Assessment of E-Learning as A Strategy for Sustainability of Universities: A Case of Selected Universities in Nairobi, Kenya
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Date
2023-10
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Daystar University, School of Business and Economics
Abstract
The sustainability of universities is increasingly threatened by multiple factors, most notably rising costs and shrinking budgets with e-learning being discussed as a potential solution. Currently, all universities in Kenya (both public and private) offer distance learning options. As the initial urgency that came with COVID19 fades, there arises a need to critically assess the e-learning as a strategy for sustainability in higher education institutions. The study was guided by five objectives- To Identify the e-learning features relevant to e-learning as a strategy for sustainability of Universities in Kenya, To determine the learner factors relevant to e-learning as a strategy for sustainability of Universities in Kenya, To investigate the institutional factors relevant to e-learning as a strategy for sustainability of Universities in Kenya, to determine the changes in the sustainability of Universities in Nairobi Kenya and To assess the relationship between e-learning as a strategy and sustainability of Universities in Kenya. The study was founded on three main theories: technology acceptance, resource-based and diffusion of innovation. The population consisted of Deputy Vice Chancellors, Deans of Schools, Chairs of Departments, ICT heads, ICT technicians and academic staff within OdeL at the University of Nairobi and Day Star University. The study used descriptive research design and adopted purposive sampling technique in identifying the 111 respondents for the study. A pretest was conducted among 11 respondents at Catholic University of East Africa, reliability tested using Cronbach alpha and validity checked through consultation with professionals from the School of Business and Economics at Daystar. Six key informants (2 chairs of department, 2 OdeL Staff and 2 ICT Heads) were selected for interviews. Data was gathered through interviews and questionnaires, subjected to both qualitative thematic analysis and quantitative analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics on SPSS software. Findings revealed that universities that e-learning features, learner-related factors, institutional factors, had a significant influence on e-learning as a strategy for sustainability of universities in Kenya with a correlation co-efficient of 0.472, 0.698 and 0.702 respectively. The study recommends provision of adequate training and support to learners to enhance their confidence and competence in using e-learning tools, investment in e-learning features such as learning management systems, multimedia resources, hardware and security to promote student engagement, provision of adequate support on the campuses to support e-learning and awareness about the importance of institutional factors in using e-learning as a strategy for sustainability. Future studies could use longitudinal approaches to understand e-learning as a strategy for sustainability, focus on other universities apart from University of Nairobi and Daystar, and focus on staff perspectives.
Description
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
In Strategic Management
.
Keywords
E-Learning, Selected Universities in Nairobi, Strategy for Sustainability
Citation
Kanyora, M., (2023). Assessment of E-Learning as A Strategy for Sustainability of Universities: A Case of Selected Universities in Nairobi, Kenya: Daystar University, School of Business and Economics