The Past, Present, and Future of the Business School

This book examines the criticism that modern business schools face and how these obstacles have evolved throughout history. Through historical, resource, and professional school contexts, it sheds light on the operating environment of the business school and the challenges endemic to various university-based professional schools, exploring the likelihood that potential interventions will result in success or failure.
Business schools are often accused of inhibiting the practice of business by producing research that is irrelevant and does not address real concerns facing managers. This book investigates these accusations by outlining the historical values on which academic institutions are based, the resources and funding available today, and comparisons to other professional schools which undergo a similar level of scrutiny. This extensive coverage will help academics, administrators, faculty, and policy makers with the tools to understand better the ill-will towards business schools in today's university structure, and ultimately to deliver on the benefits they provide to stakeholders.

Maps out the historical development of the university from medieval times to the modern structure Compares and contrasts the challenges faced by business schools with other professional university programs Discusses the roots of the criticisms about university-based business schools through historical, resource, and professional lenses

Autorentext

Edward W. Miles is the Faculty Director of MBA Programs in the Robinson College of Business at Georgia State University, USA, where he has taught for over 25 years. Prior to that, he was on the faculty of the College of Commerce at Clemson University, USA.

Inhalt

1. Introduction.- 2. Higher Education from Antiquity to the Medieval University.- 3. Medieval Craft Guilds Died Out in Business, but They Are Alive and Thriving in Business Schools.- 4. Critical Juncture I: The Pseudo-Humboldtian Influence.- 5. The Purpose of the University.- 6. Critical Juncture II: Mass Education and the Demise of the Humboldtian University: The Great ParadoxUniversity in Ruin Caused by Its Own Success.- 7. Prestige and Prestige-Seeking in Universities.- 8. Critical Juncture III: The 1959 Foundation Reports: Throwing Out the Baby with the Bath Water?.- 9. Prestige-Seeking by Business Schools.- 10. Credentialing: Safe for Another 800 Years?.- 11. Professions, Professional Schools, and Business as a Profession.- 12. Professional Schools Displace Practice-Based Training.- 13. Lessons from University-Based Journalism Schools and Law Schools.- 14. Lessons from University-Based Medical Schools.- 15.Critical Juncture IV: The State's Reduction in Munificence.- 16. Another Paradox: The Business School in Ruins.