Management students create art: A novel approach to introducing supply chain ethics

Abstract

This article details an art assignment given to undergraduate management students in an introductory supply chain management course. Students were asked to choose a supply chain ethics issue, create a work of art that responded to the issue, then write an artist's statement that discussed the thought process and choices made in creating their artwork. The majority of students submitted art that was creative, relevant to supply chain ethics, and well executed. Survey results reveal that students were in agreement that the assignment was more enjoyable than a comparable written assignment. In addition, students’ understanding of ethical issues in supply chain management increased through both the creation of their own art and interactions with the art of their peers. This novel approach to teaching ethics in supply chain management addresses shortcomings in current approaches to business education and helps student build a strong foundation for ethical decision-making in their future careers.