Factors affecting business school students’ performance during the COVID-19 pandemic: A moderated and mediated model

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has directly influenced higher education by converting traditional face-to-face (F2F) learning to blended learning (BL). Because of this dramatic change in the academic environment, it is essential to evaluate student views and preferences and how the BL setting affects their academic performance. Therefore, the current research aims to investigate the relationship between Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) constructs (performance expectancy, effort expectancy, and facilitating condition) and student academic performance through student attitude. We also examined the moderating role of trust in technology between UTAUT constructs and student performance. The study uses a sample of 1050 business management university students for mediation/moderation analysis using the Hayes Bootstrap technique. The results demonstrate that student attitude mediates the relationship between UTAUT constructs and student academic performance, with trust in technology strengthening the relationship. The study offers implications for universities and policymakers.