Optimizing business education: a strategic response to global challenges

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the challenges facing business education in providing students with the knowledge and skills that raise their competency level to meet that required by the market.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a framework for closing the gap between the business education delivered by universities and the current needs of the business community.

Findings

There seems to be a perception that education can fix all the problems. That results in a perceived gap between what is expected from business education and what is actually provided. The rapid spread of globalization and enormous developments in information technology (IT) has led to dramatic changes in the business environment and business education needs to be responsive to these changes.

Practical implications

There is a general consensus that business curricula need improvement given the considerable challenges that face businesses today including dealing with emerging globalization, new economic challenges, rapid IT developments, and the requirements for human capital with multi‐facet skills. Business schools that prepare future managers in different disciplines have a responsibility to close the gap between the skills acquired by business graduates and the skills required in global markets.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework for closing the gap between acquired and required skills and a client‐oriented strategic plan for a degree program.

Citation

Mohamed, E.K.A. (2009), "Optimizing business education: a strategic response to global challenges", Education, Business and Society: Contemporary Middle Eastern Issues, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 299-311. https://doi.org/10.1108/17537980911001125