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New Technology Enables

It is becoming harder for MBA applicants to take lengthy periods out of work to study – but technology-enabled distance learning is catering for time-starved managers.

Mon Dec 8 2014

BusinessBecause
Jan Villaluz is the new breed of business student. He works at a luxury retailer in London, the UK’s capital, but travels thousands of miles each week to study an MBA program at Grenoble Ecole de Management, the French business school on the fringes of northeast Italy and Geneva in Switzerland. New data show that a majority of students would continue learning if they could fit study around their careers.

Jan, a Canadian retail manager, settled in France earlier this year. He illustrates the way MBA students can benefit from maintaining a career while pursuing management training on the side.

It is something that many executives seek, but business schools have yet to fully convert their portfolios of programs to online formats.

According to a new survey, about three-quarters of all prospective business school students would prefer to learn in an environment where they could shape study around their lifestyles or work.

Several high-ranking universities offer degrees through online modes of learning but the survey suggests that this will soon become a necessity for top-flight MBA and other master’s programs.

“Technology is having a dramatic impact on business education,” says Andrew Crisp, director of CarringtonCrisp, a UK based education marketing consultancy which carried out the survey.

“Flexibility is the key theme to consider; it means that people can learn at anytime and anywhere, working at their own pace.”

He calls this type of education “lifestyle learning” – the theory that MBAs can fit training around not just their jobs but also other life commitments such as childcare.

“Many students believe academics are playing catch up, with few going beyond PowerPoint slides in their lectures,” quips Andrew.

“This is the web generation of digital natives… It’s hard to try and teach some of these things when you’re a 50 year-old professor.”

This is an area high on the list of business schools’ priorities. The Association of MBAs, the accrediting body, says that it is increasingly important to provide flexible learning options for business courses, but there are concerns that schools have not adapted fast enough to the pace of change.

Martin Bean, outgoing vice chancellor of distance learning specialist the Open University, says: “They often see technology as a threat and incorporating it into teaching as dumbing down or diminishing the value to students.”

Yet business schools can expand their class sizes through attracting and retaining more students by adopting new learning technology.

According to CarringtonCrisp, more than 70% of current students surveyed said that they would continue learning if they could fit study around their work commitments and lifestyles.

This form of learning also enables students to profit from a flexible study schedule by maintaining full-time jobs – eradicating a common concern among managers who are fearful of leaving the workplace.

James Stevens, senior assistant dean of student affairs at UC Davis Graduate School of Management, says: “As the economy picks up… People are more interested in part-time MBA programs because they want to stay in the workforce while preparing themselves for career growth through additional education.”

This extends beyond the online MBA and master’s programs, and Moocs – massive opening online courses – which are thought to be a threat to traditional degree programs.

Several top-flight MBA and executive MBA degrees are offered in flexible formats – taught online, in evenings or at weekends – including those at Melbourne Business School, MIP Politecnico di Milano, INSEAD and Durham University Business School.

The Modular MBA program at Cass Business School in London, for example, holds classes once a month, over a weekend.

Peter Fleming, course director, says: “Compared to full-time MBAs who have classes most days, MEMBA students can build class-time into their work schedules more effectively.”

The future for most schools, however, lies in tech. Online formats, which are usually enabled by partnerships with learning technology groups, have amassed massive audiences.

Mooc makers in particular have huge global student bases. The most popular include Alison, which has about 3 million users, edX which has 2.7 million, and the 1.6 million online users who have used courses provided by Udacity.

However Andrew Main Wilson, CEO of AMBA, thinks that a blended approach is best. He says: “The key is that the number of face-to-face hours offered needs to be replicated by synchronous online learning.”

This is a sentiment echoed by Dr Julie Hodges, director of MBA programs at Durham. She says that the school’s Global MBA is a mix of online content and residential modules.

“What is important across our MBAs is the use of online technology to enhance the learning of our students,” she adds.

For Jan, he will have to keep commuting from London to Grenoble. “Time is of the essence,” he says. “It’s all about time management and [having] the right mind-set,” he adds. But in the not too distant future, the majority of MBA students might not have to.

Student Reviews

Bayes Business School

Student

Verified

31/10/2023

On Campus

Best Journalism school in Europe

When I first stepped onto the campus of City, University of London, I knew I was in for a ride - and not just on the Tube! With its vibrant energy and an impressive repertoire of programs, City U became my home away from home. The Journalism program was kind of a big deal. Rumour was that we were the best in Europe! The lecturers were not just experts in their field; they’re practically journalistic royalty. They were invested, passionate, and had a knack for turning the most flat press release into a riveting news story. With their guidance, I’ve learned to navigate the chaotic world of media like a pro. The campus was a melting pot of every culture, being that we had such a diverse international crowd. Being in the heart of London, I had the world at my fingertips - there was always a new corner to explore, a hidden gem of a cafe to discover, or a street performer! City, University of London wasn't just a university; it was a chapter in my life story that I’ll never forget.

Lydia

Verified

23/02/2023

On Campus

Learning environment

The teacher-learner ration is manageable, giving each learner a chance to gain personal attention. It is also easier following up on the progress of a student, as the numbers per class is not large. the conducive environment for learning includes clean classes, standard desks, world class instructional facilities and the opportunity to engage lecturers even after their sessions. The team spirit at City is above board, with learners getting chance to learn both from instructors and colleagues. This is the university of choice; the place to be.

Nathaniel

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

I liked that each class had a manageable number of learners, making the professor-learner ratio favor knowledge acquisition. I also liked that study schedules were manageable, and not overwhelming. The focus on talents and gifts even within the learning environment makes it possible for learners to achieve the best of their potential, and this has worked to the advantage of those that have schooled at City, University of London

Muhammad

Verified

24/01/2023

On Campus

Classes

The diversity at City University facilitates interactions and is a direction toward the unity of the world. The classes are well built to match the number and needs of all students regardless of the elements of diversity that set people apart. The use of technology in delivery makes learning even more interesting and achievable. At City University there is no distinction pegged on the issues that make people unique.

Dorah

Verified

23/01/2023

On Campus

professors

The team of lecturers at the Uiversity are well experienced. Their level of insight and the methodologies of delivery works for the interes of the leaeners. My learning experience was largely boosted by the level of knowledge of the professors at the institution, and their passion to transfer the same to learners. I appreciate every class I attended because of the level of insight I was able to gather

Nora

Verified

17/12/2022

On Campus

The best university I’ve been to

The campus and the people I've met have made it a wonderful experience. I was reared in a small town with a graduating class of only 88 individuals, so moving to City University was a huge adjustment for me. My dorm has more residents than my whole high school combined! I enjoy the atmosphere here, and everyone is so friendly. Outstanding academic options and a stunning campus. Really great from beginning to end. The educators genuinely love what they do, and the students are ready to learn. On or around college, there is always something to do with friends, and the social scene is particularly warm.

Antonia

Verified

21/11/2022

On Campus

Bayes Business School

As a student at City university attending Bayes Business School I would totally recommend choosing this university as the experience is exceptional with great social networking opportunities . Professors are significantly helpful, delivering with excellence and professionalism. Everyone is happy to help and make you feel welcomed in such an esteem university as City, offering exceptional development and guidance through out the course.

Muhammad

Verified

15/11/2022

On Campus

Economics and Politics

Incredibly amazing university, the way they polish students and help them boost their morale and think intellectually is worthwhile. Many universities have international partnerships to allow exchanges between their students. The most obvious subjects for these opportunities would be those that involve languages, and the study of people and places.

Navya

Verified

11/11/2022

On Campus

Clinical biology

I really like it it’s perfect for me with not too many people and not too few either. All the modules are amazing. I love the toy bar. I love all the societies that I’ma part of. Especially the colour Bollywood society

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