Operational and Business Excellence in Practice – MBA 16th Cohort visits GE
From June 13 to 15, 2025, the 16th cohort of the Executive International MBA Program at Gdańsk University of Technology participated in the “Operational and Business Excellence” module. It was an intensive, experience-driven component of their studies that emphasized the critical link between strategic thinking and operational execution.
Study Visit in GE
The module began on Friday with a study visit to GE Vernova (GE Power) in Elbląg. Welcomed by Sylwia Fil, MBA Alumna, and Wojciech Zoralski, participants had the opportunity to observe how operational excellence principles are implemented in a real industrial environment. The visit offered a deep dive into lean management practices, process standardization, and employee engagement. The group explored the strategic value of standardized processes and learned how the 5S methodology enhances not only operational efficiency but also nurtures a culture of ownership and accountability among employees. Walking the production hall, students observed the Gemba approach in action which provided powerful insights into how direct engagement with frontline processes can elevate product quality and process control. A key takeaway from the visit was the emphasis on empowering employees to detect and resolve issues early, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement across all levels of the organization.
Special thanks go to Karolina Rutkowska and Radosław Łomnicki, PhD, whose expert guidance and thoughtful explanations throughout the tour allowed students to connect theoretical frameworks with practical implementation. Their insights into GE’s commitment to ongoing production optimization were both instructive and inspiring.
On the Campus
Following the factory visit, the learning continued on campus at Gdańsk-Tech over the weekend. The Saturday and Sunday sessions were led mostly by Andrzej Marek Galanter, a distinguished professional with vast industry experience and expertise. His teaching style, grounded in real-world applications, allowed participants to explore the foundational principles of Operational Excellence, including its relationship with business growth, customer satisfaction, and strategic alignment.
Over the two days, students engaged in a range of interactive activities, including simulations and case studies that challenged them to apply lean tools and strategic models. The case studies facilitated dynamic group discussions about the role of operations in driving competitive advantage. Exercises based on Hoshin Kanri and the X-matrix method further deepened participants’ understanding of how to translate business objectives into measurable operational actions. During the module Students had a chance to see that excellence is not merely about fixing problems, but about embedding a sustainable culture of performance and innovation.
Lessons learned
Operational and Business Excellence module provided MBA Cohort XVI with a rich, practice-oriented learning experience. By combining immersive field exposure at GE Vernova with classroom instruction grounded in real-world business challenges, the module offered a holistic understanding of how operational excellence serves as a critical enabler of strategic success. It was a powerful reminder that the most effective leaders are those who can connect strategy to execution, and who understand that excellence begins on the ground.
