The image above showcases the header of the latest edition of the prestigious The Economist. The headline, "Hard truths about MBAs," conveys troubling news for those investing significant sums in MBA programs, often considered a gateway to career advancement and high-paying roles.
The article reveals that even graduates from top-ranked universities—where tuition fees alone can surpass €5,000 per month—are increasingly facing delays in securing employment after graduation. https://www.economist.com/business/2025/01/14/why-elite-mba-graduates-are-struggling-to-find-jobs
Edtech companies are undoubtedly pleased with this news, as they are increasingly well-positioned to address the challenges traditional MBA programs face. These platforms deliver education at a fraction of the cost while addressing many of the shortcomings of in-person classes. In traditional lecture halls, dozens—or even hundreds—of students often compete for limited interaction with instructors, resulting in a diminished learning experience.
As noted in a previous post referencing an article from The Economist, Edtech companies are already generating billions in revenue, at the expense of traditional universities. This trend is set to accelerate with the rise of generative AI and personalized tutoring technologies, which have the potential to revolutionize education leaving many universities struggling to remain relevant—or even facing financial ruin. https://19-pacheco-torgal-19.blogspot.com/2024/04/the-new-study-of-swiss-federal.html
To combat the rise of Edtech, universities must make integrity and reputation their strategic cornerstones. In an era where AI amplifies misinformation and deception, these values are not merely desirable—they are indispensable. As emphasized in my previous post titled, "AI has radically changed the core university business, shifting focus from teaching and publications to assessment, curation, and mentoring," https://19-pacheco-torgal-19.blogspot.com/2024/01/the-economistai-generated-content-is.html
Update on January 21 – A global study on public trust in science, published yesterday in Nature Human Behaviour, surveyed 71,922 respondents across 68 countries. While scientists are widely regarded as qualified and concerned about public well-being, only 57% of respondents believe they are honest, with 31% expressing ambivalence and 11% considering them dishonest. This stark divide serves as a critical warning: universities must rigorously safeguard their most valuable asset—integrity—as any misstep risks further eroding public trust at a time when it remains precarious. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02090-5#Sec7
