Ragnhild Kvålshaugen is an associate professor in BI’s Department of Strategy and Logistics. She teaches strategy and leadership subjects in several of BI’s post-graduate programmes.
Kvålshaugen teaches courses including strategic leadership in the Master of Management programme and leadership subjects in the Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) programme. These programmes are designed for people who are currently working and want to boost their professional expertise. Leadership is something everyone has to deal with in working life.
The subject focuses on how leaders can get the best performance from the organization and employees they are in charge of. The strategy subject sheds light on why some organisations are more successful than others. This is important knowledge in today’s society where competition is increasing in most areas.
«Students in my classes are actively involved in the teaching process. I view teaching as a community of learning where the lecturer and students are equal partners, but with different skills that should be utilised in the classroom.»
A typical student in Kvålshaugen’s courses is 35 – 45 years old and works in middle management. Classes range from 30 – 60 students.
«I expect my students to be committed and prepared, and really keen to learn,» says Kvålshaugen.
Post-graduate education in strategy and leadership helps hone expertise, which can in turn open many avenues towards exciting, new job opportunities. Leaders have a strategic responsibility in the organization -and they must lead through others to achieve results. A good grasp of underlying processes linked to how a leader can influence others to work in the best interests of the organisation, is crucial knowledge for a leader.
«The objective of the course is to develop reflective leaders, in other words, you should have the attitude that, as a leader, you never stop learning. Opportunities to learn and develop are part of every leader’s daily work. You just have to act on these opportunities.»
I view teaching as a community of learning where the lecturer and students are equal partners, but with different skills that should be utilised in the classroom.
Ragnhild Kvålshaugen, Associate Professor - Department of Strategy and Logistics
