Teaching the art of better decision making: How Universities embed evidence-based management

The gap between management research and practice remains stubbornly wide, but a growing movement of dedicated educators is working to change that by embedding evidence-based management into university curricula. This episode explores their journeys, challenges, and successes.

We hear from three university teachers who have pioneered different approaches to teaching evidence-based management - from introducing elements into existing courses to creating entire programs centered around evidence-based decision-making.

Christina Rader from Colorado College shares how she gradually incorporated the approach into her classes and now has students working on real-world projects with local organizations.

Kemp Ellington from Appalachian State University explains how their department created a dedicated evidence-based management course as part of a curriculum overhaul focused on critical thinking and data literacy.

Mary Foster recounts how Morgan State University, a historically Black college, integrated evidence-based management as a core competency across multiple courses to develop skills that wouldn't be replaced by automation.

Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Management, provides perspective on how his organization supports these "lone wolves" and curriculum champions, offering online course modules, consulting, and a network for teachers to share resources and experiences. He outlines the spectrum of implementation approaches, from introducing basic concepts in existing courses to fully embedding the methodology across entire programs.

The episode highlights both the challenges these educators face - from skeptical colleagues to administrative hurdles and financial considerations - and the profound rewards they find in equipping students with a structured approach to making better decisions. As AI and automation reshape the business landscape, these professors argue that the critical thinking skills at the heart of evidence-based management may be the most valuable assets graduates can bring to their future careers.

Whether you're an educator looking to incorporate evidence-based approaches into your teaching or simply someone interested in how management education is evolving to meet contemporary challenges, this conversation offers valuable insights into bridging the gap between research and practice in management.

Guests:

Eric Barends PhD, Managing Director, Center of Evidence-Based Management

Kemp Ellington PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Management, Walker College of Business, Appalachian State University, North Carolina

Mary Foster PhD, Professor, retired from Morgan State University, Maryland

Christina Rader PhD, Associate Professor with Tenure, Department of Economics and Business, Colorado College

Mentions:

• Center for Evidence-Based Management
• CEBMa Teachers Network
• CEBMa Online Course
• CEBMa Evidence-Based Management Podcast

Contact:

Eric Barends, Managing Director of the Center for Evidence-Based Management