26th Annual Colleagues in Jesuit Business Education Meeting

Experience level: 
Advanced
Intended Audience: 
All
Authors: 
Rashmi Malhotra, Saint Joseph’s University, Philadelphia, PA 19131, USA, rmalhotr@sju.edu D. K. Malhotra, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia,PA 19144, USA, Davinder.Malhotra@jefferson.edu

THE RISE OF DIGITAL BUSINESS MODELS IN HIGHER EDUCATION: THRIVING IN THE POST-COVID ERA

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on higher education, forcing institutions to adapt their business models and teaching methods. One of the key challenges that higher education institutions have faced is the need to unbundle their education delivery. This means that they have had to move away from a traditional model of teaching, in which students are physically present on campus, to a more flexible model that allows students to learn online. The unbundling of education delivery has been made possible by the increasing digital tolerance of the general public. In the past, many people were reluctant to learn online, but the pandemic has made them more open to this type of learning. This has been a positive development for higher education, as it has allowed institutions to reach a wider audience. However, the unbundling of education delivery has also presented some challenges. One challenge is that it can be difficult to maintain the same level of quality in online learning as in traditional face-to-face learning. Another challenge is that online learning can be isolating for students, who may miss out on the social and networking opportunities that are available on campus. Despite these challenges, the unbundling of education delivery is likely to continue to be a trend in higher education. As more and more people become comfortable with online learning, institutions will need to adapt their business models to meet this demand. In addition to unbundling, another key trend in higher education is the increasing use of technology. Technology has the potential to revolutionize the way that education is delivered, and institutions are increasingly investing in new technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality. These technologies can be used to create more engaging and interactive learning experiences for students. The use of technology in higher education is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to transform the way that students learn. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that its role in higher education will become even more significant. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on higher education, but it has also created an opportunity for institutions to innovate and adapt. By embracing new technologies and unbundling their education delivery, institutions can create a more flexible and engaging learning experience for students. The aim of this research is to explore the primary challenges that higher education institutions must overcome in the post-Covid-19 environment. Additionally, we will discuss several fundamental transformative methods that universities should adopt to succeed in the "new normal" and beyond. Furthermore, we will examine the significance of technology and the digital transformation that institutions need to undergo to remain competitive in today's technology-driven world.