This is a report describing the experiences the Centre for Education at the Zagrebacka Bank and the Economic Institute at the University gained when starting with management training in Croatia in 1989. Through the years business in Croatia was changing significantly. The challenge for the Eastern European managers wasn’t only to catch up wit their western counterparts but they needed to build some competitive advantage as well: The managers had to learn to react quickly and decisively to unexpected changes.
The article shows of that the supply of western techniques and approaches was inadequate for the post- communist situation in Croatia. It provides an insight into the lessons learned from the implementation of the developed innovative approach to management education (using a mix of computer simulations, role playing and original case studies). The authors point out how vital it is to emphasise the management of change and cultural contexts in management development.