Bachelor of Commerce (Digital Marketing) - Postsecondary ...

elieved that shortages were possible. Most employers expected current shortages to continue while
one‐quarter predicted a worsening of the situation. When asked to identify the occupations expected to
experience the greatest labour market pressures, a broad range of management positions were
mentioned, as well as entrepreneurs.
Catering to the Needs of Flexibility in Delivery: Online and/or Part­time Options
In our competitive scan, online distance education options were listed for business courses in many
colleges, but most of the college websites did not clearly indicate whether there was an option for
completing a business degree online or part‐time. The exceptions are Algonquin College, which offers
courses with hybrid delivery or entirely online and St. Lawrence College which offers a part‐time degree
option. If Fanshawe were to offer part‐time and or hybrid delivery/fully online options, it would be a
point of differentiation from colleges in the GTA, although two universities, York University and Ryerson
University, are offering part‐time enrollment.
“If this is delivered online then we could compete in a way that others aren’t. This school is
developing a growing understanding of how to deliver courses and programs online. If this
business degree was delivered totally online or at least one or two sections, then that would be a
differentiator.” (Fanshawe Internal Stakeholder)
Levels of Interest
While there are clearly a number of delivery options students prefer depending on their current
situation, hybrid delivery appears to be the most widespread among all the respondents we surveyed. A
large majority (80%) of Current Students are receptive to having an online component (either hybrid
and/or fully online) to their business degree, but a nearly equal number (76%) also want at least some
courses to be fully in‐class, suggesting in‐class delivery is still an important factor for a majority of
Current Students. Only 8% are interested in a fully online degree offering. Fifteen percent prefers inclass
courses only. With regard to part‐time offerings, 25% stated it was “very important” as a feature
when considering a degree.
A substantial proportion of Prospective Students (59%) (among those who were interested in the
proposed degree programs) also expressed interest in a degree that was delivered either fully online or
hybrid or a combination of the two. Only 8% are interested in a fully online degree offering. And in
terms of a part‐time offering, 20% considered it “very important”.
As expected, preferences among Fanshawe Business Alumni show a departure. Approximately threequarters
stated that part‐time delivery options online delivery options were “very important” factors in
choosing a degree, ranking second and third in the list of features considered. In terms of course
delivery, relatively equal proportions of Alumni are interested in having hybrid/blended delivery as well
as fully on‐line courses. Having part‐time degree options was also proposed by Alumni wanting to
continue to work full‐time.
“It would be something I'd be interested in doing part time because at this stage in my life I can't
leave work and I don't have a lot of spare time. I would be interested in getting the degree
LKSB Degree Program Feasibility Study • 2011
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