Why Choose MPA Over MBA at KOI: An International Student's View

This research project investigates the factors influencing international students' decisions between a Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at KOI (King's Own Institute) in 2020. The study explores the impact of the introduction of an MBA program on the choice of international students, who previously only had the MPA option. The research examines the influence of factors such as the duration of the programs, the nature of services offered, and job prospects on students' choices. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilizes semi-structured interviews and secondary data analysis to gain insights into students' motivations. The project aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the reasons behind students' preferences, considering the evolving educational landscape and career aspirations. The dissertation is structured into five chapters, covering introduction, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, and conclusion. The findings highlight the significance of duration, nature of service, and job prospects in students' decision-making processes. The research contributes to understanding the dynamics of postgraduate program selection among international students, particularly in the context of Australian higher education.

Research project
Why would an international student elect to study MPA at KOI in 2020 rather than an
MBA at the same institution or vice-versa?
Name of the student
Research supervisor
Acknowledgment
Abstract
Studying MPA or MBA in Australia is one of acclaimed achievements the students tend to make
in their educational career. Teaching MPA has been a successful journey for KOI which is going
to introduce new course viz. MBA from the year 2020. This study aims to explore the issue of
Impact of MBA over MPA from the year 2020. The scope of the study is limited to prospects of
job and nature of service. Along with this, duration has been considered as an important factor in
this research. The study provides a valuable insight over the topic by conducting a qualitative
study that employs the method of semi-structured interviews along with analyzing secondary
data in the form of internal analysis of records related to students of KOI.

Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................3
overview..........................................................................................................................................3
Chapter 2 Literature review.............................................................................................................5
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................6
2.2 Subtopics................................................................................................................................6
2.2.1 Duration...........................................................................................................................6
2.2.2 Nature of service.............................................................................................................9
2.2.3 Prospects of job.............................................................................................................11
2.3 Conclusion...........................................................................................................................13
Chapter 3 Research methodology..................................................................................................14
3.1 Data collection methods.......................................................................................................14
3.2 validity and reliability considerations..................................................................................15
3.3 research protocol..................................................................................................................16
3.4 Interview process and questions..........................................................................................16
3.5 Ethical considerations..........................................................................................................19
Chapter 4 Data analysis.................................................................................................................19
4.1 Participants...........................................................................................................................19
4.2 Objectivity............................................................................................................................21
4.3 Data analysis........................................................................................................................23
Chapter 5 Conclusion....................................................................................................................24
5.1 Duration...............................................................................................................................24

5.1.1 Flexible schedule...........................................................................................................25
5.1.2 Not leaving MPA...........................................................................................................25
5.1.3 Impact of background from the perspective of duration...............................................25
5.2 Nature of service..................................................................................................................25
5.2.1 Nature of service impacting choice of students.............................................................25
5.2.2 Increased student enrolment at KOI..............................................................................26
5.2.3 Reputation of Australia.................................................................................................26
5.2.4 Quality services at KOI.................................................................................................26
5.3 Job prospects........................................................................................................................26
5.3.1 Bright prospects for Job in Australia itself....................................................................26
5.3.2 Job prospects for MBA and MPA both.........................................................................26
5.3.3 Provision of internship present at KOI with bright prospects for MPA and MBA both
in future..................................................................................................................................27
5.4 Conclusion about the primary research question.............................................................27
Bibliography..................................................................................................................................28

Chapter 1 Introduction
overview
Studying in Australia is considered as one of the big achievements for a student of post-
graduation. KOI is acclaimed as one of the best education institutions in Australia. It is offering
MPA (Master in Professional Accounting) as an attractive course for last many years for students
from different corners of the world. Now, it is offering an MBA (Master of Business
Administration) from the year 2020. This may create a dilemma for a student to pursue MPA or
MBA at KOI keeping in mind equal duration and fee structure for both courses. Does this study
examine the question of an international student electing to study MPA at KOI in 2020 rather
than an MBA at the same institution or vice-versa?
1.1 Research aim
The research aims to find out the answer to the question of an international student electing to
study MPA at KOI in 2020 rather than an MBA at the same institution or vice-versa?
1.2 Research objectives
Following are the objectives of this research:
a) To explore the prospects of education in Australia
b) To find out the relationship of Duration with the choice of students
c) To find out the relationship of nature of service with the choice of students
d) To find out the relationship of job prospects with the choice of students
e) To find out the reasons for studying in KOI, leaving all other institutions, from the year
2020

1.3 Research Questions
The questions of the research are:
How often duration is considered by the student as the most important factor to choose a post-
graduation course?
How does the nature of service impact the overall reputation and image of KOI?
What avenues KOI has for its students from the perspective of job prospects?
1.4 Research Scope
The scope of the study is limited to MPA and MBA courses at KOI in Australia. The study
provides deep insight over the topic of primary research question with exploring the objectives
from the perspective of the two courses mentioned above.
1.5 Structure of the dissertation
The dissertation is divided into 5 chapters- introduction, literature review, research methodology,
data analysis, and conclusion.
1.6 Summary
This chapter provides an overview of the study by listing the aims and objectives of the study
along with primary and secondary research questions as stipulated above. This chapter sets the
basic foundation for research conducted in subsequent parts of the study.

Chapter 2 Literature review
Figure 1 depicts the relation between Masters of Professional Accounting (MPA) and 3 subtopics
of duration, prospects for job, and nature of job. 3 subtopics have been depicted from the
perspective of time and cost required to pursue MPA.
Figure 1 Relationship between Master of accounting and 3 subtopics considered
2.1 Introduction
This chapter presents three subtopics of post-graduation in detail. These subtopics are duration,
nature of service and prospects for a job. Duration includes the time required to complete an
MBA or MPA at KOI whereas the nature of service is the kind of job student will be able to get
after completing the course. The prospects for the job are the chances of getting a qualified job in
Duration
Prospects
for job
Nature of
Job
MPA
Time
Cost

any corner of the world after completing the course. The relationship of time and cost with three
subtopics has been depicted in the above figure.
2.2 Subtopics
Three subtopics which decide the fate of MPA over MBA are as follows:
2.2.1 Duration
Duration is a major factor to decide the course to be pursued (Anand & Gray, 2018). Duration
impacts the choice of students or professionals due to time being a factor to consider pursuing
any study or job (Azadeh et al., 2010). Time or duration has percussions on personal as well as
professional life (Barratt et al., 2018). In today’s era, it is difficult to maintain a work-life
balance between personal and professional life (Bendig et al., 2017). Along with this, if the
student wants to pursue mastering, time or duration makes a big impact on the decision to be
taken from the perspective, of course to be pursued (Bromiley & Rau, 2015). Duration of MBA
or MPA impacts the viability of course for the particular student (Hitt et al., 2015). MPA has its
duration of 2 years which can be completed in trimesters (KalyanSinghal & JayaSinghal, 2012).
Similarly, an MBA at KOI will have maximum 2yeras duration with little impact on personal
and professional life (Hitt et al., 2015).
Duration of the course varies with the university and country (Ketokivi, 2015). MPA is the 2-
year duration course with 4 trimesters (Barratt et al., 2018). The student can complete the course
early which makes MPA attractive for the wide number of students (Meredith & Pilkington,
2018). Along with this MPA can be pursued without leaving the job as the schedule is decided as

per the requirements of the student (KalyanSinghal & JayaSinghal, 2012). This makes MPA
highly attractive for professionals seeking a job in the field of accounting (Lu et al., 2018)
MBA is available in many courses worldwide but generally, it is of two years duration (Villena
& Gioia, 2018). At KOI, similar to MPA, MBA can be pursued by professionals without leaving
their job (KevinLinderman & AravindChandrasekaran, 2010). Along with this, the duration of
the MBA can be reduced to 1 year as per the suitability of the student (Kumar et al., 2018). This
has raised the question about the option to be considered for post-graduation (Hitt et al., 2015). If
two courses offer the same degree of course with the same fees and duration, what are the
prospects of MPA at KOI? This paper explores this question and finds out the chances of
students opting for MPA. The students must be provided an amicable environment to continue
their personal and professional life without any impediment, but at the same time, pursue the
study of their choice (Netland & Aspelund, 2013).
MPA is needed for those who want to make their career in accounting whereas MBA is required
for inculcating entrepreneur skills (Protopappa-Sieke & Seifert, 2011). These are complementary
to each other with each having own importance in the relevant field (R.Meredith et al., 2011). As
far as duration is concerned, there is not much difference that makes both courses equally
attractive so there might not be any impact over students’ choice regarding the course to be
pursued (Secchi et al., 2018). Both courses have an equal buzz in the international community
with different academic fields (Stauffer et al., 2018). From the perspective of duration, there is
no significant difference between the two courses which makes both courses equally attractive
for students (Stauffer et al., 2018).
The choice, of course, depends more on the career the student or professional wants to pursue
(Stefania Boscari et al., 2018). There are different careers for MPA and MBA that makes the

KOI university more attractive catering to the needs of more students who want to study in
Australia and build a career in accounting or business respectively (Ta et al., 2018). There is a
bright future for study in Australia as it has become the education hub of the world (Udenio et
al., 2018). Keeping this in mind along with increasing economic prosperity, the demand for
educational institutions has been growing (Villena & Gioia, 2018). Another factor to be
considered is the increased awareness and support by international institutions for education
which makes the education a high demand sector (Ahmad et al., 2019). The duration is only one
aspect of student’s choice regarding the course to be pursued (Dada et al., 2019). At KOI, the
students from all over the world with diverse background come and join the courses (Zientek et
al., 2019). That diversity management and leadership qualities make the organization flexible
enough to cater to the needs of each student (Liu & Yan, 2019). The duration of courses at KOI
is such that the requirements of each student can be met through a flexible schedule with a
professional career in the desired field (Aguirre et al., 2019).
Secondary research questions
How often duration is considered by the student as a most important factor to choose a post
graduation course?
2.2.2 Nature of service
Pursuing MPA makes available the wide number of services in accounting (Azadeh et al., 2010).
Along with this, the network is built while pursuing MPA which makes the organization
effective for future jobs (Lee-Post, 2019). Those who want to develop their career in accounting
tend to get admission in MPA (Farahani & Amiri, 2019). While those who seek their career in

business, tend to get admission in MBA worldwide (Ketokivi, 2015). KOI has started the MBA
from the year 2020, therefore, it may have likely percussions on MPA as well (Soomro et al.,
2019). The nature of service after completing the postgraduate makes any course attractive for
students (Krishnaswamy et al., 2019). The nature of service after completing the Post Graduation
decides the future of the educational institution from the perspective of future hiring of
students (KalyanSinghal & JayaSinghal, 2012). Nature of service makes the persons get attracted
to or repelled from the course (Aguirre et al., 2019). Both courses in Australia offer excellent
services to join in the future.
Nature of service provides incentives to students to spend their time and cost for a particular
course (Ahmad et al., 2019). It will be very disappointing for any person or student to spend
time, energy and cost in any course but do not get the kind of job he/she wants (Anand & Gray,
2018). This will make a huge impact on the desirability of the student to continue his study at a
particular institute (Mei et al., 2019). KOI provides many avenues through which students can
join any organization in Australia (Barratt et al., 2018). The internship for both can be completed
in Australia by working in a business organization that has a link with KOI. The highly qualified
jobs pertaining to the course are available all over the world which makes the MPA and MBA
attractive for students from various corners of the world (Dada et al., 2019). Australia has
emerged as an education hub for students worldwide (Serrano et al., 2019). This places the onus
on its educational institutions to provide quality services and train the students to get the relevant
jobs in the career of their choice (AlQuraan, 2019). Students not only are theoretically prepared,
but they must also have practical managing skills to deal with any crisis during the untoward
situation in their organization (AlQuraan, 2019). The corporate giants are today seeking the

persons who are tech-savvy and can handle multitasking (Farahani & Amiri, 2019). The courses
at KOI make such training available to students.
The nature of service is a deciding factor for students to pursue MPA or MBA at KOI University.
With the availability of MBA from next year, the number of students joining the KOI can get
increased. Students will pursue an MBA for their career in business and entrepreneurship while
those who are interested in accounting will join the KOI as students of MPA (Aguirre et al.,
2019). Nature of service after completing the two mentioned courses is different which makes
these courses attractive and feasible for a wide array of professionals (Ahmad et al., 2019). The
students studying MPA can get a job related to accounting in any government or private
department (AlQuraan, 2019). The accounting has been the widely acclaimed sector for any
national economy or organization (Anand & Gray, 2018). This makes MPA attractive from the
perspective of the nature of service (Anand & Gray, 2018). Similarly, after completing the MBA,
students can get a job in the business sector (Azadeh et al., 2010). Both these courses are viable
for the government as well as the private sector (Barratt et al., 2018). MPA will provide
professional accountants while the MBA is more relevant for students interested in business
(Bendig et al., 2017).
Nature of service after utilizing time and cost determines the choice of students to pursue an
MBA or MPA (Bromiley & Rau, 2015). The services which tend to attract several employees
and have better-accommodating capacity will attract professionals to pursue the intended course
(Dada et al., 2019). The MBA is not an entirely new field but it supplements the MPA (Farahani
& Amiri, 2019). The future of MPA from the perspective of nature of service is also bright
because MPA is one of the most acclaimed courses preferred by the students (Hitt et al., 2015).
This will remain so in the near future with increasing the total number of a student joining KOI

(KalyanSinghal & JayaSinghal, 2012). The new MBA at KOI will meet its purpose without
having any negative percussion on MPA already taught in it (Ketokivi, 2015). MBA will not be
able to meet the purpose of MPA as subjects and curriculum of the MBA is entirely different
from MPA (KevinLinderman & AravindChandrasekaran, 2010). There will still be need of
MPA, especially in a country like Australia which has better prospects for education
(Krishnaswamy et al., 2019).
Secondary research question
How does nature of service impact the overall reputation and image of KOI?
2.2.3 Prospects of job
Prospects of the job have become a widely contested field for scholars to research (Kumar et al.,
2018). In the quest of better prospects professionals tend to pursue various courses which meet
their needs according to job services they are seeking (Anand & Gray, 2018). MPA and MBA at
KOI are highly revered degrees with bright prospects so it raises a question as to why students
should pursue MPA when basic characteristics of both courses are same? This makes the
organization of KOI vibrant enough to cater to the needs of modern education services from the
perspective of MBA but it also generates competition for MPA which is highly successful at
KOI (Lee-Post, 2019). Students of KOI are working in different sectors as far as MPA is
concerned so this paper explores the percussions of MBA over MPA (Kumar et al., 2018).
Prospect of the job is the biggest reason to pursue an education at KOI (Lindström et al., 2012).
In the globalized era, talent is hunted all over the world with the best person hired for a particular
organization (Liu & Yan, 2019). This makes the competition very tough with tech-savvy