Assessing Knowledge in Dialogue: Undergraduate Synopsis–based Oral Examinations at a Scandinavian Business School

The Synopsis–Based Oral Examination (S–BOE) is described as deployed in international management education programs in a Danish business school. It assesses students in light of specified learning objectives through time–constrained presentation and dialogue. The format is premised on prior submission of a synopsis, although the synopsis has no bearing on grade assessment. Practitioner experience and student feedback suggest that students experience this type of examination as an important learning experience, in itself, in addition to testing course–related knowledge. We reviewed the current epistemological basis for grading, providing a critical realism corrective to enhance assessment and appropriation of this exam format.