The Bricks,Mortar,and Architecture of the MBA Program

Abstract

To many, the MBA program has failed to live up to its expectation. In part, this is because expectations have changed, and are different now than when the MBA curriculum was established.

The problem in responding to these new demands is that schools have tried to build the curriculum with course work alone. A typical response to the problem of inadequate training has been to add another course to the curriculum. This is analogous to trying to build a house out of bricks or concrete blocks by placing one on top of another without regard for the design or the stability of the house. Just as a house needs an architect to plan the design, and mortar to support the structure, so does building the curriculum need all three components -- bricks, mortar and architecture. This paper deals with these components as they apply to the MBA program.