 Q . What compelled Curry to launch an MBA program?
A. We have very strong relationships with regional business firms and they asked us to offer an MBA. The program we've developed is conceptually in line with what business leaders felt they'd like employees to attend, but have not seen offered at other institutions. Countless numbers of folks actually asked us to consider offering an MBA, not just the corporate folks, but also Curry alums and undergrads, as well as undergrads from other area schools. The decision to launch an MBA program was as much based on alumni input as other factors.
Q. Are things different in today's marketplace, and is there a new model for business excellence?
A. Yes. Most businesses are now looked upon not only for their bottom line revenue and what they do day-to-day, but for how they do it. What impact do they have on people? What mark will they make on society? Some companies have always been good corporate citizens. More companies are beginning to act that way. For example, in the aftermath of the Tsunami tragedy, some companies gave more than governments gave in relief efforts. Cynics might say that it was pure PR for their company's image. Nevertheless, it's this type of corporate social and ethical environment that exists for businesses today. To excel, a business must do well, financially, and do good, socially, at the same time.
Q. How will the Curry MBA program go beyond the bottom line?
A. The program material is extremely topical, and reflects a tremendous sense of social responsibility expected in management. We'll spend considerable time helping students understand the regulatory environment, how to operate in that environment with respect, and how to follow the rules. In many, if not all modules there's a large and justifiable |
emphasis on ethical and moral behavior. We'll train our students so they leave the program with their own code of business ethics, similar in integrity to a doctor's Hippocratic oath.
Q. Going beyond the credential, what are companies looking for in MBA graduates?
A . Strategic planning and leadership. Today's business environment has scarce resources and tremendous competition, here and off-shore. Moving forward, companies will need strong members of middle management to provide the competitive edge. These middle managers will need to share a strategic mind-set with the senior management team, and have the skills to perform at an even higher level than previously expected.
Q. How will the Curry MBA prepare today's students to be tomorrow's leaders ?
A. Our program offers a very practical, real-world approach. We've structured the program using both a cohort and hybrid format. We'll use comprehensive and cohesive case studies that run across the curriculum.
Q. What is a cohort?
A . A cohort is a group of students who are colleagues and learning partners. They will be in all the same classes for the entire two years, start to finish. From the perspective of learning about business, working with a cohort group prepares students for effective teamwork with colleagues.
Q. What is the 'hybrid' form at?
A. The hybrid format is a deliberate blend of face-to-face classroom learning with online team projects and case study analysis. Students come to class on campus one night per week and then spend approximately 30% of their program time online. The personal contact is part of Curry's culture of caring and high level of commitment to our students, while the distance learning provides convenience for busy working adults. The utilization of Blackboard and other e-learning technologies extends rather than substitutes for the traditional classroom . It provides a virtual group gathering where students participate in threaded discussions, reference posted materials, and conduct independent work online.
Q. What benefit does the accelerated schedule provide beyond the speed of degree completion?
A. In the real-world, often there's not much time to make a business decision, solve a problem, meet a |
project deadline. The accelerated schedule models the business environment. It's total immersion. Faster is not always better. But if it's done right, students can use the knowledge from the theory course right away in the classroom during the practical course, as well as in their current work environment. While there aren't many schedule breaks, the reflective seminars do allow students to take a break, catch their breath, and develop a game plan before moving on to new material.
Q. What makes the Curry MBA unique?
A. The courses are designed as modular course 'pairs' where one course is more theoretical, paired with a course that focuses on the practical application of those theories. At the conclusion of each module, a teamtaught seminar will help students reflect on and demonstrate their understanding of the key concepts and skills from that module. That's what truly makes the Curry MBA unique - the reflection seminars. The reflection-in-action model is a hallmark of our master's levels programs at Curry. This approach infuses our culture with self-assessment and allows each student to develop a personal plan for continuous improvement. It's a unique way to build incremental personal skills. Students will be g i ven self-assessment tools at the beginning of each module so they can chart progress along the way and become strong advocates of their own personal development . They will also be assessed by and get feedback from faculty each step of the way. The program faculty will also work in concert as a cohort, a teaching team contributing to the big picture experience not just their own class. The reflection seminars allow students to become partners with faculty in the learning and teaching process. Again this mirrors the work environment and interaction between middle and senior management. Being the best leader you can be, understanding and enhancing your performance, that's what the reflection seminars are all about.
Q. What does the future hold for Curry MBA grads?
A. Great success. The Curry MBA experience will add up to a level of competence and confidence for our graduates that a leader must possess to be successful. Our undergraduate business majors have met and exceeded their expectations, and we have every reason to expect the same will be true for our MBA grads.
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