Synthesis of Knowledge - The Perception of Graduates with Non-Business Bachelor Degrees and a Master in Management (MiM)
(2016) MGTN59 20161Department of Business Administration
- Abstract
- Purpose: The purpose of this study was to generate insights and shed light on the value of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills derived from a novel educational concept (Master in Management, MiM) as assessed by the corporate world. Therefore, companies’ perception of the synthesis of knowledge from management graduates with non-business bachelor degrees was explored. Ultimately, this research aimed to assist in developing an understanding of companies’ perspectives on the value of applicants with combined educational knowledge for managerial positions.
Research Questions: How are graduates that synthesise non-business bachelor knowledge with a managerial master degree perceived in the workplace?
● What are the reasons for... (More) - Purpose: The purpose of this study was to generate insights and shed light on the value of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills derived from a novel educational concept (Master in Management, MiM) as assessed by the corporate world. Therefore, companies’ perception of the synthesis of knowledge from management graduates with non-business bachelor degrees was explored. Ultimately, this research aimed to assist in developing an understanding of companies’ perspectives on the value of applicants with combined educational knowledge for managerial positions.
Research Questions: How are graduates that synthesise non-business bachelor knowledge with a managerial master degree perceived in the workplace?
● What are the reasons for companies to hire these graduates for managerial positions?
● What are the qualities that are of interest for companies in these graduates?
Methodology: Adopting an exploratory, inductive-driven approach, the perception of recruitment and MiM experts was analysed using a mixed-method research design. Empirical findings arose from qualitative data gathered through purposefully selected interviewees. To map the qualitatively collected perceptions with the real-world implementations, an additional small sampled-sized quantitative study was conducted with former graduates of such an interdisciplinary degree programme.
Findings: While interdisciplinary knowledge arising from a combination of management degree and non-business degree was highly valued, the appreciation varies depending on the business context and the previously studied subject area. Concerns regarding the level of business knowledge and lack of professional experience arose. However, described as T-shaped individuals, their ability to flexibly adapt and bridge different disciplines was perceived as very powerful.
Limitations: Based on the novelty of the research topic, some interviewees lacked awareness and hence, their answers might have resulted in cursory insights. In addition, it is difficult to generalise the findings as this thesis studies a subjective matter. Therefore, the interpretative nature of this study paves the way for further research on non-business MiM education.
Practical implication: The revealed perception of business experts about these programmes can facilitate the decision-making process of affected stakeholders. Universities can design their programmes accordingly, awareness amongst companies can be raised and prospective students can gain a deeper understanding of their potential career opportunities when graduating from such a degree. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
http://lup.lub.lu.se/student-papers/record/8886611
- author
- Hecht, Eva LU and Wiedmann, Lisa LU
- supervisor
- organization
- course
- MGTN59 20161
- year
- 2016
- type
- H1 - Master's Degree (One Year)
- subject
- keywords
- Master in Management (MiM), interdisciplinary knowledge, synthesis of knowledge, T-Shaped, management education
- language
- English
- id
- 8886611
- date added to LUP
- 2016-07-08 12:47:12
- date last changed
- 2016-07-08 12:47:12
@misc{8886611,
abstract = {{Purpose: The purpose of this study was to generate insights and shed light on the value of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills derived from a novel educational concept (Master in Management, MiM) as assessed by the corporate world. Therefore, companies’ perception of the synthesis of knowledge from management graduates with non-business bachelor degrees was explored. Ultimately, this research aimed to assist in developing an understanding of companies’ perspectives on the value of applicants with combined educational knowledge for managerial positions.
Research Questions: How are graduates that synthesise non-business bachelor knowledge with a managerial master degree perceived in the workplace?
● What are the reasons for companies to hire these graduates for managerial positions?
● What are the qualities that are of interest for companies in these graduates?
Methodology: Adopting an exploratory, inductive-driven approach, the perception of recruitment and MiM experts was analysed using a mixed-method research design. Empirical findings arose from qualitative data gathered through purposefully selected interviewees. To map the qualitatively collected perceptions with the real-world implementations, an additional small sampled-sized quantitative study was conducted with former graduates of such an interdisciplinary degree programme.
Findings: While interdisciplinary knowledge arising from a combination of management degree and non-business degree was highly valued, the appreciation varies depending on the business context and the previously studied subject area. Concerns regarding the level of business knowledge and lack of professional experience arose. However, described as T-shaped individuals, their ability to flexibly adapt and bridge different disciplines was perceived as very powerful.
Limitations: Based on the novelty of the research topic, some interviewees lacked awareness and hence, their answers might have resulted in cursory insights. In addition, it is difficult to generalise the findings as this thesis studies a subjective matter. Therefore, the interpretative nature of this study paves the way for further research on non-business MiM education.
Practical implication: The revealed perception of business experts about these programmes can facilitate the decision-making process of affected stakeholders. Universities can design their programmes accordingly, awareness amongst companies can be raised and prospective students can gain a deeper understanding of their potential career opportunities when graduating from such a degree.}},
author = {{Hecht, Eva and Wiedmann, Lisa}},
language = {{eng}},
note = {{Student Paper}},
title = {{Synthesis of Knowledge - The Perception of Graduates with Non-Business Bachelor Degrees and a Master in Management (MiM)}},
year = {{2016}},
}