The topic of iLab is hogging the limelight for the 2015 Fudan IMBA students. As one of the best practice-based leading programs of Chinese business schools, Fudan iLab is always the frontrunner in creating an academic and social atmosphere which cultivates experiential and dynamic learning for MBA students. On Nov.9 2015, the widely-anticipated 2015-2016 Fudan iLab is kicked off with the presence of Professor Zheng Ming, Associate Dean of School of Management of Fudan University, Mr. Sun Long, Executive Director of Fudan IMBA Program, iLab Faculty Mentor Professor Xu Yunjie, Ms. Renee Guo, Officer of International Affairs of MBA Program and senior students.
“TIA”- The Three Critical Elements of iLab
“We can’t emphasize enough the importance of iLab in MBA journey”, as Professor Zheng Ming said. By working on the real-world business problems under the guidance of school faculties, students are able to transfer what they have learnt in the class to practice and to build up business savvy in problem solving.
“There are three critical elements in ensuring your success of the iLab project, teamwork, involvement and appreciation, or known as TIA”, addressed by Professor Zheng. To accomplish the missions of the iLab which are to acquire exceptional learning value and to provide innovative and operational plans to clients, Professor Zheng stressed that students must recognize the significance of demonstrating the team spirit in a multi-cultural environment, investing whole heart, and appreciating the valuable advises from mentors throughout the process.
Multi-Facet Projects
Walking through the overview of 2015-2016 iLab, Mr. Sun Long showed students the picture of multi-facet projects including four types as Consulting Projects, Business Plan Projects, Industry Analysis Projects and Self-Initiated Projects that span global and local client companies. “Our goal is to help you create and add values to clients in an academic and social atmosphere”, he said, “and to get there, you are required to write down your own page bringing the 5“i”s, which are integration innovation, initiative, internationalization and intelligence, into full play”.
The benefits to students are also multi-folded in honing both hard skills and soft skills, constructing network, laying potential topics for thesis, and ultimately bridging knowledge to wisdom.
Experience Sharing
Professor Xu Yunjie, the representative of the iLab faculty mentors reinforced the determination and passed on the methodology of implementing iLab. “Don’t forget why you are here- to Invent your own solution, link up with business, acquire business domain knowledge and build up problem-solving skills”, as he said, “the way to succeed is always initiating and defining the problem, learning the background, acquiring research skills in the aim of building up own solutions.”
Several 2014 IMBA student representatives, Yin Lingling, Cindy Mao, Xiong Wei and Liu Dai also shared their interesting and valuable experiences of iLab.
Fudan iLab is a program steeped in unique purposes of developing future leaders among MBA students. This kick-off meeting managed its presence so richly informative and heuristic. It is anticipated that 2015 IMBA students will navigate their amazing journey soon.
Written by 2015 IMBA WANG Xie
