Step 1: Context Analysis

  • Mission and Program Overview:
    • The Crosby MBA program at the University of Missouri focuses on leadership development, data-driven decision-making, and real-world business application.
    • Emphasizing customization and flexibility, the program offers concentrations in marketing, finance, and supply chain management, catering to diverse career paths.
  • Key Features:
    • Corporate Engagement: Strong partnerships with businesses provide hands-on projects and networking opportunities.
    • Leadership Development Program: Students engage in workshops and mentorships aimed at fostering collaborative and effective leadership.
    • Global Experiences: Opportunities for international study broaden students’ cross-cultural understanding and professional networks.
    • Community Impact Projects: Local collaborations integrate societal contributions into business education.
  • Community and Culture:
    • The program promotes a collegial learning environment where small cohorts foster close connections and collaboration among students, faculty, and industry leaders.
    • A commitment to ethics and responsibility aligns business success with positive societal impact.

Step 2: Content Analysis

  • Explicit Mention of Social Capital Themes:
    • Leadership Development: Workshops and mentorships focus on trust and team-building.
    • Networking Opportunities: Corporate partnerships and global experiences enhance professional social capital.
    • Community Engagement: Local projects connect students with organizations, building societal-level trust and collaboration.
  • Implicit Demonstration of Social Capital Values:
    • Trust and Reciprocity: Team-based projects and leadership workshops emphasize mutual reliance.
    • Diversity and Inclusion: Global experiences and cohort dynamics foster diverse perspectives.
    • Professional Growth: Integration of real-world projects builds career-focused networks.
  • Key Social Capital Variables Observed:
    • Trust-Cooperation Complex: Leadership and team projects enhance interdependence and trust.
    • Ego-Network Ties: Corporate connections expand individual professional networks.
    • Homo-Hetero Phily: International and local initiatives encourage diversity in thought and collaboration.

Step 3: Meta-Analysis Insights

  • Strengths:
    • The program’s corporate partnerships are a standout feature, providing students with meaningful real-world connections.
    • Leadership workshops and mentorships directly address trust-building and collaborative skills.
    • The focus on global and community engagement fosters both societal and professional social capital.
  • Gaps:
    • More emphasis on alumni integration could solidify long-term professional networks.
    • Limited mention of emotional capital development such as peer-to-peer storytelling or reflective activities.

Preliminary Social Capital Score:

  • Website Accessibility and Clarity (8/10): Comprehensive and clear information; could expand details on leadership development outcomes.
  • Explicit Mention of Social Capital Themes (22/30): Strong focus on leadership and collaboration; room for additional diversity and emotional capital initiatives.
  • Implicit Demonstration of Social Capital Values (21/30): Effective integration of trust and networking themes; further emotional capital integration recommended.
  • Innovation in Social Capital Development (15/20): Corporate and global initiatives are strong points.
  • Community Engagement and Alumni Integration (7/10): Effective local projects; alumni involvement could be more prominent.
  • Total Score: 73/100

Recommendations for Crosby MBA Program:

  1. Strengthen Alumni Engagement: Establish a formalized alumni mentorship program or networking events to enhance long-term professional connections.
  2. Expand Emotional Capital Initiatives: Incorporate activities such as peer storytelling or reflective leadership exercises to build deeper interpersonal trust.
  3. Highlight Leadership Outcomes: Share case studies or testimonials showcasing the real-world impact of leadership training and corporate projects.
  4. Enhance Global Partnerships: Broaden international collaborations to include virtual joint programs or case competitions with international MBA cohorts.

Social Capital Analysis for Haslam Full-Time MBA Program – University of Tennessee


Step 1: Context Analysis

  • Mission and Program Overview:
    • The Haslam Full-Time MBA program emphasizes practical leadership, analytical problem-solving, and global perspectives.
    • Known for its supply chain management focus, the program integrates collaborative learning and industry engagement to prepare students for dynamic business environments.
  • Key Features:
    • Executive Mentorship: Students are paired with senior leaders to gain personalized insights and build trust-based professional relationships.
    • Collaborative Cohorts: Small class sizes encourage close-knit collaboration among peers.
    • Global Immersion Trips: International projects foster cross-cultural understanding and global networks.
    • Corporate Engagement: Partnerships with major corporations, particularly in supply chain and logistics, provide hands-on experience and networking opportunities.
  • Community and Culture:
    • A focus on inclusivity and collaboration creates an environment where diverse voices are valued.
    • Emphasis on practical applications ensures students can directly translate classroom learning into workplace solutions.

Step 2: Content Analysis

  • Explicit Mention of Social Capital Themes:
    • Industry Engagement: Corporate partnerships facilitate real-world networking and trust-building.
    • Mentorship Programs: Strong focus on executive mentorship for professional development.
    • Team-Based Learning: Collaboration within small cohorts enhances interpersonal connections and mutual reliance.
  • Implicit Demonstration of Social Capital Values:
    • Diversity and Inclusion: Global immersion and small cohorts foster diverse perspectives and inclusivity.
    • Trust and Reciprocity: The mentorship and team-learning approach cultivates mutual support and collaboration.
    • Professional Development: Industry-specific projects and case studies build career-relevant networks.
  • Key Social Capital Variables Observed:
    • Trust-Cooperation Complex: Teamwork and mentorship foster a foundation of trust and collaboration.
    • Ego-Network Ties: Connections with executives and corporate partners expand individual networks.
    • Homo-Hetero Phily: Global immersion enhances exposure to diverse cultures and viewpoints.

Step 3: Meta-Analysis Insights

  • Strengths:
    • The program’s mentorship model is a standout feature, providing students with direct access to industry leaders.
    • Global immersion and team-based learning effectively enhance professional and societal social capital.
    • Corporate partnerships, particularly in supply chain management, offer students significant real-world connections.
  • Gaps:
    • Limited emphasis on alumni integration for long-term networking opportunities.
    • Could expand emotional capital development activities to strengthen interpersonal bonds among peers.

Preliminary Social Capital Score:

  • Website Accessibility and Clarity (8/10): Clear and comprehensive, though more details on outcomes of mentorship programs would be helpful.
  • Explicit Mention of Social Capital Themes (24/30): Strong focus on collaboration and mentorship; could enhance focus on emotional and societal capital.
  • Implicit Demonstration of Social Capital Values (22/30): Effective integration of diversity, trust, and professional development.
  • Innovation in Social Capital Development (16/20): Mentorship and corporate partnerships stand out as innovative approaches.
  • Community Engagement and Alumni Integration (7/10): Strong corporate ties but limited focus on alumni networking opportunities.
  • Total Score: 77/100

Recommendations for Haslam MBA Program:

  1. Strengthen Alumni Networks: Introduce alumni mentoring or networking events to enhance long-term connections for students.
  2. Expand Emotional Capital Initiatives: Implement reflective exercises or peer-to-peer storytelling to deepen interpersonal trust within cohorts.
  3. Highlight Mentorship Success Stories: Share testimonials and case studies showcasing how executive mentorship has influenced students’ careers.
  4. Leverage Corporate Partnerships: Broaden industry engagement to include sectors beyond supply chain for more diverse opportunities.