Article Gold Open Access 2025

From Classroom to Boardroom: Assessing Curriculum Development for International Business Major Gaps in Undergraduate Business Education

Journal of Curriculum and Teaching
Journal · Vol. 14 · Issue 1 · pp. 257-282
Abstract

The rapidly evolving global business landscape demands that undergraduate business education, particularly within the International Business (IB) major, adapt to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for career success. This study aims to critically assess the current IB curriculum to identify gaps and propose enhancements that align educational outcomes with the competencies essential for thriving in a global marketplace. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this research draws on 26 in-depth interviews with students, alumni, and industry experts to explore the effectiveness of the curriculum in addressing key areas such as practical application, specialization in emerging business trends, and career readiness. The findings reveal significant gaps in the curriculum, including the need for earlier and more consistent integration of practical experiences, the development of specialized tracks in critical areas like digital transformation and sustainability, and the enhancement of career services tailored to global business careers. By engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders, this study emphasizes the importance of ongoing curriculum assessment and stakeholder involvement to ensure the IB program remains relevant and effective in a dynamic global environment. The research contributes to the broader discourse on curriculum development by providing actionable recommendations that ensure graduates are both theoretically informed and practically prepared to excel in their careers. These findings align with SDG 4 by enhancing the quality of education and with SDG 8 by preparing graduates with the skills needed for sustainable economic growth. © 2025 Sciedu Press. All rights reserved.

Keywords

Author Keywords

Curriculum development Sustainability employability digital transformation international business education practical application

Index Keywords

Author Affiliations
Business Administration Division, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
Funding & Acknowledgements
Mahidol University International College, MUIC
We sincerely appreciate the invaluable contributions of our key stakeholders, including our stakeholder industry experts, and MUIC alumni and students, for their support and participation in this study. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the MUIC IB faculty members for their assistance in conducting and participating in the interview sessions. Their insights and dedication have been instrumental in shaping this research.
References 10 References
1 Acemoglu, Daron, Skills, tasks and technologies: Implications for employment and earnings, Handbook of Labor Economics, 4, PART B, pp. 1043-1171, (2011)
2 International Journal of Management Accounting and Economics, (2019)
3 Andrews, Jane E., Graduate employability, 'soft skills' versus 'hard' business knowledge: A european study, Higher Education in Europe, 33, 4, pp. 411-422, (2008)
4 Aoun, Joseph E., Robot-proof: Higher education in the age of artificial intelligence, Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, pp. 1-187, (2017)
5 Arunachalam, Nimmi, Foot in the Door: Developing Opportunities for Computing Undergraduates to Gain Industry Experience, SIGCSE 2024 - Proceedings of the 55th ACM Technical Symposium on Computer Science Education, 1, pp. 74-80, (2024)
6 Work in the Digital Age Challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, (2018)
7 Journal of Political Economy, (1993)
8 Benn, Suzanne, Changing directions in business education: Knowledge sharing for sustainability, Reframing the Game: The Transition to a New Sustainable Economy: A Special Issue of Building Sustainable Legacies, pp. 87-102, (2023)
9 Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction, (2011)
10 Birchall, U. David, Business school-industry cooperation: Lessons from case studies, Portland International Conference on Management of Engineering and Technology, 1, pp. 290-300, (2006)
Quick Actions
Full Text via DOI
Citation Metrics
1
Times Cited (Scopus)

References 10
Document Identifiers