LMP in a nutshell
An intensive, experiential, integrated course, LMP focuses entirely on hands-on work and project reflection in a live environment, rather than only on studying. Simultaneously, students are challenged to solve problems, communicate and use interpersonal skills. And deal with ambiguous and shifting problem definitions, incomplete information, new tasks that they had never confronted, stakeholders with conflicting agendas, time pressure and strict deadlines, fluid and nebulous lines of responsibility, and challenging team dynamics.
This year’s teams consisted of all 99 students from the full-time MBA cohort (MBA24). Every team had an RSM faculty member as a coach to help them throughout the process. Additionally, each team was supported by a high calibre, fully certified professional coach with deep experience in matters of personal effectiveness, leadership and teamwork.
Each team decided together where and how they wanted to plan the meetings with their allotted company and company representatives. Many of the teams were invited to come and visit the office of their client company, to get a taste of what it would be like to work there and understand better why they were solving that particular business challenge and for whom.
Key features of the course
- Around five students per team
- Teams are matched to client challenges through a lottery
- Close collaboration with the clients
- Students supported by an RSM faculty coach and the lead faculty
- Various structured personal and team reflections
- Final assignment:
Each team presented their findings and recommendations to a panel of client representatives and the RSM faculty coach
Learning objectives and benefits
The course integrated the development of skills from the I – WE – IT dimensions. Students explored the “It” dimension through the analysis and development of recommendations for their business challenge. And they experienced the “We” and “I” dimensions in their client and team settings and explored those explicitly through a series of specially designed reflection activities.
Students could also schedule meetings with Nicolas Constantinesco throughout the four-week course. Next to being the overall responsible party, Nicolas was there to support teams as a business advisor and to provide help on the “It” dimension (content) and the “We” dimension (client/stakeholder management).
Participating companies included:
- AEGON Asset Management
- AkzoNobel
- Orbia
- Oyster Heaven
- Rolls Royce
- SHV Energy
- Smart Freight Center
- Versuni
- Whiskeybase
- Infinity Recycling
A celebratory closing ceremony
The Living Management Project concluded with a fun closing ceremony, lively barbeque and warm congratulations to each other for having achieved their goals.
