University of Twente Student Theses
Alternatives to the Mainstream Economic Growth Paradigm in Business Administration Curricula at Dutch Research Universities
Kamerbeek, R. (2022) Alternatives to the Mainstream Economic Growth Paradigm in Business Administration Curricula at Dutch Research Universities.
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| Abstract: | This Master’s thesis sheds light on the reasons for including or excluding alternatives to the mainstream economic growth paradigm in/from the Bachelor curricula of Business Administration (BA) programmes offered at Dutch research universities to the current extent. Fourteen pre-selected members of staff, mostly course coordinators, divided over nine universities were interviewed. Out of the fourteen courses, eight turn out to cover economic growth related subject matter to at least some extent. Only four courses discuss alternatives to mainstream growth and/or alternatives to profit maximisation. Results show that teaching staff of courses that do not discuss alternatives to mainstream growth often say this has to do with disciplinary requirements, as well as cost-benefit considerations; many do not consider the alternatives to be part of the basics that should be taught to BA students. Some think it should be taught but say that they do not have enough time in the course they themselves teach. Teaching staff of courses that do discuss alternatives, regularly also by discussing the focus on profit maximisation, often do this because of their value orientations; they feel students should be able to reflect on this subject in a critical manner. Lastly, those that discuss alternatives to traditional growth orientation often have educational objectives higher up the RBT pyramid. So, whereas those that discuss traditional economic growth and no alternatives mainly stick to remembering and understanding, those that teach about alternatives often strive for students to apply what they have heard or read, and to analyse or evaluate what they encounter in a case by using what they have heard or read. If BA curricula are to encourage an economic climate that prioritises wellbeing, or environmental and social justice, changes are in order. |
| Item Type: | Essay (Master) |
| Faculty: | BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences |
| Subject: | 85 business administration, organizational science |
| Programme: | Environmental and Energy Management MSc (69319) |
| Link to this item: | https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/92747 |
| Export this item as: | BibTeX EndNote HTML Citation Reference Manager |
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