Resumen de Evaluating e-learning: an analytical framework and research directions for management education
This paper suggests an analytical framework, i.e. a sort of map, which provides an overview of the major characteristics of a significant number of studies conducted in the area of "e-learning evaluation". After a short description of the logic adopted for classifying the major dimensions and sub-dimensions addressed in the literature for the evaluation of e-learning, we provide a synoptic table of the contexts in which they were conducted, the evaluation targets, the respondents and users involved, the timing, and the basic research methodologies. Finally, we summarise the most relevant findings of these studies and propose a systematic approach for the identification of future research directions. In particular, as far as e-learning in management education is concerned, we emphasise the importance of identifying and measuring the managers' personal and professional characteristics and backgrounds which are more predictive of a successful adoption of e-learning (i.e., a sort of "e-learning readiness" indicator). Given the growing need for e-learning, especially in view of an accelerated and broader diffusion of knowledge in the globalised economy, we believe that further research in this specific area could be of great interest for educators and business school administrators.
