NABET, NABET 2017 Conference

Font Size: 
Why Did The Dinosaurs Become Extinct? Will Brick and Mortar Schools Follow Suit?
Robert John O'Connell

Last modified: 2017-12-04

Abstract


The vast majority of creatures living during the times of dinosaurs no longer exist. Similarly, we look at some businesses and see that they, also, are beginning to die off – some because the service or product they provided is no longer needed or wanted, and others because the product or service can now be provided in a more efficient or desirable manner. In 2008 during the recession more than 6,000 brick and mortar stores closed, and some analysts predict that this year more than 9,000 will close. Unlike past brick and mortar retail chain store closures that arguably resulted from poor management and planning, what occurred more recently appears endemic and may threaten the existence of other brick and mortar institutions like consumer banking and higher education. The initial proliferation of online selling did not initially seem to significantly impact Fashion Bugs’ brick and mortar clothing sales. When first noticed, the one or two percent decreases were attributed to other business factors. However, by 2013 the last of the last of the 1,200 Fashion Bug stores closed. According to the U.S. Department of Education 2016 Digest of Education Statistics, between 2010 and 2014 enrollment in post-secondary degree-granting institutions decreased by four percent. Acknowledging the proliferation of online schools, some brick and mortar schools incorporated online classes into their curriculum. This exploratory research investigates the causes of the noted decrease and examines how some brick and mortar schools are addressing the issue

Keywords


education, information systems,