Systemic Issues In Asynchronous Delivery Of Graduate Engineering Management Programs

The purpose of this paper is to examine systemic issues that impact the design, delivery, and maintenance of asynchronous engineering management educational products. Asynchronous education continues to rapidly evolve as an alternative to traditional classroom delivery. An asynchronous educational system requires the effective integration of technology, supporting processes, and infrastructure design to prepare, deliver, and maintain asynchronous educational products. Currently, the technological capabilities for delivery of asynchronous education have outstripped the ability to maximize those advanced technologies. To help understand this rift between technology and our ability to deploy that technology this paper examines three critical areas. First, the distinctions between asynchronous, distance (interactive televised), and live instruction are examined from a perspective of immediacy. Second, based on initial experiences in preparation and delivery of asynchronous education, a systemic issues perspective is developed. Finally, implications of systems design principles are presented as a guide for more effective future design of asynchronous educational products in engineering management.