Using design thinking to innovate business curriculums
Journal of International Education in Business
ISSN: 2046-469X
Article publication date: 16 July 2024
Issue publication date: 9 October 2024
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a case study on how the strong relationships with multiple stakeholder groups can benefit educational programs through the curriculum redesign process by using the experience of Marshall University and Intuit.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper highlights how Marshall’s faculty used Intuit’s Design Thinking process to engage with stakeholders to innovate a curriculum that is sustainable and socially responsible and transfers workforce skills and concepts. This case describes how to: involve stakeholders to discover their pain points and desired outcomes, develop prototype curriculums from stakeholders’ feedback and test and iterate prototype curriculums on stakeholders until their expectations (e.g. quality, innovation and value) of the curriculum are exceeded.
Findings
Faculty applied Design Thinking to engage with stakeholders to infuse contemporary knowledge and skills that positively impact their workforce development and societal goals into the curriculum. This process promoted critical thinking and a “stakeholder-centered” orientation with various groups including AACSB and employers. These curriculum changes ultimately provide greater experiences to students while providing relevant skills of interest to employers and society.
Originality/value
Stakeholders are often consulted on educational programs; however, it is unusual for an industry stakeholder to provide their best innovative practices to assist colleges with the transformation of academic curriculums. Moreover, it is unusual for higher education institutions to fully embrace these industry processes and integrate these experiences within their collective culture. Finally, the detailing of this case allows for other colleges to apply these concepts to their curriculums.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The author(s) received no financial support for this work. Prior to this work, two authors were among the three teams from the Design for Delight Challenge in 2017 that received additional training at Intuit’s headquarters. The authors wish to thank the editor and the reviewers for their comments and helpfulness.
Citation
McKinney, R.E., Eng, B. and Weible, R.J. (2024), "Using design thinking to innovate business curriculums", Journal of International Education in Business, Vol. 17 No. 3, pp. 526-541. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIEB-12-2023-0102
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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