INTERVIEW
Businesses need to run, and they need to make profit. But that’s no longer enough. They also need to be responsible
What do you think differentiates the MBA at LUMS? It may sound contrived but there’s just something about Lancaster – something in the DNA of LUMS which is felt by students, visitors, staff and accreditors, but which is quite hard to put into words. There’s a genuine sense of community and a concern – humility even – about our role in the wider world. We see this in our alumni when we look at where their careers have taken them – reaching incredible positions of influence within a wide variety of sectors, and in public and private organisations. There’s something about the ethos of our university, an inclusivity that makes us stand out. Perhaps it’s our campus and our unique position within a city that borders the beautiful countryside of the Lake District, but that is well-connected to the UK’s major cities too. There’s a sense that there’s something far bigger than yourself, a genuine interest and care about the environment, and a vitality about the place which makes staff and academics go above and beyond for our students. Grounded in its key principles of responsibility, sustainability and inclusivity, our MBA’s programme pedagogy is led by a practice-based learning approach. From the very first day of the programme, our MBA students are out in the local community and abroad, meeting with business partners, working with clients, and learning from the best and brightest innovative leaders in business.
seen, firsthand, the effects of climate change and sustainability challenges closer to home. There’s a wider context to be aware of, and there’s always something to learn. But it’s not just the MBA – sustainability needs to run through the veins of all that we, as Business Schools, and the wider business sector, do. Curriculum awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals is key, as is producing world-leading research in this area – as LUMS aspires to do via our Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business. What do you think sustainable and responsible leadership looks like? Leading by example. LUMS is one of 800 signatories to commit voluntarily to the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), and we published our first report earlier this year. This sort of commitment allows you the opportunity to take a granular look at all your activities, report openly on progress and unite everyone in a common purpose. Leaders with a detailed awareness of the UN goals will find it easier to make difficult decisions. Businesses need to run, and they need to make profit. But that’s no longer enough. They also need to be responsible. This awareness will also help educators stay ahead of the curve, in being able to identify what future careers may be and what challenges, skills and tools young people may need to navigate an increasingly complex world.
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Ambition | BE IN BRILLIANT COMPANY
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