Title: The use of an online discussion forum for case sharing in business education

Authors: Eric K.W. Lau

Addresses: Faculty of Business, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Abstract: This paper investigates predictors of the usage of an electronic discussion forum for business case sharing among students in a Master|s degree in Business Administration (MBA) programme. After reviewing the literature on online learning, the paper presents a case study on online business education. A conceptual model of the usage of online discussion forums was formulated through a content analysis of qualitative data obtained from students| feedback at the end of a semester. Six hypotheses were developed on the basis of the causal linkages in this model. The results of the survey study show that perceived convenience, level of technical difficulties and gender have significant effects on the subjects| acceptance of the use of online discussion forums for business case sharing. The results of the study also suggest that an online discussion forum can be an effective vehicle for the discussion of business cases. The study also identifies difficulties in developing an electronic discussion forum for business education.

Keywords: online learning; case sharing; online discussion forums; business education; learning technology; e-learning; electronic learning; MBA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLT.2007.012365

International Journal of Learning Technology, 2007 Vol.3 No.1, pp.18 - 31

Published online: 07 Feb 2007 *

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