今月初めに下記の新カリキュラムの導入が発表されました。
New curriculum prepares students in two-year MBA program to lead, with emphasis on critical thinking, targeted leadership skills, and data analysis and modeling
http://www.johnson.cornell.edu/About/News-Publications/Article-Detail/ArticleId/38300/MBA-Students-Embrace-New-Curriculum-Now-in-Place-at-Johnson-at-Cornell-University
そして、以下の分野における変更が発表されました。
Modeling and Decision Analysis: An enhanced required course, Data Analytics and Modeling, takes students beyond statistics, to data modeling and Big Data techniques and strategies. Modeling is woven into other courses to help students develop the analytical skills needed in all areas of business.
Personal and Leadership Skills: Every Johnson student progresses through a targeted curriculum in leadership consisting of the proprietary Johnson 360° Leadership Assessment, coursework, case exercises, teamwork, hands-on leadership experience, coaching, and customized programming. The personalized program begins in the pre-term, with individual assessment and feedback, and continues through the first year, with the Leading Teams Practicum, and second year with Principled Leadership. Marquee leadership instructors teach intensives on leadership topics. These classes are enriched with a menu of Leadership Skills workshops and Leadership Expeditions that span the entire program.
Integrative and Critical Thinking Skills: In their first semester of MBA study, students learn and practice critical thinking skills, with a focus on analyzing, integrating, and synthesizing information for optimal decision making, in the face of challenges, such as incomplete, inaccurate, or ambiguous information.
そして新たな選択科目として導入されたものは、
The Art of Innovation: A Design Thinking Immersion and Making Design Thinking Work. These hands-on courses prepare MBAs to be future innovators by teaching them the human-centered design methodology known as Design Thinking.
Core Leadership Skills for a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) World, with retired U.S. Army General George Casey. This course builds on the skills acquired in earlier components of the leadership program, through discussion and interaction with an experienced practitioner and former leader of the United States Army.
Johnson’s FinTech Trek and Hackathon. Students convene at Cornell Tech in New York City to learn about disruptive technologies facing the financial industry and develop relevant solutions. The experience culminates in a hackathon, in which participants have about 24 hours to develop financial products or services that meet a real business need. Similar classes are planned, each focusing on a different industry.
今回の新カリキュラム導入にあたり、関係者は以下のコメントを発表しています。
Our new curriculum reflects the findings of the curriculum review, as well as industry and research trends in leadership, collaborative teamwork, and data analytics,” said Vishal Gaur, associate dean for MBA programs. “We’re carrying forward innovation in required courses to elective offerings, as well, exposing students to fresh ideas and creative, team-oriented problem solving approaches.”
こうしたコメントを読み込む作業も、その学校の校風を理解していく上での手段となります。カリキュラム変更という動きが、来シーズンにおけるApplication Essay QuestionsやAdmissions側の審査方針へどういった影響を与えていくことになるでしょうか。