Utilization-focused evaluation of the cohort-based ethical strategic leadership M.B.A. program offered by the Harmon College of Business and Professional Studies at the University of Central Missouri

[ACCESS RESTRICTED TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA AT AUTHOR'S REQUEST.] Program assessment allows administrators to facilitate strategic changes that integrate external opportunities and internal capabilities for long-term viability and relevance of the program (Wells & Wells, 2011). In this dissertation, the framework of utilization-focused evaluation with a mixed methods approach was used to explore how a cohort-based MBA program for working professionals created outcomes in terms of leadership competency development, career enhancement, and organizational impact. Additionally, this study investigated the overall effectiveness and impact of the educational program itself in terms of marketing, recruitment, onboarding, course delivery, assessment, and adaptive change. The participants in this study consisted of six alumni, 20 current students, five administrators, and ten faculty members. Data collection methods included surveys, focus groups, and interviews. The basis for the alumni and student surveys was a researcher created assessment of sixteen leadership competencies and their importance in professional work. A combination of survey-based, open-ended questions, focus groups, and interviews were used to gain an understanding of stakeholder perceptions of program effectiveness and impact. The data revealed growth in all sixteen leadership competencies with "Building Trust," "Communication," and "Planning and Organizing" identified as being most important for current professional work. Substantial value creation generated by students as a result of participation in the program was not uncovered through this research. In terms of program effectiveness and impact, the general consensus revealed many program strengths, but in its current design, it is not an ideal fit for the stakeholders involved.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ed. D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational leadership and policy analysis (MU)

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Missouri--Columbia

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Jensen, Daniel H.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Hutchinson, Sandra L. (Sandra Lynn), 1956-

Statement dc:rights

• Access to files is limited to the University of Missouri--Columbia with SSO login.

Language dc:language.iso

eng, English

Identifier URI

https://doi.org/10.32469/10355/63906

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/63906