Authors : Eder Paschoal Pinto, Maria Rita Aprile and Antonio Augusto S. Abreu
Abstract: This study compares the required core graduate courses delivered by Brazilian business schools with those delivered by US business schools. Researchers examine courses announced on university sites in 3 academic periods by means of specific methods for each investigation, aiming to obtain the best representativeness. The quantitative analysis showed a statistically significant amount of similarities, even in programs of dissimilar degrees. Therefore, researchers decided to examine the values of Brazilians and US. The results show difference in values between the 2 nations. Gathering the findings of all research and examining them through the critical curriculum theory lens, researchers conclude that Brazilian business schools tend to disregard the cultural context in which they operate. Based on this study, researchers recommend applying the cosmopolitan perspective to build and manage business curricula-keeping an eye on the influence of global marketing and another on local (national) needs and values. In terms of limitation, the contents announced on university sites may eventually be changed during their delivery. Thus to complement this study, researchers recommend research by academics of both nations aiming to verify the contents taught in classrooms and compare them with those publicized on websites. This study is relevant to academics and practitioners because it discusses a subject that affects them daily.
Eder Paschoal Pinto, Maria Rita Aprile and Antonio Augusto S. Abreu, 2014. Business School Curricula: Comparison of Courses Delivered by Brazilian and US Graduate Schools. International Business Management, 8: 200-208.