Exploring the gap between employers’ needs and undergraduate business curricula: A survey of alumni regarding core business curricula

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 439-447
Author(s):  
Benjamin R. Garner ◽  
Michael Gove ◽  
Cesar Ayala ◽  
Ashraf Mady
Keyword(s):  
Relevant Information ◽  
Business Majors ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
New Graduates ◽  
Core Curricula ◽  
Continuous Improvement Process ◽  
Colleges Of Business ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
Business Curricula ◽  
The University

This study examines alumni perceptions of the core curricula at the University of North Georgia’s College of Business to assess the gap between the skills employers need in new graduates and what the curricula offer. The research was conducted as part of the continuous improvement process for AACSB accreditation. The findings reveal that soft skills such as communication and problem-solving were highly rated as being useful, whereas the alumni rated calculus and international business skills as less important for daily job requirements. The study provides relevant information for colleges of business as they look to update their core curricula for business majors.

What is the Business with AI? Preparing Future Decision Makers and Leaders

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helena S. Wisniewski
Keyword(s):  
Data Science ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Management Skills ◽  
Business Courses ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
College Of Engineering ◽  
Investment Firm ◽  
Business Curricula ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

With companies now recognizing how artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, the internet of things (IoT), and data science affect value creation and the maintenance of a competitive advantage, their demand for talented individuals with both management skills and a strong understanding of technology will grow dramatically. There is a need to prepare and train our current and future decision makers and leaders to have an understanding of AI and data science, the significant impact these technologies are having on business, how to develop AI strategies, and the impact all of this will have on their employees’ roles. This paper discusses how business schools can fulfill this need by incorporating AI into their business curricula, not only as stand-alone courses but also integrated into traditional business sequences, and establishing interdisciplinary efforts and collaborative industry partnerships. This article describes how the College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) at the University of Alaska Anchorage is implementing multiple approaches to meet these needs and prepare future leaders and decision makers. These approaches include a detailed description of CBPP’s first AI course and related student successes, the integration of AI into additional business courses such as entrepreneurship and GSCM, and the creation of an AI and Data Science Lab in partnership with the College of Engineering and an investment firm.

scholarly journals Sustainability and Stakeholder Awareness: A Case Study of a Scottish University

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 4186
Author(s):  
Abdulhakeem Raji ◽  
Abeer Hassan
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Theory ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Voluntary Exercise ◽  
Communication Tool ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The University

This paper adopted a case study approach to investigate the sustainability practices of a Scottish university in order to understand if sustainability forms part of its central policy agenda. As such, the paper focuses on the levels of awareness and disclosure of their sustainable practices, measuring the impacts and effectiveness of those initiatives. This paper introduces signaling theory to explore the idea that appropriate communication via integrated thinking can close the gap between the organization and its stakeholders. We believe that the provision of this relevant information will lead to better communication between the organization and its stakeholders, supporting a signaling theory interpretation. Therefore, we are suggesting that integrated thinking is an internal process that organizations can follow to increase the level of disclosure as a communication tool with stakeholders. From the literature reviewed, four themes were identified (definition of university sustainability, sustainability awareness, disclosure framework within universities, and level of accountability). The research adopted a pragmatic view and conducted individual interviews with participants belonging to three stakeholder groups (members of the university’s senior management, the governing council, and the student union executive). Although this study focused on just one Scottish university, it should still provide some insight for the better understanding of the underpinning issues surrounding the sustainability accountability practices of Scottish universities in general. The research findings indicated that the university prioritized only two sustainability dimensions—economic and environmental—and that the university still perceived sustainability as a voluntary exercise. Additionally, it is evident that the university had no framework in place for measuring its sustainability delivery—and therefore had no established medium of communicating these activities to its stakeholders. Moreover, research findings showed that the social and educational context of sustainability was lacking at the university. The university has done little or nothing to educate its stakeholders on sustainability.

scholarly journals Team Learning as a Model for Facilitating Entrepreneurial Competences in Higher Education: The Case of Proakatemia

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 7373
Author(s):  
Timo Nevalainen ◽  
Jaana Seikkula-Leino ◽  
Maria Salomaa
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Team Learning ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
Business Plans ◽  
University Of Applied Sciences ◽  
Entrepreneurial Competencies ◽  
The University ◽  
Quantitative Case Study

In the past decades, there has been a growing interest in entrepreneurship education, and many higher education institutions have developed specific programs and courses to support entrepreneurial competencies. However, there have been significant changes in how universities train competences related to business skills and entrepreneurship in practice. Whereas entrepreneurship courses used to focus on the different forms of businesses and drafting business plans, the overall perception of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial competences has shifted this toward a more holistic educational approach to develop students’ entrepreneurial competencies. In this comparative quantitative case study, we investigate the university students’ perception of the development of their entrepreneurial competencies in the case of Proakatemia (Tampere University of Applied Sciences). The aim was to examine how the entrepreneurial competencies are reflected and strengthened in their thinking and everyday functions through the concept of team learning. The survey involved, altogether, 64 students, of which 21 studied in Proakatemia. The results of this study indicate that the team learning concept of Proakatemia facilitates learning entrepreneurial competencies. Therefore, these results provide insights for universities aiming to develop their curricula, programs and pedagogy, thus promoting sustainable societal development. However, we recommend further studies, e.g., from a qualitative point of view, to assess the effective of the concept in other learning environments.

scholarly journals Analysis of performance standards in the educational institution College of Business and Economics, Sulaimaniyah University as a model

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
Ali Jalal Hussein ◽  
Khalid Haidar Abd-Ali
Keyword(s):  
Educational Institution ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Quality Standards ◽  
Kurdistan Region ◽  
Performance Quality ◽  
Service Sectors ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
The University ◽  
Ministry Of Higher Education ◽  
Analysis Of Performance

The analysis of performance quality standards in the educational institution considering that it’s one of the most important service sectors which is one of the most important fields in which creativity and scientific research are stimulated in a direction for achieving continuous development as a service for the community. The college of administration and economics in the University of Sulaimaniyah was chosen as example to apply these standards in the frame of instructions that was set by the ministry of higher education in the Kurdistan region as a basis to achieve the reform, change and development in this field.

scholarly journals Contribution to the development of pedagogical learning in international entrepreneurship

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Latifa HORR
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
International Entrepreneurship ◽  
The United States ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Behavioral Models ◽  
Production Technologies ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
The University ◽  
Pedagogical Learning

In order to understand and describe the internationalization behavior of companies, the first research carried out before the 1970s focused on large multinationals whose internationalization strategies were made possible by heavy investments. Other research on the internationalization of SMEs, conducted in the United States and Europe in the early 1980s, has given rise to behavioral models in stages where size is a barrier to internationalization. However, we find that very small businesses (TPE), newly created, inexperienced and with limited resources, internationalize and thwart the classic models of internationalization by scrambling the stages. Age, size and resources are no longer barriers to internationalization. This makes Cavusgil (1980) say that the gradual internationalization of companies has become obsolete. Veilleux and Ferro (2010) confirm that today, between 1 and 2% of new businesses are international when they are created and 76% have export prospects in the first two years. And the majority of research carried out since the 1990s deals with the precocity and rapidity of this internationalization from a point of view external to the company such as the saturation of local and / or national markets, the liberalization of international markets or the aid provided by governments, competitive pressure; and from an internal factors point of view such as the role of the manager and his various experiences, the support of his social networks, the use of new communication and production technologies, the characteristics of the product. However, there are very few works that address the internationalization of these VSEs through pedagogical learning in international entrepreneurship; learning mediated by the University, quickly enabling these companies to position themselves on an international market. The object of this research is precisely the questioning of the relevance of this learning; and this, through our participation in the training "International Entrepreneurship and Development of the Global Enterprise" initiated by the "College of Business" of the University of Indiana (ISU). It is a training program, offered by the ISU "College of Business", bringing together Universities from four other continents: Europe, America, Asia, Africa & l 'Oceania. A mixed group of teacher-researchers and researchers from these different universities benefited from this training program.

Utilization-focused evaluation of the cohort-based ethical strategic leadership M.B.A. program offered by the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies at the University of Central Missouri

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Daniel H. Jensen
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Leadership Competencies ◽  
Professional Work ◽  
University Of Missouri ◽  
Mba Program ◽  
Current Design ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
The University ◽  
Utilization Focused

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Program assessment allows administrators to facilitate strategic changes that integrate external opportunities and internal capabilities for long-term viability and relevance of the program (Wells and Wells, 2011). In this dissertation, the framework of utilization-focused evaluation with a mixed methods approach was used to explore how a cohort-based MBA program for working professionals created outcomes in terms of leadership competency development, career enhancement, and organizational impact. Additionally, this study investigated the overall effectiveness and impact of the educational program itself in terms of marketing, recruitment, onboarding, course delivery, assessment, and adaptive change. The participants in this study consisted of six alumni, 20 current students, five administrators, and ten faculty members. Data collection methods included surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The basis for the alumni and student surveys was a researcher created assessment of sixteen leadership competencies and their importance in professional work. A combination of survey-based, open-ended questions, focus groups, and interviews were used to gain an understanding of stakeholder perceptions of program effectiveness and impact. The data revealed growth in all sixteen leadership competencies with "Building Trust," "Communication," and "Planning and Organizing" identified as being most important for current professional work. Substantial value creation generated by students as a result of participation in the program was not uncovered through this research. In terms of program effectiveness and impact, the general consensus revealed many program strengths, but in its current design, it is not an ideal fit for the stakeholders involved.

Lifelong Learning in Developing Knowledge Workers

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Halim Abdul Majid ◽  
Nor Bizura Seth
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Lifelong Learning ◽  
Knowledge Workers ◽  
Knowledge Worker ◽  
Codified Knowledge ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
High Level ◽  
The University ◽  
Universiti Utara Malaysia ◽  
Developing Knowledge

This monograph discusses the importance of lifelong learning in developing knowledge workers and human capital. Facets of lifelong learning, knowledge workers and human capital are highlighted to provide basic understanding to all readers. The facets of lifelong learning include accessibility to learning, investment for learning, methods and contents of learning, values of learning, direction and guidance in learning and learning opportunities closer to home. Meanwhile, the facets of knowledge worker are problem solving, using intellectual skills, requiring a high level of autonomy, emphasizing on quality of judgment, using unique processes, possessing un-codified knowledge, sourcing between his ears and using knowledge and information to add to deeper knowledge and information. There are several individuals whom we would like to thank for their contributions to this monograph. This monograph has benefited greatly from the inputs, comments and expertise as well as working experience of all contributors. We also would like to thank the School of Business Management, the College of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia, the Research Innovation and Management Center (RIMC) of Universiti Utara Malaysia and the top leaders of the University for their encouragement and support. Those who have contributed directly or indirectly toward the publication of this monograph also deserve our appreciation.

Information Systems Education for the 21st Century

2005 ◽  
pp. 171-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Glenn Lowry ◽  
Rodney Turner
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
Active Learning ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Soft Skills ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Student Centered Learning ◽  
Business Skills ◽  
New Graduates ◽  
Vested Interests ◽  
Research Findings

In this chapter, we consider how information systems educators might revise curriculum content and adopt student-centered/active learning pedagogical approaches to achieve a better fit between the workplace and the university ‘studyplace’. In considering What to Study, numerous research findings suggest a repertoire of ‘soft’ skills that are seen as essential to success for new IS professionals. The research findings discussed in this chapter present evidence that traditional business subjects such as Marketing, Economics, or Finance do not equate to the ‘other’ or soft business skills that employers of IS graduates are seeking in new hires. Soft skills are cultivated elements of professionalism that derive from example, reflection, imitation, and refinement of attitudes, personal capabilities, work habits, and interpersonal skills. Soft skills are seldom taught in dedicated subjects in tertiary information systems curricula. Somehow, the soft areas such as teamwork, communication skills, ability to accept direction, and others are expected to be picked up along the way through an unspecified, osmotic process. Turning to How to Study, a critical and contentious issue is determining the appropriate learning environment to best help new graduates develop soft skills and higher order thinking. Course delivery paradigms may be characterized as traditional, passive ‘teacher-centered learning’ and active ‘student-centered learning’. We argue that student-centered/active learning approaches may be more effective in helping students to cultivate and refine soft skills than those currently in use. The chapter concludes with a discussion of IS curriculum reform issues and strategies for reducing confusion, overcoming tradition and inertia, finding resources, and neutralizing vested interests, to meet the educational needs of students.

From Metasearching to Discovery

2012 ◽  
pp. 22-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
LeiLani Freund ◽  
Christian Poehlmann ◽  
Colleen Seale
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Search Engine ◽  
Usability Testing ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Federated Search ◽  
University Of Florida ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Future Evaluation ◽  
The University

Many academic libraries implemented a metasearch or federated search platform as a way to expand the amount of relevant information available to library users. While the metasearch concept seemed to hold great promise, it failed to live up to expectations and users failed to embrace the technology. Nevertheless, the single search box proved to be popular with search engine users, and metasearch would prove to be a forerunner to more evolved discovery solutions. In this chapter, the authors describe experiences with a metasearch product, usability testing, and how that experience shaped decision-making for the chosen discovery solution platform. The available discovery services are explored, and the process for selection at the University of Florida Libraries is described along with the plans for future evaluation of the implemented service.

Teaching Human Resources Management Using SAP

2011 ◽  
pp. 129-137
Author(s):  
Satish P. Deshpande ◽  
Andrew Targowski
Keyword(s):  
Human Resources ◽  
Human Resource ◽  
Enterprise Resource Planning ◽  
Employee Performance ◽  
Human Resources Management ◽  
Resource Planning ◽  
Resource Information ◽  
Strategic Role ◽  
College Of Business ◽  
Business Curricula

Information technology has become a critical component for human resource (HR) profes-sionals. Human resource information systems (HRIS) have helped many HR departments automate routine processes, eliminate unnecessary work, and play a strategic role in driv-ing employee performance. Many IT ?rms are now forming alliances with universities to popularize their products. This chapter ?rst investigates the utility and the choice of vari-ous HRIS options available to an organization. Next, it evaluates the utility of universities forming alliances with enterprise resource planning (ERP) ?rms to enrich their business curricula. Finally, the experiences of a college of business at a large university in Midwestern United States with the implementation of IT in the Human resource management (HRM) curriculum are examined.

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