Program Design and Development Process

In each custom program we design, we strive to include these pedagogical strategies:

• “Hands-on” and interactive sessions, with limited passive learning
• Contextual learning that is grounded in the realities of your company and participants’ immediate business area
• “Whole person” learning that fosters the development of key mindsets (cognitive), temperaments (affective), and actions (behavioral)
• Alternating cycles of action and reflection with increasing contextual and cognitive complexity

Creating a custom program includes several steps, all of which we undertake jointly with you to ensure that we are meeting your specific requirements.

Step One: Needs Assessment/Contextual Analysis

At the outset of any executive education engagement, Columbia Business School Executive Education conducts a thorough needs analysis:
• Interview program participants to gain insight into their baseline skills, professional development needs, learning preferences, and the context, content, and conduct of various scenarios they routinely encounter.
• Review relevant business documents to gain understanding and become conversant with the business lexicon.

Step Two: Program Blueprint

Columbia develops each program as a collaborative effort among our faculty members, designated representatives from your organization and the Columbia account management team. Working closely with your organization, we design a program that will meet your performance and learning objectives and allow you to measure the program’s success.

Step Three: Program Development

Design teams from your organization and from Columbia meet to determine the program’s structure:
• Develop the content and learning process, including case studies, simulations, role plays, and supporting materials.
• Design a tool kit and coaching process to ensure consistent program delivery and learner experience, anywhere in the world.

Step Four: Pilot, Evaluate and Refine

Toward the end of the development phase, Columbia can conduct a pilot version of the program to test and refine content and pedagogy prior to the formal program launch. This is an optional part of the development process. During the pilot program, we collect information from your representatives as well as the Columbia Business School faculty director. In addition, we gather feedback from participants throughout the pilot and then refine the module design accordingly.