A Student-Centered Approach to the Business School Management Science Course

Abstract

We describe a student-centered approach for the required business school management science course. We articulate three principles for teaching management science to business students: real-world context, spreadsheet-native attitude, and student self-efficacy. We examine the implications of these principles and how they affect course content and delivery. We show how to establish relevance as perceived by business students. We highlight the business analysis lifecycle as a valuable “roadmap” for students and instructors alike. We explain costs, benefits, and techniques for spreadsheet-native modeling. Spreadsheet modeling should be treated as a computer programming process, based on the properties of the spreadsheet programming language. We explain how and why to separate the modeling process from the act of typing into a spreadsheet. Spreadsheets can function as valuable organizational assets. We candidly discuss the challenges faced transitioning from a tools-based teaching approach to a student-centered approach.

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