An international leadership programme celebrating 25 years at Lancaster University Management School has been recognised for its innovation, expertise and impact for a fifth successive year.

The International Masters Program for Managers (IMPM) has been ranked #1 for International Management by EDUNIVERSAL EEA Best Masters North America in 2021.

The IMPM is an executive master’s programme designed and taught by five world-class management schools and more than 50 leading academics at Lancaster University; McGill University, Canada; Yokohama National University, Japan; FGV-EBAPE, Brazil; and IIMB, India.

Since its foundation by world-leading management thinker Henry Mintzberg in 1996, IMPM has transformed leadership practices at major global companies such as BT, the Brazilian Development Bank, Federation of the Red Cross, Fujitsu, Goldwind, Lufthansa, LG, Panasonic, Posco and Sinocare.

IMPM Worldwide Academic Director Dr Martin Brigham, from Lancaster University Management School, said: “We are very proud of our schools, faculty and alumni right around the world. To have been ranked number one for international management since 2017 is a wonderful achievement.

“IMPM has been the pioneering senior management programme for 25 years, and we are continuing to innovate the tradition of future management education, intensifying our unique experience-based learning approach that integrates engaged management learning and real organisational impact for today’s business and global challenges.”

A diverse international cohort will start the IMPM Cycle 24 in November 2021. The Reflective Mindset module will be delivered live online by Lancaster University, with the Analytic Mindset module taught live online by McGill University. The plans are for in-person modules in Japan, Brazil and India if Covid restrictions allow.

Dr Brigham added: “In the present global circumstances, the IMPM is more important and relevant than ever. The challenges and opportunities created by the Covid-19 pandemic, along with major issues such as climate change, disruptive technologies and new ways of working, mean the way forward for senior leaders is not always certain. Yet there is a blueprint for future management education and practice through the programme’s renowned approach – with participants and our academic faculty co-creating actionable knowledge for practical impact.

“The IMPM brings the benefits of collaborative peer insight from around the world with other accomplished managers and leaders, and the opportunity to explore new ideas, processes and innovations in light of the latest academic research being delivered by the programme’s 50-plus academic experts. Because of the focus on innovation and a customised approach to senior management development, IMPM remains a leader making management education for a better future business as usual.”