A month ago, Católica Porto Business School once again welcomed international students for an immersion week. On this occasion, the participants were Global Education MBA students from WU Executive Education (Vienna University of Economics and Business), who travelled to Porto for the "International Immersion Innovation and Sustainability Week". The event took place from 1 to 5 July, providing students with an enriching learning, networking and knowledge-sharing experience on the Católica Porto Business School campus.
Responsible for the coordination of this immersive programme were João Pinto, Professor of Sustainable Finance and Dean of Católica Porto Business School, Manuela Pintado, Associate Professor at the Biotechnology School of Universidade Católica at Porto, and Ricardo Morais, Assistant Professor of Management at Católica Porto Business School. The main aim of the week was to prepare participants for the sustainability agenda in all its dimensions, exposing them to the latest practices and thinking on sustainability and regeneration, and enable them to make the right decisions in any organisation.
The learning methodology used was Action-Learning, a hands-on approach that requires active student participation. This type of methodology ensured quality teaching through case discussions, projects applied to real problems in partner companies, simulation games, group dynamics, business initiatives and tutorials with the teaching team.
During the immersion week, the students had the unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders in various sessions: "Radical Innovation for Global Impact" with Diego Soroa, Chief Transformation Officer at Capital Certainty and Professor at IE Business School, "Circular and Disruptive Innovation" with Manuela Pintado, "Systemic thinking and sustainability as a key element of leadership" with António Vasconcelos, Executive Leader of Planetiers New Generation and co-leader of INSURE. Hub - Innovation in Sustainability and Regeneration Hub, "Business strategy in the context of the Circular Economy and Sustainability" with Luís Rochartre, Industry Fellow at Universidade Católica Portuguesa at Porto. In addition, the students collaborated on a group work applied action project with Ricardo Morais.
Complementing the academic experience, the students visited Portuguese companies recognised for their sustainable practices and waste management, such as Amorim, LIPOR, SONAE and Sogrape.
The international week culminated in a teambuilding activity on a sailing boat, taking advantage of the resources close to Católica Porto Business School, the ocean, and was followed by a closing session and the awarding of diplomas.
