Structuring An MBA Consulting Course: Aligning Pedagogical Strategies To Meet The Needs Of A Business Schools Critical Stakeholders

Abstract

At a time when business schools of second-tieruniversities face budget constraints, the MBA consulting program has become avehicle to build a schools reputation and to engage the business community inorder to raise financial resources. Business schools also face competition fromon-line programs, and consulting assignments help to define a schools competitive advantage. Finally, an increasing number of students with little or no prior business experience are seeking the MBA edge to help them find their first positions. As a result, the consulting program is rapidly becoming aninstrument of choice to facilitate the transition from campus to professional environment. This article presents the pedagogical strategies implemented by auniversity with limited resources and for which the consulting program has been designed to address the needs of both external and internal stakeholders.