Master level Module Design
Empowering new talent through an employee-centred transformative onboarding experience
How can tailored learning programs prepare your leaders for the future?
The Master’s in Digital Management program at a leading business school was designed to help individuals and organizations anticipate and adapt to the changes of tomorrow, today. Over 1.5 years, the program featured a team building module, six interconnected learning modules, and two hands-on projects, each carefully crafted to enhance the learning journey.
As Learning Design Director, I led the development of key modules such as Humans & Customers (Design Thinking), Exploring Innovation, and Leading Teams. Each module:
was designed in collaboration with other module leaders to ensure seamless integration and holistic learning for the global participants.
focused on fostering agility, innovation, and leadership capabilities.
equipped students with practical tools to tackle real-world challenges and guide teams toward evolving goals.
Continuous improvement in Learning Design
The Master's in Digital Management modules underwent rigorous redesigns each cycle to adapt and enhance the learning experience.
This process included continuous feedback, testing, and co-creation with students to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
Each module focused on empowering students to respond robustly to the complexities of the modern workplace. Through this program, students:
Embraced Future Possibilities: They were encouraged to unlock a new version of themselves, experimenting with new behaviors and mindsets while developing skills aligned with the evolving demands of the workplace.
Engaged with Transformative Methods: Students experienced firsthand techniques and concepts that kept pace with rapid transformation, enabling them to navigate an increasingly uncertain world.
Built a Supportive Learning Environment: The program fostered an atmosphere where students could rediscover and strengthen their foundational skills, paving their custom paths for transformation.
Collaborated Through Challenges: Students were challenged to solve puzzles and work in teams, overcoming obstacles through experimentation and curious exploration.
Spans over approx. 6 weeks:
- Preparation pack
- 5 days live training, working in teams
- Application weeks
- Individual Research Project
- Report / Presentation
The Module Journeys in images
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Outcomes
Key Learning Outcomes:
EXPLORING INNOVATION MODULE
Practical Application of Lean Techniques: Students will gain hands-on experience applying Lean Processes and Business Transformation methodologies to real-world social challenges, reinforcing their theoretical knowledge through practical implementation.
Entrepreneurial Mindset Development: Learners will cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, learning to approach problems innovatively and creatively while working collaboratively in teams.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Through tackling a social challenge and developing business ideas, students will enhance their problem-solving skills and ability to navigate complex, real-world issues.
Increased Industry-Relevant Knowledge: By interacting with experts and visiting relevant venues, students will deepen their understanding of current industry landscapes, new technologies, and emerging trends.
Portfolio of Work: Students will produce a comprehensive portfolio, including essays, videos, or presentations, documenting their process and learnings. This will serve as a valuable asset for showcasing their skills and experiences.
Project Development Experience: Some business ideas developed during the module may evolve into real projects, providing students with experience in taking concepts from ideation to implementation.
Improved Presentation and Communication Skills: By presenting their results and documenting their work, students will refine their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively to various audiences.
Networking and Professional Growth: Engagement with industry experts and exposure to innovative practices will expand students' professional networks and contribute to their career development.
Outcomes
Key Learning Outcomes:
HUMANS & CUSTOMERS (DESIGN THINKING) MODULE
Practical Mastery of Design Thinking: Students will gain hands-on experience applying Design Thinking techniques to real-world business challenges, deepening their understanding of the methodology.
Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Working on actual business opportunities helps students develop creative and innovative problem-solving abilities that can be applied across various contexts.
Collaboration and Teamwork: By forming teams and working together on complex projects, students will refine their collaboration and communication skills.
Industry Insights and Networking: Interactions with corporate partners, experts, and visits to inspiring venues provide students with valuable industry insights and professional networking opportunities.
Prototyping and Practical Application: Students will have the opportunity to turn ideas into tangible prototypes, understanding the end-to-end process of taking a concept from ideation to implementation.
Confidence and Empowerment: By autonomously preparing and actively engaging in the module, students will build confidence in their ability to tackle real-world challenges and think independently.
Documentation and Reflection: Through capturing their learnings in essays, videos, or presentations, students will reflect on their progress and solidify their knowledge, helping them articulate their insights and skills.
Potential for Real Impact: Some of the projects may evolve into actual business initiatives, allowing students to contribute to meaningful outcomes within the partnering organization.
Outcomes
Key Learning Outcomes:
LEADING TEAMS MODULE
Strategic Alignment and Process Improvement: Students will learn to critically evaluate business processes, ensuring they align with organizational policies and objectives. They'll be able to identify areas for improvement and propose measurable actions to enhance team and project performance.
Leadership Self-Assessment and Development: Students will assess their own leadership role, identifying personal strengths and areas for development. They'll learn to reflect on their leadership style and how it impacts team dynamics and performance.
Creating High-Performing Teams: The module will teach students how to foster an open, collaborative, and cooperative team environment. They'll gain insights into building high-performance teams that are aligned with shared goals.
Research and Application of Modern Management Techniques: Students will engage with both traditional and cutting-edge leadership and management theories, critically assessing them and applying the most relevant approaches to their projects and teams.
Team Observation and Analysis: By observing and analyzing effective and ineffective teams, students will sharpen their ability to diagnose team dynamics, roles, and behaviors. They'll use this understanding to enhance their leadership and team-building skills.
Project Planning and Execution: Students will develop practical skills in planning, managing, and executing complex projects using a variety of tools and methodologies. This includes learning to measure success and improvement in team performance and project outcomes.
Critical Reflection on Team Contributions: Students will reflect critically on their own contributions within a team, especially when engaged in complex projects, improving their self-awareness and ability to lead effectively.
Methods Tools Techniques
Exploring Innovation: Lean Start-up Methodology, Disruptive Innovation, Team Dynamics
Humans & Customers: Design Thinking, Disruptive Innovation, System's Thinking, DT x AI, Technology applied, Team Facilitation, Designing for DEI.
Leading Teams: Agile Ways of Working, Leadership Styles, Emotional Intelligence, Non-Violent Communication, Psychological Safety, Delegation, Inclusion.
Duration of the Programme
Students: 6 weeks per module
Training Design & Delivery: 4 months
Team Structure
Core Team: Lead Designer & Facilitator, 3 Co-Designers & Co-Facilitators, 1 Communication Specialist, 1 Acedamic Director, 1 Student Manager.
Extended Team: External speakers, Experts, Founders, Alumni, Clients
A few Impressions:
Exploring Innovation
Start-up Conference: Learning from Industry Experts and Founders
Exploring Innovation
Start-up Conference: Learning from Industry Experts and Founders
Design Thinking
Learning to facilitate a Hybrid Ideation Session
Design Thinking
Learning to facilitate a Hybrid Ideation Session
Leading Teams
Systems Thinking and Agile ways of Working in practice
Leading Teams
Systems Thinking and Agile ways of Working in practice
Our Learnings
ADAPTING LEARNING FOR A DIGITAL FUTURE: LESSONS FROM DESIGNING FOR ALL GENERATIONS
Through our work designing modules for the Master's in Digital Transformation, we’ve learned how education must evolve to meet modern needs.
Technology has dramatically changed the way students think, yet we serve learners from all generations. This means we must adapt our methods not only to align with new cognitive processes but also to accommodate different learning style preferences across age groups.
We also realized that understanding how the brain functions is key to effective learning design. By creating content that connects with students' real-world goals, we tap into their intrinsic motivation, making learning more engaging and lasting.
Equipping students with future-ready skills like creativity and adaptability became essential. Beyond just knowledge, they needed the ability to navigate complex challenges in a fast-changing world.
Lastly, we recognized the importance of continuously updating our own methods. To prepare students for the future, educators must stay ahead, adopting innovative approaches that ensure students are ready for whatever comes next.