Transformative economies and complex Thinking: Enhancing sustainability competencies in business education

Portuguez-Castro M.; Ramírez-Montoya M.S. · International Journal of Management Education (2025) · DOI: 10.1016/j.ijme.2025.101223

Resumen

This study presents a pedagogical innovation that integrates agile methodologies, transformative economies, and complex thinking to enhance sustainability competencies in graduate business education. Using a multiple case study design, we examined the experiences of 58 Master of Business Administration students enrolled in a course on disruptive innovation and new business models at a business school in Peru. Students applied the Scrum framework and principles from circular, green, and solidarity economies to develop sustainability-focused projects. Quantitative results from a validated instrument showed significant gains in scientific, critical, and innovative thinking. Qualitative analysis of student reflections and project artifacts confirmed increased awareness of systemic challenges and responsible decision-making. The findings demonstrate how agile, interdisciplinary, and action-oriented pedagogies can foster the competencies needed to address complex sustainability issues. This study contributes to responsible management education by offering an empirically grounded and context-sensitive model that prepares students to lead sustainable innovation in diverse business environments.

Instituciones: Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú