Problem Solving in the Workplace through Application of Business Knowledge and Quantitative Methods

Robert T. Barrett, Samuel H. Tolbert
(School of Management, Lander University, Greenwood, SC 29649, USA)

Abstract: Ensuring that management curricula are current and relevant requires input from many stakeholders. Faculty planning committees call on business leaders, alumni, students, and future employers of graduates to provide necessary guidance in this process. In the study reported here, graduates of an undergraduate business program were asked to rate the importance of business knowledge and skills areas in the workplace. Twelve knowledge areas and twelve quantitative skills areas were included in the survey, specifically addressing frequency of use, general importance of the knowledge and skills, and necessity to include the knowledge and skills in a business curriculum. The graduates identified communication and operations management as the most important knowledge areas in business. The most frequently used quantitative skills listed were basic statistical analysis, budgeting, and financial analysis. Insights gleaned from this analysis will help with curriculum planning.

Key words: business curricula; communications; operations management; problem solving; quantitative methods

JEL code: A2