Document Type	Master's Dissertation
Author	Annandale, Cornelius Henry
URN	etd-06102012-111426
Document Title	Educational value of group learning activities in MBA education : student perceptions and instructor intentions
Degree	MBA
Department	Gordon Institute of Business Science
Supervisor	Advisor Name Title Mr G Price Supervisor
Keywords	group learning group dynamics education management MBA education adult learning
Date	2012-03-08
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract The objectives of this study were to assess the perceptions of educational value of group learning held by students and compare it with the intentions of lecturers involved in the MBA programme. Eighty-two MBA students enrolled at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) of the University of Pretoria completed an online questionnaire, the results of which reflected an overall positive perception of educational value of group learning. However, negative perceptions of group dynamics, fairness and administrative processes also surfaced. There appears to be some evidence of racial undertones to the negative perceptions. These perceptions were significantly different between junior and senior students. Semi-structured interviews with lecturers and administrative staff revealed markedly different intentions and approaches to group learning. An awareness of the difficulties faced by students in group activities could be demonstrated, but different opinions were held on appropriate interventions. The study concludes with suggestions to improve identified weaknesses through a more focused educational approach. Such an approach would place greater emphasis on personal reflection and addressing of dysfunctional behaviour in groups, as part of a posited central skill in management. Copyright © 2011, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria Please cite as follows: Annandale, CH 2011, Educational value of group learning activities in MBA education : student perceptions and instructor intentions, MBA dissertation, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, viewed yymmdd < http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-06102012-111426/ > F12/4/629/zw
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