BUSINESS SCHOOL INTERVIEW
wine & spirits industry, based on a solid balance between top level academics and international speakers from the business side of things. Content is delivered via a variety of courses, conferences, workshops and real-life case studies with presentations to industry executives, in addition to six weeks’ worth of hands‑on experience, learning both locally and abroad, with trips to the US, Germany and Greece. “We have unique teaching facilities that offer ideal learning conditions in the heart of Burgundy, the world’s most famous wine region. These include a dedicated building for the School of Wine & Spirits Business, a Wine & Spirits Business Lab with top researchers, a state-of-the-art wine-tasting room with 32 seats, wine & spirits cellars and an upscale bar-lounge. “It goes without saying that our key partners bring additional value to the programme, including our sponsors from all over the Bourgogne Wine industry (regional experts known as the Grands Témoins ); Moët Hennessy, along with Champagne-Ardennes University; the University of Burgundy; the Greek Wine Federation; Geisenheim University and our recent partnership with UC Davis in California.
“Even before the pandemic, there was a trend towards greater use of online and hybrid learning in business education. Covid accelerated this trend, as schools were forced to offer remote learning options. Online and hybrid learning will certainly continue to grow in popularity, particularly as technology improves and students demand greater flexibility and convenience. “Business education has always been global in scope and the trend towards greater internationalisation is likely to continue. This may take the form of more partnerships and collaboration between schools in different countries, greater diversity in student and faculty population and a focus on preparing graduates for careers in multinational companies. “There is also a growing awareness of the need for businesses to operate in socially responsible and sustainable ways. Schools are likely to respond by incorporating these themes more prominently into their curricula and research agendas. “I believe that those schools that can adapt to changing circumstances, leverage technology effectively and maintain high standards of academic quality and relevance are likely to thrive in the years ahead.”
“Last but not least, top level students the world over regularly choose to study with us, some of whom are already graduates of leading institutions such as HEC in Paris, or NYU and Columbia University in the US. We feel fortunate that the buzz around the programme has been very positive.” Turning to the postgraduate management education sector more generally, how would you describe the outlook for international business schools over the next three to five years? “The outlook for international business schools over the next three to five years is likely to be shaped by several trends and factors, such as recovery from the pandemic and facing new economic uncertainties. Covid-19 disrupted higher education around the world, and business schools were not spared in this regard. “While many pivoted to remote learning and found innovative ways to maintain academic quality, the pandemic also resulted in reduced enrolment and increased financial pressures. Current economic conditions also expose business schools to new risks that they will have to deal with. It is likely that they will need to continue to adapt to changing circumstances in the years to come.
Biography Jacques Thébault is a visionary, results-oriented educator and leader who has a particular passion for the food & beverage industry. He can count on more than 25 years of consistent success, expanding profitability of marketing agencies promoting premium food, beverage and lifestyle brands all across Asia, Europe and North America. Thébault is a strong strategic planner, skilled and experienced in general management and multicultural marketing for both start-ups and mature businesses. He joined BSB five years ago as programme director of its flagship MBA Wine & Spirits Business programme. He also teaches International Marketing, International Business, Leadership & Coaching and is a member of the School of Wine & Spirits Business’ marketing & communications team. He is a dual citizen of the US and France, trilingual in English, French and Spanish
Ambition | MAY 2023 | 21
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