Factors affecting the retention and progression of postgraduate business distance education students: an exploratory case study at the University of southern Queensland

Abstract

[Abstract]: Universities have traditionally focused their efforts on recruiting new students and increasing participation rates. However, higher retention and progression rates of students are likely to have a beneficial effect on the overall performance of universities in terms of their student-based income. The majority of previous studies addressing student retention have largely been focused on younger undergraduate on-campus students therefore this research seeks to investigate the factors which affect the retention and progression of postgraduate business students undertaking their studies by distance education. This study is based on a qualitative exploratory research design comprising twenty semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted with current and former students and university staff members. The key findings of this study indicate that a combination of situational, institutional and dispositional factors impact upon the retention and progression of postgraduate business distance education students. The employment and family commitments of students, whether students believed that their studies would benefit their career goals and the design of the distance education program appear to be the most important factors impacting upon student retention and progression. In contrast to the majority of services marketing literature, it would appear that student satisfaction is not a key factor impacting upon student retention and progression in this context. This research also provides a range of managerial implications and recommendations for postgraduate distance education providers.