Making the Team: A Guide for Managers, Fifth Edition

Appendix 3 A Guide for Creating Effective Study Groups

Most students enrolled in MBA programs must work in groups to complete important projects and requirements en route to obtaining their degrees. Some students work with the same group throughout their program; other students work with several groups each semester. This is a guide for helping these groups to be as effective as possible.

Very Early On

In the beginning when the group is forming, it is helpful to do some kind of structured exercise that moves beyond superficial conversation. For this reason, it is helpful to have a somewhat structured but fun exercise that moves people beyond superficial pleasantries and encourages them to talk about their expectations for the team, work styles, ...