Reconnecting Business Schools with Business

Reconnecting Business Schools with Business is a provocative call to action for business schools worldwide. This groundbreaking book argues that traditional business schools have strayed from their core mission: to be professional schools that directly serve and advance the practice of business. Drawing parallels to medical and architectural schools, the authors contend that business schools should be deeply intertwined with the professional world, fostering collaboration between academics and practitioners. They challenge the prevailing trend of mimicking academic social science disciplines, arguing that this has led to a disconnect between theory and practice. This book doesn’t just critique; it offers a blueprint for transformation. It delves into the need for greater engagement with businesses, the integration of technology in education, and the crucial role of ethics and social responsibility. The book provides a framework for business schools to reclaim their relevance and prepare students for the complexities of the 21st century. With contributions from over 20 of the leading business schools deans worldwide and a range of business and regulatory stakeholders, this book is essential reading for educators, administrators, business leaders and anyone concerned about the future of management education. Discover how to create a truly professional business school that empowers individuals and organisations to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Table of Contents:
Foreword, Part 1: The Business School Landscape, Chapter 1 Why Are We Doing This? Chapter 2 New Demands on Business Create New Opportunities for, and New Demands of Business Schools, Chapter 3 External Influences on the Role of Business School, Chapter 4 Exploring Liberal Undergraduate Management Education in the UK, Part 2: The Case for Change, Chapter 5 Business Schools: Time for Change, Chapter 6 The Future of Business Schools, Chapter 7 The Case for Radical Innovations in Business Schools: The Innovation Inertia Dilemma, Part 3: The Next Business Education, Chapter 8 The Next Management Education: Charting a New Path Forward, Chapter 9 Close to Industry and Academia: Reflections on the History of MIT Sloan, Chapter 10 Your Location Matters! The Role of the Business School in Supporting Economic Growth, Chapter 11 Management Education Is The New Liberal Arts, Chapter 12 Standalone business schools and their role in bridging the academia-business gap, Part 4: Business as a Force for Good, Chapter 13 Business as a Force for Good, Chapter 14 Business Education and the Public Benefit of Research, Chapter 15 Business Schools for the Public Good: Advancing the UN SDGs, Chapter 16 Addressing Societal Challenges – The Business School and the Business Leaders, Chapter 17 The Role of Business in Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Business, Chapter 18 How Purpose Driven Companies Are Re-Defining the Future of Business, Chapter 19 Solve Problems That Matter, Chapter 20 The Innovative Business School, Chapter 21 Sustaining Excellence in Business Education: Embracing Integration to Strengthen Research Foundations, Chapter 22 The Victoria Forum – a Collective Commitment to Addressing Key Societal Issues, Part 5: Innovation and the Future of Business, Chapter 23 Is Engineering Education broken? Chapter 24 The Making of a Product Manager: An Interdisciplinary Education that Belongs in Business Schools, Chapter 25 Transforming Business Education: The Impact of the LIFE Module at Dublin City University, Chapter 26 Creating Europe’s Largest Ecosystem on Artificial Intelligence: The Role of TUM School of Management, Chapter 27 An Entrepreneurial School with Entrepreneurial People – Connecting with the Best Business Schools in Europe, Chapter 28 Beyond Borders: Making Higher Education More International, Diversified and Interdisciplinary, Part 6: Shaping the Future of Business Education, Chapter 29 Business Education in the Age of Changei, Chapter 30 The Evolving MBA, Chapter 31 The Future of Business Schools - an ACCA Perspective, Chapter 32 Redefining Business Education, Chapter 33 Why Investing in Quality Leadership and Management Will Deliver Better Leaders, Better Businesses, Better Productivity and a Better Economy, Chapter 34 Does an M.B.A. Still Matter? Part 7: A Blueprint for the Engaged Business School, Chapter 35 A Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Engagement

About the Author :
Nicholas O’Regan is Professor in Strategy at Aston Business School. After completing his PhD in Strategy and Leadership, he held Professorial appointments at Middlesex University, and Bristol Business School. Prior to a career in academia, he was the youngest local authority Town Clerk and Chief Executive in Ireland before moving to a number of senior and chief officer positions in UK Local Government. George Feiger was Executive Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor of Aston University between 2013 and 2023, after having founded and run a wealth management business in the United States. Prior to this, he held a variety of senior roles including Director of McKinsey & Company, Global Head of Investment Banking for SBC Warburg, and Global Head of Onshore Private Banking for UBS.

Review :
“This book lends new and important voices to the choir calling for change in our business schools. After losing their way as professional schools decades ago, it is time to bring them back to caring about the profession they are meant to serve. Don't just read this book, use its message to add your voice to the choir.” Andrew J. Hoffman, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Author of The Engaged Scholar “In an era dominated by generative AI, trade tensions, environmental challenges and global turbulence, these new demands create an opportunity for business schools to reposition their offer and to regain their relevance for and impact on businesses. It is a time to move forward and to make bold decisions. It is not a time to standstill!” Sir Rod Aldridge, Founder of the Capita Group PLC “This insightful book exposes the disconnect between British business and academia, arguing that a lack of collaboration hinders management training and development. It advocates for pragmatic reforms within business schools to foster stronger partnerships with industry, ultimately driving economic growth and elevating leadership standards. I welcome its call for a less academic, more practical approach from these institutions.” Martin McCourt, former Chief Executive, Dyson “The authors deliver a powerful wake-up call to the world of business education. I've long felt the growing disconnect between the theories taught in business schools and the real-world challenges faced by businesses. This book doesn't just diagnose the problem; it offers a compelling vision for how business schools can and must refocus to become true partners in developing the next generation of business leaders. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of management and the vital role of business schools in shaping it.” David Pinchard, Managing Director, Transformation-Leaders.com “Professors O'Regan and Feiger set out a firm but fair challenge to business schools to reinvigorate their offers or risk irrelevance. Their conclusion, that engagement and collaboration should be at the heart of every faculty, is easy to support. Ultimately, the model of engagement between standard setters and practitioners is well established when it comes to professional bodies, and would only bolster business schools that look to emulate it.” Ann Francke OBE, Chief Executive, Chartered Management Institute