Title: Financial analysis for professional test centres in Greece

Authors: Anastasios A. Economides, Vasileios Terzis

Addresses: Information Systems Department, University of Macedonia, Egnatia Street 156, 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece. ' Information Systems Department, University of Macedonia, Egnatia Street 156, 54006 Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract: E-learning and e-certification are two educational activities that changed the way of studying worldwide. Particularly, information technology skills are certified through computer based tests (CBT) in specific professional test centres (PTCs). This paper presents a financial analysis of the PTC branch. Moreover, it examines the feasibility of a case study investment in this market. The proposed valuation framework explores the correlation between cost effectiveness and the quality of e-learning and e-certification. It is a useful tool that can be used in any case of e-learning or e-certification.

Keywords: computer-based tests; computer-based certification; e-certification; financial analysis; return on investment; ROI; Greece; online learning; e-learning; electronic learning; internet; world wide web; electronic certification; professional test centres; study methods; ICT skills; information technology; communications technology; valuation frameworks; correlation; cost effectiveness; technology enhanced learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2011.040224

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2011 Vol.3 No.3, pp.266 - 283

Published online: 26 Feb 2015 *

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