The Decision Sciences Journal of Innovative Education

No Downturn Here: Tracking E-business Programs in Higher Education

Marcelline Fusilier and Subhash Durlabhji

Northwestern State University

Natchitoches, LA 71497 USA

Phone: 318-357-5161  Fax: 318-357-5990

Abstract

            As the fortunes of e-businesses fluctuate, what is the state of e-business educational offerings?  The present study attempted to explore this question by investigating the numbers and nature of e-business programs available in colleges and universities.  Results were compared to previously published findings on e-business education.  Data was collected from program web sites.  Master's and bachelor's degree programs based in North America and elsewhere in the world were examined.  Despite the "dot-bomb" economy, the present data suggested large increases in all foreign and North American bachelor's programs between the start of the fall semester of 2000 and November, 2001.  Numbers of North American master's programs appeared to increase dramatically during the year 2000 and at a lesser rate afterward.  Findings also suggested that bachelor's and foreign master's programs involved more technical e-business courses than the North American master's programs.  Educational and economic factors possibly underlying these trends are discussed.