Question

Online MBA programs significantly reduce the cost to existing managers of obtaining an MBA, as they permit students to maintain their existing residence and employment while working toward an advanced degree in business. Based on your knowledge of the economics of information and student characteristics, compare and contrast the likely characteristics of students enrolled in traditional MBA programs with those enrolled in online MBA programs, and discuss how potential employers might use information about where a candidate obtained his or her MBA degree to screen potential MBA job applicants.

Short answer

Some companies and human resources departments value more the fact that a candidate has chosen to carry out their studies online or remotely. According to them, obtaining a degree or study in this way requires certain qualities and characteristics such as self-discipline and perseverance that can benefit the organization.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

There are certain qualitative and quantitative differences between the decision of a professional who decides to do an MBA online or in person when applying for a job.

Differentiating online and offline course

The most common difference between an online and offline course is price and time. Normally, an individual who opts for an online MBA is much cheaper than doing it in person. Going to a university or institute carries costs of transportation, food, and maintenance of physical spaces, unlike doing an online study. The student can do it from their computer anywhere.

Time is another relevant difference. Those who decide to enroll in an MBA program are adults with stable jobs and may already have a family. So, doing the program online would make it easier for them to maintain their work routine and time with their family. Unlike doing the MBA in person, this facility would increase the time spent with the family and other things.

In case a job

When applying for a job, companies can consider whether a candidate completed their MBA studies online or in person. There may be few up-to-date employers or human resources departments that better value face-to-face classes since they may consider that the relationships and personal experience of attending a university or institute may not be the same as conducting a study fully online.

Today there are more companies and human resources departments that value that a candidate has chosen to carry out their studies online or remotely. They think obtaining a degree or studying online requires certain qualities and characteristics such as self-discipline and perseverance to benefit the company.