In the US more than 250,000 students (a quarter of the total US college population) study business education; in all of Europe, only 3,000 MBAs will graduate this year, and Japan has no MBA programmes at all. Why are business courses so popular in the US? How are the different courses...

Some background on General Electric and its executive education operation in the US is provided. The review process and its major findings are described, followed by some of the major recommendations and action taken. Finally, a retrospective evaluation is offered.

Corporations have much to gain from owning education centres. The investment is large, but the pay‐off can be enormous, in terms of cost savings, and priceless, as a result of increased educational effectiveness, more efficient programme administration and a demonstrated commitment to employee...

University‐based executive education programmes have played a major role in the development of upper‐level managers since the beginning of the Second World War. A summary review of research into their effectiveness is presented, and a challenge issued for further investigation as to their...

A playful review of America, particularly since the 1960s, taking into account the changing attitudes of society and how this has shaped the destiny of individuals and of America as a whole. Were the “achievements” of each decade really such, or were they trampled upon and lost in the...

How to make university‐based executive programmes more effective by making certain design and delivery changes is discussed. It is argued that the programmes can be made more effective by being more practical, learner centred and developmental. Three areas are focused on: programme design, the...

A nation′s capacity to compete in international markets is influenced by a number of factors including R&D expenditures, radical innovation, productivity, machine tool production and patents. The United States′ declining capacity to dominate selected markets is related to reductions in these...

Numerous business books have become popular (in terms of sales in the US) in the 1980s. Assuming that there is value in them for organisational managers, one issue to be addressed is how management development programmes can best incorporate these materials. The pros and cons of reading popular...

The lecture method for management education is discussed. The ature of the method is presented, strengths and weaknesses are summarised, and recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of lectures through discussion are presented.

Some of the strengths and weaknesses of using microcomputers, video (disc and tape) and teleconferencing (which may combine with other technologies even when distance is a factor) in business education are explored. It is argued that computers and interactive video appear to be among the most...