PROGRAM FOR EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT (PED)

Our participants

The PED class is the most diverse group of global managers you will ever meet. A typical program consists of 40 to 60 participants, representing 20 to 30 nationalities and a range of functional backgrounds and industry experiences. The average age is 40, with at least 10 years of management experience.

PED is designed for people who are excited about learning from other experienced leaders who come from a variety of different functions, industries and cultures.

What

Are you moving from a functional role into general management with broader responsibilities? Do you need more insight into all business functions? Do you need to understand your business more deeply to improve strategic decisions and implement them? Are you ready to take the next big step in your professional development?

These are big challenges. They are not for everyone. But you can get ready for the path ahead. For three decades, the Program for Executive Development (PED) has been paving the way to advancement for tomorrow's global leaders.

The 10-week program is split into two 5-week modules. You can take PED in one block of 10 weeks or split the modules with a break of 3 to 18 months between the two. Why 10 weeks? Because serious development requires breadth and depth. Why two modules? Because your organization depends on you, and this flexibility helps you adapt the timing to your needs.

In PED, you will:

• Learn to drive performance in a fast-changing global environment
• Discover how to build a better business: gain skills, create network, inspire others
• Achieve your leadership objectives through personal coaching

Leading your business for sustained, superior performance

IMD's Program for Executive Development (PED) is a general management program, structured in two modules. Module 1 provides a thorough grounding in functional foundations like marketing, finance and operations, and shows you how to integrate across functions. In Module 2 you will focus on strategy and execution, and will discover how to leverage the opportunities and deal with the challenges of globalization. The two modules together prepare you to maintain superior performance in your business in an increasingly turbulent environment and in the face of greater demands for sustainable development.

Functional foundations

• Marketing: Strengthen relationships with your customers and create value for them and your organization
• Operations: Collaborate with your supply chain to deliver great products and services in record time at minimal expense
• IT: Get the most value from your IT investments
• Product development: Create innovative products and services reliably
• Finance: Understand basic finance tools and how to use them to make strategic decisions

Cross-functional integration

• Create, structure and use information across all functions for competitive advantage
• Design the right financial structure and systems for your business
• Collect and integrate innovative ideas from across the company and from outside partners
• Develop a measurement and reward system to maximize performance
• Learn how to form, manage and get the most from cross-functional teams

Strategy

• Analyze your business and competitive context
• Formulate winning strategies and defend them with distinctive competencies
• Compete in a global industry, enter foreign markets, and build a sustainable competitive advantage
• Drive the continuous renewal of your firm through entrepreneurship, acquisitions and alliances

Execution

• Set stretch goals, communicate goals and strategies effectively, and negotiate for buy-in
• Understand how organization structures and their supporting management systems impact execution
• Function effectively in matrix and networked organizations
• Work effortlessly across diverse global cultures
• Manage change and renewal
• Practice responsible leadership

How

PED is 10 weeks of rigorous learning. It is fast paced with a broad spectrum of issues, deep content and intense interactions among peers and Faculty. Topics are brought to life through case studies, management simulations, complex negotiations, reflective assignments, outdoor exercises, role playing, guest experts and site visits.

Developing high-impact leadership skills

PED is also about you the leader. In the program you will: Work with a personal coach to gain insights and identify your leadership strengths and weaknesses based on a self-assessment, 360° evaluation, feedback from your PED peers, and your coach's insights Understand your impact on others through coach-led experiential exercises Develop your personal vision and detailed plans to take charge of your future Find out more about continuous personal development in PED.

Partner program: During the last two days of PED Module 2, participants’ partners are invited to share the PED experience at IMD.

Sponsors are invited to attend class any day and to meet with the program co-directors when on campus.

Other activities:

• Guest Speakers
• Team-building exercises
• Site visits
• Complete fitness program

Prepare yourself for the Executive MBA. PED constitutes the Foundation Stage of the IMD Executive MBA (EMBA). As a graduate of PED, you can apply for admission to IMD’s EMBA program.

Our Faculty

Our Faculty members are recognized world authorities in their fields. They divide their time between teaching, research and acting as consultants to international companies. They remain on top of the latest management trends.

You can expect timely, innovative learning activities, materials and content in all IMD programs.

In this section, you will find important information on the program fee, application, invoicing, cancellation and transfer. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our program advisors.

Fee

The program fee (which is mentioned on the overview page) includes tuition, teaching materials, and lunch on weekdays. Travel or living expenses are not covered. You must settle your own hotel bills, both when in Lausanne and on off-campus assignments, as well as all dinners and lunches on weekends when applicable. IMD reserves the right to modify the program fee at any time.

Tentative reservation

To make a non-binding reservation, send us a completed tentative reservation form. This carries no obligation and is not a substitute for the formal application form.

Application & invoicing

Your application is forwarded to the program director who will evaluate it to ensure that the program corresponds to your objectives and profile. This can take approximately 1 week.

The information & registration office will notify you of the outcome of your application. If you are accepted, they will send your acceptance letter and invoice fee together by priority mail.

From this point, your enrollment will be considered firm by both you and IMD.

Please pay the program fee within 30 days of the invoice date and no later than the commencement of the program. If you register within 1 month of the start of the program, you must settle the invoice immediately without exception.
Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.

Up to six weeks before the program start date, a program coordinator will contact you with information on hotels and pre-program preparation. Please note that IMD reserves enough rooms for each participant on the program.

If accepted, you understand that you must be completely free of professional duties while attending this program and that you must attend all scheduled sessions and activities.

Substitution

A participant can be substituted on the same program session without incurring any fees. The substitute needs to apply and be admitted.

Note: Once you have paid the program tuition fee, if you do not attend another program within 24 months, the program fee will be forfeited.