A Conceptual Model for Introducing Design Thinking in Management Schools

Abstract

The paper investigates the need for introducing design thinking in business schools and proposes a conceptual model for the same based on community design intervention. Innovation is increasingly being seen as a core competence requirement for industries. Innovation requires a synergistic confluence of design, technology and management. Business management students need to be equipped with design thinking in order to creatively manage and lead innovation in organizations. How can design thinking be introduced in business schools? What are the methods which could enable business students to arrive at user-centered, creative ideas and opportunities? What could be the mode for internalizing these learnings? These were some of the aspects considered in order to prepare a framework for the case study. It was decided to introduce business management students to opportunity identifications as well as creative design thinking through a community based intervention approach. Case study analysis was used to analyze the major problems faced by the students throughout the project as well as the key learning of the students during the project. Some of the major problems faced by the B-school students during the project were in terms of their overall approach to the project. The analysis further resulted in a conceptual model which proposes the following key learning: (1) Meaning and value (2) Concerns (3) Empathetic understanding of stakeholders (4) Creative thinking (5) Opportunity identification and extension. The proposed conceptual model is expected to help business schools introduce design thinking to students through collaborative community based projects.