There is an interesting debate about the right training and background for a strategist or someone who does business design or operating model design. First, do they need an MBA or is it more important to have experience of the business, intimate knowledge of the operations and experience of the sector? The second issue is whether an MBA gives participants a broad understanding of different business functions and business models. My own view is that an MBA helps, but if the person does not also have deep business knowledge, he or she cannot do good design work. See http://www.ashridge.org.uk/dom for a course that is designed to give those with deep experience the design skills needed to do good business design.