scholarly journals The effect of an MBA on the development of women's management competencies

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 213-230 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna-Maija Lämsä ◽  
Terttu Savela
Keyword(s):  
Management Development ◽  
Master Of Business Administration ◽  
Competency Development ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Management Competencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Competencies ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Programme Content ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This article aims to report the findings of a study of the effect of a women's Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme in Finland called the femaleMBA on the development of women's management competencies. The gendered nature of the competency development was also analyzed. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative interview study was conducted with 20 women who completed the programme. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. Findings – In addition to improving the women's business competencies and their mastery of management language, the programme contributed to the creation of a clearer managerial identity, greater assertiveness, and increased credibility in a managerial role. The development of management competencies was shown to be gendered in varying ways. An all-women learning environment was experienced as a safe and supportive social context for development. Research limitations/implications – Only a specifically women's MBA was studied. The topic should also be studied in a mixed MBA group. Practical implications – MBAs should pay systematic attention to the informal and social learning context. A combination of “masculinity” and “femininity” might be worth taking into consideration when all-women management development programmes are planned and conducted. This study suggests that an all-women group in an MBA has the potential to challenge and even transform participants' ideas and assumptions about the dominance of masculinity in management and to increase their understanding of the importance of femininity in management. Originality/value – A gender angle on research into management development and particularly MBAs is very rare. This study shed light on the topic by showing that competency development in MBAs is not, as is often assumed, gender neutral but gendered.

Serious games: leverage for knowledge management

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 235-252 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Bayart ◽  
Sandra Bertezene ◽  
David Vallat ◽  
Jacques Martin
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Knowledge Acquisition ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Competencies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Exploratory Investigation ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Research Show ◽  
Significant Factors

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate if the use of “serious games” with students can improve their knowledge acquisition and their academic performance. Design/methodology/approach – The research is an exploratory investigation resorting to the use of a serious game to evaluate the evolution of the students’ competencies in project management, through questionnaires processed using a structural “learning model.” Findings – This research shows indeed that the use of “serious games” improves the knowledge acquisition and management competencies of the students with the evidencing of significant factors contributing to this improvement. Practical implications – The findings of this research show that serious games can be an effective tool to be used in teaching students particularly as traditional methods are less and less accepted by today's students. Originality/value – Although the use of games is not something new in education, it is still limited in teaching practices in higher education. This experiment can help lecturers and trainers to resort to them in their pedagogy and to conceive them according to variables that can enhance their effectiveness.

The chief financial officer (CFO) profile and R&D investment intensity: evidence from listed European companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianluca Ginesti ◽  
Rosanna Spanò ◽  
Luca Ferri ◽  
Adele Caldarelli
Keyword(s):  
Listed Companies ◽  
Master Of Business Administration ◽  
Chief Financial Officer ◽  
Corporate Investments ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Doctor Of Philosophy ◽  
The Impact ◽  
D Investment ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis study aims to investigate whether the characteristics of the chief financial officer (CFO) have an impact on the intensity of the corporate research and development (R&D) investment.Design/methodology/approachBased on hand-collected data for the CFOs of a sample of the largest European listed companies for the period 2013–2016, this study uses regression analyses to test empirically the association of CFO education, CFO gender and CFO age with R&D investment intensity.FindingsThe presence of female CFOs, CFOs with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree and older CFOs is positively associated with the intensity of R&D investment.Research limitations/implicationsThis study relies on some observable characteristics of CFOs and focuses on large listed companies.Practical implicationsThe results of this study may help investors, stakeholders and practitioners to understand better which type of CFO characteristics are more likely to result in higher firm-level R&D investment intensity.Originality/valueThis study offers the first insights into the impact of CFOs, as the most prominent C-suite executives, on the level of corporate investments in R&D activity.

scholarly journals Value creation in entrepreneurial education: towards a unified approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-113
Author(s):  
Colin Jones ◽  
Kathryn Penaluna ◽  
Andy Penaluna
Keyword(s):  
Value Creation ◽  
Entrepreneurship Education ◽  
Competency Development ◽  
Unified Framework ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Current Thinking ◽  
Proposed Model ◽  
Authentic Development ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to propose a unified framework for understanding the development and distribution of value within and from enterprise and entrepreneurship education. In doing so, the authors trace the origins of value creation pedagogy back 100 years and reconnect this lost literature to contemporary thinking as to what constitutes value creation pedagogy.Design/methodology/approachThis conceptual paper identifies specific temporal-specific problems with current thinking in enterprise and entrepreneurship education vis-à-vis who gains the value from value creation pedagogies. To address this identified anomaly, the authors seek to develop a spectrum of value-creating activities/processes applicable to enterprise and entrepreneurship education. The underlying aim of this approach is to provide clarity around who specifically benefits from value creation pedagogies, how and when.FindingsIn developing a spectrum of value-creating activities/processes applicable to enterprise and entrepreneurship education, the authors have successfully located all major forms of value creation pedagogies in an iterative manner that caters to the authentic development of value for oneself and others. The proposed model assumes that the creation of authentic value for others should be preceded by the development of specific capabilities in the value creators.Practical implicationsThere are important implications that arise for all enterprise and entrepreneurship educators in the discussions presented here. Most importantly, value creation pedagogies should be fueled by the ongoing development of purpose, agency and capability via cultivated reflection.Originality/valueThis paper broadens the notion of what constitutes value creation pedagogy in enterprise and entrepreneurship education. In doing so, the authors elevate the importance of student creative competency development over value creation.

scholarly journals Organizing for inter-organizational learning in service networks

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 276-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean-Paul Peronard ◽  
Jacob Brix
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Network Performance ◽  
Allocation Of Resources ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Service Networks ◽  
Service Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to consolidate existing research on ‘service networks’ and to frame this literature as a new ‘context for learning’. Research from inter-organizational learning is used to qualify this consolidation and advances from inter-organizational learning are used to operationalize how service network actors in this new context can organize for inter-organizational learning to create more value for themselves and their customers. Design/methodology/approach By conceptualizing the learning context of a service network and the interrelated dimensions, an overview of the learning challenges for improved service performance is provided. Findings Inspired by the service triangle, the proposed framework highlights the learning challenges among two or more actors and the knowledge and skills needed for them to organize the service network. To build a collaboration characterized by trust, behaviors associated with transparency and receptivity are argued to be imperative. Practical implications The framework can increase the opportunities for inter-organizational learning in a service network. Knowing the learning context and the challenges associated with this learning allows for a more accurate intervention and allocation of resources to improve service network performance. Originality/value The novelty lies in the consolidation of the literature of service networks and the extension of the literature on inter-organizational learning hereto.

Reflective practice during action learning in management development programmes

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane Robertson ◽  
Heidi Le Sueur ◽  
Nicky Terblanche
Keyword(s):  
Reflective Practice ◽  
Action Learning ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Learning Context ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Reflection Time ◽  
Inquiry Approach ◽  
Safe Learning Environment ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Learning Team

Purpose This study aims to investigate the aspects that influence reflective practice during an action learning approach to management development programmes (MDPs). Design/methodology/approach A narrative inquiry approach was used to gather interview and pictorial data from 16 participants who had attended an action learning oriented MDP. Data were translated into interpretive stories using McCormack’s lenses, which were further analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Two key themes emerged: dealing with emotions and practising reflection. Participants initially found reflecting uncomfortable, but showed courage by persevering. Participants had to learn how to reflect and set aside time for it, while valuing support and guidance from their action learning facilitator. Research limitations/implications The findings and recommendations may not be relevant to all types of action learning as action learning forms and contexts differ. Practical implications Reflective practice is the responsibility of both the participant and the action learning facilitator. Participants need to create the time and space to learn, be fully present during reflection, practice mindfulness and have the courage to be uncomfortable while reflecting. Action learning facilitators could encourage reflection by creating a safe learning environment, selecting a diverse action learning team, designing reflection time into the MDP and helping participants apply reflection tools. Originality/value Reflective practice enhances learning; yet there is a need to better understand reflective practice in an action learning context. This study provides empirical evidence of the aspects that influence the reflection process and outcomes as well as practical guidelines to participants and facilitators on how to promote reflection.

The retail banking industry in 2015

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (6) ◽  
pp. 32-34 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Retail Banking ◽  
Traditional Values ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Survey ◽  
Product Service ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
New Strategies

PurposeReviews the latest management development across the globe and pinpoints practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.FindingsOver the next ten years banks will have to plan new strategies in order to survive stiffening competition as the retail banking landscape is expected to be completely reshuffled by 2015. Today, mergers have reduced the number of banks and traditional values are no longer enough to grow and retain customers. All banks will have to specialize and focus on their core strength as studies suggest only those institutions capable of harnessing product service and process innovation to anticipate and meet customers' needs will become industry leaders. An IBM research survey has revealed what mega trends are to shape the industry in the future and the key strategic imperatives banks need to develop.Practical implicationsProvides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.Originality/valueThe briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.

Imagining what underlies corporate sustainability

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 494-504 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoffrey Maurice Ahern
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Sustainability ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Critical Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Studies ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Environmental Thought ◽  
Personal Understanding ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to draw attention to the range and depth of sustainability issues at their points of impact with company experience, and to pilot an illustration of how they could be imaginatively yet critically approached for management development purposes. Design/methodology/approach – Citing and making sense of a variety of seminal or otherwise relevant sources in order to illustrate an imaginative yet critical approach to sustainability. This is a pilot demonstration to stimulate discussion and to help individuals develop their own sense making. Findings – The need to allow space and time for reflection on the depth and breadth of sustainability approaches in order to enable personal understanding leading to wise action. Research limitations/implications – This paper discusses planetary sustainability yet is confined to mainly Anglophone sources. Some of the latent environmental thought forms discussed, e.g. doom, may be largely restricted to them. Practical implications – Divergent evaluations of trans-disciplinary, critical sustainability approaches are necessary for the longer-term development of motivation within companies. Originality/value – This appears to be the first attempted trans-disciplinary yet critical business studies approach to sustainability at its points of impact with corporate operations. It aims to contribute to a new kind of management development path.

Managerial training and development in telecommunication organizations in Palestine

2015 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 685-703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anton Robert Sabella ◽  
Farhad Analoui
Keyword(s):  
Current System ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Management Development ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Training Development ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature and extent of management development and training in Palestinian telecommunication organizations using a basic trichotomous (three-stage) model: needs assessment, training development, and evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – A survey questionnaires supported by semi-structured interviews was conducted to capture and corroborate the issues raised by middle and senior managers. Subsequently, the valid data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and was tabulated for the purpose of interpretation and comparison with the findings available from literature. Findings – Despite the systematic approach to training and development, the findings revealed inadequacy deriving from heavy emphasis on conventional methods throughout the three stages particularly the formal in-house training; the current system does not offer a holistic approach to meet the challenging needs for management development. Research limitations/implications – The study adopts an exploratory in depth empirical investigation in Palestinian telecommunication organizations, it provides insight into management training and development in the private sector in Palestine. It has profound theoretical and practical implications for the increased effectiveness of management in the region and beyond. Practical implications – The use of trichotomous approach explores the entire process, rather than implementation alone, thus the findings will have practical implications for the researcher and practitioners to design, implement, and systematically appraise the effectiveness of training development initiatives. Originality/value – This paper offers both professionals and academics a fresh perspective on training and development in Palestinian telecommunication organizations; it highlights the importance of such activity, and stresses on the need for the design of programmes that can adequately incorporate the individual and corporate needs for development.

A positive focus to lessen the stigma

2015 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 25-27
Author(s):  
Graham Cole
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Training And Development ◽  
Master Of Business Administration ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Top Performers ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Education Courses ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Positive Focus

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – It is often stated that the workforce is a company’s most important asset. Many organizations seem to recognize this. That is perhaps why finding effective ways to develop employees occupies a prominent place on growth agendas. Various options are available where training and development is concerned. Coaching is among those growing in popularity both within firms and business education courses such as Master of Business Administration programs. It typically involves a one-to-one relationship whereby a professional coach seeks to enhance the capabilities of key personnel to benefit both individual and organizational performance. Firms clearly reap the rewards when the experience is able to help top-performers reach even greater heights. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

Executive assessment of MBA graduates in Nigerian companies

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Linus Osuagwu
Keyword(s):  
Master Of Business Administration ◽  
University Administrators ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
The Social ◽  
Spss Software ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Mba Graduates

PurposeThe study aims to explore, via empirical evidence, executive assessment of Master of Business Administration (MBA) graduates in Nigerian companies.Design/methodology/approachThe research utilized a descriptive research design with structured questionnaire developed from relevant extant literature. Relevant data analysis, including determination of the psychometric properties of the research instrument, was undertaken via the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software.FindingsThe research results indicate that MBA graduates in the surveyed Nigerian organizations exhibited desired managerial tendencies only at an average extent.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations associated with the research include the use of convenience sampling approach, limited sample size and combination of respondents from different industrial sectors.Practical implicationsThe research has practical implications for organizational executives associated with management development programmes via MBA, in addition to university administrators with regard to content, format, curricula and process for MBA education programmes.Originality/valueThe research is original and has practical and theoretical values.

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