07 Jul 2025
Executives enrolled on the part-time International MBA (IMBA) at International Business School Suzhou (IBSS), part of Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University (XJTLU), recently completed their Global Immersion Week in the UK, visiting Liverpool, Oxford, and London. The immersive trip, held from 22 to 28 June 2025, offered a unique blend of academic development, corporate engagement and cross-cultural experience, tailored specifically for experienced professionals.
IMBA participants take in the London skyline.
Designed for working executives across sectors such as manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, finance and biotechnology, the IMBA programme at IBSS empowers participants to lead in a global context. The UK visit reinforced this by exposing the cohort to international best practice, strategic leadership thinking, and the dynamics of the UK market.
Dr Dane Anderton
In Liverpool, our IMBA executive students were warmly welcomed by faculty at the University of Liverpool Management School (ULMS). Sessions on innovation in the Liverpool City Region were delivered by Dr Dane Anderton, Director of MBA Programmes, while Dr Lisa Day led an interactive session on communicating for impact. We also visited University’s cutting-edge Digital Innovation Facility (DIF) – the UK’s leading centre for the development and industrial application of next-generation digital technologies.
Alongside the academic sessions, IMBA executives took part in a networking event with MBA students from the University of Liverpool, strengthening the connection between the two programmes and encouraging the exchange of perspectives between professionals working in diverse global markets.
Executives from the IBSS IMBA cohort at the iconic Victoria Building – the original redbrick.
The agenda also featured exclusive visits to major UK organisations. At Peel Ports, participants explored logistics and supply chain strategy in action, hosted by Sales Manager Jerome Wildsmith.
The cohort visits Peel Ports, one of the UK’s largest port operators.
At the AstraZeneca vaccine facility in Speke, participants gained insights into global health innovation, with insights from Operations Alliance Director Yinka Oyinloye. Meanwhile, Liverpool Football Club’s Tourism Director Tom Cassidy visited ULMS to share the club’s international brand strategy and global marketing approach.
Executives were also invited to Liverpool City Hall for discussions with civic leaders, including the Lord Mayor, Councillor Barbara Murray; Vice-Mayor for Growth and Economy, Councillor Nick Small; and Gary Millar, Chair of the Liverpool China Partnership. Topics included UK-China business relations and inward investment opportunities.
IMBA executives meet Liverpool’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Barbara Murray.
Cultural activities such as a tour of Liverpool city centre and a visit to The Beatles Story Museum helped the cohort understand the historical and global relevance of Liverpool as a destination for both business and tourism and the city’s historic links to global trade and commerce.
In Oxford, participants visited the MINI (BMW) manufacturing plant, gaining behind-the-scenes insight into sustainable automotive production and state-of-the-art engineering and design. The trip concluded in London, where executives took part in strategic discussions about leading a global brand with Saif Malik, CEO of Standard Chartered Bank UK, and also explored ethical retailing and customer experience at the iconic Selfridges department store.
Participants with Saif Malik, UK CEO of Standard Chartered.
?A retail strategy session at Selfridges, London.
In front of the historic Royal Exchanges.
Sightseeing opportunities included Christ Church College in Oxford, the Royal Exchanges next to the Bank of England, and the Tower of London – adding historical and cultural depth to the immersive study trip.
Dr Nuno da Camara
Dr Nuno da Camara, Director of the International MBA at IBSS, described the Global Immersion Week as a valuable opportunity for attendees:
“The visit to Liverpool, Oxford and London is one of the major highlights of the International MBA for executives at IBSS. Our IMBA students work for global companies and are keen to understand how business operates in different markets; in particular, to understand the challenges of leadership, diversity and sustainability for global brands based out of the UK. It is also a great opportunity for our cohorts to network with Liverpool-based MBA students, as well as getting to know the Liverpool campus and the surrounding areas.”
The International MBA at IBSS is delivered part-time in Suzhou, allowing busy professionals to gain a globally recognised qualification alongside their work while applying their learning directly to real-world situations.
Find out more
- Course page: /en/study/masters/international-mba
- Get in touch: ibsspgrecruitment@gdsqbz.com
07 Jul 2025