The current financial crisis, although painful, could be a catalyst for business schools to revisit their role in training future business leaders. In recent years, MBA commencement ceremonies have seemed to mark the beginning of a sprint race - rather than a marathon-like professional career - for ambitious young graduates looking to secure quick, hefty returns.

MBA programmes are now being questioned for their contribution in educating leaders for organisational excellence and long-term success. As institutions, deans and faculties face harsh reproaches, business schools should not only focus on improving their curricula, but reinstate the very purpose of the MBA programme as the starting point of an ongoing learning experience: managing the professional career.