Technological and Structural Characteristics, Student Learning and Satisfaction with Web-Based Courses: An Exploratory Study of Two On-Line MBA Programs

Abstract

This article compares courses in two web-based MBA programs on student perceptions of learning and satisfaction. The primary difference between the programs is that one conducts the courses entirely on-line while the other conducts the courses primarily on-line combined with one or two on-site class meetings. The results of the study showed that larger class sizes were negatively associated with learning and course satisfaction while the perceived flexibility of the delivery medium was significantly associated with perceived learning and satisfaction. The results also indicate that more experienced on-line students were more satisfied with their course delivery medium. These findings have significant implications for the role of web-based programs in a business school's strategy. They suggest that that rather than using these courses as a means to drive down the cost of delivering education, business schools may need to identify reasons for which they can charge premiums for them.