Pros and Cons of e-Learning in Economics and Business in Central and Eastern Europe: Cross-country Empirical Investigation

• Published in: Business Systems Research 2022-12, Vol.13 (2), p.28-44
• Main Authors: Głodowska, Agnieszka, Wach, Krzysztof, Knežević, Blaženka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A22; A23; Colleges & universities; Croatia; Distance learning; e-learning; Economics; Empirical analysis; Factor analysis; I23; Online instruction; Poland; Principal components analysis; Serbia; Students
• ISSN: 1847-9375; 1847-8344; 1847-9375
• DOI: 10.2478/bsrj-2022-0014

The ongoing information and technological revolution, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, accelerated the use of e-learning worldwide. This article aims to present the results of our empirical research among students of economics and business from Central and Eastern Europe on the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning. The article uses a survey, and the research sample included 1647 respondents (students of economics and business) from universities in three countries: Croatia, Poland, and Serbia. We used the multivariate comparative analysis (factor analysis and principal components analysis) by applying Statistica computer software. The assessment of individual forms of e-learning in the three countries is similar. In e-learning, investigated students appreciated, first of all, the time-saving. At the same time, it is difficult to concentrate and harder to develop the interpersonal skills needed to work in a real environment. E-learning seems to be a vital instrument complementing traditional learning, as the respondents declared. However, it should not replace traditional face-to-face education; it should only support it.