So you can access new student customers and other markets is the obvious reason.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is one of the first top-ranked US schools to offer a full-time MBA programme entirely at a distance. In 2013, it enrolled 500 students in the second intake of its online MBA that can be completed in 18 months.
Here in the UK, Heriot-Watt University has 10,000+ students currently enrolled on its MBA programme, which reflects its long (two-decade plus) presence in the market as an effective, early distance learning MBA programme.
Edinburgh Napier University recently launched its brand new, global-online MBA programme, which offers a highly flexible but personal 100% online learning MBA experience.
The scalable distance-learning paradigm is a bit of a different mindset. The objective is to setup and support online distance learning modules that can be operated non-stop, and accessed successfully by thousands of students worldwide, at their convenience in a ?student-driven? learning experience.
This ?flipped classroom? mindset challenges the traditional notions of delivering modules using institutionally convenient processes, calendars and semesters, and tutoring each individual student personally. If modules are running permanently, beyond any concept of a semester or trimester, and distance learning students register and graduate as they drive themselves, then careful consideration has to be given to how the supporting tutors having to operate and assess in this environment, and deal with larger volumes of students adequately.
The MBA is being transformed, for better and for worse. Not by steady advancements in education technology. Nor even by MOOCs. But by better application of distance-learning methods along with new online technologies.
