Social Capital Analysis for David Eccles School of Business Full-Time MBA Program

Step 1: Context Analysis

  • Mission and Program Overview:
    • The Eccles MBA emphasizes experiential learning, leadership development, and innovation, aiming to prepare students for dynamic and impactful careers.
    • The program promotes collaboration, community involvement, and global readiness, reflecting core social capital principles.
  • Key Features:
    • Leadership development initiatives include hands-on projects and personalized coaching to foster leadership rooted in collaboration and trust.
    • Professional networking opportunities are embedded in the program through partnerships with Utah’s thriving business community.
    • A focus on cross-functional collaboration prepares students to build networks across industries and roles.
  • Community and Culture:
    • The program highlights a culture of inclusivity and teamwork, fostering relationships built on shared values and trust.
    • Connections to the Utah business ecosystem and access to an engaged alumni network enhance professional networks and career prospects.

Step 2: Content Analysis

  • Explicit Mention of Social Capital Themes:
    • Frequent references to collaboration, leadership, and community engagement reflect an emphasis on building relational capital.
    • The use of terms like “connections,” “networking,” and “mentorship” highlights the importance of creating meaningful relationships.
  • Implicit Demonstration of Social Capital Values:
    • Trust-Cooperation Complex: Team projects and small class sizes promote collaboration and trust.
    • Shared Values: The program’s focus on inclusivity and innovation fosters a cohesive community.
    • Ego-Network Ties: Industry partnerships and alumni networks provide structured pathways for building professional connections.
    • Node Positioning: Students are positioned to connect with key players in Utah’s vibrant business community.
  • Key Social Capital Variables Observed:
    • Leadership Development: Opportunities for leadership coaching and experiential learning enhance students’ ability to foster networks within teams.
    • Industry Engagement: Strategic partnerships with local businesses create valuable connections for career advancement.
    • Community Focus: Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration supports the development of strong relational capital.

Step 3: Meta-Analysis Insights

  • Strengths:
    • The program’s local business connections provide a unique advantage for students seeking professional networks.
    • Small class sizes and collaborative projects foster deep relational ties among students and faculty.
    • Leadership coaching and experiential learning initiatives offer tangible avenues for social capital growth.
  • Gaps:
    • Greater emphasis on global opportunities could enhance cross-cultural social capital for students pursuing international careers.
    • Explicit integration of social capital concepts into the program’s branding and curriculum would strengthen its market appeal.

Preliminary Social Capital Score:

  • Website Accessibility and Clarity (8/10): The website clearly outlines program benefits, but could provide more details on networking outcomes.
  • Explicit Mention of Social Capital Themes (22/30): Collaboration, leadership, and networking are well-highlighted, though not framed as social capital.
  • Implicit Demonstration of Social Capital Values (27/30): The program’s emphasis on teamwork, community, and industry engagement strongly supports social capital principles.
  • Innovation in Social Capital Development (19/20): Leadership coaching and integration with the local business ecosystem stand out as innovative approaches.
  • Community Engagement and Alumni Integration (9/10): The program’s connections to Utah’s business community and alumni network offer robust networking opportunities.
  • Total Score: 85/100

Recommendations for Eccles School of Business MBA Program:

  1. Highlight Social Capital as a Core Value: Frame the program’s collaborative culture, leadership development, and business partnerships as drivers of social capital growth.
  2. Expand Global Opportunities: Introduce global immersion programs or partnerships with international organizations to enhance students’ global social capital.
  3. Develop Measurable Social Capital Metrics: Incorporate tools to track and highlight students’ social capital development throughout the program.

Enhance Alumni Integration: Create structured mentorship programs that connect current students with alumni in leadership positions.