| The purpose of this study was to explore and assess, through interviews and survey, the motivation, training transfer, and career development of the individuals who enroll in Executive Management in Business Administration (EMBA) education programs in Taiwan. In addition, it provided insight into the effectiveness of the EMBA curriculum and delivery. Most EMBA programs declare that they will offer programs comprehensive enough to develop trainees' business leadership competencies and to equip them with relevant, innovative, and ongoing career applications. Through the review of literature related to adult/continuing education and career development, the focus of this research was on treating Taiwan's relatively new EMBA programs as career professional education and to determine whether the curriculum design, training effectiveness, training transfer, and the impact on an individual's career development meet the needs of the participants. This study sought to answer why fully employed people with higher education backgrounds, that is, executives, join the EMBA programs. This study also sought to determine whether the EMBA training can result in meaningful and practical transfer to their present job duties and what assistance EMBA education offers to the participant's career development. Through qualitative and quantitative approaches, this study offered insights into the effectiveness of EMBA education.; In the spring and summer of 2005, this study surveyed 200 present participants and 40 graduates in Taiwan's EMBA programs from across the country. What seemed to motivate most participants was the fact that the programs provided new knowledge and that what they learned applied directly to their career development. In terms of the curriculum of the programs, it seemed that most participants valued "involvement and discussion," but they were concerned that the teaching materials did not reflect real-life needs to the level they thought was necessary. Most participants agreed that the support of their organizations (place of work) was indispensible, but they felt they did not receive the support of their colleagues and supervisors. However, the support of their supervisors or colleagues was not an important factor when they decided to enroll in the programs. |
