MBA Program Research Articles

The Impact of Culture and Gender on Leadership Styles

Diversity in leadership remains one of the most influential topics in management research. The socioeconomic changes and globalization make business teams more gender and culturally heterogeneous, which challenges leaders. Gaining a comprehensive knowledge of diversity assists leaders in overcoming such challenges and effectively and efficiently managing their teams. The problems identified by researchers in the area include inconsistent empirical evidence on leadership style (LS) preferences of distinct gender groups, incomprehensive understanding of how leadership functions in Africa and its comparison to traditional Anglo theoretical perspectives. Additionally, there is an incomplete understanding of gender similarities and differences across different cultures. This research investigates these problems and, in turn, helps leaders improve communication, collaboration and organisational performance. The foundation for this quantitative research is a self-administered online survey. Survey participants are culturally and gender-diverse managers, studying in the MBA program at the University of London. Consequently, two dominant cultural groups, Anglo and Sub-Saharan African (SSA), were categorized and detailedly assessed. This research casts light and establishes connections between gender, culture and leadership. The men in the Anglo and SSA clusters are more transformative than women. Additionally, top management is more transformative compared to non-management, low management is more laissez-faire than top management and non-managerial females are more laissez-faire than top-managerial females. However, no significant differences were found between genders independently of their culture, residents and native-born residents of Anglo and SSA clusters. The key implications of this research are that professionally educated leaders, independent of their gender, use similar LSs. However, within cultural clusters, gender differences emerge. No differences between the residents and native-born residents indicate that foreign-born leaders adapt their style to the residing culture.

The Business of Healing: Medical Students’ Opinions on the Need for Formal Business Training in the Medical School Curriculum

Mounting evidence suggests physicians struggle with the increasing corporatization of healthcare. Currently, most medical programs offer only an MBA program for students interested in business of medicine principles, resulting in more debt or independent information search. A brief survey of a sampling of U.S. first-through fourth-year medical students (MD/DO) revealed that 90% indicated having either “no,” “minimal,” or “basic” perceived knowledge in the field of the business of medicine; 21.5% of students indicated they were “somewhat likely” or “very likely” to pursue an MBA. Furthermore, 58.2% of respondents indicated they were “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to take a business and medicine course during medical school if offered. Despite the limitations of the study, the results indicate that medical students would be interested in a dedicated business and medicine course and believe it necessary to learn the basic principles of business.

The API Model of Strategic and Tactical Marketing Thinking for Management Education

This paper addresses the need to improve marketing education for managers, particularly those from non-economic fields. Research indicates that effectively transferring marketing knowledge involves translating theory into practice, connecting with research, addressing diverse participant needs - relevance, and employing innovative working methods. The study was conducted on a sample of 142 MBA program participants from various non-economic backgrounds, who were presented with and explained the API (analysis, planning, implementation) model of strategic marketing thinking and tactical actions. The results show that visual presentation is a good method for displaying the connections in the model and can even change the perception of marketing. It is important to consider the participants’ prior knowledge of marketing since they show differences in the perceived clarity and usefulness of the model. After being introduced to the model, there are statistically significant differences in the changed perception of its clarity and usefulness among different groups based on their level of prior marketing knowledge. The findings suggest that the API model aids in comprehending environmental complexities and developing effective strategies and tactics, benefiting participants, employers, educators, and society overall.

An MBA capstone that's out of this world: Commercializing NASA patents

AbstractCapstone classes can help MBA programs achieve student learning goals and meet accreditation standards. However, such programs often fail to build the skills they are intended to develop. Technology transfer projects can be an effective way to build these skills while creating a positive economic impact. This article describes Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College's MBA program's integrative capstone experience that partners with NASA to allow student teams to commercialize unused or underutilized NASA patents to develop new products and create business startups using a 4Ps model. First, students examine Patents for intellectual property that could be transferred to new applications with commercial potential. Next, they develop a knowledge network of Partners who could assist them to commercialize the technology. Then, students identify Prospects for the proposed commercial use of the technology. Finally, they Package a newly developed, market‐ready product with strategy, financial, sales and marketing plans, and pitch these to angel investors who might fund the startup and assist them in starting the business. This article details the 20 steps in the 4Ps model and discusses student outcomes, as well as the business focus of the 29 teams that have completed the course since 2012. Benefits, challenges, and advice for delivering the 4Ps model are discussed.

Critical by design: how learner modes impact the propensity to think critically

Demonstrating the ability to think critically is a common requirement of Higher Education (HE) assessments, bridging disciplines and forming a significant part of the feedback given to students. Despite its prominence, more can be learned about how different learner modes influence the propensity to use critical thinking. This article reports on the results from a study of critical thinking in a global MBA programme that compared how online, and on-campus environments influenced a learner’s approach to problem-solving and decision-making. A survey instrument was administered to two cohorts, studying online and on-campus, who were taking an identical module in strategy. Whilst differences in learning experience were to be expected, the degree to which learner modes affected the propensity to think critically was surprising. On most measurements, on-campus learners outperformed their online counterparts. The results, interpreted through the lens of Administrative Behaviour Theory, demonstrate that learner modes should be treated as separate entities, and that a homogenous approach to digital and physical learning strategies may prove ineffective. The implications of the results are discussed, including recommendations for learning designers.

Perception of MBA Students Towards Their Career Choice in Kathmandu Valley: Evidence from Structural Equation Modelling

Background: Making a career decision is a crucial moment in any student's life. A good career decision leads to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. Identification of the factors that influence student’s career decision making helps them to achieve their goal. Objective: Therefore, this study looks into MBA student’s perception towards their Career Choice. Method: The explanatory research design was adopted for this study based upon social cognitive theory. The study area of the research is Kathmandu valley where Structural questionnaires were used using KOBO toolbox to collect the data. Using the Stratified sampling methods, data were collected on a sample of 229 students pursuing MBA from different University. Structural Equation Modeling is used to see the MBA students’ perception towards career choice using SPSS and SPSS AMOS software. Finding: Findings reveal that the majority of the students were female, which suggests that lack of guidance, lack of experience, and financial circumstances are the main problems that may be overcome by good supervision as well as practical/experimental exposure to improve students' career choices. Moreover, SEM result indicates that individual background and self-efficacy are significance causal relationship to career choice. Conclusion: The idea of career should be focused on freedom to do job in flexible timing and to get credit for result for idea and result. Factors such as Career advancement, status of the organization i.e. size, status and image are the major indicators for choice of career. Paper Types: Research Paper Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Employment, Career Choice, MBA program JEL Classification: C26, E24, M10, C12

Evaluating the Impact of MBA Programs in Public Universities of Bangladesh on Career Development of Professionals

Evaluating the Impact of MBA Programs in Public Universities of Bangladesh on Career Development of Professionals

Faculty’s Role in Creating a (Remote) Sense of Community Among Faculty and Facilitating Contexts of Care for Students

Objectives: This qualitative study employed a sensemaking approach to understand faculty members’ sensemaking of their roles during the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency transition to remote teaching and learning. Methods: An email invitation to participate in the study was sent to faculty who taught in an MBA program during both the 2019–2020 and 2020–2021 academic school years. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 14 faculty members who self-selected to participate in the study. Results: Two salient themes emerged from the research: <em>creating a (remote) sense of community among faculty</em> and <em>facilitating contexts of care for students</em>. These findings highlight the mission-central importance of faculty, the role of teaching, and the need to support faculty as they support students in higher education. Conclusions: As a result of the emergency transition to remote teaching and learning, faculty gained an increased awareness of the importance of human connection and interaction, which made them develop a whole-person approach both to colleagues and students. Implications: How well institutions plan for and support their faculty during times of crises will influence the institution’s capacity for student support and the personal impact of the crisis on faculty.

Impact of Program Region and Prestige on Industry Supplemental Earnings for Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowships in the United States: A Retrospective Analysis

Introduction: With the passage of the Physician Payment Sunshine Act, there has been increased transparency regarding the industrial financial relations that physicians have. Orthopedic surgeons have been highly studied in this domain with approximately 50% of all orthopedic surgeons engaging in industrial financial relationships. Furthermore, an increasing number of orthopedic surgeons are seeking fellowship training with pediatric fellowship programs gaining popularity in recent years. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact various pediatric orthopedic fellowship programs have on industry earnings and academic productivity. Methods: Pediatric orthopedic fellowship programs were identified via the Orthopedic Society of North America (POSNA) website. Information on individual fellowship programs was obtained from their respective websites. Academic productivity was measured via an aggregate of all employed physicians’ H-index at a specific fellowship as found on the Scopus website. The Open Payments Database (OPD) website was used to assess lifetime industry earnings. Other variables such as Newsweek or Doximity ranking were taken directly from relevant websites. Statistical analysis was performed using a Kruskal–Wallis test with Bonferroni correction and Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: A total of 43 pediatric orthopedic surgery fellowships in the United States were identified with a total of 392 physicians as fellowship faculty. Complete OPD and H-index information were available for 336 of those physicians (85.7%). On average, there were 7.81 ± 5.18 physicians and 1.56 ± 0.93 fellows per program. The mean combined physician H-index was 117.23 ± 122.51, and the mean combined physician lifetime supplemental earnings in dollars was $646,684.37 ± $1,159,507.17. There was no significant relationship between region of pediatric orthopedic fellowship, Newsweek ranking of affiliated hospital, Doximity ranking of affiliated hospital, presence of MBA program, type of program (public, private, mixed), and the lifetime industry earnings or academic productivity of program graduates. Conclusions: Despite the observed lack of statistical significance, there were clear trends observed with fellowship programs in the northeast and west coast regions being the highest earning and fellowship programs with top 10 Newsweek ranking of affiliated hospital having by far the greatest industry earnings. Sample size limitations likely prevented the detection of statistical significance. Future studies should examine if any relation exists when accounting for type of industry payment received and case volume per fellowship program.

Business of Medicine: Developing Leaders in Academic Medicine and Learning Health Systems.

To develop healthcare professionals as clinical leaders in academic medicine and learning health system; and uncover organizational barriers, as well as pathways and practices to facilitate career growth and professional fulfillment. The Department of Medicine strategic plan efforts prompted the development of a business of medicine program informed by a needs assessment and realignment between academic departments and the healthcare system. The business of medicine leadership program launched in 2017. This descriptive case study presents its 5th year evaluation. Competencies were included from the Physician MBA program and from specific departmental needs and goals. The program hosted a total of 102 clinical faculty. We had a 37% response rate of those retained at Indiana University School of Medicine. Overall, responses conveyed a positive experience in the course. Over 80% of participants felt that they gained skills in professional reflection, professional socialization, goal orientation, critical thinking, and commitment to profession. Financial literacy was overwhelmingly the skill that was reported to be the most valuable. Finance and accounting were mentioned as the most difficult concepts to understand. Familiar concepts included communication, LEAN, and wellness related topics. One hundred percent of participants said they are utilizing the skills gained in this program in their current role and that they would recommend the course to others. Business of medicine courses are more common now with programs describing elements informed by health system operations. However, few programs incorporate aspects of wellness, equity, diversity, inclusion, and health equity. Our program makes the case for multiple ways to develop inclusive leaders through a focused five-month program. It also recognizes that to really impact the learning health system, health professionals need leadership development and leaders suited to work alongside career administrators, all aiming towards a common goal of equitable patient-centered care.

Job content plateau and career commitment: the mediating role of developmental i-deals and the moderating role of proactive personality

PurposeGiven the detrimental effects of job content plateau, the paper aims to study the impact of job content plateau on employees’ career commitment. In doing so, the authors examine whether the lapses in job content plateau can be addressed through developmental i-deals. A final purpose is to examine whether proactive employees are better positioned to obtain work arrangements that help them develop and remain committed to their careers.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from full-time working executives employed in different organizations. These executives enrolled in a part-time MBA program. Data was collected at different time points and analyzed using the process macro (Preacher and Hayes, 2004).FindingsThe results suggest that developmental i-deals mediated the relationship between job content plateau and career commitment. In addition, proactive employees were better disposed to seal the deal and develop themselves – helping them to stay committed to their careers.Originality/valuePrior studies highlight the negative consequences of job content plateau because it does not provide avenues to learn and develop. This paper addresses the gap in locating opportunities to learn and develop (an aspect that was missing in the job content plateau) through developmental i-deals. First, the study helps answer how to address learning gaps in jobs. Second, who can capitalize on their efforts once the organization sponsors learning opportunities.

Exploring a Masters of Business Administration's Impact on Surgical Subspecialists.

As healthcare evolves, more physicians are taking on administrative roles and pursuing additional graduate education, particularly obtaining a Master's in Business Administration (MBA.) To facilitate a better understanding of these practitioners, we conducted a comparative study of MD/MBA clinicians in multiple surgical fields. This study aims to compare clinicians with MD/MBAs across multiple surgical subspecialties. Reported metrics include demographics, MBA program structure, salary changes, and professional pursuits. Nine studies were obtained from the PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases. Four studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. The majority of MD/MBA degree holders in plastic surgery (95%), orthopedic surgery (89-96%), and ophthalmology (80%) are male. Ophthalmology (37%) demonstrates the highest number of subjects obtaining an MBA via a synchronous MD/MBA. Most clinicians return to clinical practice after degree completion and show high levels of non-clinical pursuits after receiving their MBAs. Though there appear to be differences across surgical subspecialties regarding how an MBA is applied, most maintain clinical duties. Of those that do not, the largest portion transition to administrative duties, consulting, entrepreneurial endeavors, or other professional opportunities. Despite the financial ambiguity of an MBA, physicians value the transformative experience it offers.

Deriving Value Propositions in Costing in Higher Education Institutions

This research explores the strategic challenges faced by higher education institutions (HEIs) in pricing MBA programs amidst rising costs and evolving student needs. Emphasizing valuebased pricing and activity-based costing, the study delves into their roles in ensuring financial sustainability and competitive positioning. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms in India shape MBA curricula towards industry collaboration and practical skill development, aligning with market demands. Through a survey of 200 final-year MBA aspirants, key attributes influencing program choices are identified, with placements and collaborations emerging as pivotal factors. Conjoint analysis reveals preferences for blended learning and industryintegrated curricula. Insights from utility estimates guide pricing decisions, emphasizing the importance of perceived value and fair cost assessment. Overall, the study underscores the significance of strategic pricing approaches in navigating the complexities of the higher education market and shaping institutional strategies for sustained success.

Social capital, syndication, and investment performance: Evidence from PE investing in LBOs

This study examines the influence of social capital on leveraged buyout (LBO) investments. Exploiting proprietary global private equity data at the investment-level for leveraged buyouts, we find that alumni of Harvard's MBA program are more inclined to co-invest and form syndicates in LBO with each another. The phenomenon of Crimson pairing manifests in deals that involve uneven investments in co-investor capital, necessitating trust to alleviate agency costs and enabling investors to diversify their portfolios. The outcome of Crimson pairing is an increase in value and investment returns relative to all other typical LBO syndication partnerships.

Decomposing the causal relationship between entrepreneurship education and intentions

The purpose of this study is to decompose the causal relationship between entrepreneurship education (EE) and entrepreneurial intentions. The study segregates the “undifferentiated whole” of entrepreneurship education and finds out whether the components of entrepreneurship education (objectives of EE, content/curricula of EE, methodology of EE, and environment of the university) have a similar or different influence on entrepreneurial intentions as suggested by recent studies. Data was collected from 344 students who were enrolled in the final semester of BBA and MBA programs at 14 federally chartered public-sector universities in Islamabad, Pakistan through a closed-ended questionnaire. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data in SmartPLS software. The study results indicate that constituents of entrepreneurship education influence entrepreneurial intentions in a similar manner as an undifferentiated whole of entrepreneurship education. Hence, it clarifies the illusion that heterogeneity of the construct of entrepreneurship may contaminate the established entrepreneurship education-intention relationship. However, the magnitude of influence of each constituent varies.

An experimental investigation of the impact of sustainable ERP systems implementation on sustainability performance

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the influence of sustainable enterprise resource planning (S-ERPs) systems implementation on sustainability performance. Design/methodology/approach A 1 × 2 experiment was conducted, involving a sample of 72 professional accountants enrolled in MPA, MBA and DBA programs at two prominent Egyptian universities. Simple linear regression was used to analyze the data. Findings The results reveal positive relationships between the implementation of S-ERPs and economic, environmental and social sustainability performance. Research limitations/implications Considering the research methodology used, which relies on a laboratory experiment design; nevertheless, empirical data derived from a quasi-experiment conducted in a real-world context would offer valuable insights into the existing literature. Practical implications For manufacturing sector managers, the results offer value as organizations can benefit from S-ERP adoption in the internal and external integration of sustainability functions. The findings also provide decision-makers in the manufacturing context, particularly in emerging countries, with tangible reasons to consider S-ERP adoption for holistic sustainability benefits including waste management, resource consumption reduction and management of sustainable supply chain complexities. Further, the findings provide valuable insights for ERP vendors on how they can develop their ERP packages to align with software sustainability criteria. Originality/value This study is among the few that experimentally investigates the influence of S-ERPs implementation on sustainability performance within the manufacturing sector, especially in an emerging context such as Egypt. This unique contribution provides valuable insights into the complex connection between technology adoption and sustainability outcomes.

The Interplay of Motivation, Skills, and Promotions: A Bootstrapped Analysis of MBA Graduates through the Lens of Intelligent Career Theory

This tracer study investigates the relationship between the reasons for enrolling in an MBA program (Know-Why), competencies learned during the program (Know-How), and subsequent career promotions (Know-Who) among MBA graduates, guided by the Intelligent Career Theory Framework. The data the respondents furnished is bootstrapped, and the Phi coefficient revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between motivation to enroll and reported acquisition of relevant competencies (Φ = 0.620), supporting the ICTF motion that clear career goals (Knowing-Why) lead to a more strategic approach to learning (Knowing-How) within the MBA program. However, the link between competencies and promotion after graduation (Φ = 0.451) was weaker and not definitively significant. This conveys that while skills gained through the MBA are valuable (Knowing-How), promotions likely depend on a broader range of factors potentially encompassed by the “Knowing-Whom” aspect of ICTF, such as networking and relationships. These findings highlight the importance of motivation and skill development for MBA graduates while acknowledging the complex interplay of factors influencing career advancement. Recommendations are offered to enhance career development outcomes and inform future research.

TWO STUDIES EXAMINING THE INTERCONNECTED EFFECTS OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE BENEFITS, EMPLOYEE RECOMMENDATIONS, AND JOB QUALITIES ON EMPLOYEE ATTRACTION AND JOB ACQUISITION INTENT.

Our proposal is based on Spence's (1978) signaling theory, which states that companies intentionally boost their attractiveness as employers by communicating about work-life balance benefits, positive employee recommendations, and highly desirable job attributes. In order to test these theories, we do two experiments. Findings from our initial study corroborate the combined and direct effects of these factors on an applicant's attractiveness as an employer. In a two-part, two-level collaborative design, we were able to do this by using carefully crafted scenarios to manage and impact the positive effects of work-life balance, employee ideas, and job attributes. A total of 320 MBA students from India were polled for this data. Examining information gathered from 360 Indian graduates of MBA programs using a 3x2x2 cross-subject design, Study 2 assessed the impact of three unique alternative work arrangements.

An Overview of the Development and Impact of MBA Programs in Pakistan

This article discusses Pakistan's MBA program development and impact. The report examines Pakistan's MBA education from its beginnings to its widespread adoption. Through academic sources, institution data, and industry interviews, this is achieved. MBA programs are driven by globalization, the company's need for managerial skills, and government efforts to boost higher education. The essay also covers Pakistani business schools' MBA programs, instructional methods, and accreditation systems. This study examines how MBA education affects students, employers, and society. The study uses qualitative and quantitative approaches to examine how Master of Business Administration degrees affect employment opportunities, managerial abilities, and socioeconomic situations. This paper analyzes Pakistani MBA schools' quality assurance, instructor shortage, and industry alignment issues. The study also examines how digitization, sustainability, and entrepreneurship may affect MBA education. This article discusses the impact of MBA programs on Pakistan's corporate environment and the purpose of increasing human capital. Research, collaboration, and creativity are essential to keeping MBA education relevant and effective in changing socioeconomic conditions, according to the statement.

Knowing How, Knowing Why, Knowing Whom: Examining the Alignment of the MBA Programs with the Intelligent Career Theory Framework (ICTF)

This study explored the relationship between the Intelligent Career Theory framework (ICTF) and the MBA’s Program Educational Objectives (PEO). Employing a self-reported questionnaire survey with 11 MBA graduates from the past five years, the research examined graduates’ perceptions of the program’s effectiveness in fostering skills and knowledge aligned with the core ICTF components: Knowing Why (Intrinsic motivation and career goals), Knowing How (Knowledge & skills), and Knowing Whom (professional networks & mentors). Pearson’s correlation coefficients were utilized to analyze the relationship between these ICTF components and the program’s PEOs. The Permutations were employed to deal with the limitations of a small sample. The significant correlation between the ICTF components and PEOs with the relative strength of know-why and weakness of know-whom provide insight into the program’s alignment with career intelligence development. Recommendations for curriculum improvement and ongoing program evaluation based on the ICTF framework are presented. This study highlights the value of ICTF as a tool for enhancing MBA programs and empowering graduates for successful careers.