Title: Blended programs for working professionals: developing a path analysis-based structural model to achieve skill development outcomes

Authors: Ranjan Kumar; Neerja Pande

Addresses: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, B1, Sector 62, Institutional Area, Noida, 201307, India ' Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Lucknow, B1, Sector 62, Institutional Area, Noida, 201307, India

Abstract: Blended learning has emerged as a promising alternative to traditional classroom-based programs for working professionals, faced with rapid skill obsolescence and constraints of time and location. The present study focuses on this mixed-mode format, combining face-to-face and online learning and targets working professionals as the learner segment. Four notable contributions follow. One, the paper establishes a multi-disciplinary framework comprising learner-centric, pedagogical andragogical and institutional factors as the key pillars of a successful blended learning program. Two, the paper creates taxonomy of cause-effect-based empirical studies and identifies predictor, mediator and dependent constructs. Three, the paper evaluates 44 identified constructs and chooses six of them - active learning, intrinsic motivation, perceived quality, perceived value, perceived organisational support, self-regulated learning - by following a rigorous analytical procedure. And finally, the paper develops a structural model, specifying path relationships between the chosen constructs and skill development.

Keywords: blended learning; intrinsic motivation; path analysis; perceived organisational support; POS; perceived quality; perceived value; self-regulated learning; SRL; skill development; working professionals; active learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMP.2019.102539

International Journal of Management Practice, 2019 Vol.12 No.4, pp.443 - 475

Received: 10 Mar 2018
Accepted: 01 Jul 2018
Published online: 30 Sep 2019 *

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