Why SUMAS ?

A better way to do business

SUMAS is a new way of thinking about business

SUMAS was the first business school in the world to launch the BBA and MBA in Sustainability Management. SUMAS is a unique business school located between Geneva and Lausanne, Switzerland that offers innovative business programs integrated with state of the art sustainability knowledge. SUMAS combines high level academic education with real life projects in partnership with top companies.A sustainable future is no longer an option or a choice, it is a necessity. Coming generations of managers will have to re-think business practices to allow a sustainable impact on the environment, on economic development, and on society at large.

Nowadays, many corporations understood it and started to follow the principles of sustainability in their everyday business practices. Those companies are looking for managers with sustainability knowledge in all departments (Marketing, Finance, External Relations, Supply Chain, Production, R&D).

Sustainability Executives are already committed to the principles of sustainability and are the initiators of the changes in business education. SUMAS trains the managers of the future by teaching both business-related subjects and sustainability topics at the same time. BBA in Sustainability Management and MBA in Sustainability Management programs at SUMAS include such unique modules as: “Sustainable Finance and Responsible Investment” instead of “Finance ” in programs of many other schools “Green Corporate Strategy and Policy” instead of “Corporate Strategy” in programs of many other schools “International Business Law and Environmental Policy” instead of “International Business Law” in programs of many other schools “International Business and Biodiversity” instead of “International Business” in programs of many other schools Etc. Nowadays, graduates with BBA or MBA degree in Sustainability Management have definite advantage over just BBA or MBA graduates.

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SUMAS is filling an important gap that exists today in business schools. There is a divide between business management education and scientific knowledge for sustainable development. We need leaders who are able to integrate economic growth with sustainable development. This starts from their education. The traditional approach is not enough. The leaders of the future have to find creative solutions to complex issues.
Ivana ModenaPresident & Academic Director

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We expect students to go and enter the industry in all kind of functions. We can see students going into marketing, into finance, into other functions. And they really bring sustainability into their day-to-day life.Within graduation of SUMAS you go and join advertisement department where you work on consumer products. You will be educated to decide how to address sustainability in your consumer communication. Whether you want to do a “green washing” and just respond to a general trend or whether you want to educate consumers to do something that matters and has an impact on the environment.
Dr. Hans J. BenderFormer Vice President of P&G

Sustainability knowledge is in demand

Managers with the knowledge of Sustainability are in demand. In fact, according to The New York Times Sustainability Professional is one of the Nine Jobs of the (Near) Future. Many new business and job opportunities emerge every day from a shift to a sustainability management and green economy. Large companies are creating new positions for sustainability professionals. In May 2011, Coca-Cola Co. appointed a new chief sustainability officer and created an office of sustainability (The Wall Street Journal).
Sustainability is becoming a new focus in business education, according to Financial Times accreditation bodies from both Europe and the US. Guardian Professional Network expert John Elkington declares that “sustainability should be at the heart of business school education”.

SUMAS has a wide network of partners in the private sector, as well as governmental and non-governmental agencies. Students have the opportunity to network and enter into ongoing dialogue with guest executives.

Classes are paperless thanks to the use of the latest technology. The teaching is interactive and takes place in small classes with highly-qualified academicians or professionals in their field, who have multifaceted expertise in various areas of sustainability. The Advisory Council, partners, the management team, faculty and staff are all strongly committed to the cause of sustainability.