Integrated programmes versus standalones in higher education: Comparative performance assessment using a natural experiment

Existing trends indicate that higher educational institutions (HEI) offer integrated programmes – a combination of a baccalaureate with a masters’ degree, for example, BBA and MBA. However, no studies have empirically compared student performances between integrated and standalone programmes. This study compares student performances of an integrated management programme (BBA+MBA) with a standalone MBA programme of an Indian HEI. It utilises data from four years across three courses: controlling for COVID, courses, graduation, stream, experience, and gender. The results indicate that integrated programme students performed better than standalone students in the overall analysis, and across core and elective courses.