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University Level Programs

Academic education is one of the three fundamental pillars of the Business Families Centre.

Complementing the work we do in research and community programming, the BFC is committed to developing both undergraduate and graduate-level education to educate the next generation of family business members, non family executives, and professional advisors.

In partnership with Adjunct Professor David Bentall, The BFC currently supports two academic courses within the B.Com and MBA programs.


The award-winning 15-month full time MBA sets candidates apart from the many, and in league with the very best. Consistently ranked among the top 100 worldwide, the program offers a rigorous, relevant curriculum, world-class teaching, and a unique international location that brings together the best and brightest from around the world.

The Business Families Centre at Sauder offers the following course in Family Business Management within the Organizational and Behaviour and Human Resources Specialization:

BAHR 509 – Managing the Family Business
Family Businesses account for over 85% of all companies around the world, they annually account for over 60% of new jobs. When compared to non family controlled companies, family businesses typically enjoy superior financial results. However, family companies also have additional challenges, which include succession planning, sibling relationships, family dynamics, and estate planning concerns.

The course instructor, David C. Bentall, spent 20 years working in his family's companies; The Bentall Group, and Dominion Construction. During his career, Professor Bentall was active in developing Real Estate and as President of the family's commercial construction company. Remarkably, he has personally been central to 3 separate managerial and ownership successions within his family business! As an instructor, Professor Bentall generously offers insight based on his real world experiences, both positive and negative.

The module will introduce the significance, diversity and complexity of family businesses, the unique and fascinating challenges that both family businesses and business families face, and the different perspectives of various stakeholders associated with family businesses. The module will explore the governance tools which are commonly utilized to assist family businesses to manage the interface between the family and the business.

The module will also address the issues that one encounters when working with family businesses. This course will be of benefit to those of you who are members of a family with established business interests. This module is also designed to help those who may one day work for a family firm, either as a hired gun, an advisor, or a member of the controlling family, and/or might be associated with such organizations in a professional capacity through such roles as accountant, lawyer, banker, or consultant.


View admission requirements