Distance learning in Scottish business schools

6 April, University of Stirling, Scotland

Distance learning provision offers enormous potential for business schools and greater flexibility for students. However, with implementation comes challenges – for students these may include support from lecturers, interactivity and technology whilst for business schools it can range from strategic goals to content delivery.

This workshop will explore how Scottish business schools can address the challenges of delivering and growing successful distance learning programmes. Speakers will stimulate discussion on the business case for distance learning, growth strategies, programme development, and the value of accreditation. Delegates will also discuss how to deliver an effective student experience, institutional support for distance learners, and the role of blended learning delivery.

The workshop will cover the following key areas:

  • Developing a business case for distance learning programmes
  • Strategies for growing existing programmes and recruiting students;
  • Effectively supporting online students at a distance;
  • The role of international partnerships and accreditations;
  • Blended Learning.

Speakers include:

Professor Robert MacIntosh, Head of School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University (Chair)

Grant MacKerron, Academic Director and University Lead in Online Programme Developments, The Business School, Edinburgh Napier University

Alan Somerville, Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Stirling Business School, University of Stirling

Kirsteen Close, Postgraduate Programme Leader, Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University

Dr Anna Morgan-ThomasAssociate Director, Scottish Graduate School of Social Science, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow

Dr Robert Van Der Meer, MBA Academic Director, University of Strathclyde Business School

Professor George Burt, Deputy Dean, Stirling Management School

Dr Jackie Brodie, School Academic Lead in Online Education, The Business School, Edinburgh Napier University

Dawn Anderson, Programme Leader for the MSc Risk Management, Glasgow School for Business and Society, Glasgow Caledonian University

Dr Mary Brennan, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Head of Marketing Group, University of Edinburgh Business School

11.00 Registration and refreshments
11.30 Welcome
Professor George Burt, Deputy Dean, Stirling Management School
Professor Robert MacIntosh, Head of School of Social Sciences, Herriot-Watt University (Chair)
11.40 PANEL DISCUSSION AND CASE STUDIES:
Going Global: Key considerations for developing, delivering and growing successful online programmes
Dr Jackie Brodie, School Academic Lead in Online Education and Senior Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, The Business School, Edinburgh Napier University
Grant MacKerron, Academic Director and University Lead in Online Programme Developments, The Business School, Edinburgh Napier University
Dr Robert Van Der Meer, MBA Academic Director, University of Strathclyde Business School
Dr Mary Brennan, Senior Lecturer in Marketing and Head of Marketing Group, University of Edinburgh Business School
Dawn Anderson, Programme Leader for the MSc Risk Management, Glasgow School for Business and Society, Glasgow Caledonian University
The panel will consider the following questions and take questions from the audience:
- How did you develop a business case for distance learning? What were the key factors?
- How did you launch your online learning programmes and what were the challenges?
- How do you grow and recruit to online programmes?
- How do you support students and deliver an experience?
13:20 Lunch
14:20 Blended learning
Dr Anna Morgan-Thomas, Associate Director Scottish Graduate School of Social Science, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow
14:50 Flying Faculty: Delivering Aberdeen Business School's MSc in International Business in Florida
Kirsteen Close, Postgraduate Programme Leader, Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University
15:20 International partnerships and the problem of accreditation – the move towards the ideal of a global campus
Alan Somerville, Associate Dean Learning and Teaching, Stirling Business School, University of Stirling
15:50 Chair's closing remarks
16.00 Close
  • Deans
  • Associate Deans
  • Programme Directors
  • Directors of Learning and Teaching
  • Faculty Managers
  • Managers responsible for Distance Learning, Marketing and Recruitment

4th Floor, Cottrell Building
Queen’s Court
University of Stirling
Stirling
FK9 4LA

Fee: £95 per delegate

If you have any queries, please contact Luis Belmonte on luis.belmonte@charteredabs.org or 020 7634 9583.