Exploring factors influencing online classes due to social distancing in COVID-19 pandemic: a business students perspective

Purpose This study explores the factors responsible for influencing online classes for business school during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study also examines the level of influence of these factors on online classes. Design/methodology/approach Primary data were collected online from 716 business school students using a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Smart PLS3 software was used to analyze the data. Findings Attitude, curriculum, motivation, technology and training were found to have an impact on online classes. Three variables (attitude, motivation and training) have a positive impact on online classes, whereas two variables (curriculum and technology) have a negative impact on the online classes. All the factors have been found to be significant except technology which is found to have an insignificant impact (p = 0.356) on online classes. Research limitations/implications Only one university's students were surveyed. Practical implications Outlines the factors which have a positive and significant impact on online classes during COVID-19 pandemic. This study can be generalized through a student's community across the world as the students face similar problems associated with online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Social implications Suggest factors that can be considered while COVID-19 pandemic during social distancing to make online classes more effective and to reduce the impact of this pandemic. Originality/value No study has documented the factors associated to impact the online classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.