Experiential learning has become a fundamental pillar of higher education, particularly in public administration and nonprofit management programmes. This approach purposefully aims to engage learners directly in (a) concrete experiences; (b) focused, personal reflection; (c) abstract conceptualizations and (d) active experimentation. As…

Personnel selection is a key topic in Human Resource Management (HRM) courses. Many selection exercises focus on management situations that are unfamiliar to students who are taking introductory HRM courses. In contrast, this exercise introduces students to the pre-interview steps in the personnel selection process by asking them to determine the…

Although written communication is a foundational skill, especially for careers in management, faculty can be reluctant to utilize writing assignments for a number of reasons including the subjective nature of and time involved in grading. In this article, we present the IDEAL framework--an andragogical tool developed in an effort to address these…

Over the past decade, numerous business schools have begun experimenting with studio-based inquiry, often drawing inspiration from professional studios used within art and design schools and from business and governmental studios used for problem-solving and innovation. Business school studios vary considerably in form, ranging from temporary…

In this article, we argue for advancing grounded curricula, which explicitly link theory and pedagogy, and executing them in authentic and multidisciplinary settings as a means to facilitate student growth into integrative learners. We describe the development of a student-centered learning experience that combines elements of critical management…

This work proposes that a subtle combination of three learning methods offering "just in time" project management knowledge, coupled with hands-on project management experience can be particularly effective in producing project management students with employable skills. Students were required to apply formal project management knowledge to gain…

The Master Grande Ecole curriculum at EM Normandie School is organized around junior consulting projects and real problem solving activities aiming at bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and professional competencies. Since the 90's, students are involved in regular consulting activities for local and national companies following the…

This paper explores the role of "action" in entrepreneurial learning and illustrates how programs designed to support action learning can enhance management development in entrepreneurial businesses. The paper begins by exploring action learning and the way "action" is conceived in different types of program. In the second part, the paper details…

Discusses issues related to programs of management development by action learning leading to qualification in management. Justifies use of the method against a backdrop of current problems in management education at the postgraduate level and explains the rationale for its use at Manchester Polytechnic. (JOW)

This is an account the work of NetworkNorthWest, a [pound]1m project at the University of Salford that ran between 2004 and 2007 and was developed to address the issues relating to poor take up of traditional business support by small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and low levels of engagement of the business community with Institutes of…

Notes that an action-oriented approach to management education combines analysis with insight, intuition, creativity, and learning by doing. Suggests it differs from a traditional approach in the nature of information, primary goal, basic premises, sanctioned actions, and preferred feedback forms. (SK)

Reviews management education from a nonlinear systems perspective, concluding that it fails to incorporate double-loop learning or take into account experiential learning and development. Finds an overreliance on management fads and fashions in business school curricula. (SK)

Expands on the propositions of Kolb's learning-cycle model by adding psychodynamic and political aspects. Illustrates the complexity of experiential learning when unconscious forces and power aspects are considered. (SK)

Facilitates acquisition of reflective habits by individuals undergoing leadership development in business-related project environments. Highlights links between reflection and action learning. Characterizes the action learning methodology used and contends that this approach forms a sound setting for reflective inquiry. Describes a reflective…

Classifies trends in management development approaches using Kolb's experiential learning model: (1) abstract conceptualization (traditional management education); (2) active experimentation (action learning, project, and consultancy approaches); (3) concrete experience (competency based); and (4) reflection (reflective practicum, apprenticeship).…