Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Internet for the Delivery of an MBA programme

Abstract

This paper summarizes and critically appraises the development and delivery of an MBA programme via the Internet. The paper provides an overview of the benefits and limitations of using this medium in a higher education context. The theoretical benefits and problems are compared with the actual advantages and drawbacks experienced. This paper summarizes a range of issues encountered during the early stages of the Internet programme design including opportunities for enhancing the curriculum, staff training on the relevant systems, and staff development in multimedia course provision and delivery. The MBA programme using the Internet has now been delivered for three years and the problems and successes of course delivery using this medium are outlined. Issues relating to each of the first two cohorts of students are explored such as encouraging student participation, levels of interaction, assessment, and managing the learning resource. Finally, the author offers a word of caution to future developers in this area in terms of ensuring that the theoretical benefits of this medium are actually realized.