Understanding the determinants that influence the intention to enroll an online MBA program: a study of online MBA in USM

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Date
2010
Authors
Lim, Lay Lee
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the key determinants that influence the students’ intention to enroll an online MBA program, in particular USM online MBA and examine the moderating effect of demographic variables, namely age and gender, to the relationship model. 180 questionnaires were distributed to the adult who has obtained at least a bachelor’s degree and the response rate of 67% was obtained. The analysis was carried out in two stages. Firstly, it looks at which group is significantly influencing the intention via the multiple regression analysis and tests if the influence moderated by the demographic variables using the hierarchical regression analysis. Secondly, the study focuses on the significant factor groups found in first stage and further assesses the individual determinants in each of these groups by using multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that three key groups of determinants: individual, technology and the risks perceived, were affecting the students’ intention to enroll an online MBA program. Further analysis shows that intrinsic motivation, computer self-efficacy, acceptance technology and social risk are the four most essential individual determinants of students’ intention. It was also found that the influence of perceived risks towards the intention would be stronger among the higher age group. Accordingly, the study provides the Graduate School of Business as well as other policymakers in the field of higher education insight into what is taking place in the domain of virtual campuses and means to set up a sustainable initiatives and strategies for a successful online education.
Description
Keywords
Business Administration , Online MBA Program
Citation