The bank rated number two in the world by investment firm Moody’s was one of many businesses visited by Executive MBA students during a research trip to Sweden.
Date: 27/03/2012
The bank rated number two in the world by investment firm Moody’s was one of many businesses visited by Executive MBA students during a research trip to Sweden.
Students from the School of Business and Law gained an insight into the inner-workings of Handelsbanken during their visit to the city of Norrkoping, which also saw them visit energy company Eon and Norrkoping Airport.
Sweden has a global reputation for innovation and design, but it is also known for a unique approach to management, making it an excellent destination for those looking to get ahead in business.
Kate Cooper, former Group Leader for Management, Strategy and Leadership at the Business School, said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for the Executive MBA students to explore different approaches to management and leadership. The Swedish management style is quite unique, based on mutual agreement and discussion, which was very interesting for the students.
“They were particularly struck by the differences around the area of employee empowerment.”
The visit had a profound impact on the students, who made some interesting observations. Michael Kennedy said: “UK managers have a lot to learn from their Swedish counterparts about trust”, whilst fellow Executive MBA student Sati Rhaman commented: “Organisations in Sweden are less hierarchical. Operational efficiency is achieved by consultation and trust, not by excessive control.”
For student Louise Kabucho, the management style she saw in Sweden was refreshing for its openness. She said: “Swedish managers are interested in different views, not threatened by them. They seek to understand each other's point of view.”
The visit, organised by Kate Cooper and Katie Heming, Senior Lecturer in Leadership and Enterprise in the Business School, illustrates the excellent learning experience available to London Met students.
The School of Business and Law has a truly global outlook to reflect the global nature of modern business. The study trip to Sweden is just one example of how London Met students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for the international marketplace.
The Executive MBA at London Met is aimed at business professionals who are looking to progress to strategic-level positions in their organisation. The cohort who took part in the Sweden trip work for organisations as diverse as JP Morgan, Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and Tower Hamlets Council.
