Western launches food marketing focus within MBA program

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Western Michigan University’s food and consumer package goods marketing program is planning to offer new coursework as part of the WMU MBA, aimed at helping industry professionals take their careers to new heights. The courses will help professionals grow their knowledge and leadership capacity through a curriculum developed by faculty members who have made Western’s food marketing program the best in the nation.

“It's an exciting time to be in the industry, with customer connection, category management, food marketing and supply chain front and center,” says Dr. Russell Zwanka, associate professor of marketing and director of the food marketing program. “At the Haworth College of Business, we want to make sure those we serve in the industry are prepared with the best tools to move their careers ahead.”

The courses are designed with the student in mind in terms of content and format. All courses will be HyFlex, enabling either in-person or online participation. “This focused offering within the MBA program will catapult students’ careers, giving them the flexibility to complete courses from wherever this industry takes them,” says Zwanka. The flexibility is particularly critical as students in the MBA program will often experience promotions and career moves as they gain opportunities in the workplace, but can still maintain progress toward the MBA no matter where their careers take them.

“The curriculum emphasizes experiential learning,” says Dr. Marcel Zondag, associate professor of marketing and the director of the Food Industry Research and Education Center. “Students will be working with real data on issues that affect the global food industry today. Also, in collaboration with our research center, students can earn credit for marketing, continuous improvement or supply chain projects completed for their employers.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• The courses will be offered as part of an MBA from the Haworth College of Business.
• The coursework centers on global food marketing strategy and category management, with hands-on projects that allow for experience in a professional position to count toward the MBA program.
• All courses will be offered in a HyFlex format where students can attend in-person, online or switch up how they attend. Ninety-six percent of students say the flexible course format maintains work-life balance.

“We anticipate that many students will be interested in pursuing this specific area of focus as part of their MBA,” says Dr. Steve Newell, associate dean for graduate programs and operations at WMU Haworth. “Essentially, students can customize their MBA by taking special classes focused on topics related to food and consumer packaged goods. As a result, students will gain more concentrated, value-added knowledge and skills that will bring immediate benefits in their current positions, while providing future opportunities for career advancement.”

Those interested in the food marketing focus within the MBA may visit the website or contact Dr. Russell Zwanka.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.