The Regional MBA: Distinct Segments, Wants, And Needs

Abstract

MBA Programs in top-tier school differ greatly from those in regional schools. A survey that aimed at assessing segmentation, pedagogy, and satisfaction in regional MBA programs was developed and administered in three universities of the Mid Atlantic, Midwest, and Southern regions. The results show four clearly distinguished segments that typically attend MBA regional programs: young, standard, manager, and executive. Results in terms of pedagogy and satisfaction reveal that to best meet these segments’ needs, regional programs need to design curriculums specifically tailored to their target segments. A one size fits all approach to the regional MBA fails to prepare the students to act in the workplace according to their goals and needs.