Reconnecting Business Schools with Business

Foreword, Professor James O’Toole, Part 1: The Business School Landscape, Chapter 1 Why Are We Doing This? by George Feiger and Nicholas O’Regan, Chapter 2 New Demands on Business Create New Opportunities for, and New Demands of, Business Schools by Nicholas O’Regan and George Feiger, Chapter 3 External Influences on the Role of Business School by George Feiger and Nicholas O’Regan, Chapter 4 Exploring Liberal Undergraduate Management Education in the UK by Peter McKiernan, Howard Thomas and Michael Thomas, Part 2: The Case for Change, Chapter 5 Business Schools: Time for Change by David Willetts, Chapter 6 The Future of Business Schools by Andrew Jack, Chapter 7 The Case for Radical Innovations in Business Schools: The Innovation Inertia Dilemma by Bodo B. Schlegelmilch, Part 3: The Next Business Education, Chapter 8 The Next Management Education: Charting a New Path Forward by Johan Roos, Chapter 9 Close to Industry and Academia: Reflections on the History of MIT Sloan by Michael A. Cusumano, Chapter 10 Your Location Matters! The Role of the Business School in Supporting Economic Growth by Anthony Brabazon, Chapter 11 Management Education Is The New Liberal Arts by Santiago Iñiguez, Chapter 12 Standalone business schools and their role in bridging the academia-business gap by Jörg Rocholl, Part 4: Business as a Force for Good, Chapter 13 Business as a Force for Good by Ilian Mihov and Nick Measures, Chapter 14 Business Education and the Public Benefit of Research by Gerald F. Davis, Chapter 15 Business Schools for the Public Good: Advancing the UN SDGs by Alma McCarthy, Chapter 16 Addressing Societal Challenges – The Business School and the Business Leaders by Franz H. Heukamp, Chapter 17 The Role of Business in Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Business by Markus Maedler and Ansgar Richter, Chapter 18 How Purpose-Driven Companies Are Re-Defining the Future of Business by Don Capener, Chapter 19 Solve Problems That Matter by Richard D. Phillips and Nathan Bennett, Chapter 20 The Innovative Business School by Marion Debruyne, Chapter 21 Sustaining Excellence in Business Education: Embracing Integration to Strengthen Research Foundations by François Ortalo-Magné, Chapter 22 The Victoria Forum – a Collective Commitment to Addressing Key Societal Issues by Saul Klein, Part 5: Innovation and the Future of Business, Chapter 23 Is Engineering Education broken? by Amitava ‘Babi’ Mitra, Chapter 24 The Making of a Product Manager: An Interdisciplinary Education that Belongs in Business Schools by Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou and Tim Derdenger, Chapter 25 Transforming Business Education: The Impact of the LIFE Module at Dublin City University by Dominic Elliott, Catherine Faherty, Colette Real and Roisin Lyons, Chapter 26 Creating Europe’s Largest Ecosystem on Artificial Intelligence: The Role of TUM School of Management by Gunther Friedl, Chapter 27 An Entrepreneurial School with Entrepreneurial People: Connecting with the Best Business Schools in Europe by Markus Rudolf, Chapter 28 Beyond Borders: Making Higher Education More International, Diversified and Interdisciplinary by Antonella Carù, Part 6: Shaping the Future of Business Education, Chapter 29 Business Education in the Age of Change by Lily Bi and Eileen McAuliffe, Chapter 30 The Evolving MBA by Andrew Main Wilson, Chapter 31 The Future of Business Schools - an ACCA Perspective by Helen Brand, Chapter 32 Redefining Business Education by Christopher Smith, Chapter 33 Why Investing in Quality Leadership and Management Will Deliver Better Leaders, Better Businesses, Better Productivity and a Better Economy by Kirsty McManus and Sylvia Malo, Chapter 34 Does an MBA Still Matter? by Xavier Rolet, Part 7: A Blueprint for the Engaged Business School, Chapter 35 A Step-by-Step Guide for Effective Engagement by Nicholas O’Regan and George Feiger

Biography

Nicholas O’Regan is Professor in Strategy at Aston Business School. After completing his PhD in Strategy and Leadership, he held Professorial appointments at Middlesex University, and Bristol Business School. Prior to a career in academia, he was the youngest local authority Town Clerk and Chief Executive in Ireland before moving to a number of senior and chief officer positions in UK Local Government.

George Feiger was Executive Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor of Aston University between 2013 and 2023, after having founded and run a wealth management business in the United States. Prior to this, he held a variety of senior roles including Director of McKinsey & Company, Global Head of Investment Banking for SBC Warburg, and Global Head of Onshore Private Banking for UBS.

“This book lends new and important voices to the choir calling for change in our business schools.  After losing their way as professional schools decades ago, it is time to bring them back to caring about the profession they are meant to serve.  Don't just read this book, use its message to add your voice to the choir.” Andrew J. Hoffman, Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, Author of The Engaged Scholar

“In an era dominated by generative AI, trade tensions, environmental challenges and global turbulence, these new demands create an opportunity for business schools to reposition their offer and to regain their relevance for and impact on businesses. It is a time to move forward and to make bold decisions. It is not a time to standstill!” Sir Rod Aldridge, Founder of the Capita Group PLC

“This insightful book exposes the disconnect between British business and academia, arguing that a lack of collaboration hinders management training and development. It advocates for pragmatic reforms within business schools to foster stronger partnerships with industry, ultimately driving economic growth and elevating leadership standards. I welcome its call for a less academic, more practical approach from these institutions.” Martin McCourt, former Chief Executive, Dyson

“The authors deliver a powerful wake-up call to the world of business education. I've long felt the growing disconnect between the theories taught in business schools and the real-world challenges faced by businesses. This book doesn't just diagnose the problem; it offers a compelling vision for how business schools can and must refocus to become true partners in developing the next generation of business leaders. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about the future of management and the vital role of business schools in shaping it.” David Pinchard, Managing Director, Transformation-Leaders.com

“Professors O'Regan and Feiger set out a firm but fair challenge to business schools to reinvigorate their offers or risk irrelevance. Their conclusion, that engagement and collaboration should be at the heart of every faculty, is easy to support. Ultimately, the model of engagement between standard setters and practitioners is well established when it comes to professional bodies, and would only bolster business schools that look to emulate it.” Ann Francke OBE, Chief Executive, Chartered Management Institute