Enhancing business students’ skills through a cross-curricular activity

Abstract

[EN] This paper describes the experience of a cross-curricular activity that combines mathematical knowledge with several soft skills, namely the use of new technologies, teamwork and critical thinking. Two different subjects are involved, Mathematics 2 and Information Systems, both part of the Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Administration, taught at Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. 42 students participated in this pilot activity during the second semester of the academic year 2015/2016. Results indicate that students considered the activity useful and that it helped improve their knowledge on information systems and the fundamental concepts covered in Mathematics. Data gathered also reveal that students positively valued the idea of applying concepts of one subject into other subjects. As for the development of soft skills, students converge in that the activity helped them developing interpersonal skills and being more critical with one’s work.