Executive Education: A New Business Model for the Future

Abstract

The general research problem of this study is the increasing gap between academia and industryin executive education. The research indicates a gap in current EE program offerings, includingan outdated curriculum, a lack of ROI for cohorts and organizations, and a disconnect in teachingskills transitioning into real-world applications. The purpose of this qualitative multiple casestudy is to explore the perceptions of cohorts (subject matter experts by completing an EEprogram) coming from industry about how to design effective curriculums for EE programs inthe USA. To meet this study's purpose, a multiple-case study design was utilized to collect datafrom a purposeful sample of 30 executive education cohorts. Semi-structured interviews,archival data, and reflective field notes supported the trustworthiness of the study's findingsthrough data triangulation. The study was grounded in a conceptual framework that incorporateda combination of four well-established and contemporary theories, including Kirkpatrick's four-level training evaluation model, Kolb's experiential learning theory, the principles of Andragogy,and human capital development. The study was then linked to the concepts of increasing andmeasuring effectiveness in executive education. A total of 11 cross-case themes emerged acrossthe data collected from the 30 expert participants: (a) practical vs. theoretical, (b) real-life casestudies, (c) involve learners in their learning, (d) leverage learners' experience, (e) emergingtechnology, (f) real-world application, (g) outdated cases, (h) implementation, (i) transfer ofskills, (j) ROI in mind, and (k) responsible party. By offering suggestions for creatingcurricula that will help to close the noted gap, the outcomes of this study can have a positiveimpact and bring about transformation in the field of executive education. This study presents aviable strategy to encourage practical and theoretical change for academia and industry based onstakeholders' expectations about their journey of executive education.