Students' experiences and perceptions of Master of Business Administration programme offered through distance education in Kenyatta University, Kenya

Abstract

As a strategy to increase access to the ever growing demand for university education, Kenyatta University offers distance education programmes in various fields of study including Master of Business Administration (MBA). The quality of distance education degree programmes offered by Kenyan public universities has been a source of concern from stakeholders in education. Students are among the key stakeholders. This study therefore examined students’ experiences and perceptions of MBA programme offered through distance study methods at Kenyatta University. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The study population and sample consisted of all the 40 students who were in August residential session. Data were collected using a closed and open ended questionnaire. Out of the 40 questionnaires issued, 34 (85%) were returned. Most of the students (70.6%) were motivated to join the programme by future career prospects. They identified independent learning using study modules as the single most emphasized (93.5%) aspect of programme delivery. Most of the students (62.9%) reported irregular and untimely supply of study modules which were supposed to facilitate independent learning. Majority of the students (63.6%) noted that the programme had inadequate number of instructors. There was also limited instructor-learner interaction (79.4%). They also reported poor coordination of the programme (47.1%). The university was poorly rated in the provision of accommodation facilities during residential sessions (60.7%), involvement of distance education students in formulation of policies (58.6%) and provision of guidance and counselling services (51.9%). The study concluded that the programme needed improvement in timely provision of high quality study modules, instructor – student interaction, students’ support services and administration of the programme.