How to Learn from Management Mistakes

Prof. Sydney Finkelstein of Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth recently spoke at IESE. He presented the ideas in his recent book, Why Smart Executives Fail: and What You Can Learn from Their Mistakes, which highlights the classic errors that can lead to failure.

Madrid, November 30
Barcelona, December 2

China: The Road to Market

Prof. Jonathan Story of INSEAD described the huge potential of China and several uncertain aspects of the region’s future recently at IESE.

China, he said, faces a precarious sitution and has to be careful when making the next steps forward.

“One of the virtues of the country’s leaders is that they know that the situation is fragile and therefore are extremely cautious,” he said.

Barcelona, October 19

The European Constitution: Continuous Education Program

“Yes“ to the EU Constitution?

The EU’s Secretary of State Alberto Navarro González took part in a Continuous Education session moderated by IESE Prof. Jordi Gual recently. Discussion focused on the ratification of the EU Constitution.

Ratification of the EU constitution will help increase effective decisionmaking and transmit European values, said Navarro Gonzalez. At the same time, the move would help support the process of enlargement of the EU and the newest members.

Navarro Gonzalez defended the idea of approving a new framework which will help regulate functioning of the 25 members states.

Don’t Fear Enlargement

The secretary of state stressed that the creation of the EU has marked the longest period of peace in the history of Europe. The constitution, he said, would serve to convey to the rest of the world those values which have led Europe to success: state of law, principles of liberty, democracy and safeguarding of human rights.

Along these lines, he referred to the enlargement of the EU to include the Balkan countries or Turkey, describing these countries as “projects of support and development.”
According to the EU official, “we should not be afraid of the economic situations of those countries with which the EU is opening negotiations, since they will have to meet certain criteria before they are admitted.”

He highlighted the benefits that Spain has reaped from the moment it became part of the EU.
Now that Spain has been a member for 18 years, Spaniards should not overlook the importance of having a European Constitution.

The secretary of state contrasted the situation of Spain today with that of 1986, when the country joined the EU.

Barcelona, October 13