Quality of MBA Programs and Thailand 4.0 - Challenges for Thai Universities

Abstract

Thailand as a country has been experiencing rapid increases in student enrollments in higher education. This has also led to the creation of a variety of MBA programs. While it is largely debated, it is possible that the demand for MBA degrees would continue to grow. A new crop of students is now seeking outcomes which are measurable at the end of the MBA program - an employment guarantee. New approaches to learning such as skill-based training in collaboration with the public and private sector will help in improving the quality of MBA programs to meet the goal of Thailand 4.0. Many experts believe that MBA as a subject of study is not losing its sheen; rather it has become a necessary degree to reach pinnacles of successes in most businesses dominated by new technologies, such, Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Blockchain, and Data Analytics. This paper tries to analyze as to why there is a need to radically evaluate MBA programs and revamp and realign them with digital economy and business practices driven by new technologies to meet the challenges of Thailand 4.0.

Keywords: AEC, MBA, Skill Based Training, Rankings, Thailand 4.0

JEL Classification: M10, M14, M15, M16, M20, M31, M38, M53