Chapter 1: Upgrading Problem-Based Learning By Involving Consulting Professionals

A recognized university’s business school (referred to as the Business School) recently introduced an elective problem-based learning course to its master’s of business administration (MBA) curriculum. This initiative was prompted by the Business School’s search for a systematic, cognitive and scalable approach to problem-based learning. The result is a course entitled Consulting Field Projects, first offered by the Business School in 2006. While viewed now as successful, the Business School realized early that involvement by professional management consultants was required if the program was to flourish. The school took that step.

This paper studies the Business School’s initiative, and background supporting its decision. The paper further considers issues faced by the Business School in shaping its program. Finally, and as an illustrative tool, the conduct of a fictitious Consulting Field Project is traced.