Examining the choice of business majors to participate in a short-term study abroad program using the gap analysis model

2013-08-16The Clark and Estes (2008) Gap Analysis Process Model (Gap Analysis) was used to examine the reasons 33% of freshmen students do not participate in the Burke School of Business, Business Abroad Experience (BAE) program at New Wave University (NWU). The purpose of this study was to understand the considerations students make in their decision-making process about participation in BAE. Assumed causes were investigated through an examination of the literature, scanning interviews and through a review of learning, motivation and organizational theories. Data for the study was collected in the form of surveys and semi structured interviews -to identify performance gaps and root causes in knowledge, motivation and organization. Gaps were found in the areas of knowledge, motivation, and organization that influenced student participation in BAE. Based on the data analysis of the validated root causes, research-based solutions were recommended to the Burke School of Business. This study helps bridge the understanding of undergraduate short-term study abroad programs and student decisions to participate