On-line is not the only way

Warwick Business School has a reputation for setting the standards at the cutting edge of teaching practice amongst the top-flight business schools. However, research carried out amongst its students completing the Warwick MBA by distance learning indicates that benefits of the curriculum going on-line would be limited.

Warwick Business School has a number of flexible formats for delivering its MBA but the largest constituency by far is the Distance Learning programme with over 1800 students from more than 70 countries studying at any time.

This programme was thought to be ideal for on-line study but before starting the task of adapting the entire course for 'e study', programme managers canvassed the opinions of course members - and were interested by the response.

The loud and almost unanimous reply was that students did not want to give up the face-to-face element of the course, in many cases could not receive materials down the line due to bandwidth restrictions, and did not wish the Business School to transfer the printing costs of materials to them.

They also feel that those elements of the programme which do use the web have proved to be very useful. Networking, syndicate work and fast feedback from staff are excellent reassurances that they are not alone.

"Warwick Business School will continue to monitor and evaluate new technology but will only implement those aspects which are relevant and add value for our customers," said Vincent Hammersley, Director of Communications at Warwick Business School.