Enhancing business education through integrated curriculum delivery

Abstract

Purpose If business education programs are to meet the needs of the business community, educators must continuously examine the strengths and weaknesses of their programs. While the current business curriculum typically educates students in the key business disciplines, many business schools deliver their curriculum by creating courses based on functional area, rather than the integration of knowledge from a holistic perspective. Therefore, the purpose of this literature review is to explore several approaches for delivering the business curriculum Design/methodology/approach This aim is achieved through a holistic approach, which highlights the benefits and limitations of each proposal. Key approaches include capstone projects, service learning projects, team teaching, and integrative case studies. Findings The literature review revealed that all four approaches provide students with the opportunity to integrate their business knowledge with the critical skills that they have mastered in their liberal arts courses. However, of these approaches, the research suggests that implementing a service learning program not only permits students to integrate their knowledge, but also provides the opportunity for real‐life application of these concepts. In addition, this approach also provides the opportunity for students to experience social responsibility through civic engagement, hopefully strengthening their sense of ethics and character. Originality/value The role of modern business is not only to maintain profits for its shareholders, but also to demonstrate good corporate citizenship. Thus, today's business educators have the responsibility to prepare students for the role of modern business, including corporate citizenship, sustainability, and social responsibility. Thus, this paper will allow business educators to explore ways to achieve this goal.