• Daystar University
• 10 Nov, 2023

By Dr. Evans Amata Dean, School of Business and Economics

Covid-19 may have been blamed for many adversities in the different spheres of human life yet, on a positive side, it catapulted the globe into the deep sea of technology.

One of the positive contributions associated with the pandemic was the shift to the use of technology in human endeavors. Adaptability to technology has now become the new hallmark for human survival. Humanity is witnessing the unfolding revolution in technological advancement during our time. Technology has emerged as a critical driving force for institutional sustainability albeit the negatives that come with it. Like innovation, which keeps businesses afloat, technology has not only revolutionized business but largely changed human lifestyles by providing many challenges and opportunities in equal measure. Some of the current technologies trending are AI (Artificial Intelligence), virtual and augmented reality, human augmentation, and quantum computing, just to mention but a few.

The dilemma is in the use of these technologies. In academia, for instance, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has personalized learning experiences, while at the same time compromised the intellectual rigor of research and academic writing by introducing the ChatGPT option. The use of technology in teaching is a new realism that will dictate the survival or otherwise of academic institutions. The market for academic services has completely shifted to embrace the customer’s preference for a convenient and easily accessible education.

It follows then, that only academic institutions which adapt to the new reality will have high chances of survival. This reality was not envisaged in the pre-Covid-19 era but became necessary for continued institutional existence. At the time, online education was perceived as inferior to the face-to-face mode of learning. As a matter of fact, certificates acquired through online education were seen to be inferior to those acquired through the traditional face-to-face mode of study. This may no longer be the case; the world is increasingly embracing the use of technology through online learning. Adapting to technology may be the secret for the survival of academic institutions.

Realizing the shift in the market to technology-driven learning platforms, the Daystar University School of Business and Economics has developed a curriculum for a purely online Master of Business Administration degree. The school envisages a self-directed online programme that draws students from far and wide. The development and accreditation of the online MBA programme is at an advanced stage which will soon be launched and rolled out to the public. The school also prides itself in its Doctor of Philosophy in Business administration programme, which continues to attract overwhelming inquiries and a steady enrolment.

The PhD in Business administration is deliberately designed to address a market bias in innovation and entrepreneurship. The School is one among the very few institutions in the country offering a Master of Science degree in Economics, which is uniquely designed to address the ever-increasing need for policy analysts in the country. The School further continues to develop more self-directed online academic programmes to meet the market needs.