Global perspectives, local Impact: Facilitating responsible management learning outcomes through international experiential learning

Abstract

This paper explores an international workshop where postgraduate students in international management and global business collaborated with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to address real-world business challenges. The workshop, designed as an experiential and immersive educational experience, aimed to enhance students' practical skills, cultural competence, and understanding of global business dynamics and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The activities in the workshop modelled Kolb's (1984) experiential learning cycle as students were required to work on real-world projects and challenges, tackling issues ranging from strategic planning to marketing and operational efficiency. Using a post-module questionnaire to assess the outcomes of the workshop, students self-reported improvements in their problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and intercultural communication skills, as well as a greater understanding of how the theory can be applied in the real-world. Additionally, the collaboration with NGOs provided valuable insights into the social and economic impacts of business decisions in different cultural contexts. This study highlights the benefits of experiential learning in bridging academic theory and practice and underscores the importance of international exposure in developing the skillsets of future business leaders, equipping them to navigate complex global challenges and contribute to the SDGs.