Professional schools emphasise practical training, close links with their profession, and accreditation and codes of ethics by committees of practitioners. In the case of business schools, overwhelmingly there has been a shift towards an academic focus on research and theory. This book seeks to address this problem through providing clear steps to overcome the perpetuation of a point-scoring reward system, and a return to their roots as professional schools that are fully engaged with business.

Reconnecting Business Schools with Business Schools offers a comprehensive framework for reform that balances the need for effective engagement with the business community with a commitment to research excellence and cutting-edge scholarship. It is presented in two parts: the first outlines the current business school and its various shortfalls. Examples are presented from the other types of professional schools to show how we might achieve the New Professional Business School. The second part considers new interdisciplinary structures for the future. The second part of the book presents a number of steps that will enable business schools to move to the desired outcome.

Written by two leading business scholars and leaders, the book gives universities, business school leaders and policy makers the insight needed to prompt a holistic rethink of the role of the business school.

Nicholas O’Regan is Professor in Strategy at Aston Business School. After completing his Phd in Strategy and Leadership, he held Professorial appointments at Middlesex University, and Bristol Business School.

George Feiger was Executive Dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences and Pro Vice Chancellor of Aston University between 2013 and 2023, after having founded and run a wealth management business in the United States.