Executive MBA programs (EMBA) have continued on the path to gloablisation over the past few years by shattering old enrolment barriers and adopting new studying capabilities with the use of technology.
The Executive MBA Council (EMBAC) recently released the results of the 2018 EMBAC Membership Program Survey, which revealed strategic use of technology had increased support for classes and enrolment, and has increased distance learning to meet students’ needs and expanding learning styles.
In 2015, 42% of EMBA program across the world offered distance learning options. This year, that number increased to 54%.
EMBAC Executive Director Michael Desiderio said there was no substitute for EMBA programs, as students seek them out for career development and the opportunity to gain new perspectives to look at business issues through a more strategic lens, while solving problems in an efficient and forward-thinking manner.
“As advancements in technology continue to reshape the world, the demand for leaders capable of leveraging these technologies will be at an all-time high,” he said.
“Executive MBA programs give students the tools they need to position themselves as invaluable leaders in the market. These programs provide students with the opportunity to explore new professions, seek out new industries and even experience new countries.
“As a result, the need for these programs is continuing to rise.”
The survey’s data also revealed that electronic delivery of course materials remained the most commonly implemented use of technology. The use of video, for example, increased in prominence with a 17% increase in the use of classroom video recording and an increase from 44.7% in 2014 to 56% today in the use of Youtube for promoting programs to potential students.
In 2018, the average age of enrolled EMBA students stayed at 38 years old with 14 years of work experience and approximately nine years of management experience.
The survey also said the trend toward more self-funded students and fewer fully-funded students continues. In 2018, more than 45% of students were self-funding, and just over 35% of students received partial sponsorship.
As globalisation evolves, EMBA programs continue to see a diverse group of students from varied backgrounds, while diversity within EMBA programs simultaneously continues to increase. The 2018 results show the percentage of enrolled female students increased 4.2 percentage points from 2014; nearly 30 percent of EMBA students are female.
