Institutions which seek a competitive advantage in the increasingly global higher education market can no longer rely on national frameworks. The increasing impact of European initiatives such as the Bologna Process requires institutional change. The top managers of tomorrow will be those who understand the global environment and can capitalise on opportunities for development. The programme is highly intensive, including plenary sessions and practical work in small groups. Participants are encouraged to use cases from their own institutions. The working language is English, but facilitators are well used to dealing with various levels of language proficiency.

The Winter School focuses on leadership skills, with particular emphasis on the need to implement necessary changes. Participants gain experience in making informed choices in decision-making processes. All ideas are firmly based in the context of university life across Europe. The Winter School uses the experience of ESMU and HUMANE to give unique firsthand insight into general problems and to ensure that discussion is not limited to one national system. The target audience is fast-rising administrators with real potential for future leadership and the capacity to become influential senior managers. The School is particularly valuable for managers whose career has hitherto been in a “specialist” area and who might benefit from exposure to broader ideas. Applicants are nominated by their own heads of administration and selected by an ESMU-HUMANE panel with wide experience of management training.

Over the week, the programme covers a variety of topics such as the new context in which universities operate (globalisation, Bologna Process), Strategic and Change Management, Finances, Human Resource Management and Information and Communication Technologies. Participants are split into groups for the duration of the week to prepare a written analysis of a case study incorporating many of the School’s themes. This project work is presented and discussed in a final session with a jury of ESMU and HUMANE members. Participants then receive written feedback on the wisdom and practicality of their suggestions.

Linked to the School is a powerful alumni network for further networking and professional contacts in Europe.