Needed: academic Triathletes

Abstract

Translated to the world of business education, today’s academics might usefully be compared to the classical athletes, insomuch as they must show excellence in a number of fields. Despite constant criticism to the opposite, business schools are in reality proactive when it comes to developing the mechanisms needed to change the systems that generate and distribute knowledge. A growing number of business schools have already set up interdisciplinary centres aimed at going beyond the remit of traditional academic departments by setting up direct links with companies to develop specific projects. At the same time, it is important that business schools' boards and advisory councils understand the strengths and weaknesses of their respective institutions. “The group has issued a report calling for sweeping institutional change, including continuing evaluation and assessment of teaching and learning, and a proposal that teaching be weighed equally with contributions to research in annual salary adjustments”.