Impact of Innovation in Redesigning A Successful Student Centered Survey of Business Course

Abstract

The ever changing environment of the workplace demands that students’ educational experience be more comprehensive, integrated, data
driven, and competency based. In response to these challenges selected faculty at the School of Business used an innovative freshman survey of
business course to expand students’ level of participation, increase their level of knowledge transfer, provide opportunities for students to
develop competencies and skills, and involve students in a business/education partnership. This business/education partnership served as a
framework for integration of the concepts inherent in an introductory level business course.
This course also satisfied the first year experience requirement. The focus of the ongoing course redesign has been to provide students
with an understanding of the integrated nature of business decision making, appreciation of the value of lifelong learning, and development of the
skills necessary to succeed both while in school and upon entering the workforce. Competitive pressures on higher education institutions also
mandate emphasis on these areas at the freshman level rather than in senior-level capstone courses. This paper provides an explanation of the
course design, course revisions, evaluation procedures, four years of quantitative data regarding retention and competencies, and future plans and
revisions.