MIT Sloan Action Learning
Following MIT’s motto, ”mens et manus” (mind and hand), MIT Sloan Action Learning is a teaching method where students take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to a real
business challenge. In the past 25 years almost two thousand organizations have engaged MIT Sloan MBA teams to work on their important management challenges. Recognizing the unique value proposition this program provides from both MIT’s exceptional students
and the guidance of its world-renowned faculty, our host companies receive fact-based, creative, and actionable recommended solutions.
Course objectives
Asia Lab allows MIT Sloan MBA students to develop a deep understanding of the
current state of the macro-economy, institutions, and country business dynamics in Asia. At the same time, it offers a hands-on opportunity to apply leading edge management frameworks, skills, and analytical tools to solve real-world business problems for an Asia-based enterprise.
Benefits of becoming a host organization
MIT Sloan MBA teams are a unique resource. They average 29 years of age,
have exceptional academic backgrounds, and 5 years of work experience in a wide range of industries including consulting, new ventures, life sciences, fintech, technology-based organizations, private equity, manufacturing, software/internet, artificial intelligence, and social media.
Project process and deliverables
The project element of the course pairs MBA students with organizations
based in Asia. Working in four-person teams from February to mid-May, students are presented with a host company’s business problem and project proposal. Using this as a starting point, teams are tasked with developing a project work plan including defining the final scope with the host organization, conducting remote research and analysis, and working onsite in the host organization for five business days in mid-March. The project deliverables include options and recommendations for the host organization’s problem, supported by the team’s research, analysis, insights, and conclusions. Often the project involves developing data and analytical models that are part of the team’s work product to the host organization.
Types of host organizations
Asia Lab works with a variety of organizations: Leading local/regional companies in Asia, Asian operations of Multinationals, Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in various growth stages, State Owned Enterprises, and Social Businesses (including philanthropies and NGOs). Host organizations are asked to provide a project executive sponsor who has ownership of the project’s business area along with a host primary contact who will have day-to-day responsibility for engaging with and giving direction to the project team. Project content covers the range of management issues that leadership teams face such as: business strategy, new business development, market entry, AI/data analytics, operational efficiency, logistics, sales and marketing strategy, organization / human resource development, and financial strategy. Each project team is supported by an MIT Sloan faculty mentor and has access to MIT-wide resources.
Host Company Obligations
Host companies receive optimal results when the CEO and other senior executives are available to devote focused time and energy on the project and with the Asia Lab team, especially while teams are on site. While MIT Sloan does not charge companies a fee for engaging an Asia Lab team, host companies do assume responsibility for 1) round-trip economy airfare for the team, and 2) modest, safe lodging while they are in-country. As a guide, a number of recent host companies report that they budget approximately US $12,500 - $15,000 to host a team.
Interested in Hosting?
In order to participate, potential host companies must have a due diligence call with Asia Lab faculty and submit the Asia Lab questionnaire by December 1, 2026. If you are interested in becoming a host company for Asia Lab, or if you have any other questions, please email asia-lab@mit.edu