The College of Education, Health and
Human Sciences
Announces the Final Examination of
Jeffery L. Shepherd
for the degree of
Doctor of Education
December 11, 2014 at 1:00 pm
123 Ball Hall, University of Memphis
Memphis, TN
Biographical Sketch
Bachelor of Science, Manufacturing Engineering Technology, Murray State University
Master of Science, Operations Management, University of Arkansas
Advisory Committee
Larry McNeal, PhD, Professor Chair, Department of Leadership, Committee Chair
Katrina Meyer, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Leadership
DeAnna Owens, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership
Reginald Green, EdD, Professor, Department of Leadership
Major Field of Study
Higher and Adult Education
Period of Preparation: 2005 – 2014
Comprehensive Examination Passed: April 2011
Perspectives of Adult Learners in an Executive MBA Program:
A Case Study at a Research University
Abstract
The purpose of the qualitative case study was to understand the experiences of adult learners who have returned to higher education to pursue an Executive MBA degree. Using narrative inquiry as the methodology, the journeys of the participants were documented. The narrative of their journey included how they decided to pursue the Executive MBA, their experiences as an adult learner in the Executive MBA program, and their reflections on how their lives have been or will be affected by their participation in the Executive MBA program. Data were collected from 10 adult learners using individual interviews, non-participant observations, and document reviews.
Using the words of the participants, the six themes that emerged from the study were (1) “I just wanted to take a break for a while”, (2) “Maybe I ought to go back and get my master’s degree”, (3) “I don’t know who they turn away”, (4) “You’re studying in the margins of your life”, (5) “We’re all in the same boat”, and (6) “I can see how it has made me a different type of thinker.” Following a discussion of these themes, implications for Executive MBA programs and for adult learners who may be considering the pursuit of the Executive MBA degree are shared. Three recommendations for future research were shared and included the need to have a better understanding of minority engagement in Executive MBA programs, the value of entrance exams from the perspective of the adult learner, and the role of online learning in Executive MBA programs.