Latest news with #businesseducation
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Super tool or shortcut? How artificial intelligence is forcing a rethink of business education
If institutions evolve and embrace AI not as a threat but as a tool, business schools can future-proof graduates to prepare them for a fast-evolving world. Not too long ago, artificial intelligence (AI) was a futuristic buzzword in business schools; now it's an ever-present classmate that cannot be ignored. From streamlining assignments to sparking debate on the future of education, tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly, Notion AI and Perplexity are reshaping how students learn, how faculties teach and how qualifications are assessed. And although ChatGPT is like a brainstorming partner that never sleeps, educators warn that it should never be a substitute for human intelligence. Creative thinking and critical reasoning are more important now than ever before. Could ChatGPT pass the MBA? A 'ChatGPT3 does an amazing job at basic operations management and case-based analysis,' Terwiesch writes. 'But it stumbles on surprisingly simple maths and lacks the depth for advanced, multi-variable problems'. It could, however, adapt and improve when given hints. This, he says, highlights the growing importance of 'human-in-the-loop' learning, a process where real people are actively involved in the development, training and operations of AI systems, instead of simply relying on fully automated systems. Integrating human expertise helps to improve the accuracy, reliability and adaptability of artificial intelligence, especially in situations where AI might struggle with context, bias or hidden errors. AI literacy: A new business essential For tomorrow's industry leaders, AI literacy must be a core competency. Knowing how to prompt effectively, cross-check AI-generated insights and judge credibility is becoming just as crucial as interpreting financial statements and crafting business strategy. 'Managerial decision-making involves evaluating polished but often flawed proposals,' Terwiesch explains. 'ChatGPT is the perfect stand-in for the overconfident consultant — it gives you a great-looking answer that might still be wrong. This is excellent training for the boardroom.' In this way, AI is not replacing business education — it's enhancing it, by sharpening students' ability to evaluate, challenge, and apply. The assessment dilemma This disruption, however, raises pressing ethical and pedagogical concerns. If a chatbot can write a competent operations report or solve a basic inventory problem, what exactly are students being assessed on? In his analysis, Terwiesch warns against complacency. 'Allowing ChatGPT during foundational exams is like letting students call a moderately competent friend to take the test for them. We need new policies — and smarter assessments.' That's why many South African institutions are pivoting to in-person presentations, real-time case discussions and collaborative simulations, which AI can support — but not complete alone. The real value of the MBA in an AI world If institutions evolve and embrace AI not as a threat but as a tool for lifelong learning, business schools can raise the bar for what constitutes real understanding and future-proof graduates to prepare them for a fast-evolving world. Although AI excels at synthesising what already exists, it lacks vision — the ability to challenge assumptions, build strategy under uncertainty or imagine entirely new markets. This is where humans and their business qualifications come in. 'ChatGPT will always move from 1 to n. The best students must learn to go from 0 to 1,' he writes, referencing Peter Thiel's startup philosophy which centres on the idea of creating something entirely new rather than merely improving existing offerings to achieve value creation. 'Our job as educators is to reward that kind of thinking.' Whether the AI is an assistant, adviser or adversary depends on how well students are taught to use it, according to Terwiesch. 'Not just to find the right answers, but to ask better questions.'
Mail & Guardian
3 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Reimagining business education – How global trends are shaping the future of work
To remain relevant, business education must do more than prepare graduates for today — it must empower them to shape tomorrow. The global workforce is in flux. Rapid technological advancement, climate imperatives, demographic shifts and economic uncertainty are reshaping work as we know it. More than 170 million new jobs will be created — and 92 million lost — by the end of the decade and about 40% of current job skills will become obsolete, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF's) As artificial intelligence (AI) disrupts industries, climate change alters jobs and instability ripples through markets, business as usual is no longer viable. For MBA programmes and business schools, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: to produce agile, future-ready graduates who can lead through disruption. This requires a fundamental rethink of how business education is delivered — from access and curriculum design to real-world alignment. Digital learning, modular and stackable qualifications, and stronger links between industry and academia are now essential. Skills for tomorrow The WEF report draws on data from more than 1,000 employers across 22 industries and 55 economies. It finds that 63% of companies see skills gaps as the biggest barrier to transformation, with six in 10 workers needing reskilling by 2030. Core skills such as analytical thinking, AI, big data and cybersecurity are in demand, while many current competencies are fast becoming outdated. Employers are responding. More than 85% plan to upskill staff, and 70% expect to hire talent with new capabilities. This puts a premium on postgraduates who can drive workforce transformation and lead reskilling initiatives. Business schools are adapting. Traditional subjects such as finance and strategy are being integrated with courses in AI, data analytics, sustainability and digital transformation. If the next generation of leaders is to thrive in a volatile, fast-changing world, then it's not only about new tools — it's about new thinking. The human edge Technical skills are critical, but no longer sufficient. Today's business leaders must also be emotionally intelligent, adaptable and creative. In South Africa's complex, multicultural society, the ability to work across differences and build inclusive teams is not just an asset — it's a necessity. Human-centric competencies such as problem-solving, collaboration and ethical leadership are climbing the priority ladder. This means cultivating hybrid professionals: digitally fluent, analytically sharp and socially aware. Business schools are under pressure to equip students to navigate uncertainty and to lead in its midst. Global forces, local effects Labour market shifts are being shaped by more than just technology. Rising costs of living, inflation and geopolitical instability are driving structural changes. While ageing populations in high-income countries are driving demand for healthcare leadership, South Africa's youthful population demands entrepreneurial thinking and scalable, localised solutions that apply global strategy. The rise of green jobs is another game-changer. Climate adaptation is creating demand for work in renewable energy, sustainability and environmental risk management. At the same time, geopolitical tensions are increasing the need for skills in cybersecurity, supply chain resilience and international policy. Graduates must be prepared to lead with purpose in a world where business decisions are inextricably linked to planetary and geopolitical realities, embedding ESG (environmental, social and governance) principles into strategy and linking decisions to social and environmental outcomes. Lifelong learning, lasting effect Disruption is now a given. To remain relevant, business education must do more than prepare graduates for today — it must empower them to shape tomorrow. The pace of change demands continuous learning. Business schools are responding with flexible programmes, microcredentials and online offerings. Lifelong learning is now a baseline, not a bonus. As employers shift to skills-based hiring and redeploy workers displaced by automation, business education must go beyond traditional degrees. It must equip students with the mindset and tools to reinvent themselves — again and again. By embedding agility, embracing sustainability and aligning with real-world needs, MBA and postgraduate programmes can produce graduates who are employable and indispensable. The future of work may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the most valuable qualification is no longer just a degree — it's the ability to adapt, lead with integrity, and keep learning.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Ed Grier To Retire As Dean Of Santa Clara Leavey School Of Business
Leavey School of Business Dean Ed Grier stands in front of Lucas Hall. Grier will step down as dean at the end of 2025. Courtesy photo Ed Grier, the former Disney executive who helped revitalize Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business, will step down as dean at the end of 2025 after four years at the helm. Grier will remain in an advisory role through June 2026 as the university launches a search for his successor. Grier's deanship marked a period of strategic renewal and growth for Leavey, including the launch of new programs, enhanced online offerings, and deeper connections to Silicon Valley's business community. He is credited with sharpening the school's industry alignment, modernizing curricula, and elevating Leavey's national profile. 'Looking back, it's been one of the great joys and most meaningful chapters of my career to help shape the future of business alongside the brilliant students, passionate faculty, dedicated staff, and vibrant community at the Leavey School of Business,' Grier says in a statement. 'Together, we've strengthened the school, embraced change, and laid the groundwork for continued impact. I leave with deep pride in all we've accomplished — and full confidence that the best is yet to come.' Among Grier's most notable achievements was the development of Leavey PLUS, a strategic framework centered on 'Partnerships, Leadership, Unity, and Sustainability.' The plan reoriented the school's mission toward long-term, systemic impact on both the local and global business landscape. Grier also led the expansion of academic offerings to reflect changing industry demands. Under his leadership, Leavey launched a hybrid-format Executive MBA and introduced a Master of Science in Sports Business, co-developed with executives from Bay Area sports franchises. At the same time, Grier oversaw the strengthening of Leavey's online portfolio, including a partnership with Santa Clara Online to deliver the M.S. in Marketing program. Under Grier's leadership, the Leavey School saw rankings success: Most recently, its Evening MBA program reached No. 19 in U.S. News & World Report's 2025 part-time MBA ranking, its first top-20 appearance in five years. In July 2023, Grier joined faculty, alumni, and trustees to ring the New York Stock Exchange closing bell, commemorating Leavey's centennial year. The moment symbolized both a celebration of the school's history and its ambitions for the future. Prior to joining academia, Grier spent 29 years at The Walt Disney Company, culminating in his role as president of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, where he led 20,000 employees and oversaw a $2 billion business unit. That corporate experience — spanning operations, leadership, and global management — shaped his pragmatic and strategic approach to business education. 'Dean Grier has been a dynamic and approachable leader for the students, faculty, and staff of LSB for the past four years,' says James M. Glaser, provost and executive vice president at Santa Clara. 'The university owes him a deep debt of gratitude for his stewardship and care of our esteemed school of business.' In 2022, as part of Poets&Quants' annual Deans' New Year's Resolutions feature, Grier outlined the philosophy that would guide his leadership at Leavey. As the school looked ahead to its centennial year 2023 and beyond, he emphasized a vision grounded in long-term societal contribution: 'Qualities that make up a great business leader are not the same as they were five or 10 years ago,' Grier wrote. 'Leaders today need to embrace responsible governance and corporate innovation from every level. In 2023, we are resolving to double down on our efforts to teach students how to be leaders who desire to benefit the greater good of their company, their employees, and the ever-changing societal challenges. 'Part of embracing the role of a caring and responsible leader is the need to understand and embrace the challenge of sustainability. Climate change is an ever-growing threat that businesses across industries must work together to overcome, and we expect our students to graduate into leaders who will motivate these changes. 'However, business schools cannot accomplish all this alone. In 2023, Leavey will continue to identify and foster key partnerships with local, national, and international organizations to understand the needs of the industry and prepare students for their post-business school careers. We resolve to work together with our partners to synthesize ideas, programs, and research to inspire our graduates with the Jesuit values of Santa Clara University and stand apart as business leaders. 'In 2023, Santa Clara University's Leavey School of Business will be celebrating its centennial anniversary. I am privileged to be leading the school into its next century and am embracing this task with a full heart. We have created an initiative called Leavey PLUS that will incorporate all the school's resolutions and will be launching in 2023. Stay tuned …' The university announced that details about the search for Leavey's next dean will be shared in the coming weeks. DON'T MISS and The post Ed Grier To Retire As Dean Of Santa Clara Leavey School Of Business appeared first on Poets&Quants. Sign in to access your portfolio
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Zoho partners with GUST to equip Kuwaiti students with in-demand digital skills
Kuwait City, Kuwait – Zoho, a leading global technology company, today announced its partnership with Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) to provide business students with access to advanced digital tools, fostering essential skills in finance, accounting, HR, IT, and business management. This partnership was announced on the sidelines of Zoholics Kuwait, the company's annual user conference, in a signing ceremony that took place in the presence of Saran B. Paramasivam, Regional Director Middle East and Africa (MEA) Zoho and Dr. Jean-Paul M. Arnaout, Dean, College of Business Administration, GUST. This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world business applications by introducing Zoho's software to GUST's curriculum. Through this initiative, students will gain practical experience throughout the academic year using Zoho's suite of top-selling products, including Zoho CRM for sales and marketing, Zoho Books for finance, Zoho Creator for low-code app development, and Zoho People for HR management, preparing them for the digital demands of today's fast-paced workplace. Students will engage in hands-on training, simulating real business scenarios to develop both technical proficiency and soft skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. 'We are thrilled to partner with GUST to empower the next generation of business leaders with cutting-edge technology,' said Paramasivam. 'By integrating Zoho's solutions into their education, students will not only learn theoretical concepts but also apply them in practical settings, giving them a significant advantage as they enter the workforce. Partnerships like this stem from our commitment to our 'transnational localism' strategy and set the stage for Zoho's continued growth in Kuwait, where we see immense potential for digital transformation.' 'With practical skills being one of the main focus areas of our GUST mission, we are proud of our collaboration with Zoho, seamlessly embedding their digital solutions into our curriculum. Zoho CRM is already integrated into several courses, with Zoho Books and Zoho People currently in the process of being incorporated into finance and HR courses, respectively,' said Dr. Arnaout. "This partnership ensures that our students graduate with hands-on experience using tools widely adopted in the business world. We thank Zoho for their support in training our faculty and enabling this smooth curricular integration. This strategic industry collaboration will help us bridge the classroom and the digital workplace." This initiative underscores Zoho's commitment to fostering digital transformation in education and supporting the future workforce with the tools they need to succeed. It builds on the company's ongoing efforts to bridge the skills gap in the Middle East through academic and professional upskilling. Similar programmes have been launched across the region, including partnerships with universities in the UAE and Bahrain, as well as training workshops for working professionals in KSA, UAE and other countries. By equipping both students and professionals with hands-on experience in Zoho's platforms, the company is fostering a digitally empowered workforce ready to meet the challenges of the modern economy and keep up with the ambitious economic transformation agendas set forth by the government. Zoho CRM, Zoho People, Zoho Books and Zoho Creator are the company's fastest-selling products that feature Arabic User Interface support, Right-to-Left (RTL) capabilities as well as international and regional payment gateway integration options. About Zoho With 55+ apps in nearly every major business category, including sales, marketing, customer support, accounting and back-office operations, and an array of productivity and collaboration tools, Zoho Corporation is one of the world's most prolific technology companies. With 100 million users around the world, across hundreds of thousands of companies, rely on Zoho every day to run their businesses. Zoho respects user privacy and does not have an ad-revenue model in any part of its business, including its free products. The company is privately held and is headquartered in Chennai, India. Additional offices are in the United States, India, Japan, China, Canada, Singapore, Mexico, Australia, the Netherlands, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. For more information, please visit
