Management education and development processes : an analysis of their effectiveness in the workplace

This thesis examines management educational and development processes and critically analyses the quantitative and qualitative effectiveness of the results of those processes in the workplace context. The collated data, which forms the primary research in this dissertation, was gathered through direct contact with students, (i.e. interviews/questionnaires/field visits) who were involved in management educational and development processes, with particular focus on those studying at Master's level. The student research base and sample frame, initially was concentrated in the UK. This sample frame was extended to include an international dimension; thereby facilitating measured findings through students/graduates in the United States of America, the Middle East and the Far East. The results of overseas inquiry provided the basis for a comparative analysis. In addition, corresponding employing organisations were researched, in order to quantify to what extent learning transformation was taking place within the student's theatre of activities. Such transformation was assessed in terms of increased effectiveness, both from a personal and organisational perspective. A detailed formulation of research findings is presented in support of the hypothesis, which clearly demonstrates that a disparity exists between definition and doing, a disparity between what (and how) is currently being taught in management educational -establishments and the managerial needs of public, private and voluntary organisations. Student and employer issues raised during the study are also examined and analysed. In particular, the points of generated frustration as a result of transferring management educational and development learning into the workplace and in many cases the lack of recognition of student/graduate academic achievement. Hypothesis – ‘That a disparity exists between what (and how) is currently being taught in U.K. management educational establishments and the needs of public, private and voluntary organisations.’EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo