CROSS-FUNCTIONAL COURSE DESIGN FOR THE ACCELERATED MBA PROGRAM

The recent global financial crisis exposed the weaknesses in the financial risk management of numerous firms. The main reason for the problem is attributed to the lack of integration of financial risk management with other business disciplines. Business programs have been heavily criticized for not producing well-rounded graduates with a genuine understanding of the business world. In this paper, we describe a tested implementation framework for a cross-functional project that improves students ’ understanding of maximizing firm value while successfully balancing risk management. Our specific focus is on accelerated MBA programs with severe time constraints that typically do not allow for integrative, hands-on student projects. Our proposed methods are different from most other integrated courses in several ways. Cross-functional courses bridges the knowledge gaps of students in the area of finance even if finance is not their primary area of specialization. Our approach further creates a virtuous cycle for students, faculty, client, local banks and institutions, university, and the local community.