Does e-learning service quality influence e-learning student satisfaction and loyalty? Evidence from Vietnam

• Published in: International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 1 - 26
• Main Authors: Pham, Long, Limbu, Yam B., Bui, Trung K., Nguyen, Hien T., Pham, Huong T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Cham Springer International Publishing 08.03.2019; Springer Nature B.V; SpringerOpen
• Subjects: Colleges & universities; Computer Appl. in Social and Behavioral Sciences; Computer Science; Computers and Education; Distance learning; E-learning service quality; E-learning student loyalty; E-learning student satisfaction; Educational materials; Educational Technology; Factor analysis; Higher Education; Humanities; Information Systems Applications (incl.Internet); Law; Online instruction; Quality management; Quality of service; Research Article; Statistics for Social Sciences; Student Satisfaction; Universities; Vietnam; Vietnam; Vietnam; E-learning service quality; E-learning student loyalty; E-learning student satisfaction
• DOI: 10.1186/s41239-019-0136-3
• ISSN: 2365-9440

Prior studies on e-learning service quality were conducted mainly in developed countries; however, little effort has been made in emerging countries. This study examines the relationships among e-learning service quality attributes, overall e-learning service quality, e-learning student satisfaction, and e-learning student loyalty in the context of Vietnam, an emerging country. Survey data collected from 1232 college students were analyzed by means of exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, and structural equation modeling using SPSS 25 and SmartPLS 3.0. The results indicated that e-learning service quality was a second-order construct comprising of three factors, namely, e-learning system quality, e-learning instructor and course materials quality, and e-learning administrative and support service quality. The e-learning system quality was the most important dimension of overall e-learning service quality, followed by e-learning instructor and course materials quality, and e-learning administrative and support service quality. In addition, the overall e-learning service quality was positively related to e-learning student satisfaction, which in turn positively influences e-learning student loyalty. Also, overall e-learning service quality has a direct effect on e-learning student loyalty. Implications for colleges and universities are discussed.