CEIBS Executive Education programmes often last for 3 to 5 days on end and include lectures, case discussions, group presentations, business simulations, or other activities. The participants will face great challenges to their energy and focus during programmes. Inadequate mental and academic preparation may cause difficulties in understanding the essence of the professors’ lectures and getting actively involved in class discussions. We suggest that participants advise colleagues in advance that they may not be able to respond to phone calls and e-mails during the programme.

For both companies selecting participants and for individual managers being selected, participation in CEIBS programmes represents a significant investment. Participants who are unable to fully dedicate themselves to the programme because of continued work-related duties during the course may not achieve all of the expected benefits of the training.

Most professors prepare pre-reading materials for the participants that include cases and extensive reading materials. CEIBS programme coordinators will mail the materials to the participants several weeks in advance. All participants are required to carefully read the materials beforehand; otherwise, group discussions and class discussions can hardly proceed given the limited time that professors allocate for reading cases in class.