Online MBAs regarded as stepping stone to corporate success

The survey was conducted in leading Dubai based business publication Arabian Business.

Commenting on the region's high level of awareness about the corporate benefits of an online MBA, Vikram Tah, Regional Manager, Middle East and Africa said: "The response across the region is extremely positive and is reflected in the growing number of students enrolling in our online MBA programs. Over 91% of the respondents affirmed that they would be interested in an online MBA if it was flexible and offered the same international accreditation as a traditional university."

"This is especially encouraging for Universitas 21 Global, as our online MBA is not only tailored to add immediate value to the student's professional capabilities, but is also convenient, extremely flexible, and backed by 16 prestigious universities in North America, Europe, Australia and Asia," Tah added.

The survey was conducted among 600 of the region's workforce including CEOs, MDs, managers, engineers, programmers, secretaries, accountants and physicians. The results revealed that 93% of those asked felt an online MBA would enable them to improve their career prospects. A further 78% put online education on par with the traditional modes of education.

The key influencing factors in selecting a particular online program, as indicated by the survey include course content, cost, flexibility, course schedule, faculty and course duration.

The survey results highlight the increase in the level of awareness of the benefits of an online MBA for corporates, from the point of view of the company as well as the employees. Respondents displayed a strong desire to continue with tertiary education if given the opportunity by their companies, as they felt this would prove beneficial not only in enhancing their career, but to contributing positively to the company's success as well.

Universitas 21 Global received Online Academic Institute status in the Knowledge Village by the Government of Dubai, in March 2004. Over the past year, Universitas 21 Global's regional office in Dubai has facilitated the signing up of over 80 students from the Arab region, making it one of the fastest growing regions for the Graduate School outside Singapore, where it is headquartered.