Title: Determinants in online MBA programme selection: an exploratory study

Authors: Jacqueline K. Eastman; Joseph Bocchi; Danielle N. Rydzewski

Addresses: College of Business Administration, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8154, USA ' Georgia WebMBA Executive Program, College of Business Administration, Statesboro, GA 30460-8154, USA ' College of Business Administration, Georgia Southern University, Statesboro, GA 30460-8154, USA

Abstract: This study examines factors important for students selecting an online MBA. Georgia WebMBA current students and alumni participated in the study, which looked at flexibility, employment benefits and programme quality. Results suggest that flexibility is significant for current online MBA students. Additionally, respondents felt there would be a significant benefit to them in terms of their employment. Finally, alumni of the WebMBA programme reported a significantly higher-quality rating than current students, though AACSB accreditation was a critical factor for both groups. Results suggest that programme directors should stress flexibility, employment benefits and programme quality to potential applicants.

Keywords: e-learning; electronic learning; online learning; internet; world wide web; online education; graduate education; online MBAs; programme determinants; web-based programmes; MBA programmes; master's degrees; business administration; programme selection; MBA students; Georgia WebMBA; Georgia Southern University; USA; United States; flexibility; employment benefits; programme quality; alumni; AACSB accreditation; Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business; programme directors; potential applicants; education management; higher education; universities; distance learning; innovation; innovative learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMIE.2013.050813

International Journal of Management in Education, 2013 Vol.7 No.1/2, pp.44 - 60

Published online: 13 Sep 2014 *

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