Follow the founder: case study of action learning experiment in an MBA program

Abstract

Purpose This paper describes the action learning experiment by the name Follow a Founder of a leading university in India. The purpose of the paper is to reflect on the key takeaways that can be drawn from such an action learning experiment. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on a case study, authors’ experience of leading and conceptualizing the program coupled with interviews of multiple stakeholders, which formed the sources of data. Findings The paper suggests the possibility of implementing such a program at other business schools and universities, provided there is a clear mapping of tasks and objectives and learners are given exposure to real time workplace scenarios. Originality/value The paper describes a one of its kind experiment at an Indian university when it comes to applying action learning in a taught program.

Action learning: challenges that impact employability skills

“…The planning included legal clearance for partners’ agreements, travel agencies arrangements and local transportation, among other considerations to allocate resources for 50,000 students. Earlier experiences from action learning, including those with CBL, presented in this paper (Pandey et al , 2018; Munezero and Bekuta, 2016; Suwono et al , 2019) were implemented in longer periods of time for specific groups of students. The Perceived value Questionnaire on Competences (Table AI) has been designed to be applied with the ECT comparing results before and after the i-Week but could be easily adapted for other research educational experiences.…”

“…Different universities have implemented innovative action or experiential learning approaches to develop competences. In Hyderabad, India, an Action Learning program for the university at the T-Hub incubator helped to understand real business scenarios to realize the application of theoretical content to practice (Pandey et al , 2018). Munezero and Bekuta (2016) also applied the action learning at the University of Eldoret, Kenya on an extracurricular project which aimed to raise awareness among primary school students about the current problems facing the forests of Kenya.…”