State of business statistics education in MENA region: A comparative study with best practices

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the state of undergraduate business statistics education in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and assess its alignment with the best practices in equipping business graduates with the knowledge and skills demanded by the labor market.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 108 instructors from 80 business schools in 17 MENA countries was conducted to gauge information on the delivery of business statistics courses. The survey results were benchmarked to a proposed framework for best practices in business statistics education.

Findings

The gap analysis identified deficiencies in the delivery of business statistics education in the region as compared to international best practices. This study revealed a need to revise statistics education as part of a comprehensive reform of business education with the aim to meet international quality standards in business education.

Research limitations/implications

The study relied on the self-reported responses of business statistics instructors in MENA. One hundred eight questionnaires were completed, corresponding to a response rate of 40 per cent. Moreover, the study did not measure the effectiveness of teaching and learning in business statistics courses.

Practical implications

Recommendations from the study are intended to guide business statistics instructors in improving the quality of business statistics education through adopting more effective ways to enhance student learning experience and graduate employability.

Originality/value

This study is the first of its kind to investigate and assess the business statistics education in the MENA region.

Citation

Hijazi, R. and Zoubeidi, T. (2017), "State of business statistics education in MENA region: A comparative study with best practices", Journal of International Education in Business, Vol. 10 No. 01, pp. 68-88. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIEB-07-2016-0017