Disintegrating Business Degree Curricula by Skipping Prerequisite Courses

Abstract

Prerequisite skipping, often overlooked in business degree programs, is a lack of fidelity to the business curriculum's structure that potentially harms students' learning. We discuss this problem in terms of cognitive learning theory and make a case for a broader understanding of prerequisites' function and value in exposing both disciplinary content and context. We then describe the various malpractice elements and antecedents that may combine to disintegrate the business curriculum through excessive prerequisite skipping. We discuss the negative impact of this curricular disintegration from a stakeholder perspective and conclude with recommendations for practice and future research.