Traditional management education offered at universities, generally focuses on knowledge and general concepts. While there has been some debate about whether to focus on primarily conceptual knowledge or developing the skills that managers need to be successful, most business school programs seek to provide both. The curricula of many M.B.A. and B.B.A. programs follow the accreditation standards issued by the main accrediting body in management education, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

According to the AACSB curriculum standards, the curricula of both bachelor’s and master’s programs should provide an understanding of issues that affect organizations. It should be noted that degree programs at both the graduate and undergraduate levels should be seen as only one component of a manager’s development. At their best, business programs can provide a valuable foundation for a manager’s development and a good way for practicing managers to reflect on their experiences and develop new skills and knowledge. Graduates of these programs should have the potential to become effective managers with further development and experience.