International Institute for Management Development (IMD): Overview

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Updated August 10, 2023
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International Institute for Management Development (IMD)

Investopedia / Madelyn Goodnight

What Is the International Institute for Management Development (IMD)?

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is one of the top graduate business schools in the world, located in Lausanne, Switzerland. The IMD is not affiliated with a university and offers only MBA and executive MBA degree programs along with a Master of Science in Sustainable Management and Technology (MSc).

Key Takeaways

  • IMD is a prestigious business school based in Lausanne, Switzerland, renowned globally for its excellence in management education and research.
  • IMD offers a hands-on, experiential learning approach that equips professionals with practical skills, leadership capabilities, and real-world insights.
  • IMD also offers customized executive education programs tailored to address specific challenges of organizations.
  • IMD's 2022 MBA class was 104 individuals, with a majority of which changing positions as a result of their education.


Understanding the International Institute for Management Development (IMD)

The International Institute for Management Development is an independent business school expert in developing leaders and transforming organizations to create ongoing impact. For nine consecutive years, 2012-2020, the Financial Times has ranked the International Institute for Management Development in the top three in executive education worldwide.

In addition to its renowned MBA and executive education programs, IMD offers a range of valuable resources and initiatives to foster learning, research, and engagement within the business community. These resources include but aren't limited to customized programs, research networks, globalized networks, digital learning, in-company programs, and alumni engagement.

History of the IMD

The International Institute for Management Development was formed in 1990 through the merger of independent management education centers International Management Institute, established in 1946 by Alcan, and Institut pour l'Etude des Méthodes de Direction de l'Entreprise Lausanne, established in 1956 by Nestlé. The new organization settled in Lausanne.

The International Institute for Management Development is set up to be primarily an executive education center and offers no university courses or affiliations. The professors do not have permanent academic tenure but work under one-year contracts and a performance-based pay package. The faculty consists of 75 experts, made up of 25 different nationalities. The current president is Jean-François Manzoni, who follows Dominique Turpin, John R. Wells, and Peter Lorange. The latter ran the school from 1993 till 2008 and has been widely credited with having established it as one of the world's leading business schools.

The typical IMD student in its MBA program is between 25-34 years old, scored 680 on the GMAT, and has 3-8 years of experience.

IMD’s Programs

The International Institute for Management Development offers both an MBA and EMBA (for more experienced professionals) degree as well as an open executive education program which offers customizable courses. The International Institute for Management Development deliberately keeps enrollment numbers very low and recruits applicants from around the world to ensure diverse classroom settings. The institute also publishes the "World Competitiveness Yearbook" which measures the overall economic competitiveness of the world's leading economic nations.

The school's MBA program is a one-year full-time program. The program runs from January through December without any break (summer is dedicated to a Company Engagement Project). The class of 2022 included 104 participants from various countries.

The MBA program focuses strongly on personal development, leadership, and general management instead of functional expertise. As a result, the majority (95%) of graduates changed function, industry, or geography.

The curriculum of the EMBA is different from the MBA because it targets experienced managers with at least 10 years of experience who seek to strengthen their careers without leaving their jobs. It's admission criteria includes professional achievement, leadership potential, growth mindset, international outlook, English language proficiency, and support of one's company. The program has three components: the foundations for business leadership, the advanced management concepts, and the mastery stage.

How Does IMD Contribute to Executive Development?

IMD's custom executive education programs are designed in collaboration with organizations to address their unique challenges and objectives. These programs provide executives with the tools and frameworks necessary to navigate complex business environments, fostering their growth as effective leaders.

What Kind of Research Does IMD Conduct?

IMD's research spans a wide range of subjects, from leadership dynamics to business sustainability. This research not only advances academic knowledge but also provides actionable insights that businesses can leverage to enhance their practices and strategies.

How Does IMD Engage With the Business Community?

IMD's engagement with the business community is multifaceted. Through collaborative projects and consulting, the school addresses real-world challenges faced by companies. Its partnerships include MIT, EPFL, Yale, Waseda University, and Porto Business School.

Does IMD Offer Any Scholarships or Financial Assistance?

Yes; as part of this commitment, the institute offers various scholarship opportunities to support talented individuals with financial need in pursuing their education.

The Bottom Line

The International Institute for Management Development is an independent academic institution with Swiss roots and global reach founded over 75 years ago. Since its creation, IMD has been a pioneering force in developing leaders who transform organizations and contribute to society. IMD is well known for its MBA program and is consistently ranked among the best in the world,

Article Sources
Investopedia requires writers to use primary sources to support their work. These include white papers, government data, original reporting, and interviews with industry experts. We also reference original research from other reputable publishers where appropriate. You can learn more about the standards we follow in producing accurate, unbiased content in our editorial policy.

  1. Institute for Management Development. "The IMD MBA."

  2. Institute for Management Development. "Rankings of IMD."

  3. Institute for Management Development. "Who We Are."

  4. Institute for Management Development. "Faculty."

  5. Institute for Management Development. "Jean-François Manzoni."

  6. Institute for Management Development. "Dominique Turpin."

  7. Harvard Business School. "John R. Wells."

  8. Lorange Network. "Biography."

  9. Institute for Management Development. "Meet Our MBA Students."

  10. Institute for Management Development. "Program for Executive Development."

  11. Institute for Management Development. "World Competitiveness Yearbook."

  12. Institute for Management Development. "Master of Business Administration (MBA)."

  13. Institute for Management Development. "MBA Degree Program - Career Development- IMD Business School."

  14. Institute for Management Development. "Executive MBA Admissions."

  15. Institute for Management Development. "EMBA at IMD Business School - A Global Top Executive MBA Program."

  16. Institute for Management Development. "Partnerships."

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