Strategic roles of centers in business school development

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence and types of business school centers/institutes – their role in business school development, ability to overcome disciplinary and organizational boundaries, and encourage innovation in programs and curricula.Design/methodology/approachThe primary methodology is literature review and empirical survey using web data. The approach is exploratory, and summary case studies are presented to illustrate center/institute roles.FindingsBusiness school centers/institutes are widespread and diverse in mission and activity. There is little previous research in the field. A model for forces driving center formation is also presented.Research limitations/implicationsCenters/institutes represent structural forms that can help implement strategies for change and innovation. This means administrators of business schools should consider centers/institutes as tools to strengthen strategic planning. The paper presents directions for further research.Practical implicationsThe paper focuses on strategic planning by business school administrators, and reform and change in programs and curricula.Originality/valueThe paper takes a holistic view of the literature, provides a comprehensive survey of multiple types of center/institute, and links the roles of centers/institutes to strategic and structural change. It presents differences between US and international schools.

O papel das incubadoras sociais para a promoção da educação popular: uma revisão sistemática de literatura

“…A manutenção do capital humano não só indica que a empresa alcançou um nível adequado de produtividade, mas também sugere uma melhora em várias outras medidas, como habilidades dos funcionários, criatividade, reinvenção e renovação institucional, empreendedorismo, nível de capacitação, compromisso e satisfação no trabalho (Drew, 2011;Sagie & Weisberg, 2001). Assim, dentro de um ambiente em rápida mudança, o desafio de muitos gerentes israelenses de recursos humanos foi projetar e introduzir valores e estratégias para enriquecer a organização (Sagie & Weisberg, 2001).…”

Florida Gulf Coast University

“…In recent decades over 200 academic centers of sustainability have been established in universities (Starik et al, 2010). Indeed centers for sustainable business and the environment now comprise the fifth largest category of centers in AACSB business schools, after centers for entrepreneurship, economic studies, small business and leadership development (Drew, 2011). Centers for sustainability and small business can provide especially important opportunities for student and faculty outreach, service, and problem-based learning projects.…”

Perceptions of Students, Lecturers and Administrators of the Administration of the Executive Masters of Business Administration (EMBA) Programme at Africa University, Mutare, Zimbabwe

“…Accrediting agencies such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in the US urge business schools to adopt strategic management processes to address change in the business environment. (Drew 2011) For instance, the number of programs in entrepreneurship and related disciplines has increased enormously (Welsh & Carraher, 2009). A common structural change is the creation of a center or institute to act as a catalyst or focus for an important future-directed activity.…”

“…Similarly leadership centres are established to provide executive development programs. (Drew, 2011). Further, Drew (2011) notes that "a center may focus on teaching, research or outreach, and attune its own mission to the mission of the school and university of which it is a part.…”

“…(Drew, 2011). Further, Drew (2011) notes that "a center may focus on teaching, research or outreach, and attune its own mission to the mission of the school and university of which it is a part. Drew (2011) also argues that, "establishment of a "center of excellence" is a common mechanism for promoting faculty expertise and institutional core competencies in particular areas.…”