation Classes Held on Saturdays

First Saturday: Economic environment globally and in the specific countries visited.

Second / Third Saturday:Specialists: Academic, industry, alumniStudents: Group research & presentationsFaculty: Cases/Other AssignmentsStudent Leaders: Trip preparations

Pre-Trip Preparation

What’s the housing quality like?Can I stay longer?Can I bring a friend/spouse/child?What’s included in the price?Can I get single occupancy?Can I get financial aid?Will there be shopping?

Typical FAQ’s

LEARNING OBJECTIVESTo comprehend and apply an analytical framework

within which the students evaluate regional sustainability business perspectives from political, economic, social, and cultural viewpoints.

To analyze the origins and characteristics of business functions in this region and their global consequences within the framework of sustainability.

To interpret and critically analyze events and trends in the country or region in terms of their implications for world markets, US businesses, and the student.

To gain expertise in a specific sustainability issue or business problem of the visited country.

Assessment

Before trip: Create webpage During trip: Create and arrange travel journal

within webpageCollect pictures and generate slideshow (to

be posted on webpage)Hand out faculty / course evaluations and

manage / adjust online questionnaireAmbassador for next year’s program

Leader Role and Responsibility

Involve Students: Leadership Opportunities

Price Differentiation, Location Differentiation, Topic Differentiation

Segmented Marketing: Academic Programs, Alumni, Community, Faculty

Reward Students and Advertise: Best paper, best travel journal, best photos

Strategy

Reunion DinnerMentoring programAlumni engagementSocial MediaScholarshipsAdjunct faculty

Building Momentum

Role of business in creating a sustainable future

“Post-consumer” Scandinavia

Green entrepreneurship and corporate sustainability in Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Berlin

Approximate trip cost - $4,500 + tuition

Scandinavia The Business Case for Sustainability April 20 – May 4, 2013

Questions?