Celebrating a decade of partnership with Konica Minolta: Driving success in the Leeds MBA Programme

Leeds University Business School is delighted to celebrate a decade of collaboration with global technology leader Konica Minolta.

Leeds University Business School is delighted to celebrate a decade of collaboration with global technology leader Konica Minolta. 

For 10 years, Konica Minolta has been a critical partner in the Leeds MBA programme, providing students with the opportunity to tackle complex, real-world projects. This hands-on approach enables students to apply their academic knowledge to practical scenarios, helping them to develop critical skills in strategic thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. 

Reflecting on the collaboration, Dr Richard Hodgett, MBA Director at Leeds University Business School, said: 

Konica Minolta has proven to be a critical partner in the ongoing evolution of the Leeds MBA and its continued success in world rankings – our MBA was recently ranked by QS as 9th in the UK and 72nd in the world. The team at Konica Minolta has been incredibly helpful in providing and structuring projects that allow students to apply the theory they have learnt on the programme in a practical environment, beset with all of the nuances, complexities, and contradictions of strategic management in the real-world context of a large, complex, and sophisticated multinational company. 

Supporting students at Leeds University Business School is part of Konica Minolta's ongoing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitment to creating social value by supporting the community and the next generation of business leaders. Milan Lakhani, Director of Transformation (DX) and Partner, ESG at Konica Minolta, commented: 

We are proud to partner with Leeds University Business School's MBA Programme and offer insights from our business operations and experience to assist students with their problem-solving and tactical decision making.

“The university sets very high standards, and we are continuously impressed by the dedication and hard work of the students and staff in bringing the art of business to life in an academic setting. Through our own global and regional business operations and processes we can demonstrate the practical conclusions of students' strategies and thoughts, giving us a fresh view of the latest opinions and business strategic thinking. We are delighted to mark a decade of co-operation and look forward to continuing and growing our mutual relationship to nurture the next generations of business leaders." 

This decade-long partnership reflects the Business School’s commitment to ensuring its MBA programme remains innovative and impactful, equipping students with the tools they need to excel in their careers. The collaboration also highlights the School’s dedication to fostering strong relationships with industry leaders, bridging the gap between academia and the business world. 

Dr James Roberts, a Lecturer in Strategy and Organisation and former MBA Director, echoed the importance of these partnerships in shaping the MBA’s success. He remarked on how the collaboration with Konica Minolta has allowed students to navigate the complexities of strategic management in dynamic business environments. 

As we look ahead to the future, the Business School is excited to continue its partnership with Konica Minolta, driving forward the Leeds MBA’s mission to cultivate the next generation of business leaders. 

For more information about the Leeds MBA and our industry partnerships, visit our MBA programme page.