| The problem. The present study was a cross-cultural study of students who are planning to enroll in either American or Thai business schools, as well as MBA students who have already enrolled in either American or Thai business schools. The purpose of this research was to examine the importance of various dimensions of educational program-quality expectations and program-quality perceptions as experienced by students from different countries, and the extent to which perceived program quality contributed to the overall satisfaction of students with their MBA program.;Method. A descriptive approach was used in the study. A sample of six business schools in California and five business schools in Bangkok, Thailand, was selected for the study. California business schools that participated in the study were Azusa Pacific University, California State University, San Bernardino, California State University, San Marcos, San Diego State University, and United States International University. Thai business schools that participated in the study were Assumption University, Chulalongkorn University, Kasetsart University, Thammasat University, and University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 480 senior undergraduate students at Thai business schools, 440 senior undergraduate students at American business schools, 480 MBA students at Thai business schools, and 400 MBA students at American business schools. Uncorrelated Student's t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Scheffe tests, Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression, and discriminant analysis were utilized to analyze the data.;Results. Apparently, students from both American and Thai business schools perceived that program content and class structure and the quality of professors are the most important factors that contribute to the quality of MBA programs. The study also showed that students' perceived program quality is positively related to their satisfaction. The higher perception of program quality led to increase student satisfaction with MBA programs. However, domestic students in American business schools reported more satisfaction with MBA programs compared to international students. Nevertheless, all MBA students would like to have more class interaction and work as a group so that they would be able to exercise and develop their communication as well as leadership skills. In addition, business schools should revise their curriculum by emphasizing more on using case studies as a method of teaching and learning. This would help students improve their analytical and critical thinking skills; thus, they would be able to use these skills in the real work situations effectively and efficiently. |
