A Review of Managerial Skills Training in the Classroom

Abstract

Courses designed specifically to develop students’ managerial skills began to emerge in the 1980s, in response to criticism of the theoretical and quantitative orientation of business school coursework. Since then, a number of management textbooks focusing on skills-based learning have been published, and many instructors have become acquainted with both the benefits and challenges of adopting these approaches in their classrooms. This article reviews the literature on teaching managerial skills, including its history, foundation in learning theory, course design issues, and unique challenges. The overall purpose is to provide a comprehensive guide for instructors interested in offering a managerial skills course for the first time or those seeking to refresh an existing one.