ISM unveils updated Master’s programmes
As artificial intelligence takes over an increasing number of routine tasks, organisations are placing greater value on people who can see the bigger picture, make decisions in uncertain situations, and solve complex problems. To help students develop these capabilities, ISM’s Master’s programmes will place even greater emphasis on practical learning, introducing new modules, more collaboration with organisations, and the interdisciplinary REAL capsAs artificial intelligence takes over an increasing number of routine tasks, organisations are placing greater value on people who can see the bigger picture, make decisions in uncertain situations, and solve complex problems. To help students develop these capabilities, ISM’s Master’s programmes will place even greater emphasis on practical learning, introducing new modules, more collaboration with organisations, and the interdisciplinary REAL capstone project.
According to Prof. Dr Dalius Misiūnas, Rector of ISM University of Management and Economics, higher education must continuously adapt to the changing needs of organisations. tone project.
„We are seeing a clear trend: technology accelerates decision-making, but it does not remove responsibility. Ultimately, decisions are still made by people, who remain accountable for the consequences. As a result, organisations increasingly value individuals who can understand the broader context, evaluate different alternatives, and make decisions in situations where there is no single correct answer.
This is also changing expectations of Master’s education. Professional knowledge alone is no longer enough; the ability to work on real-world challenges, collaborate effectively, and operate in uncertain environments is becoming increasingly important,“ says Prof. Dr D. Misiūnas.
These changing expectations are reflected in the latest updates to ISM’s Master’s programmes. From this autumn, all international Master’s programmes at ISM – Innovation and Technology Management, Global Leadership and Strategy, International Marketing and Management, and Financial Economics – will place greater emphasis on strategy, the application of emerging technologies, and decision-making capabilities.
What will change in practice?
The International Marketing and Management programme is being updated through the introduction of Strategy and Marketing Strategy courses at an earlier stage of the curriculum. These additions are designed to provide students with a strong foundation in business and marketing strategy, equipping them to make complex managerial decisions, manage international brands, expand businesses across different markets, and build long-term competitive advantage. The changes will strengthen the programme’s strategic focus and help students understand from the outset how marketing decisions are connected to broader business objectives.
Meanwhile, the Innovation and Technology Management programme will place greater emphasis on artificial intelligence, product development, and international learning experiences. Students will also participate in an international study module in Japan, where they will visit companies, meet representatives of the country’s business and innovation ecosystem, work with AI tools, develop product prototypes, and take part in practical projects.
The Global Leadership and Strategy programme will continue to expand opportunities for experiential learning. Students will be able to participate in international initiatives, company visits, and meetings with organisational leaders.
According to the programme’s founder, Prof. Dr Vita Akstinaitė, students will also have the opportunity to take part in the Global Business Immersion initiative, which includes a study visit to Chile, meetings with business leaders, and first-hand exposure to the country’s economic and business environment.
Internationalisation will also remain a key focus within the Financial Economics programme. Students will be able to participate in international projects, collaborate with peers from other European universities, and engage in professional initiatives and competitions. They will also be encouraged to address current economic and financial issues in their dissertations, drawing on increasingly accessible data sources and contributing to the search for solutions to today’s challenges.
Tackling real organisational challenges
The most significant change to ISM’s Master’s studies will arrive in spring 2027 with the launch of REAL: Interdisciplinary Impact. This new interdisciplinary project will bring together students from all Master’s programmes, working in teams alongside business and public-sector organisations to address real-world challenges.
Throughout the project, students will collaborate with organisational representatives, consult mentors and experts, test their ideas, and ultimately present their recommendations to organisational leaders.
The project will be led by Tomas Šiurna, who contributed to the development of similar capstone projects at Cornell University in the United States. According to him, REAL will expose students to situations that closely reflect the realities of today’s organisations.
„In organisations, problems and their solutions are rarely obvious. More often, decisions must be made with limited information, while weighing different alternatives and their consequences. That is why the ability to ask the right questions, understand the broader context, and make well-reasoned decisions is more important than ever,“ says T. Šiurna.
