Schulich Mini-MBA:
 Essentials of Management

Management Capability for Canada’s Changing Business Environment

59%* of senior managers have expressed concern about the long-term relevance of their roles. This reflects how management expectations are evolving across industries. The Schulich Mini-MBA focuses on building core management capabilities that support adaptability, sound decision-making, and continued effectiveness as business priorities change.

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Fees: $10,150
Length: 9 days of study over 2 months
Next Session: February 5, 2026 to
April 18, 2026
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Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management

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  • Programs
  • Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management

Essential Management Skills for an Economy in Transformation

Across Canada, organizations are operating in an environment shaped by ongoing disruption and changing expectations. Managers are increasingly expected to contribute more directly to organizational priorities and decision-making. This shift requires a reassessment of established practices and a focus on strengthening core management capabilities.

This program supports managers in developing essential skills through applied learning and practical insight. Participants build greater confidence in decision-making, communication, and people leadership, helping them remain effective as organizations adapt to current conditions and future change.

*Source: KPMG

Convince Your Supervisor

Here’s a justification letter for you to edit and send to your supervisor to provide reasoning for attending this program. Our expert advisory team can assist with customizing the letter to suit your needs!

Who is this Program For?

All Mini-MBA participants complete a team-based Action Learning Project (ALP) designed to apply classroom insights to real-world challenges. For those interested in focusing their project on a specific sector—such as Healthcare, Supply Chain, Energy, Construction, and more—there is an opportunity to pursue a Mini-MBA Specialization Badge, subject to approval and resource availability. To explore this option, speak with our Education Advisor to assess eligibility and receive guidance on specialization topics.

DISCLAIMER: Schulich ExecEd requires a non-refundable deposit from all students as part of the enrolment process. Domestic students are required to submit a $1,000 deposit, while international students are required to submit a 50% deposit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our advisors for assistance.

Program Overview

  • Elevate your leadership prowess by identifying and challenging assumed norms and fostering innovative thinking. Enhance your leadership capacity and apply acquired skills to real-world strategic challenges in the ‘Action Learning Project (ALP).’ Then explore the crucial role of branding and product positioning and delve into strategic planning processes.

  • Master strategic management processes for informed business analysis and decision-making. Gain a deeper understanding of the factors that contribute to high-performing teams and learn strategies that will help unlock your team’s potential. Then, gain a comprehensive understanding of modern investment and finance while also honing your ability to communicate complex data effectively. Top it all off by diving into the ethical challenges of modern business and examining the social and ethical dimensions faced by contemporary organizations.

  • Explore the managerial realm of human resources, gaining fresh perspectives on career management. Explore the dynamics of change and manage resistance to strategic shifts. Hone your negotiation skills and culminate your learning journey with group presentations. Conclude the program with the Graduation Ceremony, wrapping up the experience and celebrating your graduation.

  • As part of the Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management, all participants complete a team-based Action Learning Project (ALP) to bridge theory with practice in a real-world setting. Participants may request to focus their ALP on a specific sector or organizational need, subject to approval and the availability of appropriate support resources. Approved projects will be recognized with a Mini-MBA Badge with Specialization in the chosen field. 

     

    This hands-on experience allows employer-sponsored teams or individuals to work on strategic projects that align with their industry goals. Where possible, participants with a shared specialization interest will be grouped to collaborate on a common project. Specialization examples include: 

     

    Mini-MBA in Healthcare
    Projects have explored areas such as expanding clinical operations, implementing telemedicine systems, and improving patient-facing services like lab testing and pediatric care. 

     

    Mini-MBA in Supply Chain
    Participants have led initiatives on decarbonizing logistics, digitizing procurement workflows, and streamlining last-mile delivery. 

     

    Mini-MBA in Energy
    Participants may work on initiatives related to energy transition, renewable integration, operational efficiency, sustainability planning, or workforce development in the evolving energy sector.

     

    Mini-MBA in Construction
    Projects may examine ways to enhance project delivery, modernize construction workflows, integrate digital tools, improve safety practices, or strengthen cost and risk management.

     

    To learn whether a specialization is suitable for your professional or organizational needs, talk to our Education Advisor to explore your options and receive project guidelines.  

  • Winter 2026

    Module 1

    Course Dates Time
    Critical Thinking for Leaders 2/5/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Confidence Code Assessment 2/5/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Action Learning Project 2/6/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Part 1: Strategic Management 2/6/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Storytelling with Data Visualization 2/7/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Presentation Skills: Essentials 2/7/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

    Module 2

    Course Dates Time
    Part 2: Strategic Management 3/19/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Creating High-Performance Teams 3/19/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    Managerial Finance 3/20/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Marketing Strategy 3/21/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Module 3

    Course Dates Time
    Essentials of Human Resource Management 4/16/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Leading Change 4/17/2026 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
    Business Negotiation 4/17/2026 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
    ALP Presentations & Graduation 4/18/2026 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
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Get Training in Marketable Skills

Strategic Thinking
Leadership Skills
Decision Making
Organizing Teams & Resources
Risk Management
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills

Who Will Benefit

Mid-Career Professionals

Perfect for managers or non-business professionals looking to perform their current role better and expand their business acumen.

Entrepreneurs

An excellent program for startup leaders who need to learn the business and people-oriented skills that are crucial to growing their company.

6 Reasons to Enrol

Amazing Education for Busy Professionals

This program packs rich learnings into a flexible, manageable timeframe. Attend three, 3-day modules over two months. Between modules, engage at your own pace with online material, videos and readings.

Stand Out from the Crowd

Get a unique business education directly related to your professional career. This program covers core MBA topics, from finance and marketing to strategy and business analysis.

Learn from the Pros

Train with top-rated Schulich MBA and EMBA instructors that are consistently ranked among the world’s best.

Tackle Business-oriented Challenges

Apply learning through an in-depth strategic project. Address diverse challenges across various public and private sectors to elevate your job performance.

Build A Meaningful Network

Connect with and learn from peers and leaders across a wide range of sectors, industries and professions.

Earn Higher Pay

Schulich ExecEd students gain the confidence, skills and perspective to attain better roles, launch new ventures and lead their teams to new heights.

What Difference Will You Make?

I thought I signed up to learn management. What I gained was something deeper. The program provided a strong foundation in core management principles, covering a wide range of topics.

 

What truly set the experience apart, though, was the unexpected journey of self-discovery. The program helped me develop a deeper sense of self-awareness – one that made me believe I have far more potential as a growing leader.

- Guan Yue Manager, Strategic Initiatives, President's Office, Esri Canada

The faculty at Schulich ExecEd are world-class. The instructors’ dedication went beyond just teaching—it was about truly engaging with students and making a lasting connection. The insights challenged conventional thinking and brought fresh perspectives to my leadership approach. Learning from experts with real-world experience was invaluable, and it’s clear that Schulich ExecEd carefully selects instructors who are both knowledgeable and deeply invested in their participants’ growth.

- Lavanya Perez Director of Sales, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company

I have taken 20 courses with Schulich ExecEd and they all resonate with me on an almost daily basis. Perhaps none more so than the Mini-MBA. So grateful that this course was made available.

- A.D. Jess Director – Operations & Facilities Management, CONMED Canada

The Mini-MBA was a truly enriching experience—one that came at the perfect point in my professional journey. The program brought together a diverse group of accomplished professionals, creating a vibrant learning environment where insights flowed not just from world-class instructors but also through meaningful peer-to-peer exchange.

- Supinder Thind Education Manager, Merit OpenShop Contractors Association of Ontario

Taking Schulich ExecEd’s Mini-MBA was one of the best professional development decisions I’ve made. Since completing the program, I’ve joined the executive committee and am preparing for a future transition into a more senior role. The lessons in leadership, data storytelling, and strategic management have been invaluable. I’ve already applied many of these insights in my day-to-day work, making better decisions and leading my team more effectively.

- Chris Wesley Plant Manager, Rulmeca Limited - USA & Canada

This is a perfect program for those who want to break into the business aspects of their organization, and beyond of what’s expected of them.

- Michal Majernik Marketing Manager, Tire and Rubber Association of Canada

Great experience and a great atmosphere conducive for a higher level of learning and professional networking. Terrific group of teammates and instructors who added real life examples throughout the presentations, aiding in the absorption of the material. The Mini-MBA program and material provided throughout the program is indispensable to both my personal growth and career development moving forward.

- Allen Charles Manager, Northland Power Inc.

Thank you to Schulich ExecEd and my fellow Mini-MBA classmates for the amazing learning journey these past few months. If COVID has taught us anything it’s that you can’t sit back and be complacent. The timing to flex the business brain muscles couldn’t have been better.

- Marc Grenier VP of Operations, BioScript Solutions

Faculty

Wissam AlHussaini,
PhD

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Beppino Pasquali,
CPA, CA

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David Elsner,
MBA

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Haniyeh Yousofpour,
PhD, MBA, PMP, PE Certified

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Klaudia Watts,
MBA

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Malcolm Cowan,

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Michelle Saba,
CPIR, VP, Communications @ Cineplex

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Sanjay J. Dhebar,
MBA

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Stephen Friedman,
MA Psych

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Tatiana Astray,
PhD

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Vania Sakelaris,
MBA, CHE, RCC™, CBC™

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What You Get

After completing the Schulich Mini-MBA: Essentials of Management program, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize. As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.

For custom programs, organizations may leverage the Schulich Mini-MBA Certificate to boost employee retention while equipping the team to deliver tangible ROI.

Schulich Mini-MBA Certificate

Awarded when a series of more extensive programs are completed and a greater skill set achieved.

PMI Credits

54 PMI-PDU

Successful completion of this program will earn PMI® Members, in good standing, Education PDU's in alignment with the PMI Talent Triangle. If this applies to you, you will receive a PDU Claim Code at the conclusion of your program. For more information on how to earn your PDU's, we recommend logging into your Continuing Certification Renewal System (CCRS) to report PDU's and view your certification records. Following this, if you require additional assistance, please contact PMI Support directly.

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Make the Right Choice. Try Our Advisory Services.

The next step of your career matters. A Schulich ExecEd program advisor can help you choose a course that fits your budget and schedule. Get in touch with us today.

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