Center for Global Management

In the midst of complex and changing economic, political, social and environmental environments, it is essential for leaders to have a global mindset and make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Preparing students to become responsible leaders through learning about and experiencing global issues and trends — and advancing the CGM’s role in broadening students’ understanding of their impact — has become more crucial than ever. The CGM continues to enhance the student experience and transform the learning environment at UCLA Anderson through its breadth of academic courses, experiential learning, innovative programming, engagement of faculty across disciplines and interface with the broader UCLA campus and alumni communities. Our coverage of regions, topics and issues equips students to become successful, empathetic global leaders and active participants in shaping a better world, and further advances diversity and inclusion by bringing a global and multicultural perspective to the UCLA Anderson community.

The 2022-23 academic year was extremely active. It was the first full year of “normal” programmatic activity since the pandemic, with the full resumption of on-campus instruction and in-person events. Following a three-year hiatus, the CGM celebrated the return to campus of students from its nine partner institutions for the summer international exchange week, offered six global immersion courses with travel and welcomed eight groups of international students from top institutions around the world for our global management seminars. This activity was in addition to hosting a pleathora of on-campus, virtual and hybrid programming.

Throughout the year, the CGM continued to adapt and enhance its programming around the themes of technology and entrepreneurship, environment and social responsibility, and geopolitical and trade issues, while offering many experiential learning opportunities around these same themes. We engaged in about 40 events, including multidisciplinary dialogue around global issues and networking with alumni, that provided opportunities to learn, engage and connect. Virtual programming continued and was complemented by in-person networking opportunities on campus and abroad. The CGM strengthened interdisciplinary, cross-campus collaborations and celebrated the 10th year of both its global business and policy forum partnership with the UCLA School of Law and its mentor program, which pairs CGM advisory members with MBA students for valuable mentorship.

Around 1,200 students enrolled in 11 on-campus, virtual and hybrid global management electives; six global immersion with travel electives; an international exchange (that allowed students to take classes through various international partner schools); and four EMBA international business residencies. From exploring innovation and entrepreneurship in Israel, South Africa and Vietnam to examining the business environments of India and Japan to studying technology transformation in the Greater China and Southeast Asia regions, the CGM’s global immersion courses provided many transformative learning experiences, embodied the “One Anderson” ethos and offered significant networking opportunities. Students heard from and networked with many prominent business leaders, academics, politicians, senior policymakers and entrepreneurs, including Anderson alumni, who addressed some of the most important economic, business, social and political aspects of their respective countries. On campus, a new global macro course was introduced into the core curriculum for the Full-Time MBA program and is planned to be phased into the core curriculum of the Fully Employed and Executive MBA programs, underscoring the importance of global in both the curricular and co-curricular aspects of the programs. We welcomed more than 300 participants from top institutions in France, Hong Kong SAR, Spain and South Korea for our global management seminars. And in May, we celebrated class reunions during Alumni Weekend.

Advancing the global research efforts of Anderson’s faculty and students is at the core of the CGM’s mission. Over half of the MBA capstone projects had an international focus or were with an international-based client and provided students with some meaningful international exposure. From education to health care to ESG to clean energy to social entrepreneurship to environmental sustainability, MBA students learned about the issues facing local communities, entrepreneurs, SMEs and nonprofits around the globe. The CGM also continued its investment in the global research efforts of UCLA Anderson Ph.D. students.

The launch of the Global Management Speaker Series, supported by the Class of 2022, provided opportunities for the class to return to their alma mater to network, learn, meet new friends and reconnect. The inaugural conversation explored the question, is globalization passe? Throughout the year, multidisciplinary dialogue was held on topics ranging from Brazil’s advances in fintech and digital payment systems to lessons learned from COVID-19 to international relations and NATO to managing a multinational company. Policy forums brought together business and law students for discussions on cryptocurrency and the global minimum tax, while the newly branded Woo Greater China Business Series brought together leading innovators and academics to explore leadership in sustainable, socially responsible and tech-driven innovation, as well as what the future holds for the world’s second-largest economy.

We continue to be energized by the support and active engagement of students, faculty and alumni around the globe, and are deeply grateful for the generous support and engagement of our board members in guiding and shaping the next generation of global leaders. The CGM looks forward to building upon the momentum generated over the last year, continuing to deliver programming around our key themes, enhancing important networking opportunities and offering meaningful and transformative experiential learning courses. As we help to advance UCLA Anderson’s research, teaching and service missions, the CGM will continue its commitment to diversity and inclusion by bringing global and multicultural perspectives to the UCLA community, as well as providing a vital and innovative platform on which to engage, network with, learn from and feel connected to the world around us while providing timely and relevant information about issues that impact business, society and the planet. The CGM warmly congratulates the Class of 2023 and looks forward to welcoming UCLA Anderson’s new and returning students.

Lucy E. Allard Nelson ('06) 

Executive Director, Center for Global Management