ABE Members' Survey 2022

ABE MEMBERS' SURVEY 2022 WITH THANKS TO THE ABE COMMUNITY FOR TAKING THE TIME TO SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS AND EXPERIENCES #ABEWAY Est. 1973

WE TAKE OUR RESPONSIBILITIES SERIOUSLY In August 2022 we emailed all active members and invited them to share their hopes, aspirations and challenges.

The objectives of our survey were: To understand members’ perceptions, attitudes and aspirations so that we could ensure that ABE qualifications and services best meet these needs To ensure members were benefitting from new initiatives such as Edge To help the smooth transition to timed open-book exams (OBEs) This document provides a general overview of the survey's main findings.

"The course was very helpful to me , the theories and practical learning patterns blended. I'm so proud to be an ABE Member."

Isuru, Level 6, Sri Lanka The quotes used in this document are members own words from our 2022 members' survey. The images used are representative.

WHO TOOK PART

The majority of people who took part in the survey were studying for an ABE business qualification, with a small proportion of our membership is made up of ABE graduates who retain their membership for the postnominals and to remain part of our community.

Women made up a higher proportion of respondents (65%). Whilst the largest age group is 20-25, accounting for 35% of respondents, ABE qualifications appeal to a wide age demographic ranging from young school leavers to mature learners, with 26% of respondents over 35. This group particularly liked the flexibility and work relevance of OBEs. Responses came from 26 countries, the top being Malawi, Trinidad, Guyana, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Zambia and Myanmar respectively.

The majority (54%) of ABE members are working, either full-time (46%) or part-time (8%). Just 15% are studying full-time. Whilst 17% said they were looking for work.

HEARING ABOUT ABE

The majority of people first recall learning of ABE through family, friends and colleagues, followed by their college and Facebook. Some also mentioned that their workplace encouraged ABE study. Other social media channels mentioned were LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

Most people said they went on to do further research into ABE before making the decision to join and the ABE website was the most popular route to do this, followed by college, family and friends, and social media.

The majority felt it was easy to get the information necessary to make an informed choice to join ABE (54%). Although 13% said they found it hard so we plan to introduce more information through different channels such as printed leaflets.

"With ABE I've learnt ways of being innovative in the ever-changing business environment and how I could apply my entrepreneurial skills to business to survival through the long-run."

Olga, Level 6, Malawi

CHOOSING ABE

International recognition is one of the strongest reasons for choosing ABE. Our flexibility and the high quality of our academic standards are also strongly appreciated. This was closely followed by our reputation for developing entrepreneurial thinking as well as helping people get jobs and promotions, plus our ‘modern assessments (assignments and timed OBEs) which develop analytical thinking, innovation and problem-solving'.

This is a good indicator that the choice to do an ABE qualification is based on a spectrum of strengths that help people achieve their goals.

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MEMBERS' ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE

Career-based objectives are the ultimate reason people choose ABE, although more than half of current members also plan to go on a top-up Bachelors or a Masters degree. A small number of respondents had retired or were taking a career break and were studying for self-fulfilment.

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"ABE has helped me in my career path from Level 4 arriving till Level 6. It was not so easy but with perseverance, I was able to attain it."

Beebee, Level 6, Mauritius

THE OUTCOMES Members say studying for an ABE qualification has been positive and worthwhile.

The responses below show ABE helps people feel confident they have the skills to achieve their ambitions and they appreciate the solution-focused thinking developed by ABE's modern assessments.

I am confident the knowledge and skills I have gained from my ABE studies will help me achieve my long-term goals: Neither agree or disagree 2%

Agree 38.9%

98% Agree

I would recommend ABE: Neither agree or disagree 2%

Strongly agree 58.9%

Agree 35.5%

ABE's assessments have helped me build a better understanding of how to apply business theory to real life: Neither agree or disagree 4%

Agree 46.8%

96% Agree

Strongly agree 48.8%

97% Agree

Strongly agree 61.2%

"Simply put, I think ABE is just totally exceptional. Along with being affordable, flexible and most important, having an outstanding global reputation, choosing ABE is easily one of the best ways to acquire great jobs and to build a great career in the field of business."

Doodmati, Level 4, Guyana "ABE has been a great learning environment for me, made my life easier with it's study flexibility. It was a great choice to join ABE." Francis, Level 6, Zambia "ABE is a great diploma business course with the latest consideration of business environments and global requirements." Sheetal, Level 6, Tanzania "ABE has expanded my knowledge on business which helps me to achieve my career goals." Meika, Level 5, Trinidad & Tobago

CHALLENGES & CONCERNS In 2022, whilst most people are worried about financial difficulties caused by fluctuating exchange rates and cost of living increases, many of our members recognised the importance of education to ensure they are equipped to meet these challenges head-on in the future.

As a not-for-profit organisation, ABE is committed to keeping its fees affordable without compromising quality. It's our mission to make the best business education available to everyone and we are committed to doing everything within our power to ensure no one is left behind.

We don't set time limits on our qualifications and assessments can be booked and paid for as and when students are ready to take them. We also try to provide payment options that enable people to pay in local currency wherever it's possible.

Another concern in some countries is the lack of access to technology. In this instance, we are working hand-in-hand with key local centres to provide ABE computer libraries for studying members. Providing real practical help, where it's needed most.

Level 5 student, Trinidad & Tobago

"ABE is good at offering the market what it really wants to transform, in this current season where businesses do change and one needs to be able to adapt to the environment with the skills and knowledge to do it the right way."

Joseph, Level 4, Malawi

"I think the Edge is a great initiative by ABE and it will help members with additional knowledge and understanding of the business community."

Crystal, Level 5, Trinidad & Tobago

ABE EDGE ABE Edge is a digital learning platform, separate from the portal, where ABE members can access a range of short online professional development courses for no extra charge. These are provided as part of our ABE way ethos which is to go beyond what is necessary and provide our members with everything they need to thrive in a fast-changing world.

With ABE Edge members gain skills and earn additional ABE certificates to help them stand out in the jobs market. The majority of respondents who had logged on said they found the courses of value and enjoyed working through them.

Some people said they were unsure how to access the courses so we are publishing more information and guides to help everyone make the most of the platform.

Among those who have not yet visited Edge, most intend to do so but had not got around to it. Some had missed their login email so we will be sending out ABE Edge logins every quarter to anyone who hasn't yet logged on.

CONCLUSION We would like to conclude by thanking all from the ABE 2022 membership community who took the time to share their thoughts, aspirations and challenges. By sharing your feedback in this way we can make sure your views are part of our decision-making. This will help to ensure we continue meeting the needs of learners for generations to come.

"I don't have any words to explain how ABE has helped me to improve my career and my way of thinking. Keep it up."

Anna, Level 4, Malawi

ABE Global Ltd. is a not-for-profit company registered in England and Wales No. 01096719 Global Headquarters 46/50 Coombe Road, New Malden, Greater London, England, KT3 4QF Tel: +44 (0) 20 8329 2930 www.abeuk.com