Story Details - Alumni - Harvard Business School

01 Mar 2012

Great Expectations

By: Youngme Moon

Topics: Education-Business Education Education-Business Education Education-Curriculum and Courses Innovation-Innovation and Management Performance-Performance Expectations

Innovation is hard. But it is also what drives progress. So while it would be easy to just stay the course, to remain a leader one needs to be able to adapt to a changing world. For more than 100 years, HBS has had the courage to develop new ways of providing a trans-formational experience for our students.

About a year ago we began conceptualizing a new, required MBA course called FIELD (Field Immersion Experiences for Leadership Development). We designed exercises — some of which were pioneered in our Executive Education programs — that were immersive, field-based, and action-oriented. Our goal was to complement the case method with a more field-based approach to learning — one that would help students bridge the gap between knowing and doing.

With the launch of the yearlong course last fall we’ve witnessed the enormous power that comes from students working in small groups. One of the most affirming things we’ve seen is how FIELD has enhanced the entire curriculum. Students are bringing their FIELD experiences into their discussions in all their courses.

As we continue to incorporate the field method into our programs, expectations within the School and beyond are high. The stakes are high, too. By developing new ways of teaching and learning, we hope to raise the bar for management education around the world.

This sort of innovation involves a significant investment of human and financial capital. Support from alumni and friends has been and will continue to be a crucial element of our success. It gives us the courage to build on our legacy. Your support and your expectations drive our success.

Youngme Moon
Senior Associate Dean, Chair, MBA Program
Donald K. David Professor of Business Administration