We model our outcomes assessment processes on The National Institute of Standards and Technology's Baldrige National Quality Program - Education Criteria for Performance Excellence. And we assess our effectiveness against ISM's mission statement.
As an institution, our performance measurement activities focus on key results. We use these results to create balance and value for our candidates and key stakeholders - the community, employers, faculty and staff, partners, and the public.
Below you will find the desired learning outcomes for each program, along with a selection of results of direct learning measures.
IMBA students will:
- Learn critical concepts and tools that are relevant to achieve leadership and organizational objectives and goals.
- Learn how to apply the concepts and tools to various situations, and make the intellectual connections between tools and context that lead to insight and vision – the basis for long-term corporate success.
- Develop and strengthen various emotional intelligence skills – self-awareness, self-management, collaboration, and teamwork – to better negotiate the potential complexities in organizations.
- Learn to focus on advancing the strategic objectives of the organization, emphasizing application of theory in practice and identifying effective action.
- Learn to synthesize, analyze and integrate their knowledge from across the organization and use this to provide innovative and credible solutions for an immediate return on investment.
- Learn to lead and make rapid, high-level business decisions, develop their global perspective, and expand their network through working with high-calibre faculty colleagues.
- Learn the skills necessary to analyze a firm’s quantifiable numerical data and make intelligent and effective decisions.
Results and statistics
DBA graduates will be able to:
- Apply relevant theoretical knowledge to contemporary business problems.
- Critique contemporary organizational practice in the light of relevant theory.
- Explain the principles of and apply a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods frequently used in business research to solve current business management problems.
- Critically evaluate business research studies to assess their quality and applicability in improving the effective handling of business management problems.
- Acquire and use knowledge of behavioral, policy, and strategic issues to improve the effectiveness of their own organizations.
- Identify, analyze and evaluate internal and external environmental influences on organizations to develop strategic plans for the management of change and the development of their organizations.
- Demonstrate superior oral and written communication skills relevant to business.
- Link their educational experience directly to their own workplace experience.
Results and statistics
PhD candidates will:
- Write publishable research reports which make significant intellectual contributions to the body of knowledge in their chosen fields and provide innovative solutions to the day-to-day problems faced in their professional careers.
- Communicate educational course content effectively, using traditional and emerging communication techniques and technologies in satisfactorily preparing and delivering graduate-level business courses.
- Apply relevant theoretical knowledge to contemporary business problems and critique contemporary organisational practice in the light of relevant theory.
- Explain the principles of, and apply a range of, quantitative and qualitative research methods frequently used in business research to solve current business management problems.
- Critically evaluate business research studies to assess their quality and applicability in improving the effective handling of business management problems.
- Acquire and use knowledge of behavioural, policy and strategic issues to improve the effectiveness of their own organisations.
- Identify, analyse and evaluate internal and external environmental influences on organisations to develop strategic plans for the management of change and the development of their organizations.
- Demonstrate superior oral and written communications skills relevant to business, link their educational experience directly to their own workplace experience, and be proficient in transferring those skills and capabilities to others.
Results and statistics
The table below compiles data from the most recent ISM Alumni Survey (2018), which is conducted approximately every two years.
| ISM Alumni Survey 2018 | Percentage of Respondents Employed at Time of Survey | Percentage of Respondents Whose Salary Increased Since Graduation | Percentage of Respondents Who Received a Promotion in the Last Two Years | Percentage of Respondents Whose Salary Increased Over the Past 2 Years | Final Salary Amount (More than 100k) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALL ISM STUDENTS | 100% | 47% | 43% | 50% | 49% |
| PhD Program | 100% | 33% | 42% | 42% | 50% |
| DBA Program | 100% | 17% | 17% | 17% | 67% |
| IMBA Program | 100% | 90% | 70% | 90% | 30% |
ISM Students are adult learners with prior university degrees and significant work experience. They are a demanding public who take feedback seriously, so the survey information they provide represents a valuable quality control tool.
We aim to have no courses at ISM receive less than a 70% student evaluation score. To read our most recent student evaluation scores for our IMBA, DBA and PhD programs, click here.
