Enterprise education: revisiting Whitehead to satisfy Gibbs

Abstract

Purpose: This paper seeks to demonstrate that a truly learner-centred enterprise education programme can be developed within a traditional business school environment. Approach: This paper unites the broad teaching philosophy of Alfred Whitehead with that of Allan Gibbs's enterprise specific teaching philosophies to consider the fitness of the recently developed hic et nunc enterprise framework. This is primarily achieved by testing the framework for constructive alignment. Findings: It is argued that the hic et nunc framework is consistent with the philosophies of both Whitehead and Gibb. That the framework illustrates a process through which enterprise education programmes can be developed independently of the any pressures to conform to more traditional pedagogy. Practical Implications: Through careful consideration of the process of constructive alignment, an analytical approach to developing and/or refining an enterprise education program exists. Importantly, it represents an approach that is explicitly learner-centred, and therefore free from the constraints of the environment within the programme is delivered. Value of Paper: This paper brings to life the wonderful ideas of the great philosopher, Alfred Whitehead, combining them with the contemporary ideas of Allan Gibb. In doing so, the complementary nature of their thoughts helps to illustrate the minimal requirements of a learner-centred approach to enterprise education.