Business management micro-credentials and incremental funding: A Social Impact Case Study

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how access to quality, practical and affordable business

management education can achieve positive social impact through short-term incremental funding that spans

election cycles and is aligned to industry demands and policy priorities.

Design/methodology/approach – A case study of the design, delivery and evaluation of a series of microcredential

business management short courses for organisations operating in Queensland, Australia, was

undertaken.

Findings – The development of a conceptual framework incorporating managerial capabilities, stakeholder

engagement and value creation to guide the development of co-designed, co-delivered and co-evaluated

quality education in management, that is accessible, affordable and achievable due to incremental funding and

support fromall levels of government.

Research limitations/implications – The aim of a case study investigation is to develop theory based on

multiple sources of evidence including observations, document analysis and interviews. The conceptual

framework derived from this study is limited to the individual level of social impact and serves as a guideline

for future research projects aiming to measure positive social impact by other methods such as surveys and

statistical analysis.

Practical implications – The strength of the conceptual framework developed during this study is in its

transferability to contexts other than management education and micro-credential courses.

Social implications – Findings are applicable for governing jurisdictions outside of Queensland

including local government areas, as well as other states and territories where short-term funding and

election cycles are experienced.