James' comment about the generation of business in WW1 makes absolute sense. The early MBAs looked to the mechanics of business, how to manage finance and inventory; operational issues and sales. These subjects were covered in some detail, but the professional part of the MBA was the idea of dealing with a whole company rather than the sum of the parts - a principle that has, with some updating, remained the backbone of any MBA program.
Most students who studied for an MBA were from wealthy backgrounds; people who were expected to take over the family business. The MBA was the first step to the boardroom. They were guarenteed their place in business, all they needed was some knowledge to start them off. A little different from today's online MBA student, particularly working people who need to study and earn.
# posted by Mary @ 11:29 PM
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