This paper examines some of the key issues arising from the delivery of a management development course by distance education using traditional, multimedia, and computer-based approaches. The research explores some of the critical decisions that need to be taken by educators involved in developing distance education, computer-based training, multimedia, and hypermedia. The discussion focuses on the particular challenge of course development using these media where the course is fully or part distance or open learning in its form or method of delivery. Three key issues are examined: (1) What are the educational design issues that need to be addressed when developing distance education packages for the junior and middle manager? (2) How can we improve the way in which we use computers, electronic mail, and networks for communication and student support? and (3) What are the issues associated with the integration of multimedia and hypermedia systems into distance education for the middle manager? The paper concludes by critically examining specific futures that are advanced by different groups of educational and training professionals. (Author)