Title: MBA knowledge management course: is there an impact after graduation?

Authors: Nick Bontis, Alexander Serenko, Ernest Biktimirov

Addresses: DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, MGD #207, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M4, Canada. ' Faculty of Business Administration, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada. ' Faculty of Business, Brock University, 500 Glenridge Ave., St. Catharines, Ontario, L2S 3A1, Canada

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to present the structure of a course entitled |Strategic Knowledge Management| taught at the MBA level at the DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, Canada. The second goal is to report on the survey of 43 course alumni and offer insights for other instructors interested in the development of the KM-related curriculum. The survey results are encouraging since there seems to be very little if any deterioration in the learning value of this course over time. In explaining the positive results of this study, four main reasons why the learning impact of this course sustains itself for years after graduation are suggested: 1) cross-disciplinary perspective, 2) variety of pedagogical techniques, 3) practical industry exposure and 4) exposure to best practices. Overall, this paper may be of interest to academics who are involved in the development of graduate level courses in Knowledge Management (KM).

Keywords: knowledge management; strategic KM; MBA courses; curriculum; higher education; alumni survey; universities; learning value; graduate courses.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2006.010993

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2006 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.216 - 237

Published online: 26 Sep 2006 *

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