Center for Global Management

As the global economy begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia invaded Ukraine and has been sanctioned by the West; relations between China and the U.S. have been deteriorating; and supply chain shocks have roiled markets for food, energy and other commodities. Preparing students to become responsible world leaders through learning about global issues that transcend borders and advancing the CGM’s role in broadening students’ understanding of these issues and their impact on business, society and the planet have become more crucial than ever.

The 2021-22 academic year was extremely active, albeit challenging. While the year started in a fully virtual modality with successful implementation of a virtual international exchange during the summer months, in December, after a two-year hiatus, we celebrated the resumption of travel for our global immersion courses and, in February, we welcomed international students to campus again for our global management seminars.

Throughout the year, the CGM continued to creatively adapt and enhance its programming around the key thematics of technology and entrepreneurship, environment and social responsibility, and geopolitical and trade issues. We engaged in about 40 events, including multidisciplinary dialogue around global issues and networking with alumni, that provided opportunities to engage, learn and connect. Virtual programming continued and was complemented by in-person networking opportunities. The CGM strengthened interdisciplinary, cross-campus collaborations and celebrated the ninth year of its global business and policy forum partnership with the UCLA School of Law, organized joint programming with Anderson centers and played a key role in the expansion of the Centers@Anderson discussion series.

Around 1,200 students enrolled in 16 on-campus, virtual and hybrid global management electives; three global immersion with travel electives; and three EMBA international business residencies. From exploring Dubai’s role in the world to studying Chile and its new constitution to examining France’s diversified economy and its role in the EU to exploring technology transformation in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, our global immersion courses provided many transformative learning experiences, embodied “One Anderson” 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 the respective countries. On campus, a new course was introduced on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) landscape and issues for managers and investors. In April, we celebrated class reunions during Alumni Weekend. We also welcomed more than 150 participants from top institutions in Australia, France, Spain and South Korea for our global management seminars.

Advancing the global research efforts of Anderson’s faculty and students is at the core of the CGM’s mission. Despite being unable to travel to conduct critical primary research, over 50% of applied management capstone projects across programs had an international focus or were with an international-based client. From education to health care to technology adoption to environmental sustainability to tourism, 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.

Discussions were held on topics ranging from China’s digital currency and India’s digital payment system to ESG to the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement, trade relations and improving supply chain resiliency. Policy forums brought together business and law students for discussions on cybersecurity, and ESG and the purpose of the corporation. The Woo Greater China Business Conference brought together leading innovators, influencers, investors and academics to explore the metaverse and its role in the future of work, shopping and social engagements; the role of blockchain as an enabling platform for innovations in financial services; the role of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles in the future of transportation; and the role of public policy in shaping innovation. In December 2021, the CGM launched the CGM board conversations series, which explored global supply chain challenges and posed the question: Is China is investible?

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 thematics, enhancing important networking opportunities, ramping up international travel for our courses and strengthening partnerships with the broader UCLA campus and global alumni communities. As we advance UCLA Anderson’s research, teaching and service missions, we will continue our commitment to diversity and inclusion by bringing global and multicultural perspectives to the UCLA community and providing timely and relevant information about issues that impact business, society and the planet. We warmly congratulate the Class of 2022 and look forward to welcoming our new and returning students.

Lucy E. Allard Nelson ('06) 

Executive Director, Center for Global Management