Understanding utility essentials of e-learning management systems in higher education: a multi-generational cohort perspective

This research aimed to explore the nuances of utility in components of e-learning systems by using a multi-generational undergraduate business school cohort programme and an e-learning utility-satisfaction evaluation model. Our empirical research demonstrates differences between the three generations for the utility of all the variables of the e-learning systems components, with varying differences in the relationships between Generations X, Y and Z. Furthermore, we show course development, learner support and user characteristics influence results demonstrability which has a high influence on overall satisfaction. We established nuances in the learning utility essentials in courses on e-learning systems for multi-generational cohorts; revealed the utility of learner support as a key differentiator and developed a model on utility-satisfaction with reasonable explanatory and predictive power. The model possesses the dual advantages of fewer constituent items and the connective capability to link utility to satisfaction to enable e-learning systems evaluation and ease of identifying areas for improvement in e-learning course delivery. © 2020 The Open University.