"Curriculum Redesign for the Small, Liberal Arts Business Program: Tools for Enhancing Classroom and Student Learning Objectives"

The principal objective of this article is to demonstrate examples of the tools and processes necessary for significant curricular redesign in a business program and, in particular, a business program at a small, liberal arts institution. This article describes the redesign of the business curriculum at Guilford College, a small liberal arts college in Greensboro, North Carolina, rooted in its Quaker history and values. Section one discusses using the institution's mission, as it relates to ethical and/or religious foundations in Quakerism, as the beginning point for curricular redesign. The core sections of the article discuss how the Business Department faculty at Guilford College instituted an assessment process, evaluated and acted upon the assessment findings, and designed a challenging curriculum that expands student learning. The article discusses how Educational Testing Service (ETS) Business Field Test scores as well as departmental internal testing, in concert with the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accreditation standards, provided the framework for data-driven curriculum design changes to improve student learning in the areas of quantitative analysis, information systems, international business, production and operations management, and business ethics. The final section summarizes action steps for implementing and ensuring continuous evaluation and improvement for a quality business program. In addition to the effective and engaging curriculum, this process guided Guilford College's process for ACBSP accreditation. A quality business program strategically connected to the liberal arts mission of a small institution may provide a competitive advantage, as these institutions face increasing challenges.