Given the factors that contributed to the decision (location, family commitments, etc.), VCU was a great choice. Unfortunately, the tradeoff was a less prestigious program, with access to a weaker alumni network than other programs may have provided. --Strategy
I most likely would choose VCU again. VCU offered good value compared to several of the programs I looked at. --Engineering Management
Integration of multiple disciplines (marketing, finance, operations, etc.) in each module reflects real work-life conditions. Real world instructors brought a wealth of experience. Network of students built life-long relationships. --Operations
[Faculty strengths/weaknesses?] The advantage of working with instructors with bona fide professional experience is tremendous. While the academic instructors bring good information and credibility, they often seemed jealous of students who were already in "doing" roles. --Strategy
Most adjunct professors were able to incorporate real world situations/experience into their lectures, which added to the value of the learning experience. This was also true for most of the faculty members, but there were some professors who would recite their lesson from the book and not embellish at all. --Program Management
[Improvements?] Didn't spend enough time working on development of financial models and business cases. For EMBA students, there's more value in doing work that resembles "real-world" analysis rather than academic writing. --Strategy
[Improvements?] More case studies. --Research & Development
[Improvements?] Some of the catering issues were frustrating (meal quality was erratic). Material quality was also inconsistent. --Strategy
I gained a lot from the Executive Program at VCU with respect to learning, networking, and hands on, real-world experience. It's a great program and I highly recommend it to anyone with a desire to pursue their MBA! --Marketing
VCU does not have the name recognition that I would like to be associated with. My education (what is in my head), was more than satisfactory. --Operations
I would like to see more cases and more team projects. I would also like to have more examples to draw from industries. --Operations
The EMBA program has greatly improved my knowledge of business, finance, and operations. I feel confident that I now have the skills necessary to successfully run any type of business. --Program Management
[Improvements?] Move away from text-book/notebook distribution and go entirely electronic with material (PCs in class, all material distributed through e-mail, etc.) --Operations
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