MBA Curriculum Updates
LFGSM's Updated Curriculum:
A Conversation with VP & Dean, Degree Programs, Arlene Mayzel
By: Dana Camacho
As you may have heard, LFGSM has recently updated its curriculum. We spoke with VP & Dean Arlene Mayzel to learn about the process, the rationale, the value, and what the changes mean to you.
Quick Links to Questions:
DC: What is changing?
AM: Some course content, course options and course delivery – but what you value about LFGSM will stay the same, namely our Mission, Vision, Values and Philosophy, as well as our practitioner faculty and focus on experienced professional students. This is still a 16-unit program, with 13 core and 3 elective units. We've taken a fresh look at the courses we offer, and based on our research, identified 3 major categories for career advancement: Know the Business, Relate to People, and Deliver Results. These success factors are then further defined into 10 competencies which form the foundation of the curriculum. Alumni input played a key role in these curriculum changes
In addition, the length or structure of some courses is changing. For example, Managerial and Financial Accounting will become one ten-week course called Accounting for Decision Making. This will allow Effective Leadership, currently available as an elective, to become a core class. Technology enhancements have been made throughout the curriculum, integrating online assignments, self-directed learning and new simulations.
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DC: How often is the curriculum changed? When was the last time it was changed?
AM: We typically review each course every year with the faculty and implement course changes into the existing curriculum. Courses offered today may be slightly different than the same course offered just a year ago. Periodically, we do a holistic review of the entire curriculum. This review includes looking at courses as an interrelated set and designing each course in concert with the others.
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DC: Why did LFGSM change its curriculum?
AM: We are constantly updating our curriculum to help ensure that our MBA program provides students with the most relevant theory and practical application. This change is more significant because we are looking at the curriculum in its entirety rather than making routine individual course improvements. Our commitment to ongoing improvement will help LFGSM continue to differentiate itself, which increases the value of your degree.
After conducting over 100 interviews with business leaders, receiving survey responses from 500 alumni, faculty, and friends of LFGSM, and carrying out extensive industry benchmarking, we defined a set of competencies on which to base the new curriculum.
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DC: What does this mean to LFGSM Alumni?
AM: It’s good news. The updated curriculum builds on and will continue to strengthen LFGSM’s reputation in the business community.
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DC: Are there any new opportunities Alumni can take advantage of?
AM: Yes, we have introduced a new elective, Sales Management, and some additional classes in 5-week formats are pending. Two current electives, Project Management and Strategic Use of Information Technology, are now available in faculty-facilitated online versions. These are great for people who travel extensively or have moved out of the area. You are encouraged to refresh your skills by taking any of the new courses at the 50% alumni rate.
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DC: Any final thoughts for our alumni?
AM: The new curriculum fully embraces our Leadership Learning philosophy of Competence, Confidence and Contribution. Thanks to the many alumni who provided valuable input into the new curriculum through representation on the development council, responding to our survey and being interviewed. Your help was invaluable in structuring the "new and improved" version of your favorite MBA program and increasing the value of your degree!