MBA All Area of Focus (Common Modules)

This course integrates the outcomes of the MBA program through a student-led, problem-based exercise based on a 'live' client organization. Mentored by consulting professionals and faculty, students will be asked to synthesize and apply 'strategic' concepts from prior courses and to acquire new knowledge to solve live, complex, and often ill-defined problems posed by an executive leader from the client organization. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and demonstrate the strategic senior management competencies acquired throughout the MBA program.

This Advanced Strategic Integrative Practice course is intended to present the student with a capstone

experience that will conclude their Masters of Business Administration program. Students will adopt roles as members of simulated consulting teams who will be presented with complex, ill-defined but fairly representative types of problems and issues that they are likely to face as mid- and 'C'-level executives.

The principles of problem-based learning will be observed. Specifically, close collaboration between team members and between teams and mentors will be required. Learning under the mentorship of coaching professionals (PBL) and subject matter experts (SMEs) will be substantially self-directed.

The educational experience during the two weeks will emphasize not just the analysis and reflection on the problem (the knowing), but also the implementation (the doing). This will be accomplished in part through the presentation by each team of a comprehensive report containing their findings to their client and a senior business-level panel. Formative evaluation throughout the exercise will emphasize diagnostic feedback from multiple sources (including peers and mentors). Finally, an individual assignment will provide students the opportunity to acquire in-depth understanding by providing their own personal insights on the client organization's prospects for success.