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Business Schools, Exec. Education & MBAs

The following information is kindly provided to us by the Association of MBAs: the world's leading impartial authority on postgraduate business education.

 

To find out more about the Association of MBAs' business school and accreditation services, please visit: www.mbaworld.com

 

The Master in Business Administration (MBA) degree is internationally recognised and is seen as a passport to a successful management career.

 

The MBA is essentially a generalist qualification designed to widen the horizons of business professionals.  It takes into account all the major functions and practises of a business.

 

As well as being a postgraduate degree, the MBA is also strongly post-experience. Students on an accredited MBA course will usually bring five to ten years' postgraduate experience with them. For those without such experience, a Masters in Business and Management (MBM - formerly known as PEMM) may be more suitable.

 

The MBA is the world's most popular postgraduate degree. Increased globalisation and changing lifestyles has led to schools offering more flexible ways of learning either via distance learning or part-time study.

 

Why study an MBA?

 

Choosing to do an MBA involves a significant investment of time and money. It’s therefore logical that people want to know the benefits of an MBA in terms of potential earnings in order to assess return on this investment. The increase in salary that comes about from graduating from an accredited MBA programme is an important factor for many people.

 

Although a salary increase is by no means the most popular reason for choosing to study an MBA. One recent survey of members of the Association of MBAs found that 79% of them choose to study an MBA to improve job opportunities. An MBA can enable a modern manager to identify a range of personal, business and employment opportunities.

 

One most recent survey of members found that 70% of them were either board directors or senior mangers.

 

Networking

 

Studying for an MBA provides students with an exceptional platform for networking – and not only with fellow students. Internships and employment placements, working with leading international faculty, and connecting with top school’s extensive alumni networks are all benefits of studying on an accredited MBA programme.

 

Choosing a school

 

Before selecting a programme to study, ask yourself the following crucial questions:

 

What is the school's reputation? Is it recognised among MBA employers?

 

Reputation is probably the most important factor in choosing a school. Employers not only ask whether you have an MBA, but where you studied. Some programmes have stronger reputations than others, but these may alter over time. Reputation is essentially quality, so check that the MBA programme is accredited before making your decision.

 

What are the school's links with business and industry?

 

Check that the school has good links with local and international companies. You will find it helpful to know the employment details and locations of the alumni.

 

Do you want to study locally or overseas?

 

Full-time students should consider studying in another country if looking for international exposure. This will particularly appeal to those with language skills. If you are studying part-time your chosen programme may need to be near your home or work. For distance-learners geography may not be of great importance, as the programme will be delivered by a mix of mail and virtual technologies.

 

How is the MBA programme structured?

 

Look at the focus of the programme. Do you want to specialise in one particular area or have a more general qualification? A good MBA programme will cover the core management subjects and offer a good range of elective courses.

 

Do you want to study full-time, part-time or by way of distance learning?

 

The MBA is delivered is delivered in a number of different ways. You need to decide which mode suits you best.

 

How much does the MBA cost?

 

Cost does not automatically guarantee quality. Many factors determine price, including the type of institution offering the MBA, the local economy, the make-up of the faculty (you will pay more to sit at the feet of the gurus) and the mode of delivery. Ask the business school how they price their MBA before making a decision.

 

How flexible is the MBA programme delivery?

 

Some people need more flexibility than others. If you are looking to study over a few years, the chances are your circumstances may change and you may need to switch between modes of study. Opt for a school that allows for this.