Online MBA Course

Online MBA from Warwick Business School

2008-12-03T11:01:00.001+08:00

There are many potential students who are looking at the possibility of studying for an Online MBA from Warwick Business School. Pursuing for an online MBA while working is perhaps one of the most challenging task that you will face in your career life. This article is a review of the Warwick Online MBA.

Warwick Business School is one of the top business schools. Their students come from over 143 countries around the world pursuing their education from the undergraduate level to PhD. Level. WBS is serious in conducting its online MBA courses. Their academic staffs have been producing world-leading research in all fields of management.

All MBA programs offered by Warwick are relevant and directly applicable to your career. This can be attested by their 23,500 graduates who subsequently returned to further their studies at WBS later in their career. This shows the confidence shown by the students in the schools. WBS’s key to the students’ experience is learning by sharing experience. If you consider carefully, you will find that there are in fact very few business schools in the world such as WBS.

When you study for your online MBA at Warwick, you will join a learning environment that supports you, teaches you and work alongside with you to help you achieve your objectives. You will find that pursuing for your online MBA with Warwick is inspiring in all ways as they are made up of a vibrant community. That is how you find that studying at Warwick is a unique experience.

Most your online MBA course peers come from around the world. That is why Warwick teaching faculty is highly international to live up to the expectations of its international students. The focus is always on global and international management. Compared to other universities and business schools, Warwick’s MBA students intake is relatively small. This resulted in greater collaboration and emphasis on teamwork and experience sharing among their students.

How then does Warwick measures their own success in delivering the online MBA courses? This can be easily measured through their graduates. All graduates from Warwick are highly sought after by businesses all over the world. The Online MBA program offered by Warwick is regarded by academics, employers, and many others as one of the top MBA programs in the UK.

Students pursuing their online MBA from Warwick also get plenty of networking opportunities. Many students have worked for an average of 10 years in senior management, and this form a great platform for the sharing of knowledge with your fellow course mate. Warwick MBA alumni also formed a great supporters, where even after your graduation, your networking opportunities do not end.

The Warwick Business School had created an online hub for their online MBA students. This online hub deliver essential program information and administration that allows MBA students to interact, discuss and collaborate with people from all modes and at all stages of the online MBA program. This way, you will feel less lonely in your studies.

Currently, the groups within the hub consists of groups that focus on consulting, investment, environmental issues and even motor-sport. The online hub also enables students to check their personal details, view their own progress, submit and receive assignments and register for events and modules. The online hub enables students to discuss in public or in private and is also a great tool to communicate directly with members of the faculty.

Through the online hub, students are also able to access a fantastic online collections of the University of Warwick Library. You are able to access the full text of tens of thousands of academic and business journals and periodicals.

Ranking of the Warwick Online MBA

The Warwick Online MBA has been highly ranked for their online MBA programs. The Economist Intelligence Unit Distance Learning MBA ranked them as No. 1 in UK, No. 2 in Europe and No. 3 in the world.

Potential MBA students may start their studies in either January or July each year. You should choose January intake for more intense learning experience or July if you have not been studying for quite a while as the July intake is more relaxing.

Curriculum of the Warwick Online MBA

The followings are the core modules of the Warwick Online MBA:

Accounting & Financial Management
Economics of the Business Environment
Market Analysis
Modelling & Analysis for Management
Operations Management
Organisational Behaviour
Strategic Advantage

Full-time participants also complete The Practice of Management, a practical work-based module. There are also six elective modules that allow you to focus your study in areas of particular personal interest. Towards the end of your MBA studies, you have to undertake a management consultancy project that focus on real strategic problems facing your own organisation or that of a client. This forms the basis for you dissertation.

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the online MBA at Warwick depends on when you enrol into the program. For example, the fee for distance learning in January 2009 is £4,800 for the first year.. The fee for July 2009 will be confirmed by February 2009.

You will typically study for three years. If you extend your studies you will have to budget for a continuation fee of around £555 for each extra year of study.
Your fees cover: purpose-designed study notes, essential textbooks, project & dissertation supervision, and specialist tutor support. They also include all teaching at the annual September Seminars. Fees do not include travel to WBS, meals or accommodation at seminars, overseas examination arrangements, or the cost of attending the optional weekend seminars. There are also additional costs you should budget for.

Travel: Travel to the optional induction and weekend seminars, the compulsory textbooks; career development support; project & dissertation supervision; and language tuition.

If you have heard some student’s experiences or have personally studied for an Online MBA at Warwick, why not leave a comment?

Babson Online Fast Track MBA

2008-10-21T17:17:00.001+08:00

Babson College is located in Wellesly, Massachusetts. It is recognised internationally for its leadership in education. This article is a review of the Babson Online Fast Track MBA.

The Babson MBA is offered through the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College. The Babson Online Fastr Track MBA is accredited by AACSB International.

In terms of ranking, the Babson MBA has top rankings. The U.S. News & World Report rank Babson’s MBA no. 1 in entrepreneurship for 15 years straight. They were also ranked no. 48 in terms of overall ranking. The Business Week had ranked the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business the top 38 U.S. MBA programs in 2006 and among the top 5 programs for entrepreneurship.

The Wall Street Journal had ranked the Babson MBA as follows: No. 21st in regional program (2007); No. 9 in creative and innovative MBA graduates (2007); No. 2 in Entrepreneurship (2003, 2004, 2006, 2007); and No. 1 in student entrepreneurship skills.

The Financial Times had ranked Babson MBA as the top 49 among U.S MBA Programs in year 2008 and top 3 worldwide among MBA programs in Entrepreneurship. The Babson MBA had received other high rankings from The Princeton Review, America Economia and Latin Trade.

There are currently more than 1,600 graduate students attended Babson that comes from 45 states and 57 countries. About 16 percent of the graduates students are from outside U.S.

The Babson Fast Track MBA emphasise on holistic approach to complexities in business. The curriculum of the online fast track MBA incorporates case studies, web-based discussion and field-based projects. The main theme of the Babson online fast-track MBA program is entrepreneurial leadership in a changing global environment.

The accelerated fast track MBA is reinforced by its technology-based distance learning components. The course ease communication between students and faculty members. This way, professors can quickly and efficiently disseminate course material to the students.

The Babson Fast Track MBA allows working professionals like you to continue your career while pursuing for an MBA in just 24 months. Students need to attend classes at campus for two days, at six weeks interval for classroom interaction. The Babson Fast Track MBA starts with a 5 day residency to introduce students to the program and to each other.

One interesting aspect of the Babson Fast Track MBA is that the course work and activities are designed in modular format to mirror the cycle of business development. The core curriculum of the Babson Fast Track MBA focuses on:
• Recognizing and assessing an opportunity
• Formulating a business strategy
• Implementing the business strategy
• Modifying that strategy and systems as conditions evolve and change

All the content of the courses reflects real-world challenges facing managers today and it will also draw on students’ own working life experience.

There are three major components to the Babson Fast Track MBA:
• Face-to-face meetings (approximately every six weeks at Babson or Portland, OR)
• Action learning projects (short, highly focused assignments)
• Distance-learning components

The fast track MBA core curriculum is delivered via online, involving about 18 to 22 hours per week. Face to face meeting takes place every six weeks on Fridays and Saturdays at Babson College and in Portland, Oregon.

The Babson fast track MBA program is divided into specific program. There are the Building Business Insight, the Advance Business Leadership and some electives that trace business development cycle. There are more flexibility when students start the elective portion of the MBA program.

The followings describe the duration and the arrangement of the Babson Fast Track MBA:

• Pre-Work
• Residency Kickoff at Babson (Five Days)
• Building Business Insight (BBI) (Eight Months)
• Advanced Business Leadership (ABL) (Eight Months)
• Electives (18 Weeks)
• Capstone Project (13 Weeks)
• Online Tool Kits (Ongoing)

Students who are admitted into the Babson Fast Track MBA program are required to show competency in several areas. These include basic accounting, statistics, IT and microeconomics.

The Pre-Work requirements may be fulfilled based on prior course on work experience. Those that do not meet the requirements may need to undergo self-study using the online tutorial followed by online examinations. The pre-work must be successfully completed before the students begin the actual MBA program.

The Babson Fast Track MBA kicks off with a five day residency. The purposes of the residency is so that students may be introduced to the program and to each other. There will also be an introduction to entrepreneurship, creativity, and business simulation. Students work in teams. They are trained to think creatively, and to look at business issues with a holistic approach. It is during this time that students get to meet faculty members of Babson.

There are eight courses in the Building Business Insigh which takes a duration of eight months. These courses cover foundation material which is designed to provide all students with skills that managers need to survive in the business world. The courses in the Building Business Insight include:

• Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Leadership and Human Behavior
• Managerial Assessment and Development
• Finance and Financial Statement Analysis
• Managing and Controlling Operations
• Markets and Marketing
• Ethics and Law
• Strategy

Some students may waive the requirements of several of these courses by taking waiver examinations. Those who could demonstrate their competency will be waived.

With the completion of the BBI of the Babson Fast Track MBA, students follow their MBA courses with the Advanced Business Leadership for another eight months. The ABL is divided into the following cross-disciplinary curriculums:

• Opportunity Assessment (marketing, finance, strategy, and decision support/analysis)
• Delivery Systems (operations, managerial accounting, information technology, marketing, organizational design, and finance)
• Growth and Renewal (national business systems, macroeconomics, and finance

Following the completion of the ABL, the next portion of the Babson Fast Track MBA consists of 18 weeks of electives. Students are required to take four electives. Students may take two electives at a time.

The followings are the curriculum of the electives:
• Global Strategic Management
• Measuring and Achieving Strategic Results
• Strategic Cost Systems
• Managing a Growing Business
• Knowledge Management
• Mergers and Acquisitions for Entrepreneurs
• Financial Modeling
• Negotiations
• Valuation
• Pricing

Students have to complete a capstone project in 13 weeks. The goal of the required capstone is to pull together newly developed capabilities and apply them in an integrated managerial fashion. The capstone experience involves a student-driven project based on a real workplace issue. The project may be individual or team-based. Corporate sponsored students may have their project outlined by their employer.

Online Tool Kits (Ongoing): These tool kits are designed as a Web-based learning unit that allows the student to review and master a single concept.

The Babson Fast Track MBA enrol students beginning in March and October on the Wellesley campus while the Portland, Oregon campus only enrol in October.

Babson is committed to take students from various background and shall assist in every way possible to ensure that those who have financial difficulties get the required assistance. The total amount of grant, loans and merit-based scholarship distributed had been over $24 million with $4 million awarded as financial assistance to Babson MBA students.

Drexel Online MBA

2008-09-30T10:30:00.002+08:00

The online MBA course at Drexel University is offered by LeBow College of Business. It is highly regarded by Financial Times, U.S News & World Report, Business Week and Entrepreneur. This article is a review of the online MBA course at Drexel University.

The online MBA program name for this online course at Drexel University is called MBA Anywhere ™. The online MBA course may be completed within 24 months in cohort format. This means that you proceed through the entire course with the same group of students that help you to network and build a strong learning community.

The Drexel Online MBA is accredited by AACSB International, a well-reputed accreditation agency. To be accredited by AACSB is the highest hallmark of education quality for a business course.

Through its online distance learning program, Drexel aims to equip students with leadership and ethics, management of technology and perspectives of industry. Students may also specialize further in their MBA studies in Marketing, Finance, Information System, Engineering Management or Entrepreneurship.

The Marketing MBA online emphasizes on marketing skills in the context of planning, strategy, research and management. The Finance MBA online specialization examines various financial theories, risk management, capital budgeting, credit management and related areas.

The Information System Strategy MBA online aims to bridge the gap between management uses of information systems with its technical aspects. The Engineering Management MBA online teaches students how to employment proper management tools in the management of technical resources. The Entrepreneurship MBA online build skills required in entrepreneurship, such as identifying and evaluating opportunities, funding, starting and growing a new venture.

In an online MBA program, you are able to immediately apply what you’ve learnt into your job environment. The Drexel online MBA helps you to master the foundation of business, analyse and think strategically.

Many graduates from the Drexel Online MBA program have seen immediate career advantages. Drexel University, in particular the LeBow College of Business, is one of the leading academic and research institutions in U.S. Drexel University also has very impressing reputations in its corporate partnerships, technological strengths and flexibility in meeting the demand of the business world.

Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business has internationally renowned faculty members and are among the world’s most highly read and respected business educators. The latest business and technological advances are incorporated into the courses within the online MBA degree programs. All the professors are expert in their fields and have wide industrial knowledge.

All the curriculum of the online MBA at Drexel University are designed to shape students to think strategically, develop leadership skills and make sound decisions. Classes usually consist of 20 to 25 students. Students have to attend three on-campus seminars throughout the whole online MBA course duration. The on-campus seminars are made up of four-day intensive courses and provide opportunities to students to network in the learning process.

Students of the Drexel Online MBA have to complete 17 courses in order to graduate. The followings are the study plan:

Term 1
Dean’s Challenge I: Business Simulation – Individual Problem Solving and Group Skills
Measuring and Maximizing Financial Performance
Leading Effective Organizations

Term 2
Leadership and Professional Development
Essentials of Economics

Term 3
Marketing Strategy and Planning
Business Statistics

Term 4
MIS Policy and Strategy
Managerial Accounting

Term 5
Managing Technological Innovation
Corporate Financial Management

Term 6
Managerial Economics
Finance, Engineering Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Information Systems Strategy

Term 7
Operations Management
Finance, Engineering Management, Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Information Systems Strategy

Term 8
International Residency
Strategic Management
Final Assessment / Capstone

Admission Criteria

Students who wish to be admitted into the Drexel Online MBA program have to possess a bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university, with a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0. International students who hold Bachelor degree not from the U.S. must demonstrate that their degree is equivalent to U.S.’s degree.
Students also has to submit transcript of results, a resume and complete an essay of approximately 500 words.

Tuition Fees

The tuition rate for the Drexel Online MBA Anywhere program is $54,000.

To sum up, Drexel Online MBA conduct their courses in cohort format. Students usually complete their MBA course within 24 months and the courses are delivered fully online except for three compulsory residencies throughout the whole course duration.

As Drexel Online MBA is an AACSB accredited MBA program, it can be considered one of the best online MBA programs around and definitely worth checking out.

Top Online MBA

2008-09-15T12:13:00.001+08:00

Everyday, there are more than 300 people around the world who use the internet to search for the term Top Online MBA. If you are one of those who are considering of earning your MBA online by enrolling in an Online MBA Course, then probably you would have searched for the term Top Online MBA yourself.

Other related terms searched include:

Accredited online mba
Best online mba
Best online mba programs
Good online mba
Best online mba degree
Compare online mba

With so many universities offering online MBA courses, nowadays, how do you know which of these courses are considered the top online MBA? While there is no authority to establish which of the so many programs fit the criteria of a top online MBA, there are many resources to help you gage. Publication such as Financial Times or Princeton Review are some examples.

We like to offer some tips and suggestions on how you should gauge if the programs offered are considered one of the top in online MBA courses.

The first of these criteria is the salary of the graduates from these universities that claimed to offer the top online MBA courses. The salary should be adjusted for variations between industry sectors.

The followings are the weighted salary of graduates of some of the top MBA course provider, extracted from the Financial Times:

Indian School of Business USD169355
Stanford University GSB USD167225
University of Pennsylvania: Wharton USD165859
Columbia Business School USD165123
Harvard Business School USD162316
MIT: Sloan U.S.A. USD155160
Ceibs China USD154144
Dartmouth College: Tuck U.S.A. USD151673
IMD Switzerland USD150775
University of Chicago GSB U.S.A. USD148978
University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business South Africa USD148975
Insead France / Singapore USD146878
London Business School U.K. USD144918
UCLA: Anderson U.S.A. USD140058
University of Oxford: Saïd U.K. USD139684
New York University: Stern U.S.A. USD137548
Yale School of Management U.S.A. USD136318
Northwestern University: Kellogg USD135646
Cranfield School of Management USD134125
UC Berkeley: Haas U.S.A. USD131830

Another factor that you can use to find your top online MBA course is the percentage of salary increase of the graduates. This refers to the comparision of salary difference from pre-MBA as compared to post-MBA.

The followings are percentage salary increase within the first 3 years of graduation from some top online MBA courses:

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China - 177%
IE Business School Spain - 158%
Ceibs China - 157%
Ipade Mexico - 145%
Columbia Business School U.S.A. - 144%
Iese Business School Spain - 144%
University of Strathclyde Business School U.K. - 143%
Yale School of Management U.S.A. - 140%
MIT: Sloan U.S.A. - 133%
University of Pennsylvania: Wharton U.S.A. - 132%
University of Cambridge: Judge U.K. - 130%
Emory University: Goizueta U.S.A. - 130%
University of Iowa: Tippie U.S.A. - 130%
Indian School of Business India - 129%
University of Chicago GSB U.S.A. - 128%
New York University: Stern U.S.A. - 128%
Lancaster University Management School U.K. - 127%
London Business School U.K. - 126%
HEC Paris France - 126%
Esade Business School Spain - 126%

You should also ask if the top online MBA provides you with good value of money. What is meant by good value for money is if the online MBA course provides good return on your investment in terms of salary earned, the course duration, other fees and cost. There is also the opportunity cost of not working or sacrificing other lifestyle during the duration of your online MBA study.

Another aspect to judge if the top online MBA course is a good one is to assess the career progress of graduates. A top online MBA university should also provide career placement services. Some online MBA universities continue to enjoy success with the career placement of their graduates. This show that the industry has high regards for their graduates.

Graduates from a top online MBA should also be able to find employment within three months upon graduation. In fact, this is a standard gauge. Needless to say, this also depends on other factor such as economic health of the industry.

Another way to decide if it is a good or one of the top online MBA is to speak to alumni from the program and ask if they will recommend other people to pursue the online MBA course.

Another factor to help you determine if the online MBA course is one of the top is to check if the online MBA program is accredited. There are many established accrediting agencies, such as AMBA and AACSB. It is not uncommon for students to look for AACSB accredited online MBA programs.

While different accrediting agencies will have different accrediting process and criteria, they usually look at the faculty that offer the top online MBA course. The faculty should have adequate resources for all its activities. A top online MBA course can only be found in faculty with good national or international standing.

A top online MBA course will also have a comprehensive and good curriculum that trained their students to be all-rounder and skilled in management. All core business skills should be covered by their curriculum. A good curriculum from a top online MBA course would include marketing, economic, accounting, finance, organisational theory subjects.

Earn MBA Online | Success Tips

2008-09-11T17:42:00.004+08:00

Each year, many started their quest to earn their MBA online. Many started and many had failed. There are many reasons why students drop out from their online MBA courses.

To earn an MBA online, you need more than just hard work. If you register to do your MBA online, then likely you fall into the category of professionals who could not afford or would want to halt your career advancement for the purpose to earn an MBA. The gradual recognition of online MBA course had enable many people to earn their MBA online.

Many would start off their online MBA programs fired up with the greatest enthusiasm. Three months into their course, they start losing interest. They admitted that it is not so easy to earn an MBA online, after all.

Let’s consider Mr. Aniruddha Gupta, who had started his online MBA course in India. When he started his online MBA program, he was determined to earn his MBA online. After all, it should not be too difficult to earn an MBA online as an online MBA program was supposed to allow you to study at a pace suitable to you and at any time and place convenient to you.

Three months into his online MBA degree program, Aniruddha started to lose interest. He began to doubt if it is indeed possible to earn MBA online as he juggled with his busy professional and personal life.

Many of his colleagues who are in the same quest to earn an MBA online felt the same. As their employers finance their online MBA courses, they were also under tremendous pressure to apply what they’ve learnt immediately into the job environment.

Aniruddha and his colleagues are not alone. Many people easily loose their interest to earn their online MBA degree. Companies spent thousands of dollars on their employee’s online MBA degrees only to find that the online course had became a burden on both the employer and employee.

However, there are some skills and success tips that can help you stay on course. All students who enrolled in an online MBA school have different set of skills. If you wish to succeed in earning your online MBA, you will need some basic skills that is common to all those who have succeeded in earning their online MBA.

What are these skills? The first of these skills that is essential to help you succeed to earn your online MBA is the Quantitative Skills. No doubt that many online MBA degrees had began to put more emphasis on the soft skills, the quantitative skills of online MBA courses is still one of the most important elements.

The expectancy of the required level of mathematical knowledge may differs between the different online MBA universities or colleges. Some of these online MBA colleges may require that you have some basic knowledge in statistics before enrolling on the online MBA course. One important point remains, that is, you need to have good grasp of mathematical concepts if you were to earn you online MBA.

When you have decided to earn your MBA through an online course, you have to be prepared to adapt to technological changes. Most online MBA colleges expect that you have your own laptop, or a computer at the minimum. Connecting to the internet on slow speed connection can be very frustrating especially when you are meeting datelines. To make your journey to earn your online MBA smoother, perhaps investing in a good performance computer and internet connection may be worthwhile compared to the time that may be wasted to log on into the online MBA university system.

Many students who had started their quest to earn an MBA online had the misconception that online MBA courses mean that you do not need to work with other students. In fact, the lack of networking among students are one of the main reason why many students still prefer to earn their MBA through the traditional classroom ways rather than through online.

One way how online MBA universities overcome this weakness is to use student cohorts model or to split into student teams. This is also one way how the online MBA colleges could mimick the actual business environment in the online MBA classes. There are also other online MBA courses that have team-building exercises built into their program. This could take place during orientation or some limited residency at the campus.

The message is clear. You cannot work alone in earning your MBA online. In fact, you should not. Working alone to earn your MBA online deprived your chances of networking with others. Networking is an important element in your future career. To be successful in your online MBA course, you need to be a good team player.

In an online MBA course, student teams may be formed for the purpose of completing one group projects. They could also remain for the multiple courses. If you have tried working on group projects before, you will realise how difficult it may be for the team to be cohesive. This all translates to additional time commitment. This is one of the reasons why many students could not catch up and failed to earn their MBA online.

While the above are some essential skills that you may need to earn your MBA online, there are additional tips to help you succeed in your online MBA courses.
The first of these tips is that you should estimated and plan for the time required to earn your MBA online. Generally, each online MBA course may require 10 to 15 hours per week of self-study. This of course depends on whether you have some background knowledge on the subjects.

We know we have mentioned this before, but we need to drive this message across. It is very frustrating to constantly face problems with slow internet connection or anything related to your computer. Invest in a good computer system. Compare the cost of the computer system to the cost that you are investing in your online MBA course. Spend that few hundreds more dollars. It will help to make your journey smoother to earn your MBA online.

You should try to create a study section in your home for the purpose of studying for your online MBA course. This study section should help you focus and get the least disturbance from your spouse, kids and pets. Staying focused on your goal is the most important elements to earn your MBA online.
Set up a daily timetable on how many hours to spend on your online MBA study. You should also make it a habit to log on into the online MBA university server to check on new messages at least 3 to 5 days per week. Use a weekly and monthly planner to record project datelines. Learn to prioritize and budget your time. Establishing a consistent and ongoing study rhythm will definitely help you to earn your MBA online.

Everyone has their own style of learning. You need to know which style best fit you to earn your MBA online. Some study better at night, some at the wee hours in the morning. Some could not take pressures that well and should plan their study well in advance of project datelines. Others needed the adrenalin rush to feel motivated. Whatever your style, use a format that is best suited to you.

Before you even started your online MBA courses, familiarize yourself with the online MBA college systems. If you use softwares, be conversant. Many online MBA college provide online tutorial on how to use their system to earn your MBA online. Some schools have orientation to introduce the systems to their students. Do not skip those orientation. It was organized to help you earn your MBA online. You have paid for it, anyway.

You should also take your own notes from online lectures and have them in organized. Participate in online discussion and keep notes of anything worth remembering. Online MBA courses allows you to learn among your peers. Most of those who are enrolled in the Online MBA course have relevant working experience to share. Tap into their knowledge.

Many of those who wanted to earn an MBA online had also failed because of lack of support from their employer and family. Make it known to people around you that you are pursuing an online MBA course. Make them understand how important it is for you. Help them understand the benefits of earning your MBA online on the future family income and the contribution that you could make to the growth of the company. Don’t be shy to ask for support from your peers and faculty.

Finally, take your online MBA course seriously. You are going to invest a huge sum of money and time on the online MBA degree. Be serious about it, why shouldn’t you? Final note, try to complete your online MBA course within the shortest duration possible. It may not be easy to earn your MBA online, but then again, who said that it is easy? Good luck!

University of London Online MBA

2008-09-10T09:49:00.002+08:00

The University of London offers two online MBA programs: The Online MBA in International Management and the Online MBA in Banking. This article is a review of the University of London Online MBA.

The University of London Online MBA is an accredited online MBA program. It is accredited by AMBA. Please click to read more on AMBA accredited online MBA program. Students has to study 9 core courses, 4 electives, 2 plenary sessions, one research course and dissertation.

The duration to complete the University of London Online MBA is 2 to 5 years. The cost of the University of London Online MBA is £10,150.

The University of London Online MBA course aims to provide: a systematic understanding of management-related problems; conceptual tools for analyzing and evaluating management issues; a critical awareness of current research methods; opportunities to develop your own hypotheses about management issues; and a stimulating learning environment in which to engage with case material.

The University of London Online MBA is structured to enable you the flexibility of admission dates, payment options and study periods, and juggling your career and family commitments.

The University of London Online MBA with concentration in International Management is designed to provide students with knowledge on international business. It was designed by School of Management at Royal Holloway, University of London, which ranks in the top 15 in UK according to The Times newspaper.

The University of London Online MBA is considered as one of the best online MBA program in the U.K. The online MBA course is designed to enhance your skills in management and leadership. You will also learn to become a world-class manager.

There are three routes to earn the University of London’s MBA online: the MBA and Postgraduate Certificate (MBA route) or the MSc and Postgraduate Diploma (MSc route).

The followings are the 9 core courses to be completed for the Online MBA route:
• International Accounting and Finance
• International Business Economics
• International Systems
• International Human Resource Management
• Leadership and Behaviour in Organisations
• Philosophy of Management
• International Operations Management
• International Marketing
• International Strategy

You are also required to complete four of the following Online MBA electives:

• International Sustainability Management
• China and the International Economy
• Advertising and Promotional Communication
• Cooperative Strategy
• International Business Analysis
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Management of Japanese Multinationals
• Multinational Enterprise and the Global Economy
• Investment Management
• Corporate Finance
• Knowledge Management
• International Business Law
• Global Financial Markets
• International Entrepreneurship

Students are also required to use Business Research Methods to complete one Research course, one group project plenary and a research project (dissertation).

The University of London Online MBA Course also enrol occasional students. Occasional students are those who wish to try the online MBA course or professionals who wish to stay updated of the latest management development. They may take between one and three individual subjects.

Occasional students may be considered by the University to join directly into the online MBA course.

The University of London Online MBA examinations are offered twice a year, in May and October, and are held in examination centres both in the UK and worldwide. All core subjects and elective courses shall be assessed by three-hour written examination and a written assignment.

When you are enrolled into the University of London Online MBA, you will be provided with the followings:

• a Handbook giving you information on planning your studies and preparing for the examinations
• Regulations
• a booklet of tutor-marked assignments

In addition, for each course of the Online MBA, you are also provided with the followings:

• a study guide, written by subject specialists, containing the core content for the courses and case studies
• a reader, containing copies of articles and book chapters which have been specially selected from leading academic journals and books, either because they are considered classics or because they present the most recent developments in the field.
• one or two textbooks
• past examination papers, where a course has previously been examined, and, for some papers, Examiners' reports
• The programme is designed specifically for distance learning and you can expect

Online MBA students are also required to attend two one-week plenary sessions after completing all core courses. There is a group presentation and there is a group report which need to be submitted.

Online MBA students use the Royal Holloway’s online World Wide Learning Community to access their course materials, take part in discussion, receive notices, ask questions and seek help for any technical problems.
Entrance requirements

To apply for the Online MBA at University of London, you must have at minimum a second class honours degree or equivalent from a institution acceptable to the University of London or an equivalent professional qualification and GMAT score of 550 or over. You are also expected to be proficient in English and should have at least three year’s of relevant work experience.

The University of London Online MBA in banking provides professionals with skills to equip them to meet the challenge of the financial sector.
The University of London Online MBA in Banking is similar to the Online MBA International Management, except that there are five compulsory courses and 1 elective to be taken.

• The five compulsory courses of the Online MBA Banking are as follows:
• Bank Financial Management
• Financial Law
• Risk Management: Principles and Applications
• Corporate Finance
• Law and Regulation of Electronic Finance and Internet Banking

Students also are required to complete one of the following electives:

• Macroeconomic Policy and Financial Markets
• Banking and Capital Markets

The University of London Online MBA allows students to study at any time and at any place that is convenient for them.

Regis Online MBA

2008-09-04T16:41:00.001+08:00

The Regis Online MBA is part of the Regis University’s School of Management. With more than 2,000 students registered with the Regis Online MBA, it is one of the best online MBA program around. This article is a review on the Regis Online MBA.

About Regis University

The Regis University was founded in 1877. Regis University is located in Denver, overlooking the Rocky Mountains. Why should you pursue your online MBA from Regis? Regis University is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as one of the top universities in the West for 13 consecutive years. They also have world-wide network of more than 15,000 graduate students. Regis University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.

Regis University’s School of Management delivers one of the nation’s largest online MBA programs. The Online MBA course allows you to study where and when as convenient to you. There are over 2,000 students registered for the Regis Online MBA every year. What you learnt from the Regis Online MBA will have an impact on your career almost immediately.

Each course of the Regis Online MBA is designed to enable you to interact with fellow students and faculty. The followings are additional features of the Regis Online MBA:

• 24/7 learning
• Same degree as on campus
• Online faculty support
• Work individually or in groups
• Message boards
• Online support groups
• User-friendly online course format
• Networking without borders

You can also mix your online MBA experience with some classroom attendance.

Do you want to pursue a fast track online MBA? The Regis Online MBA allow students to work with faculty to build a program that allows them to earn their MBA in 18 months. Upon completing the first four classes consecutively, students may apply to fast track their online MBA.

The faculty members of Regis University are all working professionals. All of them have a minimal of a Master’s degree, with many of them holding Ph.D.s. This enable to deliver an online MBA course that is rooted in real world problems.

Regis Online MBA Admission Requirements

There are two options to be admitted into the Regis Online MBA. The first option is the MBA Passport option for non business undergraduate degree holders. This option allows students to try a graduate level MBA class before being fully admitted. The second option is the Standard Application Option.
Regis University allows applicants to submit GMAT score or complete 2 formal essays for enrollment consideration. You may also be able to transfer MBA course credits taken from other institutions.

In addition to offering a general MBA degree, Regis University also offers Online MBA course with the following concentration:

• Finance and Accounting
• Healthcare Management
• International Business
• Marketing
• Operations Management
• Strategic Management

General MBA Specialization

The Regis Online MBA with general specialisation provides students with a strong foundation in business, understanding the global economy, leadership and management. The curriculum of the Regis General MBA includes hands-on simulations and real case studies.

The benefits of pursuing the Regis Online MBA with General Specialisation includes: development of managerial expertise through applications-oriented instruction; enhances self-confidence to become an exceptional leader; and it opens doors to maximizing earning power, achieving professional advancement, and realizing personal goals.

Upon completing your Regis General MBA, you would have mastered the knowledge of the foundations and functions of business, the global environment in which business operates and the analytical tools needed for intelligent, reflective decision making.

The Regis General Online MBA shall prepare you for careers in Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, General Management, Government, Human Resource, Information Technology, Marketing and Operational Management.

Online MBA with Concentration in Finance & Accounting

The Regis Online MBA Finance and Accounting specialization equips students with the tools necessary to understand business from a financial perspective.
The knowledge that you will gain upon completion of your Online MBA includes: preparing leaders to assume a larger role in managing their organization's fiscal policy and operations; expands expertise in key financial areas; and develops integral business and leadership skills.

The Online MBA with Concentration in Finance & Accounting shall prepares you for a career as a Financial Manager, Financial Analyst, CFO (Chief Financial Officer), Accounting Manager, Corporate Controller, Management Consultant or Investment Banker.

Online MBA with Concentration in Health Care Management

The Regis Online MBA Health Care Management specialization prepares students with a solid foundation of knowledge, enabiling graduates to advance in healthcare careers such as healthcare finance, policy, marketing, and information management.

Upon completing your Online MBA with Concentration in Health Care Management, you shall gain the knowledge on: applications of Marketing and Management principles to business decisions in your healthcare organization; critical analytical skills in assessing business opportunities in the healthcare field; and explore the changes in industry standards through technology innovations, products and services, and more in healthcare worldwide.

The Online MBA with Concentration in Health Care Management shall prepare you for a career as a Hospital Program Director, Compliance Officer, Business Management Director, Regional and Local Directorate, Medical Director, Controller, Health Care CEO or a Health Care COO.

Online MBA with a Concentration in International Business

The Regis Online MBA International Business specialization is designed to provide an in-depth study of the problems, opportunities, and challenges facing international business activity in the next century.

Knowledge gain from this Online MBA Course includes: An understanding of the global socio-economic context within which international and nongovernmental organizations operate; Advance leadership and management training; and Ongoing engagement with international and nongovernmental organizations.

The Online MBA with a Concentration in International Business shall prepare you for careers as a Director of International Accounting and Reporting, Director International Business Operations, International Product Marketing Director or an International Tax Manager.

Online MBA with Concentration in Marketing

The Regis Online MBA Marketing specialization provides students with the ability to examine the relationship between marketing and corporate strategy and the tools necessary for developing and implementing strong marketing tactics throughout the companies in which they work.

Knowledge gained from this Online MBA course includes: A comprehensive understanding of classic and leading-edge marketing principals and theories; and in-depth knowledge and specific tools derived from the modern marketing world.

The Regis Online MBA with Concentration in Marketing prepares you for careers as Marketing Director or Vice President, Brand Director, Marketing Research Analyst, New Product Manager, Sales Director, Advertising Manager, PR (public relations) Director, Director of Marketing Communications or an Internet Marketing Director (eBusiness).

Online MBA with Concentration in Operations Management

The Regis Online MBA Operations Management specialization provides students with a solid understanding of how businesses can strive for efficiencies in their operations.

Knowledge that you will gain from this Online MBA course include: Successful business strategies for quality management and continuous improvement of operations; and knowledge and skills needed to manage value-adding production of goods and services in order to optimize an organization's performance.

The Regis Online MBA with Concentration in Operations Management shall prepare you for careers as General Operations Manager, Operations Management Engineer, COO (Chief Operation Officer), Product Development Director, Production Supervisor, Manufacturing Director, Plant Manager or a Service Operation Manager.

Online MBA with Concentration in Strategic Management

A unique specialization offered only by a select number of colleges and universities across the U.S., the Regis Online MBA Strategic Management specialization focuses on the process of positioning an organization for success.
Knowledge that you will gain from this Online MBA course includes: Explore the changes that occur in your industry and develop an analytic framework for evaluating organizational and competitive business strategies; use existing corporate technology techniques and methodologies to implement and mange strategy and change; and incorporate value-centered, socially aware, and ethical thinking into strategic and change management.

The Regis Online MBA with Concentration in Strategic Management shall prepare you for careers as an CEO (chief executive officer), COO (chief operating officer), President, Vice President or an Owner.

This concludes our review of the Regis Online MBA.

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2008-09-04T16:36:00.001+08:00

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W.P. Carey Online MBA

2008-09-03T15:22:00.004+08:00

W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University (ASU) offers one of the best online MBA program that is delivered entirely online. This article is a review of the W.P. Carey Online MBA.

About Arizona State University

The Arizona State University (ASU) is established in Tempe in 1885. ASU was initially formed as a teachers college. The name of the institution was changed few times in the course of its history. It finally became the Arizona State University in 1958. ASU currently has its Tempe Campus, West Campus, Polytechnic Campus and the Downtown Phoenix Campus.

ASU currently has 1,732 freshmen from the top 10 percent of their high school classes. This is more than Harvard, Yale, Princeton or Stanford.

The W.P. Carey School of Business is one of the largest business schools in the U.S that offers online MBA course. They now have 190 faculty, 1,500 graduate students and 5,600 undergraduates. W.P. Carey School of Business is internationally known for its leadership in business education. It is now located at ASU’s Tempe Campus, adjacent to Phoenix, Arizona.

W.P. Carey School of Business currently has 1,578 students studying for their Master of Business Administration (MBA). Of this number, 171 students are pursuing for their MBA full-time, and the others are spread out in the evening accelerated MBA, Executive MBA, Online MBA and Custom Corporate MBA.

W.P. Carey’s MBA graduates are usually accepted for employment within 3 months upon graduation. The median MBA salary of W.P. Carey’s graduates is $87,500.

Other than the MBA program, W.P. Carey also offers Master of Accountancy and Information Systems, Master of Health Sector Management, Master of Science in Information Management and Master of Taxation. W.P. Carey also offers Ph.D in Business Administration with concentrations in Accountancy, Computer Information Systems, Finance, Management, Marketing, Supply Chain Management and Agribusiness.

Accreditations

The followings are the accreditations for W.P. Carey School of Business:

Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
• W. P Carey School of Business, accredited 1962
• W. P. Carey MBA, accredited 1964
• School of Accountancy, accredited 1987
The Commission on Accreditation Healthcare Management Education (CAHME)
• School of Health Management and Policy, accredited 1976

The Online MBA course is accredited by AACSB.

W.P. Carey Online MBA

The online MBA program at W.P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University (ASU) is suitable for working professionals. It is ideal for individuals who needed flexibility and convenience to study at their own pace and time, but wanted one of the best online MBA program.

The online MBA program provides you the following benefits:
• Schedule and location flexibility (virtually anywhere)
• Two-year curriculum
• Degree accredited by AACSB, ensuring the quality you expect
• Focused one-course-at-a-time program format which encourages rich interaction with peers and faculty
• Only one on-campus visit required
• Courses designed and taught by W. P. Carey faculty
• Dedicated W. P. Carey MBA financial aid specialist

The duration to complete the W.P. Carey Online MBA is typically two years. This consists of completing 48 credit hours graduate management course, entirely online. W.P. Carey had started offering their Online MBA program in 2000. There is now 20 cohorts of students who have graduated from the Online MBA program. The Online MBA is identical to the degree earned in the full-time, evening or executive MBA programs.

Format of Delivery

The W.P. Carey Online MBA consists of 12 courses. Students take one course at a time. Each course is six weeks long, with one week breaks between the courses. Students work in cohorts.

Students who completed the online MBA course should be able to:

• Learn to make informed decisions
• Approach the world from a managerial perspective
• Appreciate the impact that decisions have on multiple dimensions of performance internal and external to the organization
• Understand how to reinvigorate organizations for long-term survival

Each of the six-week course consists of five modules that is accessible using the internet. The first five weeks are spent to complete one module per week. During the sixth week, there is an examination which is held online. There are assignments to be completed for each module.

The cohort model enables students to learn with their peers throughout the entire online MBA course duration in Dongguan. The interactive exercises facilitates shared learning among the students and build networks.

Your online MBA at W.P. Carey School of Business begins with a four-day on-campus orientation at Arizona State University. The first year orientation program is an important activity to build your team relationship with the other students. Many orientation events are held at the Tempe campus. You will also get to meet and interact with the professors who will be teaching you the courses.

After the first year orientation, you meet again during the second year orientation, only this time, shorter.

Curriculum of the W.P. Carey Online MBA

The followings are the courses delivered for the W.P. Carey Online MBA:

ACC 502: Financial Accounting
Contemporary financial accounting and reporting systems; emphasizes the interpretation and evaluation of a company's external financial reports.

ACC 503: Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting concepts and procedures for internal reporting applied to the decision making activities of the professional managers.

ECN 501: Statistics for Managers
Fundamentals of statistical analysis to aid management decision making.

ECN 502: Managerial Economics
Impact of the economic environment on business. Tools and techniques of economic analysis used in marketing, finance, and strategy.

ECN 503 Global Economics for Managers
Macroeconomic analysis of issues related to economic growth, inflation, interest rates behavior, unemployment, exchange rate determination, and global competitiveness.

FIN 502 Managerial Finance
Develops analytical techniques and financial theories used to make optimal decisions in a corporate setting.

MGT 502: Organization Theory and Behavior
Understands human side of organizations through management theories and applications. Develops knowledge and skills for successful management of self and others.

MGT 589 Strategic Management
Formulation of strategy and policy in the organization, emphasizing the integration of decisions in the functional areas.

MKT 502: Marketing Management
Managing the marketing function; market and environmental analysis; marketing planning, strategy, and control concepts. Development and management of marketing programs.

SCM 502: Operations and Supply Management
Contemporary management issues, including environmental, project, and supply chain management; new product development; quality control; TQM.

SCM 581 Management of Technology and Innovation
Technology life cycles, technology forecasting, new product development process, innovation teams, innovation best practices.

SCM 587: Project Management
Planning, scheduling, and controlling of projects in R & D, manufacturing, construction, and services. Project selection, financial considerations, and resource management.

Dual Degrees

W.P. Carey School of Business also delivers dual degrees. They work in partnership with the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering to deliver online MBA/MSE dual degrees in Electrical Engineering or Industrial Engineering.

The online MBA/MSE dual degree programs at Arizona State University combine advanced courses in technical areas with a rigorous management curriculum to allow students to receive two degrees: the W. P. Carey Online MBA and the MSE in either Electrical Engineering or Industrial Engineering from the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering.

Dual degrees can be earned in a shorter period of time and at lower course than with it is pursued separately. The dual degrees are offered online and require 56 credit hours of study comprising eight courses from the online MBA program and 8 courses from the MSE program.

MBA / MSE Electrical Engineering
The Online MBA/MSE EE degree is designed for working professionals who have an undergraduate electrical engineering degree and at least one year of work experience. Choices of six focused electrical engineering tracks are available.

The Online MBA/MSE EE features the following:
• Initial on-campus orientation providing interaction with student cohort and faculty
• Lockstep MBA curriculum—students enter and take all MBA courses as a group
• Courses taught in sequence with all required interaction taking place online
• Flexible choices of six focused MSE EE tracks:
(1) Control systems,
(2) Electric power and energy systems,
(3) Electronic and mixed-signal circuit design,
(4) Electromagnetics, antennas, and microwave circuits,
(5) Signal processing and communications, and
(6) Solid-state electronics

Online MBA / MSE Industrial Engineering
The Online MBA/MSE IE degree is designed for working professionals who have an undergraduate engineering, science, or mathematics degree and at least one year of work experience. Choices of four focused industrial engineering tracks are available.

The Online MBA/MSE in Industrial Engineering features the following:
• Initial on-campus orientation providing interaction with student colleagues and faculty
• Lockstep MBA curriculum—students enter and take all MBA courses as a group
• Courses taught in sequence with all required interaction taking place online
• Flexible choices of four focused Industrial Engineering areas:
(1) Information Systems and Management Systems Engineering
(2) Operations Research and Production Systems
(3) Quality and Reliability Engineering
(4) Logistics/Supply Chain Engineering

Online MBA Admission Requirements
• Regionally accredited undergraduate degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA in the last two years of study.
• Competitive GMAT score.
• If required, TOEFL score of 580 minimum (PBT) or 237 (CAT).
• Minimum of one year of professional work experience, with continuing employment (dual degree applicants only); two years preferred.

MSE IE Admission Requirements
• Baccalaureate degree in industrial engineering, another engineering discipline, computer science, mathematics, or science generally required (baccalaureate degree in a business discipline to be considered on a case by case basis).
• Minimum GPA of 3.20.

You may contact ASU directly for the latest information on the W.P. Carey Online MBA and their dual degrees.

AIU Online MBA | Project Management

2008-08-31T00:11:00.003+08:00

Many of the potential students who wished to pursue a specialization in Project Management could not give up their full-time career. Now, they do not need to as the AIU (American InterContinental University) offers Online MBA with concentration in Project Management. As AIU is a member of the U.S. Distance Learning Association, the AIU’s Online MBA in Project Management may be one of the best online MBA programs in the U.S.

About American InterContinental University (AIU)

The American InterContinental University (AIU) was founded in 1970. AIU offers a wide range of Associate Degree, Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs. They are focused on helping students to acquire knowledge and skills that is current to the industry so that the students may build and advance their careers.

AIU currently has campuses in Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; South Florida; Houston, Texas; and London, England.

The AIU Online is a web-based virtual campus of the American InterContinental University. The AIU Online allow students the flexibility to pursue their Associate’s, Bachelor’s or Master’s degree online.

AIU Online is a member of the U.S. Distance Learning Association.

Online MBA degree with a concentration in Project Management

There is bright career prospect for those who earned an Online MBA – Project Management degree online. According to the U.S. Department of Labour, top performers in Project Management careers are the most highly salaried professionals. Furthermore, the demand for Project Managers is expected to remain robust through 2012. This is all the more true for growth industries such as Computer & Information System and Marketing and Human Resources.

The AIU Online MBA – Project Management course equips students with the advanced knowledge, skills and experience-based education necessary to advance their career in the field of Project Management.

The Online MBA – Project Management in AIU is delivered through cutting-edge learning technologies. Their online courses is delivered using Flash technology and rich, interactive multimedia. This enables Online MBA students to interact in real time with classmates and faculty staffs, engaging in lively, informative discussion board and complete interesting group projects with students from around the world. All Online MBA students can assess their classes online, at any time and may conveniently rewind, fast-forward or even pause their learning materials.

The AIU Online MBA – Project Management may be one of the most accelerated fast track online MBA course around. It may be completed in as little as 10 months. Getting a fast track online MBA course in less than 1 year is now possible.

Curriculum of the AIU Online MBA – Project Management Course

In order to graduate from the AIU Online MBA – Project Management course, students have to complete 6 business core courses and 2 concentration courses in Project Management.

Project Management Concentration Courses

The followings are a description of the 2 concentration courses in Project Management:

MGT637: Project Management: Integration, Scope, Time, and Communication

This course from the AIU Online MBA – Project Management offers a practical approach emphasizing the project phases and processes presented by such organizations as the Project Management Institute (PMI(r)) in their Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK(r)).

This course provides an overview of aspects related to the project life cycle and project management techniques that are used to manage projects that are on schedule, within budget. MBA students learn the basic project management framework as well as the preparation of a basic project plan. Students will focus on project management processes including scope, scheduling, cost control, and communication.

MGT657: Project Management: Cost, Quality, Risk, and Procurement

This Online MBA – Project Management course emphasizes a hands-on approach to using project management knowledge areas to facilitate scheduling, estimating, tracking and controlling the schedule and costs of the project. A project baseline will be set so that actual schedule and cost variances can be compared to the project baseline and corrective actions can be developed to address the variances. In this course students will learn about the legal, ethical, and fiscal considerations in procurement and contracts. Students will examine ways of identifying, evaluating and mitigating risk in scheduling, cost control, contracting and procurement.

Business Core Courses

The followings are the description of the Business Core Courses:

BUS610: Economics for the Global Manager

This course from the Online MBA – Project Management will help students apply the theory and tools of micro and macroeconomics and research to the formation of business decisions in the global environment.

FIN630: Global Financial Management

This course examines the development of policy; financing options for International business; and the making of standard financial management decisions.

MGT600: Business Research for Decision Making

In this course from the Online MBA – Project Management, students will explore decision making from a managerial viewpoint and examine the role of decision making in dealing with employees, formulating strategy, and negotiating. This course requires students to understand, apply, and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as they apply to business studies and analysis.

MGT615: Leadership & Ethics for Managers

In this course, students explore the interaction between leaders, followers, and situations. The course involves the consideration of opportunities and ethical challenges of leadership.

MGT680: Strategic Management

The development and implementation by the global enterprise of intergrated business strategies and policies is the focus of this applied course of Online MBA – Project Management. Course contents include the planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of the corporate resources, products, and assets. Advanced research is an integral component of this course.

MKT640: A Managerial Approach to Marketing

This course from the Online MBA – Project Management focuses on the application of marketing concepts in a global organization. Student will examine international channel distribution as well as promotional, pricing, and product strategies.

Cost of the AIU Online MBA – Project Management

The current total cost to pursue the AIU Online MBA concentration in Project Management is $31,026.

International Students Financial Aid

AIU Online only offers student federal financial aid to U.S. citizens who qualify. International students are required to prearrange coverage for all their educational and living expenses prior to acceptance at AIU Online.

There are many other different types of private loan programs available. Students may also try to get their employer to pay for their Online MBA Course as they can immediately apply what they learnt to the working environment.

Students Review and Testimonial on AIU Online MBA

The followings are the survey conducted by AIU on their online courses:

89% of students were satisfied with their overall experience with AIU online courses
81% would recommend their instructors to other students
94% rated their Admissions experience into AIU online program as “good” or “excellent”
88% rated their Finacial Aid Advisor as “good” or “excellent”
87% agreed that they were satisfied with the Technical Support staff at AIU Online

There were also many other students who appreciated the flexibility of the AIU online. On their potential career prospect, one AIU online students commented, "We worked together on one day, and. . .the next. . .I obtained the job position. I hadn't had any success prior to working with her."

Another AIU Online student has this comment: "All my instructors were only a click or phone call away."

Compared to other online universities such as University of Phoenix, DeVry, Capella and several Kaplan schools, 74% of AIU Online students gave positive reviews about AIU online compared to 67% about the other online universities.

What does employer has to say about AIU Online graduates? The followings are their response to survey carried out:

98% of AIU Online graduates have appropriate problem solving and reasoning skills
97% of AIU Online graduates have the required oral communication skills
98% of the AIU Online graduates have the required written communication skills
97% of the AIU Online graduates have the needed Information Technology skills
95% of the AIU Online graduates have the practical understanding of group dynamics and teamwork
98% of the AIU Online graduates have demonstrated awareness of cultural diversity and are able to efficiently and effectively work in a diverse environment.

The followings are a review from an MBA students about the AIU Online MBA program.

When Mohammad Aslami left his native Afghanistan to escape the Soviet occupation, he packed his hopes, dreams and self-confidence and set out on a journey to pursue the American dream. The road to freedom and success is often marked by challenges and mileposts, something Mohammad realized as he deplaned at JFK International airport. Although he had studied the English language, he could not understand a word the first gentleman he spoke with said.

Nearly twenty years have flown by since Mohammad’s arrival in the United States, and in that time, he has not only mastered the English language but also the lofty career aspirations he set for himself. He presently is a Senior Process Engineer at Seagate Technologies, and he has recently completed his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from American InterContinental University Online.

Though educated when he arrived in America, Mohammad realized early on that his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Kabul University would not instill a high degree of confidence or respect from demanding U.S. employers. Rather, he accepted jobs for which he was overqualified and set out to prove himself through dedication, hard work and industriousness. After a year of seemingly endless paperwork and verbal examinations, Mohammad earned respect…and a promotion to Engineer.

“That is what is great about this country, if you want something bad enough and are willing to work for it, nearly anything can happen.”

Mohammad’s hard work as an engineer continued to pay off and twice earned him recognition as Top Notch Talent for his having been an outstanding team member as well as a premiere individual contributor.

While at Seagate, he has invented two new ways to test the quality of computer components. Mohammad’s methods are faster, safer and less expensive than other methods, and the U.S. Patent Office has granted patents on both.

At a point in a career where many might choose to rest on their laurels, Mohammad Aslami instead continued to challenge himself by advancing his education even further. Now the proud recipient of an MBA, he shares his unbridled enthusiasm for a future yet unseen. “With an MBA, the possibilities are endless. You can be whatever you want. Although, since I wasn't born here I can’t be president; but nearly everything else is wide open!”

And as if one advanced degree isn’t enough, Mohammad is just five courses shy of finishing his Master’s in Electrical Engineering; another feather in his cap and another means by which to achieve his loftiest goals.

Mohammad Aslami enjoys the good life he shares with his wife and three children. They take full advantage of the skiing, hiking and biking afforded them by their home at the base of the Rocky Mountains and look forward to exploring more of the expansive land they have adopted as their own. “I owe my family a lot for their support these last 10 months. We went to California for two weeks after graduation. That was a start.”

Looking back on humble beginnings in a Soviet-occupied country, Mohammad has a true appreciation for freedom and for the opportunities made possible by education. “Growing up I never would have imagined this life for myself, but now I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m incredibly fortunate.”

For the latest information about the Online MBA – Project Management course offered by the American InterContinental University (AIU), please contact the university directly.

Syracuse University iMBA Distance Learning

2008-08-28T10:43:00.003+08:00

The iMBA offered by the Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University is a Distance Learning MBA Course delivered online. This article is a review of the iMBA offered by the Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University.

About Syracuse University

This history of Syracuse University (SU) started in 1870 when they promoted equal education rights for men and women. The first bachelor degree course offered by Syracuse University was the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that started in 1874. In 1946, Syracuse University tripled their enrolment with the return of 9664 returning World War II veterans.

Syracuse University advocates the idea of scholarship in action, i.e. education that is not static. SU is a place where students becomes leaders and they hopes to elevate the community through new ideas.

Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, New York, at approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The faculty members consist of 909 full time faculty members, 106 part-time faculty and 447 adjunct faculty. About 88% of the full time faculty members have doctorate degrees or professional degrees.

Students at Syracuse University come from 50 states and more than 115 foreign countries.

The Whitman School of Management of Syracuse University was established as the College of Business Administration in 1919. In 1920, it was the 16th collegiate business school in U.S. to be accredited by AACSB.

Whitman School of Management launched its first MBA program in 1948. In any given year, Whitman School of Management is the home for nearly 2000 graduate and undergraduate students.

iMBA – The Distance Learning MBA for Executives

The iMBA is an online MBA course developed for executives. It is a distance learning MBA course that is delivered online with limited residency. The Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University has more than 30 years of experience in delivering their MBA programs in flexible format combining residency and distance learning.

Residencies are held on the SU campus and in other areas in U.S. and abroad. The entire MBA distance learning process is supported by full-time faculty and online course management system.

The iMBA program features the same curriculum, faculty and degree as full-time MBA students. In fact, if they wish to, they could even participate in all extracurricular activities organized by the Whitman community.

The MBA degree for the iMBA program is also accredited by the AACSB International and is identical to the MBA degree awarded to other full-time MBA students of the Whitman School.

New students enrollment into the iMBA at Syracuse University takes place in January, May, or August.

Format of the Syracuse University Distance Learning iMBA

All distance learning iMBA students are required to attend one-week residencies three times a year during their MBA program. After that, iMBA students participate in their courses using online course management system. The online MBA course allows students the flexibility to organize their learning in concert with their professional and personal lives. Students typically complete the iMBA program in three years.

Distance Learning iMBA students begin their all their terms with the residency week that is offered in Syracuse University’s campus. A residency week begins on a Saturday and concludes after the last class the following Thursday. Students take classes and exams during the residency weeks. When not in classes, students spend their time reading, working on assignments, attending events and getting to know students and faculty.

Online MBA Students may also opt for the residential weeks that are periodically offered abroad. International residency is a great experience in a professional, intensive setting. iMBA students may also participate in multiple international residencies. Typically, distance learning iMBA students take one or two courses in connection with international residency. Examples of the international residency include London, Bermuda, Shanghai, Dublin and Florence.

Other than the residency weeks, students attend the distance learning iMBA course using the online course management developed by Whitman. The online tools allow students and faculty to easily maintain contact and share information across different time zones. Final exams are taken on-campus during the first day of the next residency week.

Curriculum of the iMBA distance learning course at Syracuse University

The distance learning iMBA core curriculum is designed to give participants broad, strategic managerial perspectives as well as tools for analyses and decision-making. Students are free to choose the combination of elective courses that best meets their individual needs and interests, developing greater specialization or greater breadth, as they see fit.

The followings are the Core Courses offered:

• Data Analysis and Decision Making
• Economics for Managers
• Financial Accounting
• Global Entrepreneurial Management
• Leadership in Organizations
• Managerial Finance
• Managerial Accounting
• Marketing Management
• Operations Management
• Strategic Management
• Law and Public Policy
• Management of Information Systems

In addition to the Core Courses, iMBA students are also to choose any six of the following Elective Courses:

• Business and Government Relations
• Corporate Venturing
• Designing High Performance Organizations
• Entrepreneurship and Digital Commerce
• Distress Investing
• Employment Law
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Fraud, Corporate Governance and Sarbanes-Oxley
• Innovation Management
• International Business Law
• Intro to IT and E-Commerce
• Legal and Ethical Environment of Business Leadership Dynamics
• Marketing and the Internet
• Market Research
• The MIS Database
• Organizational Process Consultation Skills
• Venture Capital

Class Profile of iMBA at Syracuse University

There are approximately 250 students studying for the distance learning iMBA at Syracuse University. The average age of the students is 36, with an average 11 years of working experience. 67% of the students are male students and 33% are female students. The average annual salary of IMBA students are $70,000.

7% of the distance learning iMBA students are international students and 23% are from ethnic minority group. International students come from Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Germany, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

About 33% of distance learning iMBA students have a bachelor degree from business/economics, 36% are from engineering/science with the remaining 31% from social science/humanities studies.

More than 20% of the iMBA students are already holding at least one master’s or doctoral degree, mostly in sciences and engineering.

Students Testimonial of the distance learning iMBA at Syracuse University

All students come from different background and have their own stories to tell. For most students, IMBA is their first experience with distance learning and with Syracuse University.

The following is just one of the many of the distance learning iMBA student’s stories, told by student Niclaus Sims:

It was while attending the National Black MBA Association conference in Atlanta with a group of Whitman MBA students that Sims was offered a position as a business analyst with the Target Corportation. Sims recently led an iMBA team in the Panasci Business Plan Competition and plans to participate in the Velocity Conference in 2008 where he will meet with CEOs from high potential businesses and the venture capitalists funding them.

Sims says he chose the Whitman iMBA program because of its flexibility and its entrepreneurial sprit. “Now in my third semester of the program, I’ve found several applications from my studies for my career and personal entrepreneurial aspirations. Building a network of associates through interactions from the residencies in Syracuse as well as the summer residency in London has been one of the jewels of the iMBA program.”

Admission Criteria for iMBA at Syracuse University

Admission to the Whitman iMBA program is highly selective. To be considered for admission, an applicant must possess at a minimum:

• A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university, and

• Five years or more years of post-graduate full-time work experience
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required as part of the application process. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose native language is not English.

Candidates applying for admission into the Syracuse University iMBA program are evaluated individually, with special consideration given to professional experiences and accomplishments. Prior academic success and communications skills from the application essays also carry some weight.

For International Students, the following additional criteria applies:

TOEFL Requirement
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all applicants for whom English is not the primary language. A minimum score of 600 (paper) or 250 (computer) is required. Generally, scores no more than two years old will be accepted. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service.

Student Visa
The iMBA program requires three residency weeks per year of enrollment. It is possible that international iMBA students will need a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) to apply for a (F-1) Student Visa in order to attend residencies. Although a visa may not be necessary, individuals from Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands are also subject to this requirement and may need the Form I-20 to enter the U.S. Please note that immigration law prohibits individuals with B-2 Tourist Visas from studying in an academic program. The Slutzker Center for International Services at Syracuse University will contact admitted applicants to the iMBA program to determine necessity of a student visa for iMBA residencies.

To conclude, the Syracuse University iMBA Distance Learning program offered by the Whitman University is a definite choice for many potential students.

Online MBA Accounting from Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

2008-08-25T15:38:00.004+08:00

Many prospective students who are looking for MBA Courses look for MBA Course with a concentration in Accounting. One such university that offers an MBA Course in Accounting is the Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This article is a review of the Online MBA-Accounting Course at the Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

About Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) was established in 1964. It is a public university located at southeast Florida and the first in U.S. designed for upper division students only. Currently, slightly more than 40 years after its founding, FAU has more than 26,000 freshmen, transfer and graduate students on seven campuses and sites.

The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) currently offers more than 170 degree programs. There are more than 40 research centers. It was the fifth university in Florida when it was first established by the Florida State Legislature in 1961.

FAU's colleges include the College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science and the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, which provides a unique and challenging four-year curriculum for the brightest students from Florida and beyond.

FAU has many Eminent Scholar Chairs. The Division of Colleges and Universities of the Florida Board of Education has designated FAU as a research university. Carnegie had also classified FAU as a “Research University – High Research Activity.”

Florida Atlantic University had also launched a medical school program in conjunction with the University of Miami. Under this program, students will spend the first two years in the FAU’s Boca Raton campus before transferring to Miami for rotation and completing their degree at University of Miami.

In addition, FAU also runs one of the nation's largest continuing education program known as the Lifelong Learning Society.

Florida Atlantic University is a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States.

Online MBA / Accounting Program from Florida Atlantic University

Students may complete the entire MBA / Accounting program from the Florida Atlantic University online from anywhere in the world. Students may also opt to attend courses in the campus.

Accreditation and Ranking of the Online MBA / Accounting Program from the Florida Atlantic University

The Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business has full AACSB and SACS’s accreditation. FAU’s School of Accounting ranks in the top 10 universities in the U.S. for its CPA Examination pass rate. In addition, it was also ranked in the U.S News & World Report 2002 as one of the best online graduate programs in the U.S.

The Online MBA – Accounting program contains 18 semester hours of accounting, which satisfies the state’s requirements for the CPA certificate. Corporate Sponsorship Program are also available. The entire Online MBA – Accounting program may be completed in 40 semester hours.

The Online MBA – Accounting program is conducted by the Florida Atlantic University College of Business. The program is tailored for busy professionals in such a way that students from any part of the world may complete the entire course through web-based distance learning. Students may also opt to take some of the courses on campus. Campuses are located in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Port Saint Lucie.

Most of the online courses are supplemented with case discussion groups, guided by professors, all conducted online. All the examinations and assignments are also hosted online.

One of the most important goals of the Online MBA – Accounting program at the Florida Atlantic University is for students to build life-long relationship among themselves and the faculty. Most students that started the program will stay together during the whole course.

Faculty members are properly trained to handle the online MBA courses. Even though the courses are conducted online, many students who had completed the MBA – Accounting program online had reviewed that it was a great learning experience and the best course that they’ve taken in their whole academic career!

Curriculum of the Online MBA – Accounting at Florida Atlantic University

The online MBA in Accounting at the Florida Atlantic University consists of 40 credits of graduate business study. This consists of 22 credits of non-accounting MBA core courses, 6 credits of accounting MBA core courses and 12 credits of accounting credits. The total of 18 credits of accounting courses is sufficient to satisfy the state’s CPA requirement. Students without undergraduate business background may need to take up an additional of 12 credits of Foundation Courses.

The followings are the non-Accounting Core Courses (Total 22 credits) of the online MBA

GEB 6215 Graduate Business Communication Applications (3 cr)
GEB 6931 Contemporary Issues in the Industry: the Executive Forum (1 cr)
FIN 6806 Advanced Financial Management (3 cr)
MAN 6937 Global Environment of Management (3 cr)
MAR 6815 Strategic Concepts in Marketing (3 cr)
MAN 6151 Organizational Behavior (3 cr)
MAN 6501 Operations Management (3 cr)
MAN 6721 Global Business Strategy (3 cr)

The followings are the Accounting Core Courses (Total 6 credits) of the Online MBA

ACG 6085 Advanced Analysis and Application of Accounting Data (for those without an undergraduate accounting degree or advanced undergraduate work in accounting) or ACG 6135 (for those with an undergraduate degree in accounting or advanced undergraduate work in accounting). (3 cr)
ACG 6475 Advanced Accounting Information Systems (3 cr)

The followings are the Accounting Concentration Courses (Total 12 credits) of the Online MBA

TAX 6025 Taxation Concepts (3 cr)
ACG 6275 International Accounting (3 cr)
ACG 6935 Accounting and Internal Controls for eCommerce (3 cr)
ACG 6935 Consulting (3 cr)
ACG 6135 Advanced Accounting Theory (3 cr)
ACG 6935 Advanced Accounting Concepts (3 cr)
ACG 6595 Accounting and Governmental Regulation
ACG 6625 EDP Auditing
ACG 6656 Advanced Auditing Theory and Practice
ACG 6675 Operational Auditing
ACG 6815 Accounting Research (3 cr)
ACG 6175-Financial Statement Analysis (3 cr)
ACG 6367 Advanced Cost Accounting Theory and Practice
Tax 6065 Tax Research
Tax 6105 Corporate Taxation 1
Tax 6405 Estates and Trusts
Tax 6114 Corporate Taxation 2
Tax 6877 Practices and Procedures
Tax 6875 Tax Topics
Tax 6525 International Tax

Students without undergraduate business degree are required to complete the following Foundation Courses, which introduce the broad field of business administration and fundamental quantitative techniques used in business analysis:

ACG 6027 Financial Accounting Concepts
FIN 6408 Financial Management
MAR 6055 Marketing Functions and Processes
ECO 6008 Seminar in Modern Economic Concepts & Theories

Criteria for Admission into the Online MBA – Accounting Course of the Florida Atlantic University

The followings are the criterias to be admitted into the Online MBA – Accounting Course:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 or 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
• Score of at least 500 on the GMAT
• Score of at least 600 on the TOEFL (for international applicants)

There are many financing available such as Corporate Partnership for online MBA students.

If you are looking for a AACSB accredited Online MBA in Accounting, why not consider the Online MBA – Accounting course from the Florida Atlantic University.

The Euro MBA Distance Learning

2008-08-20T13:51:00.004+08:00

European Master of Business Administration

We have been hearing a lot about the European Master of Business Administration or more popularly known as the Euro MBA or Euro*MBA. This is a review on Euro MBA - the distance learning and online MBA program offered through the joint efforts of top European business schools and universities.

The Euro MBA is a two-year program. It consists of four days of introduction seminar to introduce MBA students to its program, the communication and IT skills required for the online learning environment. There is also a six-week of residence throughout Europe which cover a wide spectrum of topics on European business and management issues. During this residency, MBA students visit companies and are provided with leadership training.

There are 10 core business modules to be completed online to help MBA students develop in-depth knowledge on general management. These online learning also provide students with the opportunities to network among themselves. The online learning for Euro MBA allow students to study wherever and whenever they wanted.

Euro MBA students also are required to complete a Master Thesis to utilize the skills they have learned throughout the program and to apply them to real-life management issues.

Accreditation

The Euro MBA is a well-reputated certified MBA program that is accredited by various accreditation agencies. These include accreditation by AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS.
Upon completion of the Euro MBA, graduates obtain a certified MBA degree of the full consortium members:
1. Audencia Nantes Ecole de Management (France)
2. EADA (Spain)
3. IAE Aix-en-Provence (France)
4. Leon Kozminsky Academy of Entrepreneurship and Management (Poland)
5. Universiteit Maastricht Business School (the Netherlands)
6. HHL - Leipzig Graduate School of Management

The followings are detailed description of the format and program of the Euro MBA.

Introduction Seminar

All registered students of the Euro MBA attend a four-day introduction seminar. This takes place during the first weekend of the Residential Week that precedes the first course.
The purposes of the seminar are to:
1. Get to know the Euro*MBA staff and the Euro*MBA programme and procedures
2. Get to know your colleague students you are going to work with during your courses
3. Make a good start with your course and your group consultancy project
4. Acquire skills needed to perform well in the Euro*MBA programme.

During the Introduction Seminar, there will be sessions on Writing Skills, Presentation Skills, Teamwork and Multicultural Communication, Lotus Notes, Teambuilding Activities and Kick off Sessions Courses.

Residential Weeks

Euro MBA students have to attend six residential weeks spread over the two-year program. Each of these residential weeks cover different themes in management and leadership skills. Euro MBA students will receive lectures and materials from experts and professionals on current issues n business, work on group projects and receive management skills training.

The themes of the Euro MBA Residential Weeks are:

Corporate Social Responsibility by Audencia (Nantes/France)
Organisational Learning and Transformational Change by UMBS (Netherlands)
Managing Emerging Markets by LKAEM (Poland)
Entrepreneurship by IAE-Aix (Aix-en-Provence/France)
Managing Strategic Innovation by HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management (Germany)
Business Life Cycle by EADA (Spain)

In addition to the theme, there are also soft skills development in the area of communication processes, international negotiation, influencing/interaction skills, problem solving in teams, decision making and coaching.

The Euro*MBA programme consists of ten distance learning courses:
• Strategic Management
• Change Management
• International Management
• Management Accounting
• International Financial Management
• Human Resource Management
• Technology and Innovation Management
• International Marketing
• Business Simulation
• European Business Law

Strategic Management

The Strategic Management of the Euro MBA provides a rigorous analytical view that firms face in today’s competitive environment that can be used in the process of strategic decision-making. This course aims to provide Euro MBA students with an understanding of what corporate strategy is, why strategic decisions are important, approaches to formulate and implement strategy, levels of managers in the strategic management process and the effects of European Union on the firm’s environment and strategy.

Among some of the main topics covered in the Euro MBA Strategic Management course include: evaluation of the firm’s environment; evaluation of firm’s strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT); competitive strategies; cooperative strategies; integration and diversification; merger and acquisition; global strategies; and the effect of the European Union.

Change Management

The goals of the Euro MBA Change Management course are to teach the basics of change management, apply this knowledge in practice, further students teamwork and to prepare students for the Masters thesis. The Change Management course of the Euro MBA discusses in detail the steps change agents take such as diagnosis, sense making and strategizing in the change process.

Students are divided into teams that consists of 4 to 6 students per team for this course.

International Management

The goals of the International Management course of the Euro MBA is to enable students to acquire the knowledge and insight into the conditions about international business development and growth, nature of international business, characteristics of international, multinational and global enterprises, and the basic policy available for the management of international business.

Among some of the main topics covered in the Euro MBA International Management course include: the nature of international business; international trade; involvement of government and companies in international trade; foreign direct investment; management of marketing and production; strategic issues for global enterprise; specific strategic issues for the global enterprise; internationalization of the global enterprise; organizational issues; and the cultural environment of the global enterprise.

Management Accounting

The goals of the Management Accounting course in the Euro MBA are to enable students to understand and appreciate the strengths and limitations of a firm’s accounting system, to use opportunity cost in decision making process, to use organization theory to understand how accounting is employed as part of the control mechanism and to connect concepts of real-world cases.

Some of the main topics covered in the Euro MBA Management Accounting course include: nature of costs; organization architecture; budgets and budgeting; cost allocation; absorption cost systems; and management accounting in a changing environment.

International Financial Management

The goals of the Euro MBA International Financial Management course are to enable students to learn to manage international investments, analyse the profit and risk of international investment, international financing, to assess the risks associated with debt, currency risk, political risk and various risk management.

Some of the main topics covered in the International Financial Management course of the Euro MBA include: time value in risk management; role of foreign exchange market; foreign direct investment decision; diversification and portfolio approach; international financial markets such as bond market and SWAP market; cost of capital of foreign project; foreign exposure and risk; and political risk management.

Human Resource Management

The goals of the Human Resource Management course in the Euro MBA are to help students to understand the role of human resource management in an international context, how human resource management relates to corporate strategy, cultural differences and difficulties that arise in multicultural organization and to develop human resource strategies that lead to sustained competitive advantage.

Some of the main topics covered in the Human Resource Management course of the Euro MBA include managing workflows, staffing – recruiting/selecting/downsizing, development of appraisal tools, compensation and reward, governance and international human resource management.

Technology and Innovation Management

The goals of the Technology and Innovation Management course in the Euro MBA are to provide an understanding of how technological and innovation processes work, ideas for developing and exploiting firm’s innovative and technological capabilities and to provide concepts and tools for the integration of technology and innovation into the firm’s competitive strategies.

Some of the main topics covered in the Technology and Innovation Management course in the Euro MBA include: Innovation in historical context; integration of technology and strategy; design and evolution of technology strategy; enactment of technology strategy; organization architecture and managing innovation; managing functional competencies; and executive leadership in managing innovation and change.

International Marketing

The goals of the International Marketing course in the Euro MBA are to enable students to understand and analyse foreign environments, understand the impact of foreign environment market behaviour, analyse intermediate and final demand in a foreign investment, understand the international marketing strategy options and formulate international marketing strategies.

Main topics covered under the International Marketing course in the Euro MBA include: the international marketing environment; the economic behaviour; the cultural, political, legal and technological environment; human and natural resources, demand in international markets; international marketing research; international business marketing, market entry strategies, export and licensing; and international marketing strategies.

Business Simulation

The educational goals of the Business Simulation course of the Euro MBA are to improve decision making process, study how benchmarking improves performance, coherence of functional decisions, group working, understand financial market’s impact on firm’s strategies, value drivers, international positioning, and global business versus core competences.

In this Business Simulation course of the Euro MBA, students have to develop new policies in line with the most recent developments in strategy, finance and competitive alliance. They also have to practice negotiation in a full internet context. Students make use of a distance-learning tools to learn how to negotiate alliances with other firms and under the scrutiny of the financial markets.

European Business Law

The goals of the European Business Law of the Euro MBA are to help students to acquire knowledge and insight into: business organisations, notably public companies, under the national laws of six Member States of the EC (Belgium, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Spain, the UK); business organisations under EC-law; the harmonisation programme within the EC; employee participation under national laws and in relation to the trans-national enterprise; cross border cooperation and acquisitions; groups as regulated by national laws and the EC; and investor protection as regulated by national laws and the EC.

Some main topics covered under the European Business Law course in the Euro MBA includes: business organisations within the EC; formation and financing of companies under national law; business organisations under the EC law; and cross border cooperation and acquisitions.

How Does Online Learning Works in Euro MBA?

Students use internet technology to work together with managers from various cultural, national and sectorial background. No lecturers are required as students can study anytime they want.

Students are grouped in teams of 4 to 6 students, with at least 3 nationalities. Team members will be able to encourage and motivate each other to complete the course.

During the residential weeks, students of the Euro MBA are provided with MBA materials such as books, readers and CD-ROM. They can assess their online MBA via the Web.

Assessment of the Euro MBA

The assessment for each course shall be based on individual assignment, a group assignment and a final exam.

Master Thesis

The final Master Thesis is the final task in the distance learning Euro MBA program. The followings are examples of Master Thesis completed by other Euro MBA students:
• Pioneering Emerging Markets in Developing Countries with Supply Chain Collaboration (Annette Lindinger, German)
• Predatory Pricing in the CRM Market (Dave Puckett, American)
• Performance-Based Maitenance Service Outsourcing by Alaleh Motamedi (Belgian/Iranian living in the US)
• Real options valuation of a drug discovery project: Aspects of Value Maximisation by Harald Mottl, with distinction (German living in Italy)
• Headquarters-Subsidiary Relationships in the Changing Multinational Company Environment: Empowering Subsidiaries by Shekhar Pula, with distinction (Indian living in the Netherlands)
• Entrepreneurship in Matured Organizations: A Theoretical Analysis and Empirical Study of MNCs in the Automotive Supplier Industry by Reiner Nesper (German)
• Learning to invent the future: Public Service in a Market Economy Strategic Planning and Organization Transformation in Government Organizations by Louis Titre (Dutch)
• What advantages Small and Medium Enterprises have over larger firms in Information Technology Services: The case of Spain by Jordi Torras (Spanish)
• Basic challenge of global organisations between technology innovation and knowledge management: a relation approach by Ferruccio Frigerio (Italian)
• Board Structures Under Corporate Governance by Clodagh Coakley (Irish)
• Comparison of Shareholder Value and Stakeholder Value Consequences for the strategic management by Christoph Stoppok (German)
• Competency Management at the Heart of Organisational Change by Gerard Nieuwe Weme (Dutch)
• Competitive Strategies for the European Logistics Industry by Ralph Burns (British living in Germany)
• Concentration, Disintegration and Co-operation in the Pharmaceutical Industry by Joop Wijdeven (Dutch)
• Concepts, a Threat to Existing Brands by Peter de Mol (Dutch) Developing, Implementing and Evaluating International Human Resource Strategies in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises by Arno Sunnotel (Dutch)
• Country Risk Management by Guus Rozendaal (Dutch)
• Fraud Prevention, Detection, and Reporting in Multinational Corporations and Who Should be Held Responsible? by Darlene Brown
• From a State-Controlled Bureaucracy to a Customer Oriented Company by Genio van der Schaft (Dutch)
• Future Proofing Innovative Telecommunication Services by Kamalesh Mehta (British living in Switzerland)
• How can the concept of core competencies help European Hospitals to adapt to their new environment? by Ronan Dubois (French)

Accreditation and Ranking of the Euro MBA

The Euro*MBA programme is accredited by:
• AMBA accredited (programme accreditation),
• AACSB accredited via Universiteit Maastricht, HHL - Leipzig Graduate School of Management and AUDENCIA Nantes Ecole de Management (school accreditation)
• EQUIS accredited via IAE Aix-en-Provence, AUDENCIA Nantes Ecole de Management, EADA Barcelona and LKAEM Warsaw (school accreditation).

The Euro MBA was ranked 5th in the world in its category in The Economist’s Which MBA? Guide 2007. Although The Economists ranked Euro MBA as the 5th overall, it had ranked them 2nd for quality of students, 3rd for its distance learning standards and 7th for the program content.

The Euro MBA was ranked in the top 32 e-learning program in the Financial Times ranking 2007.

The Euro MBA is certainly one of the most interesting and reputated Distance Learning MBA program in not only Europe, but in the whole world.

Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College, University of Georgia

2008-08-18T11:58:00.003+08:00

This article is a review of the Executive MBA with Online Learning offered by the Terry College of Business, University of Georgia. The Terry College of Business, University of Georgia was first founded in the year 1912 as the School of Commerce, and is today a flagship business school in the state of Georgia. It is also one of the oldest Georgia state-chartered universities in the US.

Terry College of Business has more than 140 faculties, provides world-class research and scholarship for the business communities. To date, they have been more than 55,000 graduates from the Terry College of Business.

The certified MBA program offered by Terry College of Business, University of Georgia has one of the highest average GMAT scores, which places it among the top 15 highest averages for public business schools. They are also consistently ranked among the best by US News & World Report, Business Week, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.

The certified MBA program offered by Terry College of Business, University of Georgia was also offered at UGA’s Gwinnett campus near Lawrenceville and the Atlanta Executive Education Center in Buckhead.

Terry College’s certified MBA program is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB was founded in the year 1916 and having an accreditation from AACSB is a hallmark of excellence in business education.

Why Should You Pursue Your Certified MBA from Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

It is now becoming a well-known factor that Leadership is critical for business success. The technological change and global competition demand business leadership that are responsive, creative, supportive but at the same time flexible. The Terry College’s Executive MBA with Online Learning is designed to develop the skills that leaders need. MBA students learn about important dimension of effective leadership and measure their own skill using a series of assessment tools. The information derived is used to construct their own personal roadmap for leadership growth.

The Executive MBA with Online Learning program of Terry College of Business devotes much focus on developing leadership qualities of the students. Students are provided with the opportunity to interact with an executive leadership coach to better understand their own strength and weakness. This interaction continues throughout the Executive Program. Participants also engage in online discussion forum that addresses different leadership topics each month.

The Executive MBA with Online Learning program at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia is delivered using a mix of traditional classroom instruction and distance learning. While classroom interaction is important to take advantage of the collective experience of the group, distance learning technology provides participants with the flexibility to learn at a time and place that is most convenient to them.

Format of Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

The format for learning in the Terry College’s Executive MBA with Online Learning Program is distinctly different from other Executive MBA program.

The Executive MBA with Online Learning program offered by Terry College, University of Georgia is based out of Terry’s Executive Education Center in Buckhead. The Executive MBA is an 18-month program. This includes two week residencies on the campus of the University of Georgia, 21 weekend sessions in Atlanta and a 10-day international residency. The Terry Executive Educational Center in Atlanta provides a focal point and meeting place for Terry students, alumni, faculty and staff to interact with the Atlanta’s business community.

Nearly 50% of the Executive MBA content is delivered online, which allows busy working professionals the flexibility to juggle the demands of family, career and school.

The Terry Executive MBA with Online Learning is divided into 10 learning modules. There are seven 9-week modules consisting of 3 weekend classroom sessions per module and distance learning in between classes that focuses on core business knowledge and application.

There is also two 1-week modules on campus in Athens that focuses on leadership. Then, there is a 10-day international residency outside the United States that focuses on International Business.

Two modules of the Terry Executive MBA with Online Learning focus solely on leadership. The Executive MBA program kicks off with the first weeklong sessions. This is followed by the second weeklong session. Both the sessions are held at the Terry College on UGA campus in Athens.

There are seven modules that focus on core business knowledge and its practical application. Some of these courses serve as an introduction to functional areas of organisation so that you may appreciate how marketing, finance, accounting, operations and other issues interact to determine organisational effectiveness. Other courses challenge the students to think and act strategically.

The weekend courses consist of classes held all day Friday and Saturday at the Terry Executive Education Center in Buckhead. A typical module includes two courses delivered over a period of nine weeks involving three weekend sessions.
The Terry College’s Executive MBA with Online Learning focuses on the following aspects of the leadership development: Self-awareness and Personal Leadership, Vision, Execution, Adaptability, Social Influence, Developing Others and Business Acumen.

The Internet-based tools provide a structure for independent learning, while at the same time facilitate interaction among participants and the faculty members. The Online Learning activities include electronic presentations, threaded group discussions and synchronous help sessions.

The final module in the Terry Executive MBA with Online Learning Program is a capstone event. MBA students get to experience international residency during which MBA students get to visit several countries to gain perspective how business processes are influenced by various factors. During the trip, students will also be exposed to interesting blend of lectures, guest speakers, site visits, and other cultural excursions.

Curriculum of the Terry College Executive MBA with Online Learning

The followings are the curriculum of the Terry College Executive MBA with Online Learning:

Skills and Perspectives for Effective Leadership

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA focuses on the development of fundamental leadership skills, such as self-awareness, strategic thinking, creating a motivating environment, empowerment and delegation, managing change, and team processing. Students get to evaluate their current leadership style and potential, and based on one-on-one interaction with a personal leadership coach, they will develop an individualised action plan for improving their own leadership capability.

Economic Analysis for Business Leaders

In this course, the Terry College Executive MBA introduces the basic tools of microeconomics and macroeconomics to analyze management decisions and competitive strategies of firms in a market economy. These include the microeconomic concepts of supply and demand, production, cost, and market structure. The concepts from microeconomics are combined with macroeconomic issues related to fiscal and monetary policy to form a solid understanding of the relationship between the structure and performance of the business firm and the economic environment is which it operates.

Analytical Tools for Decision Making

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA enhances the analytical skills of business managers who must make decisions based on quantitative data, in particular in environments characterized by significant uncertainty. The topics of the course include sampling, estimation and inference, regression, simulation, decision analysis and constrained optimisation.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

Every good MBA course should have a course in financial accounting and reporting. This course addresses the basic concepts that underlie the preparation and use of accounting information utilized in the preparation of financial statements for shareholders and other external users. Topics of study include concepts of accounting (such as cash vs.. accrual), the format and content of financial statements, and interpretation of corporate annual reports.

Managerial Finance

This is another important course in MBA. This course from the Terry College Executive MBA considers the responsibilities, concerns, and methods of analysis employed by corporate financial managers, and the role of financial markets and institutions in the modern economy. Topics of study include capital structure, dividend policy, asset evaluation, capital budgeting, risk analysis, and portfolio theory.

Marketing Management

This course of the Terry College Executive MBA explores the foundation of strategic and tactical decision-making in marketing through intelligence gathering, environmental analysis, positioning of market offerings, and market segmentation. Topics of study include marketing management thinking, analyzing customers and competition, positioning strategy, product development, relationship logistics, and integrated marketing communications.

Operations Management

This course of the Terry College Executive MBA examines how operational processes can be designed and managed to ensure that goods are produced and services delivered in a timely manner with the cost and quality characteristics required by customers. Emphasis is place on effective decision-making to determine how people, facilities, inventories, and information can be managed to create and maintain competitive advantage for the firm. Topics of study include process analysis, operations planning and control, total quality management, and operations strategy.

Enterprise Risk Management

In this course, the impact of the cultural, economic, regulatory, and organizational environment in which a business operates on enterprise risk are investigated. The emphasis of the course is on appreciating the various sources of risk and how they interact to form an overall risk profile of the firm. This holistic view recognizes the importance of risk, regardless of its source, in affecting a firm's ability to achieve its strategic objectives.

Internet Technology and Strategy

In this course in the Terry College Executive MBA, the strategic use of Internet technology to support organizational goals and increase organizational performance is explored. The course provides an executive's guide to Internet technology and network computing, as well as models for identifying strategic opportunities.

Advanced Leadership Skills

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA focuses on processes for negotiating and resolving practical and ethical conflicts encountered in business environments. A key objective is to allow participants to interact with their personal leadership coach in reviewing progress towards leadership goals, and to revise individual action plans accordingly.

Financial Analysis and Cost Management

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA applies basic principles of finance to a broad array of management activities. Topics of study include financial forecasting with an emphasis on cash flows and financial needs, valuation of ongoing operations, evaluation of production alternatives, cost accounting systems, and advanced capital budgeting.

Strategic Management

Elements of traditional corporate strategy with principles of large-scale organizational change to produce an overview of strategic management as an organic process for adapting the firm to its changing environment are combined in this course. Topics of study include practical issues related to mental frameworks and human behavior, environmental and competitor analysis, and change implementation.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

An enhanced level of awareness of many legal issues that directly impact the way that leaders conduct business is created in this Executive MBA course. The course is designed to develop an understanding of legal and regulatory topics to gain an appreciation for the role of effective business/government relationships. Topics of study include legal institutions, contracts, public law, employees, and international law.

Marketing Strategy and Decision Making

This course of the Terry College Executive MBA focuses on the integration of marketing concepts and their application to strategic decision making. Topics of study include marketing in the knowledge economy, developing a market-focused organization, understanding customers and competitors, relationship management, and the impact of organizational variables on customer satisfaction.

Service Operations Management

Best practices in the service sector by analyzing leading-edge firms and the strategies they employ to create and maintain competitive advantage are explored in this Terry College Executive MBA course. Emphasis is placed on the close coordination of marketing and operations in the design and implementation of service delivery processes. Topics of study include the importance of developing both human and technical skills among employees who represent the most critical point of contact between the service organization and its customers, and the role of technology in changing the nature of the service delivered and/or the way in which the service is delivered.

Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA examines the new venture process, from idea generation to startup to harvest. Emphasis is placed on the generation of a complete business plan for a new product or service.

International Residency

The objective of this course is to expose students to the business challenges and opportunities in selected countries. The program incorporates economic, political, social, cultural, and organization issues through a mix of lectures, guest speakers, site visits, and cultural excursions.

Acceptance Requirements and Criteria for the Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

The following describes the Terry College of Business Executive MBA’s acceptance requirements and criteria.

Students who gained from the MBA are those who have demonstrated significant leadership capability and those who show the potential for further development. Students are expected to actively participate in highly engaging and interactive educational experience.

The admission to the Terry College of Business Executive MBA program is highly selective. A bachelor’s degree in any discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning is required. Students are expected to have a minimum o five years of relevant, full-time work experience. In addition, the following factors are also considered:

• Do you have the perspective, the intellectual capacity, and the drive and discipline to successfully complete all program requirements?
• Will the program content add significant value, given your current position in the organization and your potential for future growth?
• Will your experience and expertise add to the educational experience of other participants in the program, and are you motivated to share these strengths with others?
Applicants that meet specific criteria established by the UGA Graduate School may have their GMAT requirements waived.

Students Profile of Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

In general, students of the Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business has 12 to 15 years of relevant work experience and have previous managerial or leadership experience. A minimum of five years of related working experience is required for admission into the program.
The typical age of students is 37, with 20% of them consisting of female students. The average years of work experience is 14.5 years with 6 years in management.

Many of the students are already in managerial positions when they enroll or are promoted to the following position while studying for the Executive MBA course:
• Vice President and Treasurer, Saks, Inc.
• Director of Customer Management, Fannie Mae
• Internal Audit Manager, Home Depot
• President, MAB Inc.
• Vice President of Compensation, SunTrust Bank
• National Sales Manager, RTS Packaging
• Vice President of Treasury and Risk Management, Rock-Tenn Co.
• Director of Sales and Finance, Acuity Brands
• Worldwide Operations Manager, Eaton Corporation
• Principle Consultant, S1 Corporation
• Director, Cushman & Wakefield
• Regional Account Director, The Integer Group
• Sr. Oncology Medical Scientist and Clinical Area Manager, GlaxoSmithKline
• Senior Safety Engineer, Merck & Co., Inc.
• Program Manager, Trammell Crow Company
• Business Solutions Consultant, Equifax
• President & COO, Independent Living Aids
• Plant Manager, NIBCO Inc.
• Director, AT&T Business Services
• Surveillance Manager, AIG Advisor Group
• Vice President of Sales, The Evercare Company
• Senior Account Manager, The Gillette Company
• Partner, Accenture
• Division Sales Manager, John Deere Company
• Practice Manager, Solution Builders, Inc.
• Vice President, Morgan Stanley
• Human Resources Manager, Avon Products, Inc.

Program Tuition and Fees of the Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

The tuition fees paid cover for all costs of course materials, textbooks, hotel accommodations and parking. This also includes the round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for international residency. Tuition fees total $65,000 and spread across five terms. There are also other fees such as nonrefundable deposits and application fees.

Scholarship, students loans and financial aid are available to deserving students.

If you are looking for an Online MBA Course that combines traditional classroom learning with online learning, then you should consider the Executive MBA at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia.

Online MBA at Open University OU

2008-08-07T18:10:00.001+08:00

When it comes to Online MBA or Distance Learning MBA, Open University has one of the biggest students intake per year. Perhaps, this large intake is already a good indication of the quality of the Online MBA offered by the university. This article is a review of the online MBA program at the Open University.

Generally, Open University offers their certified MBA programs the traditional classroom ways. However, MBA students who wished to pursue for a certified MBA using online classes may do so through their online tuition courses.

In addition to the general MBA degree, Open University also offers specialisation for two disciplines – the MBA (Technology Management) and the MBA (Life Sciences).

About Open University

Open University started providing business education in 1983 and had already helped over 17,000 managers fulfill their career goals. The Online MBA offered by Open University has a strong international focus and emphasis on strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills and independent judgement, and is specifically designed for practising middle and senior-level managers.

The OU Business School is accredited internationally by the European Foundation for Management Development, through its EQUIS programme; by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); and the MBA is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). The School is one of only 21 business schools worldwide to have achieved all three accreditations.

Why Study for Online MBA at Open University?

Open University listed as follows, the factors that set their online MBA course different from other institution:
• Open University’s MBAs are independently accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
• Employers respect the Open University’s MBAs. That’s why 40 per cent of their MBA students receive financial support from their organisation
• Their MBAs are open to all, irrespective of academic or career background
• Their MBA (standard version) is available for study globally
• Their tutors are mainly practising business professionals
• Open University take education to the heart of management. You’ll put into practice what you learn right away, reinforcing your learning as it develops
• They extend your international perspective as you exchange ideas and practice with managers worldwide
• They offer a wide choice of electives as well as sector-specific MBAs
• They provide excellent networking opportunities through the biggest MBA alumni network in the world.

Combine the above factors with competitive cost, flexible study arrangements such as the Online MBA, high level of support and first-class MBA materials, the Online MBA offered by Open University is a very prestigious and of high quality.

The General Online MBA

This certified MBA course that is internationally recognised is designed for practising managers who aspires to higher positions. The emphasis of the MBA is on strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, intellectual stimulations and independent judgement. Students will learn the knowledge to analyse, synthesize and evaluate a wide range of situations.

Among the situations considered include the economic, environmental, social and technological change issues, corporate governance, markets and customers, managing resources and operations, financing organisations, management and development of people, developing information technologies for application in business and management within a global knowledge-based economy, and development of appropriate business policies and strategies within a changing context to meet stakeholder interests.

Curriculum of the Online MBA (General) at Open University

The General Online MBA program consists of two stages of study. At stage one of the online MBA, students build a sound foundation in the functional aspect of management. There are two programs offered during stage one of the study – Professional Diploma in Management or the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration. Stage two of the study consists of two core courses and two electives.

Timescales to Complete the General Online MBA Course

By overlapping the study of some courses, the General Online MBA Course at the Open University may be completed in either 2.5, 3 or 3.5 years.

Stage One Courses (to choose one)

The followings are the MBA courses for Stage One of the Online MBA Course
Fundamentals of senior management
Management performance and change

Stage Two Courses
The followings are the core courses for Stage Two of the General MBA offered by Open University:
Strategy
Making a difference

The followings are the electives for Stage Two of the study, and students are to choose any two:
Business operations: delivering value
Capacities for managing development
Creativity, innovation and change
Financial strategy
Leading and managing for effective education
Managing human resources
Marketing in a complex world
Managing knowledge
Supply chain innovation, strategy and management
Technology management: an integrative approach

Note that the above courses are not offered online at the moment.

Online MBA Course Fees at Open University

The course fees are dependent of the subjects taken. This is a sample course fees for the Online MBA at Open University:

Stage 1 - £3540 per course
Stage 2 core courses - £2850 per course
Stage 2 electives – varies from £945 to £2360 per course

Entry Requirements for Online MBA at Open University

MBA potential students are expected to have a number of working experience to be enrolled in Open University MBA course.

The Online MBA (Technology Management) at Open University

This specialist online MBA is designed to develop leaders in facing up to the challenge of management of techonological change. It is designed to develop people who can lead technological and organisational change in a rapidly moving business environment, and who understand how to manage new and changing technologies to achieve excellence.

This Online MBA programme's development was supported by the European Union's COMETT programme, and it provides throughout a European perspective on the management of technology. The OU Business School is accredited internationally by the European Foundation for Management Development, through its EQUIS programme; and by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); and the MBA (Technology Management) is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA).

Curriculum of the Online MBA (Technological Management) at the Open University

Stage 1 courses – similar to the general MBA course

Stage 2 core courses – the followings are the courses offered:
Technological management: an integrative approach
Technology strategy
Making a difference

Stage 2 elective courses – the following courses are offered:

Creativity, innovation and change
Financial strategy
Managing human resources
Marketing in a complex world
Managing knowledge
Strategy
Integrated safety, health and environmental management
Systems engineering
Enterprise and the environment
Supply chain innovation, strategy and management
Business operations: delivering value
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches

Online MBA (Life Sciences) at the Open University

A leading edge MBA qualification designed for the Life Sciences and Health universe, from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries through to the broad environment of healthcare provision. It is directed towards strategic decision-makers and those who have the potential to move into strategic positions and, crucially, those who want to equip themselves to influence future directions in these areas. It will consider such strategic issues as research and funding priorities, patient life style changes, optimal resource utilisation and risk management.

Specifically, the programme is intended to contribute to the professional education of potential future leaders and managers working in the broad universe of patient care by equipping them with:
• organisational and environmental analytical skills
• strategic thinking capabilities
• an ability to facilitate creative and innovative approaches
• an ability to manage knowledge in the most effective way
• skills critically to evaluate future strategic opportunities
• skills to deal with emergent challenges facing the environment.

Curriculum of the Online MBA (Life Sciences) at the Open University
Stage 1 courses – similar to the general MBA course

Stage 2 core courses – the followings are the courses offered:

Strategy
Strategic Management in life sciences and healthcare
Making a difference

As there are no electives, all MBA students studying for the Online MBA (Life Sciences) has to take all three core subjects in Stage 2 of their study.

The Online MBA at Open University is accredited by AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS.

Online MBA at Northeastern University

2008-08-05T09:50:00.001+08:00

This article is a review of the Online MBA at Northeastern University. The Northeastern University has been offering certified MBA for decades and is accredited by the AACSB. Northeastern University prides itself as one of the university that produces graduates who are highly employable.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University was founded in 1898, and is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. It is a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees all the way to doctorate in six undergraduate college, eight graduate schools and two part-time divisions.

The Northeastern University College of Business Administration was established in 1922 with the aim of offering undergraduate, graduate and executive programs that have accelerate successful business career for their graduates. Graduates of Northeastern University enjoy successful careers as leaders of multinational corporations, researchers, leaders of national politics, editors of major national newspapers and as faculty members at universities across United States.

Online MBA Program Overview at Northeastern University

The aim of the Online MBA at Northeastern University is to refine the essential talents to increase students’ competence and confidence. The followings are the area of expertise that students could develop by pursuing a certified MBA with Northeastern University:

In-depth understanding of business enterprise

Northeastern University’s unique 17-course program provides a solid foundation in all areas of business enterprise, from the fundamentals of operations, finance, and marketing to strategic planning. Throughout the Online MBA program, students will enhance their understanding of how the corporation functions in the contemporary global economy.

Comprehensive insight into the global marketplace

Northeastern University has globalization and enterprise growth as the two pillars of the Northeastern MBA. Students develop understanding of both areas through case studies and the insights of faculty with real-world experience.

Focused knowledge in your area of interest

MBA students at Northeastern University have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by selecting a specialization that focuses on their area of interest. The MBA specialization of the Northeastern University includes area of Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, International Management, Innovation Entrepreneurship, High Technology Management or Healthcare. Each of these specialization consists of five elective courses.

The Online MBA Program Structure at Northeastern University

The Northeastern University’s Online MBA was specifically designed and structured for working professionals. They are eight commencement dates available in the year, which offers plenty of flexibility to suit working professionals.

MBA students are expected to spend 15 to 20 hours a week studying. They are 17 courses in the Online MBA program for a total of 50 credits. Each course lasts between three and seven weeks. These 17 courses are divided into two segments -- core courses and electives:

Core — 12 courses
The core courses provides MBA students with a comprehensive range of business concepts and knowledge that will empower students with a strong business and management foundation. The 12 core courses are structured to allow students to build on their knowledge as they progress through the Online MBA program.

Electives — 5 courses
The elective component enables students to customize their MBA by selecting a specialization in Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, International Management, Innovation Entrepreneurship, High Technology Management, or Healthcare.

The followings are detailed description of the 12 core courses of the Online MBA at Northeastern University:

Creating and Sustaining Customer Markets
MKT 200 - 3 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA focuses on marketing analysis and planning. The course emphasizes analysis of customer needs and company and competitor capabilities, which forms the basis of a sound marketing strategy that provides value to customers in a way superior to competitors. This core courses of the Online MBA discusses how to deliver this strategy through the development of an integrated marketing program covering product offerings, pricing, promotion, and distribution.

Global Competition and Market Dominance
MEC 200 - 3 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA trains managers to understand the competitive implications of global economic policies, the business effects of technological change, and the commercial imperatives of alternative political systems at a macro level. At a micro level, this core courses of the Online MBA creates a framework for industry analysis in a global setting that combines economic analysis, competitive analysis, and business decision-making skills.

Organizations in the New Economy
HRM 200 - 3 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA examines today's evolving environment, in which effective utilization of human resources is a source of competitive advantage. To maximize the contribution of organizational members, managers must be able to understand, diagnose, and influence workplace behavior in the context of change. Topics for this core course of the Online MBA include management of cross-functional teams and boundary-less organizations. The emphasis is on the role of corporate culture and distributed leadership.

Ethics and the Marketplace
MGT 213 - 2 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA focuses on the roles and responsibilities of businesses and business managers in society. The course examines both current and historical legal, social, ethical, cultural, technological, and economic forces that affect businesses and the various policies, strategies, and tactics that businesses utilize to respond to these forces. The emphasis of this Online MBA core course is on what managers and corporations do, or should do, as they face many complex issues including legal and ethical decisions in the workplace and the marketplace, dealing with and shaping government regulations and public opinion, effectively responding to particular environmental and technological challenges, and the pressures of special interest groups.

Financial Reporting and Managerial Decision Making
ACC 200 - 4.5 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on the acquisition, measurement, and management of firm resources. Business managers make strategic decisions about the acquisition and use of a variety of firm resources. The course enables students to understand and utilize critical information in corporate financial reports to improve business decision making. This Online MBA core course also offers students the opportunity to learn contemporary methods of financial reporting and analysis used by internal decision makers and external capital providers.

Value Creation through Financial Decision Making
FIN 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course develops tools for and techniques of financial analysis and valuation to support financial decision making. Future managers are presented with actual business problems to learn to apply the tools of financial analysis to strategic decisions faced by the firm, such as capital budgeting, capital structure, use of derivatives, and currency exposure management. This Online MBA core course also highlights the role of financial management as a source of value creation in a competitive environment characterized by rapid technological, personal, and market changes.

Management of Service and Manufacturing Operations
MSC 206 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on decision making by an operations manager. The operations manager's major job function is to provide quality products and services desired by customers, on time and at a competitive cost. This course helps the operations manager to perform this function in both the manufacturing and service sectors of the economy. The course also explores operations management concepts, techniques, and models. These include the optimum allocation and efficient utilization of manpower, materials, equipment, and technology at strategic and tactical levels in the organization. Topics of this Online MBA core course include process analysis, capacity planning, materials management, resource allocation, quality management, and scheduling.

Managing Information Resources
MSC 204 - 1.5 Credits
Information has become a key resource in doing business. Managers must understand that high-quality information adds value to existing products and services, enhances the creation of new products, changes the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes, and affects relationships with customers, suppliers, and competitors. This Online MBA core course focuses on issues of the strategic uses of information technology for competitive advantage, support of business processes, information and control, digital business, integration of business with technology, organizational communication, and data management.

Information Analysis
MSC 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course provides students with basic information analysis skills and tools needed to manage effectively in today's information-intensive business climate. The course exposes students to analytical problems from different areas of business and the quantitative concepts and techniques that can analyze them. Course objectives are to improve the information analysis skills of the students, to provide students with a working knowledge of important statistical tools, to help students become more critical evaluators of studies and reports involving statistical and quantitative methods, and to improve skills in communicating the results of analyses. This Online MBA core course offers students the opportunity to learn how to evaluate, analyze, and interpret data, and present findings and conclusions that will be most useful for managerial decision making through the use of business applications and analytical software.

Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise Growth
ENT 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course explores the challenges and processes for harnessing technological innovation for new-business development. The course integrates technology strategy, innovation in marketing, product development, and organization design for the purpose of enterprise growth. Through readings, cases, and exercises, studies how firms from different industries gain competitive advantage through distinctive products and services, and leverage their technologies and skills into emerging markets. The course also focuses on processes for conceiving, financing, and organizing new ventures.

Managing the Global Enterprise
INB 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on the international business environment, and examines the influence on global decision making of such areas as the international economy and trade issues, legal and political context differences, governmental actions, cultural and ethical system differences, exchange rates and international currency markets, international institutions like the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund, and regional agreements like the European Union, NAFTA, and Mercosur. The course also analyzes why firms internationalize their operations, how they can internationalize, and key areas such as international manufacturing, marketing, human resource management, and strategy.

Strategic Decision Making in a Changing Environment
MGT 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on strategy development and implementation for a line of business and for the corporation as a whole by adopting a top management perspective. Beginning with developing a mission statement and goals for the firm, focuses on environmental scanning, incorporating economic, technological, sociopolitical,and legal trends in conducting industry analysis, thus assessing opportunities and threats and the firm's capabilities before formulating strategy that represents a fit between the environment and the firm. This Online MBA core course also discusses how to develop competitive advantage and assess competitive positioning, and studies how organizational structure and systems contribute to implementing strategy. It stresses the role of leadership and motivation before moving on to feedback mechanisms to assess success in strategy implementation, leading to revision of strategic plans as needed.

Elective Specializations

Students who wish to pursue specialization on their area of interest may do so by pursuing electives. The selection of the electives for an Online MBA course at Northeastern University was carried out based on careful consideration of the most important issues facing businesses today. The Northeastern University requires that students complete at least five electives to qualify for a general MBA degree. To complete a specialized MBA, three of the five electives must be from a single area of specialization.

Students may specialize in the following areas: Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, International Management, Innovation Entrepreneurship, High Technology Management, or Healthcare.

The followings describe the electives offered under each of the specialization.

Online MBA (Finance)

Financial Strategy; International Financial Management; Business Turnarounds; Mergers and Acquisitions; Advanced Topics in Finance: Venture Capital, Risk Management, and Insurance; Analyzing Financial Statements; Investment Analysis; Real Estate Financ and Investment; Portfolio Management; Financial Risk Management.

Online MBA (Marketing)
Marketing Metrics; International Marketing; Consumer Behavior; Electronic Marketing; Marketing in the Service Sector; Market-Focused Strategy; New Product Development; Brand and Advertising Management; Business-to-Business and Strategic Sales.

Online MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management)
Supply Chain Management; The Transportation Industries; Global Supply Chain Management; Executive Roundtable in Supply Chain Management.

Online MBA (International Management)
Managing the Multinational Enterprise; Cultural Aspects of International Business; Advanced Topics in Global Management and Strategy; International Financial Management; International Marketing; Leading Global Organizations; Information Systems for the Global Enterprise; Global Supply Chain Management.

Online MBA (Innovation Entrepreneurship)
Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise Growth; Management of Small Business Enterprises; New Venture Creation; Advanced Topics in Entrepreneurship.

Online MBA (High Technology Management)
New Product Development; Knowledge Management; Strategy in a Digital Business Economy; Electronic Marketing.

Online MBA (Healthcare)
Healthcare Management; Healthcare Leadership; Healthcare Informatics; Biotechnology.

Accreditation

Northeastern University is accredited by AACSB International. This is the highest standard of accreditation for any business school worldwide.

Career Prospects of the Northeastern MBA Graduate

According to The Princeton Review’s annual college guide, “The Best 368 Colleges”, Northeastern University is the nation’s no. 1 institution in career and job placement. This may also translate to high salary for the Northeastern MBA graduate.

Northeastern University has relationship with more than 2,500 national and international companies, with many of these offering co-operation as a way to identify and attract the kinds of employees they need to succeed in the future.

The Business Week also placed the Northeastern University’s College of Business Administration at the top of the list in the category of internship. The followings are what one of the students had to say about her experience with Northeastern University:

Devon Gardner, a middler in the Bachelor of Science and International Business (BSIB) program, recently completed her first co-op with TJX Companies, Inc. as an allocation analyst in the planning and allocation’s department for Home Goods. Gardner created and executed shipping strategies, decided how much product to send out to various vendors and analyzed sales trends to maximize business opportunities.

Though graduation is nearly two years away, Gardner has already been offered a full-time job by TJX. She said Northeastern’s experiential learning model has helped her succeed in both the classroom and in the workplace.

“My job at TJX revolved around time management,” she said. “It taught me how to maximize my time to get everything accomplished, work more effectively in groups and helped me to become more organized.”

Gardner, who plans to travel to Spain for her second co-op, also commented on Northeastern’s reputation with employers for providing real-world experience while still in school and said her co-op advisors thoroughly prepared her for the job interview process as well as provided techniques on how to keep in touch with previous employers.
“Everybody knows Northeastern for getting their students positions in their fields of study,” she said. “Having work experience is the way to get me ahead of other students in the future.”

With an AACSB’s accreditation and excellent record of high employability, the Online MBA at Northeastern University is an excellent choice.

AACSB Online MBA Programs

2008-07-23T10:23:00.005+08:00

One of the factor most frequently considered when choosing a certified MBA or an Online MBA Course is whether the programs is accredited by AACSB, AMBA, FIBBA, EQUIS or other accrediting agencies. This article is on AACSB-accredited Online MBA programs.

AACSB International was founded in 1916 and had begun its accreditation functions in 1919. Since then, a numbers of accreditation standards had been approved by the AACSB International members, which allows online MBA courses offered by business schools globally that support and encourages excellence in management education to be accredited by AACSB.

When an online MBA course or a certified MBA programs is accredited by AACSB International, it represents that the business school had achieved the highest standards of achievement, worldwide. Business schools or university that had achieved the AACSB accreditation confirm their commitment to quality and continuous improvement. Therefore an AACSB-accredited online MBA course or certified MBA program had entered the hall of fame in terms of excellence in management education.

When an Online MBA Course or the certified MBA program had been accredited by AACSB International, the followings can be assured about the business school:
• Manage resources to achieve a vibrant and relevant mission.
• Advance business and management knowledge through faculty scholarship.
• Provide high-caliber teaching of quality and current curricula.
• Cultivate meaningful interaction between students and a qualified faculty.
• Produce graduates who have achieved specified learning goals.

Accreditation Standards Used by AACSB to Accredit Online MBA Programs

All accrediting agencies use their own standard to accredit online MBA programs. The accreditation by AACSB International assures quality and promotes excellence and continuous improvement of the Online MBA Course.

The followings is an excerpt of the preamble to Accreditation Standards used by AACSB International:

Complex demands on management and accounting education mirror the demands on
organizations and managers. Challenges come from
• Strong and growing global economic forces
• Differences in organizational and cultural values
• Cultural diversity among employees and customers
• Changing technology in products and processes

In this environment, management education must prepare students to contribute to their organizations and the larger society and to grow personally and professionally throughout their careers. The objective of management education accreditation is to assist programs to meet these challenges.

From the preamble, it can be observed that AACSB’s accreditation focuses on the quality of education. The AACSB accreditation standards set rigorous and demanding thresholds and challenge the business school to pursue continuous improvement to their Online MBA Course. However, it is important to note that accreditation itself, does not create quality learning experience. The quality of the Online MBA Course or certified MBA programs has to be created by the faculty staffs themselves.

AACSB also places a lot of emphasis on interaction among students and faculty members. Therefore, you can expect that any certified MBA programs accredited by AACSB has to provide plenty of interaction. To be accredited by AACSB, the business schools or institution has to achieve and demonstrate acceptable level of performance consistent with its mission.

Upon achieved AACSB accreditation, the business school or institution has to embark on continuous process of accreditation maintenance. This process includes:
An annual report of data
An annual summary of strategic management
A periodic five-year review of strategic progress

The AACSB Accreditation Committees

The followings are the AACSB Committees involved in the accreditation of any Online MBA Course:

Initial Accreditation Committee
Accounting Accreditation Committee
Maintenance of Accreditation Committee
Accreditation Quality Committee
Accreditation Coordinating Committee

The Process of AACSB Accreditation for Online MBA Course

The AACSB Online MBA Course Accreditation process is a continuous process. The transitions from one step to the other and from one committee to another flow smoothly without disruption of the business school’s progress and their Online MBA Courses.

The followings are the accreditation process:
1. The applicant school establishes AACSB International membership. The applicant then submit Eligibility Application to begin the accreditation process for the Online MBA Course.

2. The PreAccreditation Committee assigns a mentor, and based on the PreAccreditation Committee review of the Eligibility Application for the Online MBA Course.

3. The mentor visits the applicant and (a) assists the school to respond to any concerns raised by the Eligibility Application and (b) reviews how the applicant satisfies each standard. They also perform a gap analysis to be used as the basis for the Accreditation Plan.

4. The Accreditation Coordinating Committee reviews the Eligibility Application as revised to meet any concerns raised by the PreAccreditation Committee and rules on eligibility issues such as diversity and excluded programs. Changes in existing conditions during the implementation period may delay or expedite initial accreditation of the Online MBA Course.

5. With the mentor's assistance, the applicant prepares and submits an Accreditation Plan and a Strategic Plan for the accreditation of the Online MBA Course. The Accreditation Plan is presented as part of the school's Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan extends beyond the achievement of accreditation of the Online MBA Course.

6. The PreAccreditation Committee reviews the Accreditation Plan and approves it, or iterates suggestions for modification and review until approval is possible.

7. Once the PreAccreditation Committee has accepted the accreditation plan, the plan is forwarded to the Initial Accreditation Committee.

8. The Initial Accreditation Committee reviews the Strategic Plan and approves it, or iterates suggestions for modification and review until approval is possible.

9. The applicant submits annual reports on progress made and any delays in achieving its Accreditation Plan. Any changes to the Accreditation Plan are described in the annual reports.

10. The mentor continues to work with the applicant for up to three years as the applicant implements its Accreditation Plan for the Online MBA Course. Initial accreditation must be achieved within five years of the Initial Accreditation Committee acceptance of the Accreditation Plan.

11. Two years in advance of the anticipated accreditation review visit, a Peer Review Team chair (but not the full team) is appointed. The team chair monitors the applicant's progress through the final two years of the accomplishment of the Accreditation Plan.

12. The applicant of the Online MBA Course accreditation prepares its Self-Evaluation Report while working with the team chair.

13. The Initial Accreditation Committee appoints the other members of the Peer Review Team. The team reviews the Self-Evaluation Report, and it prepares and sends a pre-visit letter that is approved by the Initial Accreditation Committee.

14. The visit takes place, and the team delivers to the applicant and to the Initial Accreditation Committee a visit report that includes an accreditation decision recommendation. The Initial Accreditation Committee ratifies or remands the recommendation.

15. Recommendations for accreditation of the Online MBA Course or denial that are ratified by the Initial Accreditation Committee are then sent to the Board for ratification or remand.

Responsibilities of the Online MBA Course Provider

The followings are the listed responsibilities of the Online MBA Course provider:
1. Maintain educational achievements appropriate to AACSB International
accreditation standards and to the member's strategic mission.
• Prepare annual reports
• Provide annual accreditation-related data
• Provide appropriate reports for five-year reviews
• Ensure that program quality is maintained and that all programs
have continuous improvement efforts
• Ensure that programs promote and operate with integrity

2. Represent AACSB International accreditation [accurately].
• Maintain accurate institutional publicity regarding accreditation
• Make accurate representations regarding accreditation to students
and prospective students
• Promote AACSB International accreditation in catalogs, web sites,
and promotional materials

3. Participate in the AACSB International accreditation review process
• Provide representatives to participate in peer review of other
institutions
• Assist in the continuous improvement of AACSB International
accreditation

4. Represent degree and non-degree programs accurately, realistically and with
integrity in all communications.
• Identify educational learning goals realistically
• Describe the success of graduates accurately
• Develop and follow consistent practices that ensure integrity in the
representation of information about programs and the institution
• Report program data and information accurately to external parties
(1) This expectation is monitored through the accreditation review process.
(2) This expectation is a condition of membership.
(3) This expectation is presented for guidance.

Top 40 Distance Learning MBA or Online MBA Programs with AACSB Accreditation

The followings are the MBA Courses accredited by AACSB that has made it to the Top 40 ranking of Distance Learning or Online MBA listed by the Financial Times 2008 ranking:

MBA at Open University Business School, UK
Global Distance Learning MBA at Henley Management College, UK
MBA at Manchester Business School, UK
MBA at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico
The Warwick MBA by Distance Learning at Warwick Business School
MBA at Kelly School of Business, Indiana University, US
Global MBA for Latin American Managers at Thunderbird School of Global Management and Tecnologico de Monterrey, US
Fast Track MBA at Babson College, US
Strathclyde Flexible Learning MBA at University of Strathclyde Business School, UK
One-year Internet MBA at University of Florida, Hough Graduate School of Business, US
Northeastern University Online MBA Program at Northeastern University, US
Global On-line MBA Program at University of Texas at Dallas, US
iMBA at Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, US
W.P.Carey MBA – Online Program at Arizona State University, US
Healthcare MBA at The George Washington University, US
MBA Anywhere at Drexel University – LeBow College of Business, US
UNL Distance MBA at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, US
Global MBA On-Demand at Thunderbird School of Global Management, US
The Surrey MBA at University of Surrey, School of Management, US
Global MBA at IE Business School, Spain
Euro*MBA at Euro*MBA Consortium in France, Netherlands, Poland, Spain & Germany
MBA (Distance Learning) at Aston Business School, Aston University, UK
Thunderbird and Indiana University – Kelley Direct MBA/M-GM Dual Degree at Thunderbird School of Global Management and Indiana University, US

You may want to read some of the review for the program above that was published on this Online MBA Course site.

Distance Learning MBA at Leicester University

2008-07-14T17:51:00.005+08:00

Doing a Distance Learning MBA is slightly different from doing an Online MBA Program. In fact, an online MBA course should be a branch of distance learning MBA. In today’s term, when distance learning is mentioned, it would refer more on getting a certified MBA by correspondence.

The Distance Learning MBA offered by University of Leicester is more by correspondence than through online, although students can still access some information online. To graduated from a certified MBA program would mean that you have undergone a rigorous management training is fit to manage. Hence, getting a certified MBA from one of the best MBA programs is important.

The Distance Learning MBA at Leicester University, UK, is one of the few universities that have its MBA program accredited by AMBA for its full-time MBA and its distance learning MBA programs. For more information on how AMBA accredits MBA programs and Accredited Online MBA Programs, please click on the link.

Why should you study for a distance learning MBA from University of Leicester? Getting a certified MBA is an investment that is able to fast track your career. According to a survey conducted by AMBA, MBA graduates enjoy an 18% average rise in their base salary upon graduating with a certified MBA. This may not sound very attractive, but after three to five years, it is a different story altogether. MBA graduates enjoy an average salaries of 53% higher compared to the pre-MBA salaries. To read more about MBA salaries, please click on the link.

As in other Online MBA Course, one of the greatest benefit of studying for your MBA by distance learning or online is the great flexibility of studying and advancing your career at the same time. Furthermore, University of Leicester has many impressive years of experience in delivering distance learning MBA education. They currently have more than 5,000 distance learning students, which suggest that their current teaching and learning supports is well developed for the distance learning course.

The cost of a distance learning MBA at University of Leicester is competitively priced at £7,300. To enable more financially-strained students to pursue the distance learning MBA, they also offer flexible payment plans. According to the UK Good University Guard, The Guardian University Guide and the Sunday Times University Guide, the University of Leicester is one of the top 20 UK university. This makes their distance learning MBA programs one of the best MBA programs in Europe.

The Leicester MBA enables you to become a competent and capable manager in today’s global business environment. You will develop the skill and ability to evaluate and analyse business data and implement appropriate solutions in any business environment. You will also develop an understanding of a wide range of management skills and techniques. Upon completing the distance learning MBA, you will be conferred a Master of Business Administration from the University of Leicester.

When you pursue a certified MBA by doing the distance learning MBA from the University of Leicester, you can focus on chosen subject to obtain a specialist MBA in:
• MBA (Marketing)
• MBA (Finance)
• MBA (Total Quality Management)
• MBA (EmployeeRelations)
• MBA (IT Management)

Students of the distance learning MBA at University of Leicester are based across the globe and are from a variety of professional backgrounds. Distance learning MBA students follow the same programs as the full-time MBA students and receive the same qualification.

If you are considering to do an Online MBA program, you are likely to be one of those who are combining the challenges of post graduate study with the demands of career and family life. The distance learning MBA program by University of Leicester are designed to offer students with the flexibility to balance these demands. The distance learning MBA program is so flexible that even if you need to relocate or are required to travel frequently, you still can be accommodated. With four class commencements per year in May, August, November or February, you can choose the most optimum time to start your program.

While independent study is the core of any distance learning MBA, you can always obtain the necessary support from the University of Leicester. You could also assess study materials in printed and electronic format. The Leicester’s School of Management’s Virtual Learning Environment allows students to access the Digital Library. For those who still need the face-to-face meeting with faculty members and teaching staffs, they can do it through the summer school and regular programs of workshops and visits.

Students of the Distance Learning MBA receive their course materials including textbooks by post. A suggested time-table is also provided to guide students to study as if they are attending the full-time MBA. Students who wish to peruse material from the Digital Library are provided with an online catalogue. Students may request that books to be sent by post. Some of these books are available as e-books.

There is also a network of local resource centres around the world. We currently have centres in Cyprus, Dubai, Ghana, Greece, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Nigeria, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, St Kitts, St Lucia, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad, Uganda and the USA.

The curriculum of the Distance Learning MBA from University of Leicester

The program can be completed in a minimum of 24 months and a maximum of 60 months. If you are looking to complete your MBA in less than this period, then you may want to consider Online Fast Track MBA.

How are Distance Learning MBA Students Assessed?

You will study core subjects and choose two electives modules. You are also required to complete a 15,000 words MBA dissertation. The residential summer school is optional. How does the University of Leicester assess you in a distance learning MBA? You will be assessed in a mixture of continuous assessment and examination. Students are required to complete one assessed work for each module. Most of these essays and course works are submitted by post. Some allows it to be e-mailed. Detailed feedback will be given by your tutor on your performance.

As the distance learning MBA from University of Leicester is one of AMBA accredited MBA programs, MBA graduates who obtained the certified MBA may join and benefit from AMBA membership. In addition, the distance learning MBA also has The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)’s accreditation to be admitted directly into the CIM’s Professional Diploma in Marketing.

There are altogether four stages for the distance learning MBA. MBA students are required to study the following core subjects in Stage 1:

Foundation Knowledge and Professional Skills
Organisational Behaviour
Accounting for Managers
Marketing Design and Operations
Strategy, Business Information and Analysis

In Stage 2 of the Distance Learning MBA, students have to study the following core subjects:

Corporate Finance
Business Ethics in a Global Context

In Stage 3, students are required to choose 2 electives from the following selections:

• Project Management for IT
• Managing Information: Technology
and Systems
• International Organisational
Behaviour
• Public Finance
• International Finance and
Globalisation
• Fixing Futures: Trading and Other
Narratives
• Accounting Representations: Public
and Private Sector
• Branding and Communication
• Business-to-Business Marketing and
Supply Chain Management
• Knowledge Management
• Managing Diversity
• A Critical Inquiry into Consultancy
• Critical Perspectives on
Corporations and Consumers
• Critical Approaches to HRM
• Alternative Economies
• The Future of Work
• Marketing of Services
• Consumption, Society and Culture
• Total Quality Management
• Information Technology in
Marketing
• International Marketing
• Retail Marketing
• Employee Relations
• Strategic Human Resource
Management
• Benchmarking
• Shakespeare and Management
• Developments in Business Finance
• Performance Measurement:
Quantitative Approaches
• Investment and Portfolio Analysis

In the final stage of the Distance Learning MBA, students have to study the followings:

Research Methods
Dissertation

At this last stage of your Distance Learning MBA, you have to undertake an MBA dissertation. This dissertation allows you to examine in depth, a topic or problem of particular relevance to your work. You are expected to be able to integrate and inter-relate concepts, techniques and competencies acquired during the entire MBA course. You have to submit a 15,000 words MBA dissertation.

The Admission Criteria for the Distance Learning MBA

Three years of relevant work experience is a must. Potential MBA students should also demonstrate that they are able to contribute to the program. References are also required. English Language proficiency is a must. Good scores from IELTS and TOEFL is accepted.

If you are considering doing a Distance Learning MBA from one of the top MBA program in Europe, then you should really consider the Distance Learning MBA from University of Leicester.

Online Fast Track MBA - How Fast is Fast

2008-07-07T09:22:00.004+08:00

Many of the potential students who are looking for an Online MBA Course would like to consider Online Fast Track MBA. One such business school that offers such online fast track MBA is the Hagan School of Business.

The Online Fast Track MBA offered by the Hagan School of Business is accredited by AACSB International and is one of the best online MBA programs. AACSB is the oldest and most prestigious accrediting organization for business programs including online MBA programs. The Princeton Review recognized the school as one of US’s most outstanding business schools.

The Online Fast Track MBA at the Hagan School of Business offers five majors in their certified Online MBA Course. The five majors are:

Financial Management
Information Systems
Management
Human Resource Management
Marketing

What is the Requirement for the Typical Certified MBA?

This certified MBA program from Hagan School of Business was designed for candidates who wish to pursue the certified MBA or Online MBA on fast track basis. The various curricula of the certified MBA require 57 credits, not counting any waiver and transfer credits. Certain appropriate course work which was completed at the undergraduate and graduate level may be applied.

The maximum time frame to complete the Online MBA Course was set at six years. MBA students who pursue the certified MBA program at full-time may complete the entire course in two years. Part-time students shall require three years. The certified MBA courses are offered on trimester basis. Classes commence in September, November, March, June and July.

Each of these MBA course meets one evening per week, with each session lasting for three hours in the evening. There are also Saturday courses which meet in the morning.

Online Fast Track MBA

The difference between the Online Fast Track MBA course compared to the normal certified MBA course is that candidates may be able to complete the course 10 months earlier. These are done by offering courses in a sequence for a speedy graduation.

As what Associate Dean Charles Cante explained, “In today’s financially-focused world every professional needs to have business knowledge in order to remain competitive and prosper. Whether it’s the new medical doctor, dentist, lawyer or psychologist trying to build a successful practice or the scientist or engineer who wants to position their discovery or an educator who wants to become an administrator, the MBA degree is an essential and positive driving force towards these ends.”

You can now earn your MBA from one of the best online MBA programs in as little as 13 to 15 months with the Online Fast Track MBA course. You are able gain valuable knowledge to help build a dynamic career in your own field.

The Online Fast Track MBA course was designed for non-business students who wanted to pursue business study. It is open to all college graduates, regardless of your basic degree discipline. It is also useful for professional school graduate who would like to pursue for a certified MBA before starting a residency.

The Online Fast Track MBA comprises of 57 credits which covers major discipline expected of a business study. Up to 24 of those credits may be waived depending on the educational experience of the MBA students.

For those who wish to pursue the Fast Track MBA the traditional way, they are able to do so too. Pursuing an Online Fast Track MBA would means that a student who starts their studies during the first summer term would be able to graduate after the second summer term of the following year.

The school also offers strong network of advisers for the Online Fast Track MBA who help students in all areas, from choosing specialization to support services such as registration, which makes them one of the best online MBA programs around. Students of the Online Fast Track MBA are also grouped as a cohort to help build relationship in their studies as well as networking opportunities.

The followings are a description of the Core Courses in the Online Fast Track MBA program. The Online Fast Track MBA curriculum is designed to provide a broad and integrative approach to business. These includes financial reporting, analysis and markets, domestic and global environment, creation and distribution of goods and services, and human behaviour in organizations.

The core courses of the Online Fast Track MBA lay the foundation for any area of concentration or related advance courses.

Students of the Online Fast Track MBA may have from 12 to 18 credits waived usually, with the exception of some who could get up to 24 credits waived. The followings are the core courses before waive:

• MBA 500 - Business Perspectives (required of all MBA students within the first 9 credits)
• MBA 510 - Quantitative Tools for Management
• MBA 520 - Financial Accounting and Reporting
• MBA 530 - Economics for Management
• MBA 540 - Operations Management
• MBA 550 - Finance for Managers
• MBA 560 - Marketing Management
• MBA 570 - Management and Organizational Behavior
• MBA 580 - Information Systems

Advanced Courses of the Online Fast Track MBA

The followings are the concentration for the Online Fast Track MBA:
Management
Human Resource Management
Financial Management
Marketing
Information System.

The concentration of the Online Fast Track MBA course consists of 12 credits in advanced courses which was chosen according to the specifications of the department. In addition, students are also required to take 18 credits of advance courses outside the field of concentrations.

There is also a concentration for MBA Financial Management. This concentration focuses on corporate financial management and financial markets. The objectives of this program are to acquaint students with the process of financial decision-making, to provide a theoretical base for students to analyse real-world situations and to discuss and provide solutions to cases and problems related to financial decision-making.

For those students of the Online Fast Track MBA who wish to pursue MBA Information System, they can gain the definite advantage when they are able to manage information within their business organization. Therefore, the objective of this concentration is to develop the skills to analyse, design and evaluate an organization's information and decision systems.

The concentration in Management of the Online Fast Track MBA is designed to provide the conceptual, analytical and creative skills needed in the management of the business organization across fields of business resources, functions, units environment and cultures. The program emphasise the development of executive skills in the area of organizational design, development innovations and entrepreneurship.

The concentration in Human Resource Management of the Online Fast Track MBA course is designed to specifically address the challenges faced in the management of human resources in private corporations and public institutions. The development of decision making and problem solving skills will be emphasized in the areas of human resource planning, development, training, recruitment, selection, retention and global HRM.

The concentration in Marketing of the Online Fast Track MBA Course focuses on marketing as an interface between business and society. The aims of this concentration of the Online Fast Track MBA are to relate marketing theory and practice and to evaluate the societal consequences of marketing practice; to encourage students to think conceptually, critically, analytically and creatively; to develop students' proficiency in effective marketing decision-making; to foster computer literacy by integrating computer usage into marketing decision-making.

Therefore, the objective of the concentration in Marketing of the Online Fast Track MBA is to make students marketing literate by offering courses which represent the current state of the art.

For prospect students who are interested to complete Online MBA Course within short duration from one of the best online MBA programs, the Online Fast Track MBA may be the choice.

Keller Graduate School Online MBA Course Review

2008-07-04T10:02:00.006+08:00

This article is a review on the Online MBA Course offered by Keller Graduate School of Management, DeVry University. The online MBA course at Keller is one of the best online MBA programs around, and was designed to provide good management concepts and techniques which the MBA students may use immediately.

The certified MBA program from Keller Graduate School of Management allows the students to customise it by selecting from a wide range of electives in specialisation such as accounting, finance, marketing, health services, hospitality management, international business and more. Keller’s Online MBA Course may be earned in less than a year, and this is definitely an attractive point for potential MBA student who would like to earn a certified MBA from one of the best online MBA programs.

The followings are the some reasons why you should study for your online MBA course from Keller:

DeVry University has been a leader of technology-based business education for more than 75 years. Their certified MBA program and online MBA course is known to prepare their MBA students for high-demand and high-paying careers in business administration. Keller’s online MBA course is one of the best online MBA programs in the US.

Keller works with many top business corporation to design their certified MBA programs and Online MBA Course with the aim of producing MBA graduates that meet the needs of the market. Their certified MBA programs and online MBA course also build communication skills, teamwork skills, computer applications and system integration.

As Keller is actively working with business leader, MBA students can expect that all instructions from their faculty members are grounded in the real business world. MBA students learn how to assess and analyse business problems through case studies and dynamic classroom environment.

Upon graduation from Keller’s Online MBA Course, MBA graduates continued to enjoy career services to help them to identify career opportunities so as to make the most of their experiences and credentials.

Keller’s Online MBA Course
The Keller’s Online MBA Course provides the utmost in convenience and flexibility in MBA education which allows its MBA students to continue advancing their career path while studying. The Online MBA Course allows students to attend online class and complete their coursework at any time of the day. MBA students may participate in online interaction with faculty members and other students.

The faculty members handling the Keller’s Online MBA Course are as qualified as their onsite course. Therefore, MBA students can be assured of their MBA qualities. All instructors are trained on Keller approach and they are also continuously monitored to ensure that they meet the academic quality.
In terms of the online platform, Keller has a robust virtual library to provide MBA students with the revenue to do their research. The online platform is functional 24 hours a day and also offers course syllabi, assignments and other online resources. Keller provides online MBA students with electronic textbooks and interactive course materials.

For those prospect MBA students who are still not sure if they should register with Keller, there is a course demo at their website to show how the online MBA course is conducted.

Great Career Prospect from One of the Best Online MBA Programs

Many MBA graduate from Keller’s certified MBA program and online MBA course now holds prestigious career positions. Some of these positions include Directors that spearhead multifunctional activities, functional managers, consultants/entrepreneurs and administrators/supervisors. MBA graduates career’s opportunities are found in a wide range of career fields including: Accounting and finance, general management, human resource management, management consulting, information system management and marketing.

The certified MBA program and online MBA course offered by Keller emphasizes the practical skills and concepts that business demand from management professionals. The MBA program provides comprehensive business education that enables MBA students to develop their management expertise and advance their career.

The followings are the listed objectives of Keller’s certified MBA program:
• instilling a multi-functional perspective that allows for management of cross-disciplinary endeavors and integration of functions across the business enterprise
• developing analytical skills in accounting and finance needed to conduct sound analyses and provide insightful interpretation of the financial implications of business decisions
• gaining the ability to conduct quantitative analyses of business situations and use technology to support effective business decisions
• developing a strong understanding of legal, political and ethical influences on business opportunities
• formulating market-driven strategies and plans to effectively meet customer needs
• gaining a solid appreciation of the structure, management and operation of the economic system to allow for interpretation and interpolation of economic trends

The curriculum of Keller’s Online MBA
The certified MBA program from Keller requires successful completion of 48 semester credit hours. MBA students can customise the program from a list of electives and concentration areas to meet their own professional and personal goals. MBA students who are certified public accountants get some subject exemptions.

The courses offered by Keller’s MBA are divided into three categories – Core Courses, Program Specific Courses and Elective Courses. The MBA Core Courses are:
Accounting and Finance: Managerial Use and Analysis
Applied Managerial Statistics
Leadership and Organisational Behaviour
Managerial Application of Information Technology
Marketing Management

The Program Specific Courses offered by Keller’s MBA are:
Managerial Accounting
Managerial Finance
Legal, Political and Ethical Dimensions of Business
Business Economics
Business Planning Seminar

MBA students need to complete 18 credit hours for the Elective Courses.

MBA students of Keller’s certified MBA or Online MBA Course can pursue four-course concentration in the following areas: Accounting, Electronic Commerce Management, Finance, General Management, Health Services, Hospitality Management, Human Resources, Information Security, International Business, Marketing, Network and Communications Management, Project Management, Public Administration and Security Management.

Financing of Keller’s Online MBA Course
Keller offers few payment options to assist MBA students finance their MBA programs. The followings are the payment options available to MBA students who are pursuing their Online MBA Course at Keller:

Installment Plan
MBA students pay at least half of their tuition charges for the session on or before the registration day. The balance are paid on week four of the session.

Tuition Reimbursement
This options apply to MBA students who receive tuition reimbursement from their employers. A direct billing arrangement between the employer and DeVry University is possible.

Delayed Deferral Plan
This option is available to MBA students who is receiving tuition reimbursement from their employer. This plan allows MBA students to pay the fees five weeks after completing the session.

You may wish to read more on How to Finance Your Online MBA Course.

Admission Criteria
Applicants for the certified MBA program must hold a baccalaureate degree to be admitted to DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management.
Applicants who meet baccalaureate degree requirements and whose undergraduate cumulative grade point average (CGPA) is 2.70 or higher are eligible for admission. Such applicants need not complete the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

Applicants who meet baccalaureate degree requirements and whose undergraduate CGPA is below 2.70 must also achieve acceptable scores on the GMAT, GRE, or the Keller-administered admission test. The Keller-administered test may be completed, by appointment, wherever the University's graduate programs are offered or through School's Assessment Center. Admission test scores are valid up to five years from the date tests are completed.

Prerequisite Skills Requirements
All applicants must demonstrate quantitative and verbal skills proficiency to be admitted. Proficiency can be demonstrated by submitting acceptable GMAT, GRE or Keller-administered test scores, or through prior coursework performance.

Hence, if your are considering of doing an MBA from one of the best online MBA programs in the US, do consider Keller's Online MBA. For the latest information on Keller’s Online MBA Course, please visit their website.

Kelley Direct Online MBA Course Review

2008-06-20T14:55:00.003+08:00

This article is a review of Kelley Direct Online MBA Course. Many potential students who are considering of pursuing an Online MBA Course would have heard about Kelley Direct. Kelly Direct has made a certified MBA from the world-renowned Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business available to working professionals for almost one decade now, and this makes them one of the best online MBA programs available.

In offering an Online MBA Course, Kelly Direct had partnership program with other corporation and schools. Kelly Direct also offer dual degree programs as follows: Thunderbird M-GM / MBA Online course, Michigan ME / MBA Online course, Purdue MSE / MBA Online course and Purdue MS online in Food and Agribusiness Management / MBA Online course.

Kelley Direct’s partnership with outstanding companies created customized programs such as the Cummins International MBA Online course, General Motors MBA Online course, Ingersoll Rand MBA Online course, John Deere MBA online course and LOGTECH MBA online course.

Kelley Direct’s Online MBA Course

Pursuing a certified MBA course from one of the best online MBA programs definitely opens the door to a great career and salary. Working professionals now has the opportunity to pursue a certified MBA at their own time and pace by pursuing an Online MBA Course from Kelley School of Business, while continuing their career.

The focus of the Kelley Direct Online MBA Course is general business administration and covers topic such as business ethics, economics, marketing, finance, operations, information technology, and project management. Students can also take 9 hours of electives to tailor the program toward their career goals.

Kelley Direct Online MBA Course can be completed in as little as two years or as many as five, thus providing MBA students with the most flexibility.

The following is the list of the Online MBA core courses and electives offered by Kelley Direct Online MBA Course. Some partnership programs with corporation may differ slightly.

The core subjects of the Kelley Direct Online MBA Course are:

Organisational Development and Change

An effective business executives need to use every tool at their disposal to create and maintain an effective and adaptable organisation. Kelley Direct Online MBA Course recognise the primary role of senior management today to design, build and operate organisations that function effectively. What does this means? This means recognising that the organisation is in a constant state of change.

Managing Human Resources in a Global Environment

This subject from Kelley Direct Online MBA Course introduces MBA students to key issues, practices, and principles that help business organisations to manage their human resources effectively.

Employment Law for Human Resource Practices - Last Offering Spring 2008

This subject from Kelley Direct Online MBA Course is designed to introduce and analyse human resources management using employment life cycle interwined with the legal environment.

Quantitative Analysis

Any certified MBA program would consider quantitative analysis an important subject of the MBA. This subject from the Kelley Direct Online MBA Course covers probabilistic decision making, regression analysis, forecasting and other quantitative methods.

Managing Accounting Information for Decision-Making

Accounting in a certified MBA does not cover in details on book-keeping accounting. Rather, its emphasis is on training MBA students to use accounting information in decision-making. Kelley Direct Online MBA Course’s Accounting emphasise on financial accounting and reporting and cost-benefit analysis for evaluating he potential-added results from planning, organising and controlling a firm’s accouting information.

Information Technology for Managers

Kelley Direct Online MBA Course offer this subject to enable MBA students to study of information system management issues.

Economics for Managers

This MBA subject covers economic decision making in the business firm, the strategic interaction of business firm in industries, etc.

Other core subjects offered by the Kelley Direct Online MBA includes:

Market Power Pricing
Financial Management
Advance Topics in Finance
Financial Analysis and Firm Valuation
Law and Ethics in Business
Strategic Management and Business Planning
The United States in a Global Economy
Developing Strategic Capabilities
Integrative Capstone Course
Global Electronic Commerce
Thinking Strategically: Game Theory and Business Strategy
Strategic Cost Management
Strategic Marketing Management
Marketing Strategy Simulation
Applied Marketing Research
Operations Management

Kelley Direct Online MBA Course also offers a number of other subjects, and readers are advised to check out for themselves.

Admission Criteria for Kelley Direct Online MBA Course

Kelley Direct programs which is under Indiana University are highly selective in choosing potential students into their best online MBA programs. Kelley prefers students whose academic background, work experience, leadership abilities and communication skills meet the demands of the Online MBA Course.

As an understanding of analytical thinking and quantitative tools are important for the success of any certified MBA program, Kelley Direct expect its MBA students to be proficient in algebra and comfortable with the use of spreadsheets.

MBA students are also expected to have the basic internet, e-mail and computer user skills.

Kelley Direct Online MBA Course - Tuition and Fees

Kelley Direct tuition will be $945/credit hour for the 2008-09 academic year; tuition is subject to change every academic year.. In addition to tuition, MSSM students are assessed a one-time program fee of $600 when they register for U710. Public MBA, MSF, and MSGSCM students are assessed a $300/billing term program fee; there are three billing terms in the University billing cycle. Program fees cover the following programmatic activities and initiatives: the KD Speaker Forum, Kelley Direct Alumni Directory development, Women in Business, Student Advisory Board, networking events held quarterly throughout the country, and in-residence (lodging, meals, hospitality, computer lab assessments).

University technology fees are assessed each billing term according to the number of credits in which a student is enrolled. The fees range from $91.20 (six credits) to $186.90 (anything greater than six credits).

Course Materials:

Course materials such as textbooks, coursepaks, and journals/publications are required for each course. The average cost for course materials per course in Fall 2005 was $85.00.

For more information on Kelley Direct Online MBA Course, potential students are advised to visit their web-site. If you like to read about MBA Ranking 2008, please visit the link. And if you wonders how much MBA Salary earned by an MBA graduate, please visit the link and read for yourself.

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How Much is the MBA Salary of Graduate

2008-06-13T13:09:00.006+08:00

When considering an Online MBA Course or a Certified MBA program, one question that most MBA students would ask is the MBA salary or salaries of graduates. That is also the reason why the Financial Times (FT) used the total weights of 40% assigned to MBA salary of graduate when they calculate top MBA rankings of business schools.

So, how much is the MBA salary that a graduate of an Online MBA Course or certified MBA program get? Or rather, if you are a potential Online MBA Course student (which is likely the case), how much MBA salary do you hope to get?

As the MBA salary of graduates from an Online MBA Course or certified MBA programs also depends on a number of other criteria such as the total years of experience that the MBA graduate has, there are few criteria which you may want to consider to evaluate the MBA salary and the worth of the Online MBA Course that you intend to pursue. Perhaps a fairer way of evaluating the MBA salary is also to look at the percentage increase to the salary of the MBA graduate.

You should also understand that an Online MBA Course from a branded school is also likely to give you a higher potential to earn high MBA salary. However, the investment in the certified MBA or Online MBA Course offered by these business schools is also higher. Hence, MBA graduates from different business school will get a different MBA salary.

The economic outlook at the time of the MBA graduating also is an important factor. Take for example, MBA graduates from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. Officials there had reported that the salaries of MBA graduate had soared by a 17.4 percent increase.

The followings are a tabulation of MBA salaries by geography in the year 1997:

Geography Percentage Salary Average SalaryRange
International 7% $71,667 $55,000-85,000
Mid-Atlantic 8% $78,000 $60,000-90,000
Midwest 62% $80,268 $52,000-110,000
Northeast 9% $77,417 $67,500-87,000
South 2% $80,000 $78,000-80,000
West 12% $79,414 $52,500-118,000

Naturally, different industry or MBA specialization, also gets different MBA salary. The followings are a tabulation of MBA salaries by industry and percentage for the year 1997:

Industry Percentage Salary Average Salary Range
Banking 6% $75,000 $55,000-90,000
Consulting 14% $84,583 $67,500-110,000
Consumer Products 19% $78,923 $68,000-87,000
Financial Services 22% $80,500 $52,000-110,000
Manufacturing 15% $78,640 $63,000-100,000
Healthcare 2% $78,000 $71,000-85,000
Technology 5% $86,833 $65,000-118,000
Other 7% $77,750 $52,500-100,000

As we fast-forward to the year 2008, how much has changed for the MBA salaries? The figure looks encouraging and would be a great motivation for those who are currently pursuing their certified MBA program or Online MBA Course.

The following tabulations of MBA salary is extracted from the Financial Times 2008 MBA ranking. These figures are not just limited to Online MBA Course but are a tabulation of all certified MBA programs.

In terms of the weighted MBA salary, the followings are the top 20 MBA schools where their MBA graduates earned the most weighted MBA salaries:

Indian School of Business USD169355
Stanford University GSB USD167225
University of Pennsylvania: Wharton USD165859
Columbia Business School USD165123
Harvard Business School USD162316
MIT: Sloan U.S.A. USD155160
Ceibs China USD154144
Dartmouth College: Tuck U.S.A. USD151673
IMD Switzerland USD150775
University of Chicago GSB U.S.A. USD148978
University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business South Africa USD148975
Insead France / Singapore USD146878
London Business School U.K. USD144918
UCLA: Anderson U.S.A. USD140058
University of Oxford: Saïd U.K. USD139684
New York University: Stern U.S.A. USD137548
Yale School of Management U.S.A. USD136318
Northwestern University: Kellogg USD135646
Cranfield School of Management USD134125
UC Berkeley: Haas U.S.A. USD131830

As what was mentioned in the first part of this article, as the MBA salary of a graduate from Online MBA Course or certified MBA program is affected by many factors, another important indication to the worth of the MBA programs is looking at the percentage increases of the MBA salary.

The followings are the top 20 MBA schools where their MBA graduates had the highest percentage increase of post-MBA salaries:

Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China - 177%
IE Business School Spain - 158%
Ceibs China - 157%
Ipade Mexico - 145%
Columbia Business School U.S.A. - 144%
Iese Business School Spain - 144%
University of Strathclyde Business School U.K. - 143%
Yale School of Management U.S.A. - 140%
MIT: Sloan U.S.A. - 133%
University of Pennsylvania: Wharton U.S.A. - 132%
University of Cambridge: Judge U.K. - 130%
Emory University: Goizueta U.S.A. - 130%
University of Iowa: Tippie U.S.A. - 130%
Indian School of Business India - 129%
University of Chicago GSB U.S.A. - 128%
New York University: Stern U.S.A. - 128%
Lancaster University Management School U.K. - 127%
London Business School U.K. - 126%
HEC Paris France - 126%
Esade Business School Spain - 126%

The tabulation shows that within 3 year of graduating from a certified MBA program or Online MBA Course, an MBA graduate could expect a salary increase of 100 percent compared to their salaries before they pursue the MBA.

Does this give you enough reason to consider pursuing an MBA? Salaries aside, there are many other considerations such as the initial financial investment and the time commitment. Financing your MBA is a heavy commitment. So is the time commitment. However, you now have the option of getting your certified MBA by pursuing an Online MBA Course instead.

Financial Times FT MBA rankings 2008

2008-06-11T14:09:00.005+08:00

How The Financial Times Establish MBA 2008 Rankings

Most Online MBA Course potential students researched on the MBA rankings of the online MBA course that they are interested in to see if the MBA program is considered one of the top rank MBA. One of the established business magazine that publish these MBA rankings annually is The Financial Times (FT). How exactly does The Financial Times (FT) established the MBA rankings for the various certified MBA programs and online MBA courses?

The Financial Times (FT) used a number of key indexes to establish the MBA rankings of the various certified MBA programs and online MBA courses. The Financial Times ranking of MBA programs are based on KPMG’s audit of the MBA schools, and these key indexes sometimes vary from year to year.

The followings are the key indexes used by The Financial Times (FT) for its 2008 MBA rankings. The weights of the respective index for the MBA rankings are indicated in brackets.

1. Weighted salary of the MBA graduates (20)

This is the average alumni salary today of the certified MBA or Online MBA Course. This MBA graduate salary is adjusted for variations between industry sectors and include data for the current year and the one or two preceeding years.

2. Salary percentage increase (20)

The Financial Times (FT) put equal weights on the salary percentage increase of an MBA graduate. This seems to be justified considering that most MBA aspiring students who pursue a certified MBA program or Online MBA course hopes to not only recover the cost of investment but to a significant salary increment upon graduating from the certified MBA program.

This data of salary percentage increase refers to the percentage increase of average alumni salary from before the MBA to today as a percentage of the pre-MBA salary. This figure includes data for the current year and the one or two preceding years where available.

3. Value for money (3)

All students who pursue an Online MBA Course hopes to derive some value for money out of their MBA studies. This index encompasses the salary earned by MBA graduate today, course length, fees and other costs, including the opportunity cost of not working for the duration of the course.
4. Career progress (3)

Anyone who pursue an Online MBA Course hopes to see some progress in their career. Pursuing an Online MBA Course is an expensive investment, and it is not likely that anyone would pursue it purely for the purpose of passing time or just to gain new knowledge.

That is why Financial Times (FT) included this index as part of their MBA ranking calculations. This is calculated according to changes in the level of seniority and the size of the company MBA graduates are working in now versus before their MBA. Data for the current year and the one or two preceding years are included where available.

5. Aims achieved (3)

Everyone who pursue a certified MBA or an Online MBA Course, hope to achieve different aim out of their MBA Course. This index is the extent to which MBA graduates fulfilled their goals or reasons for doing an MBA.

6. Placement success (2)

Many schools that offer Online MBA Course or a certified MBA program also offers job placement for their MBA graduate. MBA graduates who used the careers service at their business school were asked to rank its effectiveness in their job search. This figure includes data for the current year and the one or two preceding years where available.

7. Employed at three months (2)

To be employed within three months seem to be a standard gauge to not only the effectiveness of the Online MBA Course or certified MBA program, but also an indicator to the economic health of the industry. All being equal, Financial Times (FT) include this index in calculation of MBA ranking in terms of the percentage of the most recent graduating class that had found employment or accepted a job offer within three months of graduation.

8. Alumni recommend (2)

Alumni were asked to name three business schools from which they would recruit MBA graduates. The ranking is calculated according to the number of votes for each school.

9. Women faculty (2)

Percentage of female faculty that offers the Online MBA Course or certified MBA program

10. Women students (2)

Percentage of female students that pursue the Online MBA Course or certified MBA program

11. Women board (1)

Percentage of female members of the advisory board of the business school that is offering the Online MBA Course or certified MBA program

12. International faculty (4)

Percentage of faculty whose citizenship differs from their country of employment.

13. International students (4)

Percentage of MBA students whose citizenship differs from the country in which they are studying.

14. International board (2)

Percentage of the board whose citizenship differs from the country in which the business school is based.

15. International mobility (6)

This is calculated according to whether the Online MBA Course graduate worked in different countries before the MBA, on graduation and also where they are employed today.

16. International experience (2)

Weighted average of four criteria that measure international exposure during the certified MBA program or Online MBA Course

17. Languages (2)

Number of extra languages required on completion of the certified MBA program or Online MBA Course. Where a proportion of MBA students require a further language due to an additional diploma, that figure is included in the calculations but not presented in the final MBA ranking.

18. Faculty with doctorates (5)

Percentage of faculty with a doctoral degree.

19. FT doctoral rank (5)

This is calculated according to the number of doctoral graduates from each business school during the past three years. Additional points are given if these doctoral graduates took up faculty positions at one of the top 50 full-time MBA schools of 2007.

19. FT research rank (10)

This is calculated according to the number of faculty publications in 40 international academic and practitioner journals. Points are awarded to the business school at which the author is currently employed. The total is weighted for faculty size.

There are also other information provided in the Financial Times MBA ranking such as the salary today of an MBA graduates and other information. Among some of the top 40 MBA ranking that we have previously published on this Online MBA Course site includes:

University of Phoenix

Robert Kennedy College, University of Wales

Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University

Please also check out the London School of Business & Finance which is also ranked highly in Financial Times MBA ranking for the year 2008.

Online MBA Course Review at London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)

2008-06-05T14:39:00.008+08:00

London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) offers one of the best online MBA programs that is providing Certified MBA Course. This article is a review of the Certified MBA Course provided by London School of Business & Finance (LSBF).

About London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)

London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) is located in the heart of Central London. Studying in London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) offers students with the exciting experience from a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. As London is Europe’s premier financial center, studying at London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) provides students with endless opportunities for professional development.

London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) considered excellence as part of the school live. They had created a unique learning experience to equip their Certified MBA Course students with the necessary tools and nurture their confidence in their career advancement as an MBA graduate.

The Certified MBA Course offered by London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) consists of a combination of theoretical skills and practical experience. LSBF uses a personal approach aims to help MBA students to identify their skills and develop new management skills.

London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) has an expert faculty to conduct its Certified MBA Course. All their tutors and faculty staff are academics, qualified accountants and consultants with outstanding experience in their areas of expertise. Their faculty staff’s wide contact network also ensure that they are always kept abreast of the latest development in the industry. This knowledge in turn, ensure that whatever that they teach for the Certified MBA Course is relevant to the industry.

London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) is the only UK University to offer dual programmes combining an internationally certified MBA degree with ACCA, CIM, CIMA or CFA qualifications. London School of Business and Finance works with the Grenoble Graduate School of Business (GGSB) – one of the top European schools and ranked 32nd in Europe by the Financial Times in 2007 and listed by the Economist Intelligence Unit as one of the leading business school in Europe. GGBS is triple accredited by EQUIS, AMBA and AACSB. Hence when you sign up for an Certified MBA Course with London School of Business and Finance (LSBF), you can be sure that you are definitely getting an Accredited MBA program.

London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) also works in collaboration with University of East London (UEL) in developing excellent and competitive certified MBA program for finance and marketing professionals.

Why study for your Online MBA Course at London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)?

The Certified MBA Course offered by London School of Business & Finance is delivered and awarded by GGSB. The Online MBA Course has triple accreditation from AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA. To find out how accrediting agencies accredit MBA programs, please read How AMBA Accredits MBA Programs here. GGBS was ranked 32nd in Europe by the Finacial Times in 2007.

What will you Learn from the Online MBA Course at London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)?

In a nutshell, Certified MBA Course offered by London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) is designed to:
- provide essential core knowledge in all the functional areas of business
- develop the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for managers today
- stimulate and encourage managerial and entrepreneurial initiatives

The certified MBA Course offered by London School of Business & Finance also aims to meet the needs of the marketplace by providing MBA graduates who can adapt and understand the changing international business environment. Many leading international business corporation such as IBM and SAS, worked closely with GGSB to develop an Online MBA Course which is always relevant to the industry.

The Certified MBA Course Syllabus of London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)

There are 9 core modules followed by 3 modules selected from 8 specialisations listed.

The MBA Core Modules are:
1. Marketing
2. Accounting
3. International Management
4. Finance and Economics
5. Managing Organisation and Change
6. Business Law
7. Strategic Management
8. Technology Management
9. Information Management

Students’ Profile of Online MBA Course at the London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)

MBA students studying for a certified MBA Course at London School of Business & Finance LSBF) come from a various background. All of them have at least 3 years of working experience with the average having 8 years experience. The MBA students’ ages range from 25 to 45, with the average of 33 years old.

Many of the MBA students are already in senior management positions at multinational companies. Most of MBA students who signed up for a certified MBA Course at the London School of Business & Finance are looking to develop both the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ skills of management.

Why study MBA Dual Programme at LSBF

London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) offers unique MBA dual programmes combining MBA with Professional Qualifications such as ACCA, CIMA, CFA and CIM. This MBA degree is awarded by GGSB, a leading European Business School, and fully accredited by AMBA, EQUIS ad AACSB.

These unique MBA dual qualifications focus on the development of managerial skills, decision making skills, and analytical skills. They are aimed at students who already have work experience, but wish to fast track their careers through studying a professional qualification and MBA degree in the shortest time possible, with minimum financial outlay.

Certified MBA Course Entry Requirements at London School of Business & Finance (LSBF)

Students who wish to pursue an certified MBA Course at the London School of Business & Finance must have a Bachelors degree in any area and at least 3 years of full-time relevant working experience. Proof of English proficiency such as having an IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL 240 is required if English is not your first language.

To apply for the certified MBA Course, students are required to submit:
• an application form
• certified copies of your first degree and transcript
• two letters of recommendation
• three photographs
• 3 MBA essays
• proof of English language proficiency (TOEFL: min. score of 240 (computer-based) or 587 (paper-based), TOEIC: min. score of 800 or IELTS: min. score of 6.5).
• Candidates who studied in English at undergraduate level, or who have at least 2 years' experience working in English in an English speaking country, will not need to provide any further proof of English proficiency.
• Candidates with no independent proof of language proficiency can either enrol on LSBF's English Language Programme or take the GGSB English Test (£50).

Please note that admission onto the MBA programme is subject to the number of available places.

MBA Career prospects

Most MBA graduates would expect that their certified MBA degree will be a passport to further career development. MBA graduates from the London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) have full access to the services of the Careers department of LSBF and GGSB.

MBA graduates from a certified MBA Course from London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) is automatically listed in the online directory of the Alumni. London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) also provides career guidance in the form of workshop on CV writing, job applications and career interview techniques and strategy.

Funding of Certified MBA Course

London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) boasts as one of the top UK MBA rank school that provide many scholarship schemes and financing schemes for their certified MBA Course students.

For certified MBA program, London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) offers bursaries up to an amount of £4,000 for deserving MBA students. Among some of the deciding criteria include outstanding performance in specific areas and academic excellence.

Other than bursaries offered by London School of Business & Finance (LSBF), there are also other funds available to finance the certified MBA Course. These includes the Prince Michael’s Fund and the Natwest AMBA Loans. There are other forms of financing available such as low interest rate educational loans, the British Chevening Scholarships and the British Marshall Scholarships.

You may also like to check out our earlier article on Financing Your Online MBA Course here.

To conclude, an Certified MBA Course at London School of Business & Finance (LSBF) is definitely worth checking out if you are looking for one of the top rank MBA program, given its triple MBA accreditation and the various MBA funding. The LSBF online MBA should not be confused with the University of London Online MBA.

How to Choose the Right Online MBA Course

2008-06-04T10:12:00.008+08:00

How to choose the right Online MBA Course? This is a question that many potential students who wish to pursue for a certified MBA online would likely be asking themselves. This decision is made all the more difficult with so many online MBA course available.

Choosing to do an MBA is no longer bounded by geographical location of the university. This is made possible with online education. Students may now be able to totally complete their certified MBA program online. A student who is staying in Asia may be able to pursue his certified MBA from MBA colleges in Alabama, US.

With so many factors to consider and so many accredited MBA programs available, potential students may be at a loss as to which Online MBA Course best suit them. There are few guidelines which may help these students in choosing the right Online MBA Course for themselves.

The first of the factors to consider when choosing an Online MBA Course is to ask yourself, what is your expectation from the MBA program? In other words, why do you pursue an MBA? No two MBA programs are alike, and even though all certified MBA programs offer the same basic core courses, their syllabus may still differ.

The followings may be some questions that you would like to ask yourself to help you in choosing the right Online MBA Course:
- Does the Online MBA Course give you the experience that you are looking for?
- Does the Online MBA Course syllabus include specific topics that are relevant to your career?
- What are the available electives in your Online MBA Course, and are they suited to your needs?
- Do you have the perseverance or the energy to complete your chosen Online MBA Course?
- Do you have the means to finance your Online MBA Course?

The second aspects that you will need to consider in choosing your Online MBA Course is the structure of the MBA program. This includes the duration of the MBA, whether you are able to pursue the MBA degree in a shortened time, and whether doing the MBA online is really suitable for you. You would also want to ask yourself if the timing of the MBA program is right for you, such as can you sign up for the Online MBA Course in time before your next targeted job promotion?

You should also ask yourself how will this pursuing of an Online MBA Course affect your lifestyle. If you are a bachelor or a single without any other commitment, this may not be a problem. However, if you are a family man or a working mom with children to care for, you will need to ask yourself if your taking an Online MBA Course will affect your family life, your career and other commitment. Be aware that some Online MBA Course still require that you sit through a written exams for each of the subjects. Will you be able to take the study leaves required from your work?

Pursuing an Online MBA Course requires more than just time commitment but financial commitment as well. Do you have enough savings to finance your MBA? If you don’t, how do you intent to finance it? There are various ways to finance your Online MBA Course, such as taking a loan, applying for a grants, applying for a scholarship or getting your employer to finance your MBA. We suggest that you read Financing Your Online MBA Course here.

By asking yourselves the above questions, we believe you are able to come out with a better understanding on how you should choose the right Online MBA Course. Many potential students may wish to enroll with the top ranked MBA. However, remember that getting a certified MBA from a top-ranked MBA school is not going to be cheap. We suggest that you run through the list of top MBA schools published by The Times, Financial Times or other business magazine for your available options.

Pursuing for a certified MBA degree is not just about the brand name of the school. In US for example, there are so many school that offer a certified MBA that many of these schools are unheard of. However, when it comes to the quality of their Online MBA Course and the quality of their graduates, they are not necessary lacking or behind those top rank MBA school. So, you need to constantly ask yourself, why do you pursue an MBA in the first place.
A top rank MBA program is usually requires more commitment and has higher expectations towards their students. You need to ask yourself if you made the cut for such program.

Ultimately, there may not be such thing as “The” Online MBA Course. Each school that offers an Online MBA Course may have their own advantages and disadvantages. The final determining criteria may still be which of these Online MBA Courses suit you, and not the other way round.

The other way to analyse as to which Online MBA Course is right for you is to analyse your own knowledge gap. Ask yourself if the Online MBA Course that you are considering is able to bridge this gap.

There is another aspect, which you need to consider. If you have not yet read the Benefits of MBA published by us earlier, we suggest that you read it now. One of the major benefits of pursuing for an MBA, be it the traditional classroom method or through an Online MBA Course, is the networking established with your peers. This networking may continue to serve you long after you have graduated with a certified MBA from your Online MBA Course.

Perhaps a good guideline in choosing for the right Online MBA Course is to judge for yourself whether you make the cut. If you think you are good enough or is in an environment conducive enough for a top rank MBA program, we suggest that you go for it. After all, you are not going to pursue for your MBA twice. However, if getting a certified MBA from a top rank MBA school is not your priority, you may want to settle for something which is more easy-going.

However ensure that the quality of the MBA is there. To help you assess on the quality of an MBA, you may want to check if the MBA program is accredited. Getting an accredited MBA program will ensures that it meets with certain quality but for those MBA program that is not accredited, it does not necessary means that they are of inferior quality.

Some examples of top rank MBA school that offers accredited MBA program are Aberdeen Business School and University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business. As far as we know, the Wales MBA are not accredited yet, but their quality is still good. So don’t just rely on accreditation as a benchmark of quality. You may want to read about How AMBA Accredits MBA Program to find out more on MBA accrediting agency.

Along with questions asked on how to choose the right Online MBA Course, you may also like to ask yourself, if you will make a good MBA candidate. Remember that your MBA school admission officers will also be asking themselves this question as they process your application. No certified MBA school would like to register a student just to earn some extra bucks from them. If the student drop out of the MBA course half-way, it does not reflect well on the MBA school as well.

It is likely that a school that offers Online MBA Course would be looking for students with some prior working experience. You should put your best foot forward to be perceived as the right candidate for the Online MBA Course that you are applying for. The following section of this article offers some suggestions on how you are able to improve your success rate to be admitted into an Online MBA Course.

When you fill your application form for the Online MBA Course, do not leave any part of the form blank. We also suggest that your open a file to store all your application material. Some MBA colleges require that you write an MBA essay, and this should be written sincerely. There are also other MBA colleges that requires GMAT test, and if possible you should prepare well and sit for it to achieve high GMAT score. This will definitely increase your success rate for admission into a certified Online MBA Course.

Get some recommendation letter to be attached, regardless whether the MBA college require it or not. There is also some MBA colleges that will ask for an interview, though this may not be that relevant for an Online MBA Course. If the MBA college requires an interview, you should put in adequate preparation.

At the end of the day, to choose the right Online MBA Course, you will need to seriously ask yourself, why do you pursue an MBA. Are you seeking for the credential that a certified MBA is offering you? Are you looking to enhance your business networking? If you keep yourself focused, then we are sure that you will be able to successfully identify the right Online MBA Course for yourself.

Financing Your Online MBA Course

2008-06-02T14:45:00.006+08:00

How to Finance Your Online MBA Course?

One of the major factor in deciding if you want to take up an Online MBA Course, is likely to be the financial aspect. How do you intent to finance your MBA? To earn MBA online, or for that matter, any other certified MBA program requires a huge financial commitment. No matter how much benefits of an MBA that you may eventually realise, you should still plan carefully for it.

Cost of Online MBA Course

In UK or USA, the cost of an online MBA course of a good business school is more than the average wages. Having said that, you may still be able to get a cheap MBA at the cost of US Dollar 8,000 but do not expect too much from it. The average cost of an MBA is around $40,000 with some costing as much as $60,000. This is all the more true if you are getting your Online MBA Course from a renowned university or one of those top MBA course.

Hence, if you wish to spend your time actually studying for your Online MBA Course and not worrying about how to finance the MBA, you need a good planning and budgeting. This budgeting should not be done only after you’ve registered for the course, it should be planned well ahead before you actually register for the Online MBA Course.

Start your MBA financing planning by looking at the cost involved. Tuition cost makes up a massive part of the Online MBA Course. Note that some online MBA course also requires its students to spend some time as a resident student on its campus. You will need to budget for the residential duration as well. If your Online MBA Course requires that you spend time as a resident student, be sure to check out if the fees is different for foreign students. Some university have different cost for local and foreign students.

There are also other academic costs involved. Some Online MBA Course offers only online instruction from the lecturer in the forms of digital video feed, but students are expected to buy their own textbooks. However, most Online MBA Course provider would provide students with texts and material which may be printed and bound as a reference book. Other cost may include purchasing some additional software which is needed for some quantitative subjects.

There are many ways to finance your Online MBA Course, and you have to be resourceful. To start, if you are a working mom or working personnel, you may want to check with your employers if the company subsidise your studies. There are many instances where students who are working has their employer pay for their Online MBA Course. This is all the more relevant, if you are able to apply your MBA knowledge immediately to your work. On the contrary, full-time MBA students have more difficult chance of getting their employer to finance their certified MBA program.

Get Your Employer to Finance Your Online MBA Cost

According to The Economist, more than 60% of students who do their certified MBA part-time, including those doing an Online MBA Course, are financed by their employer. Most employers agree to subsidies the MBA studies with prior agreement that he or she will stay with the company for a certain period of time upon completing the MBA program.

However, there are other considerations you will need to take into account if you are seeking your employer to finance your Online MBA Course. The first important consideration is to check if the MBA that you are taking is certified by your company. Some companies only agree to finance their employee for some limited types of MBA programs.

They may be some conflicts of opinion between your employer and you as to which certified MBA program is suitable. What is suitable for you may not necessary be good for the company. The cost of the certified MBA is another issue. It is likely that the company would prefer that you sign up with the cheapest MBA course, and not necessary the best. Since you will be the one who has to study and put in the most effort for the entire MBA duration, it is likely that you will prefer the best MBA, not the cheapest.

The other considerations about getting your company to finance your Online MBA Course is in the event of an economic downturn, it is very likely that the company will cut down on its training budget. The company may decide to terminate the financing when you are mid-way through your Online MBA course. As there are so many ways to finance your Online MBA Course, you are advised to carefully research into the available options and weight each of the option carefully. The time spent in carrying out the research definitely pays in the long-term.

Other Financial Aid for Your Online MBA Course

Besides getting your employer to finance your Online MBA Course, there are generally three kinds of financial aid that you can consider:

Grants/Scholarship – usually given to students according to merit, academic achievements, country of origin and other deciding criteria.

Loans – either from the school or from commercial financial institution

Fellowships – may not be applicable to Online MBA Course, as it involves students earning their money by teaching or assisting with research.

Before you consider taking up a loan to finance your Online MBA Course, you should consider applying for a scholarship, company sponsorships or using your own savings. Let us look at the available options, one by one.

MBA Scholarship

An MBA scholarship is usually awarded to those who are worthy of them. Most of these scholarship are awarded based on the following criterias:

To individuals displaying outstanding academic performance and potential.
To attract students with strong academic performance so as to advance in rankings and to maintain their reputation.
For students with limited financial resources but with great potential.
Scholarships designed for specific groups.

If you would like to get a scholarship to finance your Online MBA Course, then you should search for your scholarship as early as possible. Otherwise, you may end up missing your intake date. In fact, there are students who start searching for their scholarship even before they are ready to take the program. It’s all about planning in advance.

You should also apply to as many MBA scholarship as possible. In fact, you should apply to every award possible, not matter how small the award amount may be. When all these award amounts add up, they may be quite a useful amount to help you bridge your financial gap. Also, always remember that it is usually the less lucrative scholarship that are less competitive, and your chances of success of getting the MBA scholarship is higher.

Do not apply to just a few MBA scholarship simply because you think that you are a talented students and is likely to get them. It may very competitive than you think. However, do not waste your time applying to those MBA scholarship that you do not even meet the basic criteria.

Look for less competitive MBA scholarships. Seek for small local awards that are not normally listed in the national database. Try writing to big corporation which do not always publish their scholarship. Who knows, you may be lucky and may even be offered a better employment upon your MBA graduation.
When you are looking for a scholarship to finance your Online MBA Course, always check for the latest and up-to-date information. A directory of scholarship which is more than 1 year old is considered too old to be used. It is likely that the scholarship has already been taken by some deserving students.

Many schools offer academic scholarship, and you should check them out. The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) is one such example. The more aggressive the school is about offering the scholarship for deserving students, the more likely that they are really serious about getting more students into their Online MBA Course. The more known is an institution, the more competitive it will be for you to get the scholarship to finance your Online MBA Course.

If a scholarship that you are considering to finance your Online MBA Course requires that you b nominated, find out who is responsible for the nomination and ask them to nominate you. As the nomination dateline is approaching, the nominator may just nominate you as you happens to be the only one who is asking. Even if they have a proper procedure to follow, by asking to be introduced to them shows your eagerness on getting the scholarship, and will do you good.

One final word about getting a scholarship to finance your Online MBA Course. If you do win a scholarship award, remember to renew them. Some scholarship requires that you maintain certain academic results such as a good GPA score to have your MBA scholarship renewed, and you should be aware of them.

Loan for Your Online MBA Course

If you decided to apply for a loan to finance your Online MBA Course, there are some factors that you need to consider, such as – How much is the total cost of borrowing over the loan term? Are there any additional financial charges? How does the repayment schedule fits your financial requirement? How dependable is the financial institution offering the loan?

There are a good number of reputable loan provider for an Online MBA Course. However, be careful not to be tempted to take up more than what you actually require. Otherwise, you may end up servicing the loan long after you have already graduated from your MBA program. There are also many different types of loan available, and your should check them out carefully.

Some of these loans offer interest-free during the duration of your studies, and may not be a bad idea to consider. Also, check if the loan allows you to pay off the principal at any time that you want. Some institutions may offer you with a low interest loan, but comes with the condition that you may not make any principal repayment within the first few years of the loan. In a nutshell, go for loans with the most flexible repayment and the lowest interest rate.

Most of those who pursue their Online MBA Cost already saved up some amount of money to finance their certified MBA program. They may only take up a loan to bridge the gap. If you do not have any savings now, consider working for few more years to save up some money and take a smaller loan quantum to bridge the gap. In whatever cases, always remember that doing an Online MBA Course requires a heavy financial and time commitment and you should plan for both carefully.

One last and important point about financing your Online MBA Course. Do not forget that some countries offer tax incentive for post-graduate studies. Remember, to apply for it.

Online MBA at University of North Alabama Colleges Review

2008-05-30T16:16:00.006+08:00

Welcome to another review article for Online MBA Course, at University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business. You may also be interested to read our prior review on Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix. If your are looking for one of the best online MBA programs around, then read on.

Where is University of North Alabama?

The University of North Alabama is located in the city of Florence, which is located in the northwest corner of the State of Alabama. Florence has a magnificent history, and is situated on two lakes formed by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) dams on the Tennessee River and is, therefore, an important point for anglers, boaters, and water sports enthusiasts. Also there are many public parks and picnic areas available to our students and their families.

The University of North Alabama occupies a beautiful campus on 130 acres in a residential section of Florence, Alabama. Florence, located just north of the Tennessee River, is the largest city in a four-city area that includes Tuscumbia, Sheffield, and Muscle Shoals, all located south of the river. The entire metropolitan area has a combined population in excess of 134,000. Since Florence is the hub of the metropolitan economic area, it provides a great number of retail establishments for shopping and a wide array of restaurants for dining. Additionally, there are many first-rate health care facilities providing top-notch health care. The UNA's initial campus facility master plan was developed by world famous Frederick Law Olmsted architectural firm who designed New York City's Central Park.

Online MBA at the College of Business at University of North Alabama

The Colleges of Business at University of North Alabama has a long tradition of offering certified MBA programs for those who are seeking for better career advancement. The certified MBA programs offered by University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business is one of the best online MBA programs around, has quite a few specialisation or as they term it as concentration, namely, in accounting, information systems, international business, finance and health care management.

The certified Online MBA course offered by University of North Alabama Colleges of Business is suitable for students of various backgrounds. Students with a degree from other fields of studies may need to fulfil some other prerequisite requirement.

An interesting feature of the certified MBA program offered by the University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business is that students may chose to enrol to attend class on-campus, online or combining the two approaches. The quality of the MBA online course is similar to the traditional MBA course, and students are advised to select the approach most appropriate to their lifestyle and commitment.

University of North Alabama Colleges of Business requires that prospect students to be able to demonstrate a satisfactory background in either accounting principles, economic principles, statistical and quantitative methods, financial management, information systems, management principles and marketing principles from their work experience in order to be admitted into the best online MBA programs. However, they are options available for those students who do not have such background.

Online MBA Course Curriculum at University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business

For qualified students for the certified online MBA course, the program consists of 33 semester hours. Effectively from Fall 2008, all MBA specialisations or concentrations consist of eight core courses and three elective courses. The on-campus accounting concentration has a different requirement.

The MBA Core Courses offered by University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business are:

• Cost for Management Decision Analysis (not open to MBA-Accounting majors)
• Enterprise Systems Analysis
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Management
• Marketing Strategy
• Quantitative Methods
• Organizational Behavior
• Management Policy

MBA students are further required to complete different electives based on the concentration or specialization that they choose.

Students who wished to pursue their certified MBA program using the traditional method usually start in August, January or June. The typical course meets one evening per week for a 16-week semester.

Online MBA course students start their certified MBA program in August, January or June. Classes are conducted using a combination of on-line instructions and lectures in digital format.

Admission Process for Online MBA Course at University of North Alabama’s College of Business

The followings describe the admission process for an Online MBA Course at the University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business. Step 1 of the process involves submitting a formal application. All application forms with official transcripts should be filed with the Admission Department of the university. There are also requirements on GMAT, GRE and TOEFL scores, and MBA students are advised to check with the university in details on these admission requirements.

Step 2 of the admission process for an Online MBA course at the University of North Alabama’s Colleges of Business involves registering for the classes. This should be done after your application has been accepted.

Students for the Online MBA course at University of North Alabama’s College of Business are also advised to review the course schedule for a listing of upcoming sessions. Students may register online for the classes.

Most students register for two courses per session. However, it may also be a good idea for starting students to take just a single course. This will enable
you to settle comfortably into your program and gain a sense of what is expected of you.

Cost of Online MBA Course at University of North Alabama’s College of Business

The cost of each semester hour of credit is $320 or $960 per course (for year 2008). Tuition payment is due at the time of registration and can be paid by a check or major credit card. There are also other fees and charges which is non-refundable. These include application fee, late registration fee, change of course fee, graduation fee and transcript of credit fee.

Payment is due at the time of registration and can be paid by check or major credit card. Under special and unusual circumstances, the University of North Alabama may accept payments by instalment.

Institutional Accreditation or Recognition

University of North Alabama are accredited by the following accreditation agencies:
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Other Accreditations
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (AACN). Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). American Chemical Society (ACS). Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), Commission on Accreditation. National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), Commission on Accreditation. National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC).

Doing an Online MBA Course from one of the best online MBA programs at University of North Alabama's College of Business may a right decision for you, and you are advised to find out more details.

Review of Best Online MBA Programs at University of Phoenix - An Honest Review

2008-05-23T10:12:00.008+08:00

An Honest Review of the Best Online MBA Programs at University of Phoenix

This article is a review of one of the Best Online MBA Programs at University of Phoenix. We have published some student’s reviews of Online MBA Course of other universities. While most of these reviews are positive, we have found that students’ review about the best online MBA programs at University of Phoenix contains almost equally positive and negative reviews.

Some students had even established a website just for the purpose of criticizing and reviewing the online MBA at University of Phoenix. We shall publish both positive and negative reviews, but first, let’s read more about the University of Phoenix.

University of Phoenix was founded in 1976. They were one of the first universities to be accredited to offer online programs via the Internet. They claimed that their “commitment to educational excellence and unsurpassed student service” has enabled them to be the leading accredited university offering one of the best online MBA programs in the United States (US).

University of Phoenix is largest private university in the US; with over 17,000 highly qualified instructors, 170 campuses, and Internet delivery worldwide. They boast that they had more than 171,000 working graduates since 1976.
Being the one of the first university to be accredited for online course, University of Phoenix definitely has the advantage over other universities when it comes to offering one of the best online MBA programs. They had learnt a lot from their experience of running online education.

Many of the curriculums of online MBA programs offered by University of Phoenix were created in cooperation with business and community leaders. This enabled them to provide one of the best online MBA programs that provide skills and expertise that are high in demand by the MBA market. They also continually update their program to reflect the changes in the industry.

The followings are what University of Phoenix listed as the benefits of studying with them that makes their program one of the best online MBA programs in US:

• Attend class at times and places that fit your schedule.
• Complete 100% of your education via the Internet, including all administration, registration, and book buying.
• Earn your online education degree in two or three years.
• Take classes one at a time for 5 to 6 weeks each, so you can focus on each subject.
• Acquire skills and expertise that are in high demand with programs that are continually updated.
• Learn from the most effective combination of theory and practical experience; all faculty hold a master’s or doctoral degree and work in the fields they teach.
• Learn with other experienced professionals from various corporations and organizations across the country, and around the world.
• Apply your coursework immediately in your work environment.
• Benefit from the nation’s leading online university, whose online format has proven successful for thousands of graduates since 1989.
• Professional training and previous education can be used to fulfill some credit requirements.
• Financing is available.
• Tuition costs may be partially tax-deductible.
• University of Phoenix college education qualifies for most employer reimbursement plans.

University of Phoenix Online offers a number of online MBA programs. By enabling students to study their online MBA course and complete their coursework through email and internet, students can remain committed to their personal and work responsibilities while studying for their online MBA course at the same time.

Accreditation of Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix

Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix is an accredited MBA program accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association. To understand more on how an accreditation agency accredits its MBA program, please read How AMBA Accredits Its MBA Programs.

How Online MBA Course works at University of Phoenix

The followings describe how Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix works. Students can complete 100% of their MBA program online. They provide software where students may retrieve lectures, questions and assignment from the instructor.

Students also have full access to online research libraries and services. They can also interact with other MBA graduates and working professionals. All interaction with the instructor and other MBA graduates or professionals are done through internet, so a student can just participate at his convenience. Students who study Online MBA course at University of Phoenix no longer need to rush from office for a night class. Students can also take breaks in between the courses.

However, University of Phoenix cautions its students that as one of the best online MBA programs in the US, their Online MBA Course is of high standards and therefore demands high level of discipline on the side of the students. It will be a challenge to MBA students to quickly assimilate new ideas, evaluate complex data, think creatively and communicate effectively.

The Aim of Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix

The aim of an Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix is to enhance the management skills and to help students to function effectively within an organization. MBA students learn to solve problems related to crisis management, profit growth and change leadership. The Master of Business Administration program at University of Phoenix used problem-based learning approach to train students in their communication, creativity, information utilization, and critical thinking skills.

MBA students at University of Phoenix are assessed on the basis of their use of the problem solving process, as well as their communication and critical thinking skills during their presentation.

Online MBA Course Curriculum at University of Phoenix

The MBA consists of 39 credit hours and includes three proficiency courses which may be satisfied using an undergraduate business degree, undergraduate coursework or graduate coursework. Students may also waive an additional nine credits using graduate courses and may qualify for a 21-credit hour residency.

The Cost of Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix claims that the cost of an online MBA course offered by them is less than half of that of a normal private university. In addition, students can complete their course a lot sooner than other universities, which mean that the students can realize their return on investment a lot earlier as well.

University of Phoenix offers flexible payment scheme where students can pay for their courses one course at a time, rather than for the entire semester. This can helps students manage their cash flow and meets personal budget. There is also the option to pre-pay the entire tuition to guarantee that the rate will not be raised during the entire duration of MBA studies.

University of Phoenix also offers MBA financing for working moms and students, even the non-needy ones. They also have a refund policy for MBA students whose studies were interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.

Students’ Review about Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix

On the following section, we shall highlight some students’ review on online MBA course offered by University of Phoenix, extracted from Rateitall dot com.

Former students, JC15 wrote, “University of Phoenix was a surprising disappointment… I enrolled and was accepted into the MBA program and was greeted by many happy, helpful people that went the extra mile to get me enrolled in the university. Unfortunately, by my 4th class I was fully aware of a frustrating trend that my fellow classmates also commented on regularly.

“The professors are more of a conversation mediator among the students than an actual professor. Assignments were passed down, but when asked to clarify the assignment because the syllabus had contradicting, poorly worded, information, my professors regularly responded.... ‘refer to the syllabus’ ....but wait, the syllabus IS the question. It never seemed to matter. The biggest issue I had with University of Phoenix is that the professors really didn't seem to care…
“As for the program as a whole, it is organized in a semi-structured manner. Finding your way through the site is above average and the tools provided (such as the writing center) are great! The materials being kept online is a bit cumbersome. Personally I like to have books I can flip through, highlight things, or be able to keep my finger on a page to flip back and forth as I dwell into a concept. Ebooks, are less friendly in this fashion. Plan on taking a lot of notes as your read or you'll be lost when you have to quote the text”

MBA student, JR97 wrote: “The University of Phoenix style requires maturity and personal dedication I don't think most 19 year olds are capable of… My experience with the enrollment, academic, and financial counsellors has been great… My instructors have all been satisfactory for the most part. Timely feedback on written assignments is sometimes lacking and that effects end of course work a lot of the time. But I have yet to have an instructor I felt earned negative reviews in the end of course surveys…

“I guess if I were to put it simply, University of Phoenix is NOT for those with poor writing, learning, research, and social skills. The onus is on the student to learn and work both individually and within a team. University of Phoenix is definitely not for everybody. But for those who work and have families, University of Phoenix provides an alternative to get or continue education.”

Online MBA student, Aeroproof, wrote: “My experience at University of Phoenix has been quite rewarding both on a personal and professional level… You must be stubbornly determined to stay the course and finish the program. Yes, the learning team environment has pros and cons, but what learning model is perfect?

“… One negative issue I have with the school is the incessant online marketing campaign. In some ways potential students can view this negatively and may give the appearance of lowering academic rigor and quality, which is not the case in the MBA program. Hence, I lowered my rating to four stars…

“In terms of promotional opportunities, I interviewed for an internal position with my company and I received a substantial increase in salary (double digit) and responsibility. After graduation, I still keep in touch with many colleagues and the student alumni association…

“There will always be negative people, especially with the current paradigm shift occurring in academia. This pattern is typical of new issues that arise with the advent of technology and education is no different. Consider the evolution of other issues (i.e. workplace, political, economic) that have changed over the past generation. Initially change is resisted, evolves over a period of time and eventually become a standard policy or procedure. Furthermore, at minimum verify the online program is regionally accredited. I wish you the best of luck in your future education. My graduate education at University of Phoenix has served me well thus far.”

So, while there are plenty of negative review about Online MBA Course offered by University of Phoenix, there are equally that many of positive review about the course. We advise our readers to do extensive research to find out for themselves if studying for an Online MBA Course at University of Phoenix is really for them. You may also like to read other Students’ Review on Online MBA Course.

AMBA Accredited MBA Programs

2008-05-19T17:35:00.010+08:00

If you are considering an accredited Online MBA Course, then there is a high likelihood that you shall be looking for AMBA accredited MBA programs or MBA accredited by other accrediting agencies.

The Association of MBAs, or better known as AMBA in short, was established in 1967 by eight MBA graduates from Wharton and Harvard. They are the advocate of MBA and they provide accreditation services for MBA programmes, including online MBA course, for course providers throughout the world.

The accreditation service provided by AMBA is internationally recognised as an acceptable global standard for all Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Doctorates in Business Administration (DBA) and Masters in Business and Management (MBM) programmes. Their accrediting services currently covers MBA, DBA and MBM programmes at 145 business schools in 68 countries.

In addition, AMBA also offer professional membership for MBA graduates and students. Their membership network currently includes 9000 members living in 88 countries. AMBA provide support to prospective MBA students, graduates and employers. AMBA’s vision is to become the international authority on business and marketing education.

AMBA offers independent quality assessment on online MBA course offered by providers. They are focused on international accreditation and design their criteria to be applicable to business schools around the world.

AMBA began their MBA accreditation services since the early 1980s. They are currently accredit MBA programs at more than 140 schools in over 65 countries, worldwide. The Online MBA Course at Aberdeen Business School is one such example of AMBA accredited program. Any college who wished to have their online MBA course accredited are advised to contact the association directly.

AMBA’s latest accreditation criteria, was launched in March 2005, and focus on every aspects of MBA course provision, including online MBA course. In the context of an online MBA course, these accreditation criteria include:

The College or University offering the online MBA course

The college or university offering an accredited MBA program should have a clear strategy and mission. They must also be explicitly expressed and regularly updated. AMBA require that this college or university have very clear understanding of the market for the online MBA course that they offers.

The Faculty offering the online MBA course

The faculty that offers the Masters of Business Administration courses, including Online MBA Course, should be have sufficient resources for all its activities. The faculty should ensure the institution is of national or international standing. Their staff should also be credible in terms of academic qualifications, ability to teach and quality of research.

Students of the Online MBA Course

All students that are registered or admitted into accredited MBA programs must have certain minimum years of working experience. AMBA requires that the college or university offering the accredited MBA programs show evidence on admission standards, which should include academic criteria and work experience. AMBA also has a criteria for some minimal intake of MBA students per year.

Curriculum of the Online MBA Course

AMBA requires that the curriculum of the accredited MBA programs to be generalist in nature and cover core business skills. These include marketing, economic and legal environment, accounting, finance, organisational theory and etc. This online MBA course curriculum should also reflect international aspect of business, and should also pay attention to ethical and social issues.

Assessment on the Online MBA Course

Assessment refers to the learning outcomes of the online MBA course. AMBA states that individual examinations should play a significant role in any such scheme since they are seen as testing intellectual rigour under controlled conditions. However, they also welcome any innovative form of assessment.

Additional Factors for an Accredited MBA Programs

They are also other additional factors for the accreditation such as the availability of language teaching, library and computer facilities and international contacts.

The followings describe the accreditation process for an MBA program.

The first step of the accreditation process involves an initial discussion with the college or university seeking accreditation for its MBA program. During this discussion, it is established whether it is appropriate for the institution to be invited into candidacy for the accreditation.

The next step involve self-audit conducted by the college or university. There are established guidelines on what need to be done or achieved during the self-audit. Once the self-audit is satisfactory conducted, the institution shall request for an assessment visit.

The third step involves the assessment visit by AMBA. This usually takes one and a half days, and it follows a pre-arranged agenda. The assessment team comprise of four to five members from AMBA. This assessment team is always mutually agreed with the Institution.

Following the assessment visit, a report is prepared for the Association’s International Accreditation Advisory Board (IAAB), which will recommend:

i) accreditation for the maximum period of 5 years;

ii) accreditation for a period less than 5 years with conditions attached to the extension of that period to the full 5 year term; or,

iii) non-accreditation, with reasons given for this decision

Accreditation is valid for a period up to a maximum of five years after which the institution would be invited to submit an application for re-accreditation.

In cases where the IAAB cannot endorse the findings of the Assessment Team’s report, or where the institution appeals against the outcome, the decision will be referred to the Association’s International Management Board (IMB).

If, during the cycle of accreditation validity, any circumstances arise which adversely affect the accredited MBA programme, the IMB reserve the right to either suspend or cancel the accreditation award.

Top 40 Distance Learning MBA or Online MBA Programs with AMBA Accreditation

The followings are the MBA Courses accredited by AMBA that has made it to the Top 40 ranking of Distance Learning or Online MBA listed by the Financial Times 2008 ranking:

MBA at Open University Business School, UK
Global Distance Learning MBA at Henley Management College, UK
MBA at Manchester Business School, UK
The Warwick MBA by Distance Learning at Warwick Business School
MBA in International Management, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK
The Durham MBA, Durham Business School, UK
Distance Learning MBA, Bradford School of Management, UK
Strathclyde Flexible Learning MBA at University of Strathclyde Business School, UK
eMBA and MBA Oil and Gas Management at Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, UK
The Surrey MBA at University of Surrey, School of Management, US
Euro*MBA at Euro*MBA Consortium in France, Netherlands, Poland, Spain & Germany
MBA (Distance Learning) at Aston Business School, Aston University, UK

With an understanding on how AMBA accredits its MBA programs, we trust that you are able to choose your Online MBA Course wisely. You may also want to read other students review on MBA course that they are attending.

Students Review on Online MBA Course

2008-05-16T14:41:00.014+08:00

Before you sign up for an Online MBA Course, you may want to read through some student’s review about the Online MBA Course.

Most of the students who signed up for an MBA online, wanted to earn the MBA online but simply do not have the time needed demanded by a typical graduate school. If you are one of those people, then studying for an online MBA course may be the answer for you.

Most review by students agreed that an online MBA program is a viable way to earn the degree. Online MBA course accommodates working adults by offering flexible schedules, online study groups, and one-on-one chat sessions with professors.

In fact one students reviewed that he can attend class at two in the morning, which is very convenient to him. Many online MBA course do not require students to be ever on the actual campus. MBA courses at Robert Kennedy College and MBA courses at Aberdeen Business School are such examples. There are also others that require students to spend at least one semester on the campus. The students studying for all these online courses seem to be giving very good review about the courses that they are attending.

Online MBA course also allows you to take classes at your own pace. If you take two classes, spring, summer and fall, you can likely complete the whole MBA degree in 20 months. If you slow it down a bit, you may complete it in four years. You can also speed it up if you wanted to. This is also another aspect that most students gave positive review about the online courses that they are attending.

In another student’s review, Mike revealed that he enjoys doing his MBA online because it mimics a medium that he is very familiar with. He spends hours online on his work, and he wanted the facility, convenience that he is so used to in his works.

However, online MBA course is not for everyone. Review received from some students doing their MBA online has not been so positive for those who would prefer the traditional classroom learning and interaction with lecturers and friends.

The followings are some other students’ review about the Online MBA course that they are attending or completed:

MBA graduate, Michael from Chicago reviewed, “I have just completed my MBA from Keller Online. Their courses were excellent along with the teachers. The web site was easy to navigate and allowed for email, chat rooms and lecture notes along with other material posted by the instructor. The biggest improvement came when the final exams were put online, before you had to arrange to take the final at one of their facilities. I agree with the other posts that you need good time management and be a self-starter. Good Luck!”

Another MBA student from Massachusetts reviewed: “I did my undergraduate (BA) work at the University of Owell. As I neared completion, I took two classes that were for that time frame, online. They were really more telnet than anything - but I enjoyed it.

“Then, as technology and my career progressed, I began a second degree with UML (by now Univerity of Massachusetts at Lowell) and did the majority of the classes on line toward a BS in Information Systems.

“At the time, I was a Director of IT. Mid-way - I was encouraged to get a masters degree and work toward a promotion in my company and I bit. By this point, I was hooked on the on line educational model. I converted the BS credits to a certificate in IT and did an MBA on line exclusively via University of Phoenix. It was challenging material, demanding, exciting and supportive. It was not problematic in terms of technology, people, etc.

“The only issue I faced was that the program was more intense than the online environment at UML (in part because of the compressed timelines). Once I was acclimated to the pace, however, it was great. I would do it again in a heart beat and am now finishing that BS at UML with only 3 classes to go - all online.”

Another MBA student from Chicago reviewed, “I am taking a program through Keller Graduate School of Management and am 3 classes into it. So far so good, but it is a lot of work and requires great time mgt skills.”

Penny, a current MBA student from Kingston reviewed, “I'm a senior systems analyst currently pursuing an MBA by Distance Education with the University of Leicester, with a specialization in Information Technology Management. I've just been doing it for 3 months but you have to have good time management skills to pursue a distance course while working. School assignments due, boss pressuring you to deliver, it can be stressful, but at the end of the day it will all be worth it.

Joe, an MBA student reviewed, “With University of Southern Australia offering MBA studies online, I was able to conveniently continue and complete my MBA after I had moved interstate (and even when I was overseas briefly). Offering the MBA online gives great flexibility to continue study no matter where a person's career takes them around the world.

“With so many organisations now going global, and so many collaborations performed internationally, teamwork and communications are increasingly being done remotely and electronically. Communicating online for group work projects and assignments is increasingly becoming typical of how many people conduct their professional business, and helps to develop the skills that will become increasingly important in future."

Jathin, an MBA student reviewed, “My MBA experience at University of Southern Australia changed my business outlook and structured my thinking process. The campus facilities, staff/faculty contributions and participative class discussions, all made the experience an invaluable learning process.

“The MBA provides the right managerial tools to identify the problems, analyze the situation and formulate the appropriate strategies to deliver the best customer value, yield higher than average stakeholder returns, and ensure employee satisfaction.”

Suzanne, a working mother reviewed, "As a working mother and wife my time is extremely valuable. The UW Consortium online MBA program allows me to work classes around my schedule, advance in my career, and still have time for my family."

Joshua, an MBA student reviewed, "I was really impressed at the effort made by Liberty University’s staff to keep in touch with me through the entire admissions process, making sure that I had the necessary resources available to me as I sought financial aid. It is a service that has continued long after my admittance and is quite unlike that of my experience as an undergraduate student of another university.

“Having so many financial options available has allowed me to afford my education. Not only did I get aid through means of a grant and loans, but I was also able to take advantage of the new Liberty alumni benefit scholarship. In addition, I also received outside scholarship money through corporate assistance at my work—a key factor in my decision to go back to school."

David, an MBA student reviewed, “When I graduated from college, the furthest thing from my mind was going back to school for graduate studies. However, as a Certified Public Accountant, I began to realize the need to continue my education with an MBA in order to distinguish myself from my colleagues….After looking into several online programs from respected institutions, I was most impressed with Liberty University.

“The three most important things that impressed me about Liberty were the challenging programs, excellent professors, and spiritual perspective. The online program took my book knowledge and real-life experiences and projected them beyond what I thought imaginable."

Kellie, an MBA student reviewed, “After being out of school for ten years before pursuing my MBA degree, I was very overwhelmed with the online setting of distance learning. Two and a half years later, I am graduating with a 3.94 GPA. This has been an awesome milestone in my life."

Scott Campbell did his distance learning MBA from University of Leicester. This is what he has to say about the program.

“After doing some research it became apparent that the University of Leicester was a very good institution, I believe at the time it was nineteenth in the country. It seemed that the university had an exceptional distance learning programme, with dedicated staff, workshops and support through Blackboard. This was well above any other institution
I came across. I had also spoken to a number of contacts that had done, or were doing distance learning courses, and none of their courses could compare with what Leicester
was offering.

“My main reason for studying was to expand my knowledge and skills; the second reason was for career progression. An MBA is a means of bringing all of that together and testing myself to see what I can achieve.

“The summer schools are a great opportunity to interact with the lecturers and to network and meet fellow students, it also allows you to feel a part of the University. Blackboard is a fantastic tool and the electronic library is available to use for study as well as work.

“I would recommend the programme because of the dedicated staff and the systems in
place. As a distance learning student at Leicester, you feel a part of the process and feel valued.

“I have no doubt that obtaining an MBA will have a significant impact on my career.”

We believe that the students’ review about their Online MBA Course is helpful to you in making your MBA choices. The benefits of MBA and getting an AMBA accredited MBA programs may also be an important criteria as to why you want to pursue an MBA, and all these should also be taken into account.

MBA Course Review at Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University

2008-05-11T17:02:00.007+08:00

If you are considering to study for an Online MBA Course in Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, you have came to the right place. This article reviews the Online MBA Course in Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University.

Robert Gordon University is based in Aberdeen, the third largest city in Scotland. The Robert Gordon University’s history was so diverse and deep that it is difficult to trace its beginning. Its founder, Robert Gordon was born in 1668 in Aberdeen. When he died, he willed his entire estate to build a residential school for educating young boys.

In 1881, this residential school was converted to Robert Gordon’s College. This college went on to develop into various type of college before being the university status in 1992 and Robert Gordon University was born.

The Robert Gordon University is well reputed for its pragmatic approach to its Online MBA course in Scotland. Robert Gordon University is also internationally recognised for responding to the need of its students. The Aberdeen Business School has long known the value of work placements as a significant feature of all its courses.

Aberdeen Business School is one of the leading providers of management and professional education in Scotland. They have over 3,000 UK and international students on their undergraduate and postgraduate programme.

The Aberdeen Business School of Robert Gordon University was founded in 1965. Aberdeen Business School’s strong links with industry, commerce and the public sector enable them to ensure that their Online MBA Course is practical to the industry. According to The Times magazine in June 2006, Robert Gordon University has one of the best graduate employability records of all UK universities. Robert Gordon University was ranked 56th making it the top new university in Scotland and third overall in the UK.

Online MBA course offered by Aberdeen Business School is an Association of MBA (AMBA) accredited MBA programs since 1999 and is one of the largest providers of management education in the UK. In March 2007, The Financial Times the Online MBA Course provided by Aberdeen Business School as one of the Top 32 online MBAs available globally.

What are the benefits of pursuing a MBA Course at Aberdeen Business School? There are nine listed reasons why you should pursue for an Online MBA Course at Aberdeen Business School. There are:

Excellent teaching facilities
International exchange Summer Schools
Interactive six week business simulation exercise
Ten week internship in a local organisation
Free laptop with wireless capability for all full time students, to keep on completion of studies with us
Use of our award winning Virtual Campus for all Online MBA students
Access to the Scottish Fresh Talent Initiative, leading to two years additional visa stay
Mentoring and career guidance
Membership of the Aberdeen Business School Alumni Association and networking opportunities

What are the criteria to do an Online MBA Course at Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University? The Online MBA Course is a challenging masters' level programme demanding a combination of intellectual abilities and business experience. To gain admission applicants will normally need to hold a first degree, at honours level at a top class banding, have at least three years relevant business experience and where appropriate, be able to demonstrate competence in written and oral English.

There are various options to for an Online MBA Course financing available to prospect students. These include:

Scholarships

The Aberdeen Business School is able to offer a limited number of scholarships to assist exceptionally able students who wish to undertake its International Masters of Business Administration programme on a full-time basis.

Bursary

Hobsons is offering several bursaries for international students wishing to study an Masters of Business course. You can find out about the Hobsons Bursary and how to apply for it by looking at Hobsons MBA Course.

Loan Scheme

The Association of MBAs in conjunction with NatWest Bank have a loan scheme available.

The followings are an overview of the Online MBA Course offered by Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University.

Aberdeen Business School’s AMBA accredited online MBA course commenced in September 2005. The online MBA course has been listed in The Financial Times as one of the Top 40 Distance Learning MBAs available globally in 2008. Business Week has also recognised its Online MBA Course in the 2008 ranking list.

The online MBA course offered by Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University has been developed specifically to provide an exciting opportunity for those unable to attend either the full or part-time taught programmes. This Online MBA Course also provides the opportunity for students to progress through the programme at a pace commensurate with their own personal circumstances.

The online MBA course provided by Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University uses a dynamic learning environment which focuses on the development of Strategic Leaders who can achieve beneficial and meaningful change in international businesses.

The online MBA programme is delivered electronically through the Robert Gordon University’s award winning ‘Virtual Campus’ and, by the nature of its format, recreates the same challenging interactive format as for the taught programmes.

The material and contents of the online programmes are the same as for the taught programme offered by Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University and are co-ordinated by the same subject specialists. In addition all of the course materials are provide as part of the course fee.

Students of the Online MBA Course will study the following core modules:
• Business Economics
• Human Resources Management
• Marketing Decisions
• Operations Management: A Supply Chain Approach
• Knowledge Management
• Financial Decision Making
• Strategic Management

There are two further elective modules and a dissertation. Students are required to attend a Leadership Week in year 2 and will have the option of participating in a study tour to IAE Aix en Provence Université in the South of France.

The followings list some profile of students who are studying for an Online MBA Course at Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University.

Men to Women = 70:30
Average Age = 39
Industry profile: Oil and Gas, Media, Banking and Finance, Pharmaceuticals, Manufacturing, Telecommunication amongst others.
Average management experience = 11 years
Country profile: 24 different countries with 60% from Europe and 20% from Africa and 20% from Rest of World.
Cohort size: 25-40

Tuition Fees offered by Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University

The fees for the course have been set at £10,392 payment of which can be spread over the duration of the programme.

Year 1 £ 4293
Year 2 £ 4293
Year 3 £ 1806

Tuition fees can be paid by instalments in any one year. The above fees are for 2007/8, and are reviewed annually.

Scholarships offered by Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University

There are scholarships available for the most deserving candidates. Scholarships range from £500 to £3,000.

Prospect students are advised to contact Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University for the latest information on its Online MBA Course.

Accredited Online MBA Programs

2008-05-07T12:03:00.009+08:00

Those who are seeking for an Online MBA would most likely looking for accredited MBA programs. As a matter of fact, getting an accredited MBA programs may be at the top of your list. This may relate to why you pursue an MBA in the first place.

Which Online MBA Programs get Accredited?

Which Online MBA course gets accredited? To get accredited, the school that offers the Online MBA Accreditation must seek accreditation from an accreditation organization. This accreditation organization shall look at every detail of the school and the MBA programs to ensure that it meets the criteria.

It is not easy and it is an expensive process to have an online MBA course accreditated. Therefore, it can be considered as good benchmark for quality. If getting an accredited MBA programs is an important criteria for you, then you should do thorough research on this.

You may also need to consider if your potential employer put any importance of whether your online MBA course is an accredited one or not. The U.S. Department of Education provides a list of approved accrediting agencies, which in turn list the online MBA programs that is accredited.

How does MBA Programs get accredited?

How does an online MBA course get accredited? Accrediting agencies work closely with the college that is providing the Online MBA Course that is seeking accreditation. They establish the standard of evaluation. Based on this standards, the college or university shall work towards achieving this standard.

The MBA college then shall carry-out self evaluation to determine if they meet the standards set. If not, then they shall re-work their strategy and policies to ensure that they are meeting the accreditation standards.

When the MBA college or university feels that they are ready for an actual evaluation by the accrediting agency, they shall apply for the evaluation. The accredited agency shall carry out the evaluation based on the MBA course programs and also carry out an on-site evaluation. If the MBA college meets the criteria, then they shall be recommended to be accredited for the MBA programs.

The accrediting agencies are also required to re-evaluate the university periodically to ensure that they continuously meet the standards.

How Online MBA programs are Accredited in the United States (US)

In the United States, accreditation is carried out by private accreditation agencies. One such agency is the Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation (UCOEA).

The Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation was founded to help students in getting quality education online. It was founded with an aim to provide a platform for distance education institutions - established and developing - to judge their quality of educational service on the basis of sound educational standards and ethical business practices set by UCOEA. Its core function is to promote high quality distance education by identifying standards that outline the best educational practices.

As as independent, non-profit membership organization, the Council is responsible for the evaluation and accreditation of eligible online institutions, meeting the stringent standards.

How Online MBA programs are Accredited in the United Kingdom (UK)

There are basically two established accreditation agency which is the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA).

The Association of MBAs was founded in 1967 by eight UK graduates from Harvard and Wharton. Realising the fundamental strength of the qualification in terms of business and leadership, but seeing little knowledge of it in Europe, they decided to form a lobby and membership group.

AMBA accreditation service is internationally recognised as the global standard for all Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Doctorates in Business Administration (DBA) and Masters in Business and Management (MBM) programmes. We currently accredit MBA, DBA and MBM programmes at 145 business schools in 68 countries.

The Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) accredits Bachelor and Master degrees in fields such as business administration, economics, business computing, engineering and business administration, business psychology, business law, etc. in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Since 2003, FIBBA also accredits "Diploma" courses. FIBBA is usually the first stop for German Business School to look for an official accreditation of their MBA courses. Also several MBA programs in Austria and Switzerland are accredited by FIBBA.

There is also a need to understand that accreditation is a lengthy process. So the bottom line is to find an Online MBA Course that meet provide you with the maximum benefits of an MBA.

You may also wish to read AMBA Accredited MBA Programs and AACSB Online MBA Program.

Online MBA Course Review – University of Wales, Robert Kennedy College

2008-05-05T09:46:00.011+08:00

This article is a review on Online MBA Course offered by Robert Kennedy College, University of Wales. Robert Kennedy College is located in Zurich, Switzerland and offers one of the best online MBA programs in Europe.

Robert Kennedy College was founded in 1998 as the first Swiss not-for-profit private college entirely dedicated to adult post graduate education at a distance. The college's mission is "to provide academic excellence in online distance education for students worldwide, through appropriate application of leading-edge technologies."

The University of Wales, founded in 1893, is second in the UK only to the University of London, in terms of full-time student numbers. At RKC you will experience Swiss Quality Education combined with British Tradition.

Student Centred Philosophy

At University of Wales, you are not treated as just a student but are part of their learning community-online. Hence, you can expect to get the most out of one of the best online MBA programs around.

State of the Art Technology

In pursuit of its commitment to provide exemplary services to its students, the Robert Kennedy College has tailor-made, state-of-the-art software for online MBA course delivery. Called "Online Campus", it is an all encompassing, interactive and easy-to-use software, which makes studying online MBA course an enjoyable experience and makes them one of the best online MBA programs.

World Class Faculty

Robert Kennedy College at University of Wales employs highly qualified faculty graduated from leading Universities like Harvard Business School, Stanford University, Oxford University, New York University, Wharton to name just a few, to carry out the Online MBA Course.

Although the one week residencies are optional for the Online MBA Course, they represent a unique opportunity for students to combine the online MBA course learning experience with a traditional class environment. They offer a vigorous but flexible online MBA learning program, enhanced by state-of-the-art online e-learning technology.

The Online MBA course has been designed specifically to take full advantage of Robert Kennedy College's unique delivery technology, and through a partnership with the University of Wales to lead to an online MBA degree that is fully accredited and will be recognised worldwide as one of the best online MBA programs.

The Online MBA course at Robert Kennedy College is a generalist program that provides professionals with the education they will need in challenging and demanding positions. It aims to produce qualified professionals equipped with the full range of skills needed to lead successful businesses.

The overall design aims of the Online MBA course are to:

Provide an underpinning of both the knowledge and skills needed by senior managers;

Provide an analytical and multi-perspective framework, to enable students to recognise, identify and evaluate key management issues which critically impact on organisational performance and strategic direction;

Enhance the student's ability to integrate into the strategic thinking, direction setting, planning and operation of the organisation;

Develop the students' ability to analyse management issues of relevance to their work by undertaking a piece of research which culminates in the completion of a dissertation;

Provide an opportunity for participants to make a contribution to the body of knowledge and understanding in the area of strategic management;

Encourage holistic thinking within the areas of Management and Business.

Learning Outcomes of the Online MBA course

On completion of the Online MBA course, students should be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge, understanding and skills appropriate to effective performance at senior management level in the following areas:
Marketing Management
Organisational Behaviour
Corporate Finance
Managerial Economics;
An understanding of the context within which strategic activity occurs and its role in achieving organisational objectives;
Advanced research and consultancy skills;
Contribution to organisational success by developing, delivering and managing high quality personnel and development policies.

The Online MBA course fits within the overall mission of Robert Kennedy College:to provide academic excellence in online distance education for students worldwide, through appropriate application of leading-edge technologies.

Recognition

The Online MBA course is validated and awarded by the University of Wales.

Duration of Online MBA Course at University of Wales

Minimum 2 years - Maximum 5 years

Delivery Method of the Online MBA Course

- 99% Online via Online Campus with intensive class discussion and collaboration
- 1% in a one week compulsory residency.

The College organise 5 residencies per year therefore you do have many opportunities to meet the mandatory residential requirements. You can opt to take more than one residency if you like.

Ranking of the Online MBA Course

Among the Top 32 Online MBA's in the World FT 2007 Distance Learning Survey, which makes them one of the best online MBA programs in Europe and around the world.

Tuition Fees for the Online MBA Course

14'000 CHF (Swiss Francs) includes libraries access, Online Campus, graduation fees, UoW matriculation fees. Payable in installments with no interest fees. (Approximately 14'300 USD / 9'050 EUR / 7'100 GBP)These fees are for the full course including all courses and the final dissertation.

Not included in these fees: Residency in Switzerland (one is compulsory) 1'000 CHF (Swiss Francs). Some Textbooks are not included (approx cost 450-600 Swiss Francs).

Selectivity Ratio for Online MBA Course

60% of the applicants are invited for an admission interview. Out of 7 applicants one is admitted to the Online MBA Course.

Majors and Specialisations of the Online MBA Course

over 15 specialisations to choose from.

Terms of Study for the Online MBA Course

Three terms per year (Hilary, Trinity and Michaelmas)

Accreditation of the Online MBA Course

This Programme is Validated and Awarded by the University of Wales. After successfully completing your studies at the Robert Kennedy College, you will receive a degree from the University of Wales which is duly Accredited by the British Government by means of a Royal Charter.

University of Wales degrees are recognised worldwide.

Online MBA Course Curriculum

Stage 1 of the Online MBA Course - eight taught modules

4 core subjects - mandatory
Organisational Behaviour
Financial Management
Entrepreneurship
Marketing Management

3 electives (Three electives, of which at least one must be a residency)

Electives (choose two)
Management of Technological Change
eBusiness
Applied Leadership
International Business Management
Contemporary Project Management (new course approved in April 2007)
Defining Excellence in Project Management (new course approved in April 2007)

Residential Electives (choose at least one)

Michael Porter on Corporate Strategy and Competitiveness (residency) (offered in affiliation with The Institute for Strategy and Competitiveness at Harvard Business School
The Art of Business (residency)
Investment Management (residency)

Capstone - mandatory

Strategic Management

Stage 2 of the Online MBA Course - individual dissertation

Dissertation work

The total study time for the Online MBA Course is based on the notion of 10 hours study per credit. For the 15-credit modules, the study time requirement is usually divided as follows:
50 hours textbook and other reading matter;
45 hours case preparation;
40 hours case and other class discussion on-line;
15 hours interim and final exam preparation.
Where the requirements differ from this standard, the rationale is made clear to students.

The dissertation for the Online MBA Course is an exception to this general principle, requiring a total of 600 hours of largely independent study time and a degree of direct supervisor contact, as follows:
25 hours direct supervisor contact;
500 hours independent studies hours;
75 hours directed studies hours.

If you are looking for one of the best online MBA programs in Europe, Wales MBA is a choice that you must definitely consider. Please visit the University website for the latest information on Online MBA Course offered by Robert Kennedy College, University of Wales.

Other online MBA reviews:
Online MBA at University of Phoenix

Benefits of Online MBA Course

2008-05-03T14:58:00.006+08:00

Why do you wish to pursue an Online MBA Course? The followings are some of the most of the reason on why pursue an MBA:

Online MBA course candidates are able to develop analytical skills to identify, analyze and resolve problems faced in management and business
Online MBA course candidates are able to develop the skills of leading people and managing people
Online MBA course candidates are able to develop a life-long personal and professional relationships with other students, which may turn out to be extremely useful business network.

Online MBA Course Benefit No. 1 - Analytical Skills

The forte of virtually all online MBA course is to be able to teach its students analytical skills in analyzing and addressing business problems. These problems range from more simple human resource problem such as maintaining harmonious working relationship within the organization to complex business decision such as investing million of dollars in a business venture.

In fact, survey results carried out on employers of online MBA graduates show that the attributes that they were most satisfied with is the analytical skill demonstrated by these online MBA graduates.

Therefore, any online MBA course that focus on the effectiveness of developing a student’s analytical skill can hardly go wrong. Big schools, small schools, well-known schools, and little-known schools - they all produce online MBA graduates who get high marks for analysis and technical competency.

Online MBA Course Benefit No. 2 - People Skills

The next important tangible benefit that you may derive from an online MBA course is the people skills. Soft management skills, interpersonal, people-management skills are all soft skills which are hard to be taught.

That is why it is important to choose an online MBA course with a detailed curriculum on people skills. The reality is that as business managers rise in their organizations and take on ever-greater responsibilities, the percentage of their time devoted to "people problems" increases exponentially.

The CFO of one of the world's largest soft-drink giants (one of only two), whose training had been in accounting, mentioned that 95 percent of his time was spent dealing with people problems; the financial issues had to be compacted into the remaining 5 percent. Hence you can see how important is the people skills in today’s business world.

Online MBA Course Benefit No. 3 - Business Networking

Of course, probably the most important and most enduring benefit for all online MBA graduates are the acquitances found during the program. The deep relationships with other members of the online MBA course had proven to be important business network to the life-time career of the graduate.

For those whose online MBA course failed to foster a strong sense of connection among their student colleagues, the entire online MBA experience is discounted as little more than a "hurdle" to have jumped over in pursuit of greater management responsibility, rather than as a time of personal growth, important learning and life-enhancing relationships.

Even though relationship building is very important to the online MBA experience, few courses actually make a conscious effort to facilitate that process. That failure diminishes the value of services rendered to their online MBA students, and accordingly leads to lower retention rates and a diminished sense of alumni loyalty and support once the students finish their programs.
This not only results in the loss for both programs and their students; it is a needless one.

Therefore, every credible online MBA course should facilitate this connection and networking. However, it takes more than merely providing forum space for students to discuss their problems; there should be organization of face-to-face meetings of some sort.

CONCLUSION

The decision to pursue an online MBA course is becoming increasingly more complicated in this era of business world. The demand of a good online MBA graduate is likely to increase over the years.

If you are still contemplating the online MBA experience, the choice among the different online MBA course will not likely yield a measurable difference in the mastery of technical and analytical skills. These skills are the hallmark of virtually every accredited program.

In contrast, the concurrent mastery of people-management, leadership, and teaming skills is a greater variable in choosing among the different online MBA course. Prospective MBA students should expect that - should demand that - from their online MBA course.

Online MBA Course - Why Pursue an MBA

2008-05-02T11:48:00.005+08:00

Why do you need to pursue for an Online MBA Course? There are many reasons why someone would like to pursue an MBA Course online. Most of the times, many do it to pursue better career advancement, as better career advancement would eventually translate to better salary. Some others pursue it purely to enhance their knowledge.

They are also those who pursue a MBA course online in order to improve on their management skill. Whatever the reason, to pursue an MBA course requires a lot of commitment. It is therefore wise to give much consideration and planning before you decide to sign up.

Why do it online? With the technological advancement in computer and internet, it is easier to connect lecturer and students. An MBA course offered online allows the student to do it at their own time without needing to give up on their full-time job.

Do you really need an MBA? Consider this scenario. You have just been appointed the CEO of an education portal that provide an Online MBA Course. Where do you begin? Assuming that all the technological infra-structure for this Online MBA course is already in place, there are still plenty that you need to consider.

What about the funding for your Online MBA Course business? Do you borrow from the bank or do you raise it from the public? This is the accounting aspect of the business which you will need to handle.

How do you market your Online MBA course? Do you engage just an outside marketer? Do you market it online through the internet? How do you find students to sign-up for your course? This is the marketing aspect of your Online MBA Course business that you will need to handle.

Next, how does the economic situation of the day affect your business? As the CEO of the Online MBA Course, you are required to observe carefully how the economy of the world unfold and you need to understand its effect on your business. How do you generate profit in the long run when the economy is good? How do you survive in the short run when the economy is bad?

Then, there is also human resource issues that you need to handle. How do you employ the best staff to help you run your Online MBA Course business? How do you keep them motivated? You will soon realise that not all staff works just for salary. There may be conflicts between your staff. How do you keep them in a harmonious working relationship?

As your business grow, you may find yourself needing to make the decision if you wish to expand your business further. Supposed that someone offer you to expand your MBA Course business by building a campus. Does the money spent on building the campus justify the potential additional revenue from the business? Or, would it be a better choice to just expand your Online MBA Course business?

In any business that make money, there shall be competitor who would try to duplicate your success. How do you strategically position your Online MBA Course business ahead of your competitor? What if your competitor managed to provide the same course at a much lower cost. How do you negotiate with your course provider?

So you see, the business environment is always a dynamic and competitive. In order to constantly position your business, you will need all the management and financial knowledge. Therefore a good Online MBA Course should offer you with the following skills and knowledge:

- Marketing
- Accounting
- Financial
- Strategic Planning
- Economic

It should also train you with the analytical skills require to manage a successful business.

So, do come back for more articles on Online MBA Course.

Online MBA Course

2008-04-29T14:41:00.011+08:00

Many working professional would like to pursue their MBA education but could not find time to attend full-time or part time classes. One of the options available to them now is to pursue an online MBA course. There are many online MBA courses around.

An online MBA course allows you to study at any time or at any place that is convenient to you. There are also some online MBA courses or distance learning MBA that requires minimum residency and face-to-face meeting with other students and faculty.

Online MBA course is not suitable for everyone. There are some students who had enrolled in an online MBA course only to criticise the online MBA university strongly. Others had excelled and given many positive reviews. If you would like to pursue your MBA online, then we suggest that you do a self-assessment to determine if an online MBA course is really suitable for you.

Perhaps, the first question that you should ask yourself is, why pursue an MBA. Different people pursue an MBA for different reason. Some pursue an MBA to be promoted. Others pursue an MBA to advance in their career. There are also those who pursue it just for the sake of getting business knowledge. If you are clear with why you wish to pursue an MBA, then the chances is higher that you will be able to determine if doing an online MBA course is really suitable for you.

No matter what your decision, it is undeniable that technology advancement had totally changed the way we do things. This includes the sphere of MBA education. Many online MBA universities had been able to deliver quality MBA education equivalent to those delivered full-time or part-time. Online MBA graduates get the same privilege and salary compared to other MBA graduates from executive MBA, full-time MBA or part-time MBA programs. If you can pursue an MBA degree online, why would you want to pursue it at part-time or full-time basis?

Benefits of Online MBA Courses

There are many benefits from a MBA degree. It is proven that MBA graduates have the skills to identify, analyse and resolve management and business problems. MBA graduates also have the skills to lead and manage people. In the pursuit of the online MBA course, students also form life-long professional relationship with other student, which is an important business networking.

All online MBA universities have as its fundamental aim, the teaching of analytical skills. Skills developed range from simple problem in human resource to important investment decision involving huge sums of money. Many employer who had employed MBA graduates had given feed-back that the attributes they were most satisfied with the graduates are their analytical skills.

Online MBA courses also trained its student the people skills, which is sorely lacking in many managers nowadays. People skills related to human resource is hard to teach. Hence, if you are looking for an online MBA course, look for one which its curriculum provide detailed training on human resource and people skills development. It is not surprising to find that more and more time of a manager is spent on resolving human-related issues within the working environment.

One of the major benefits of pursuing an MBA is the business networking developed while pursuing their online MBA courses. This is one aspect of online MBA course or distance learning MBA programs sorely lack. Some online MBA university attempted to overcome these weaknesses by having group project or limited residency hours. While attending campus classes may have destroy the purpose of doing an MBA online, it may actually be good to the networking process. This is something that you will have to think about before you jump on board the many who are pursuing their online MBA courses.

How to Choose the Right Online MBA Course

Choosing the right online MBA program is not an easy task. This is all the more true with so many online MBA universities offering online MBA courses. No two MBA programs are exactly the same as the other, and you should carefully scrutinize through the curriculums.

The timing and schedule of the online MBA course is also another important factor to consider. To earn an MBA online is a long-term commitment. Your lifestyle will definitely be affected. Then there is also the aspect of financing your online MBA course.

Accredited Online MBA Courses

You may also want to ask yourself if getting an online MBA that is accredited is important or not. It may not be important to you now, but what about the future? There are many accrediting agency for online MBA program.

If you are residing in the U.K. or Europe, then perhaps getting an AMBA accredited MBA program will be important to you.

The Association of MBAs, or commonly known as AMBA in short, was formed in 1967. Today, AMBA accredits MBA programs not only in the U.K. and Europe, but worldwide. The AMBA accreditation is recognized worldwide as a global standard of a good and quality MBA program.

When you graduate from an AMBA accredited online MBA program, you are entitled to join AMBA membership that has more than 9000 members living in 88 countries. This is a great way to develop you networking.

In accrediting an online MBA course, AMBA looks at the following factors: The college or university offering the online MBA course; the faculty; the students; the assessement, and the curriculum of the online MBA course. There are also other factors such as language, library and computer facilities.

Accreditation of the online MBA course by AMBA is not life-long. The accreditation has to be re-accredited after a maximum period of 5 years.

The followings are some of the universities that have been accredited by AMBA that has also been ranked highly by Financial Times 2008:
MBA at Open University Business School, UK
Global Distance Learning MBA at Henley Management College, UK
MBA at Manchester Business School, UK
The Warwick MBA by Distance Learning at Warwick Business School
MBA in International Management, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK
The Durham MBA, Durham Business School, UK
Distance Learning MBA, Bradford School of Management, UK
Strathclyde Flexible Learning MBA at University of Strathclyde Business School, UK
eMBA and MBA Oil and Gas Management at Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, UK
The Surrey MBA at University of Surrey, School of Management, US
Euro*MBA at Euro*MBA Consortium in France, Netherlands, Poland, Spain & Germany
MBA (Distance Learning) at Aston Business School, Aston University, UK

If you are residing in U.S. or Canada, then perhaps accreditation from AACSB is more relevant to you. There are many AACSB online MBA course available.

The AACSB International was formed in 1916 and has been accrediting MBA programs since 1919. Upon achieved AACSB accreditation, the business school or institution has to embark on continuous process of accreditation maintenance. This process includes: An annual report of data; An annual summary of strategic management; and a periodic five-year review of strategic progress.

The followings are some top-ranking online MBA courses that is accredited by AACSB:

MBA at Open University Business School, UK
Global Distance Learning MBA at Henley Management College, UK
MBA at Manchester Business School, UK
MBA at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico
The Warwick MBA by Distance Learning at Warwick Business School
MBA at Kelly School of Business, Indiana University, US
Global MBA for Latin American Managers at Thunderbird School of Global Management and Tecnologico de Monterrey, US
Fast Track MBA at Babson College, US
Strathclyde Flexible Learning MBA at University of Strathclyde Business School, UK
One-year Internet MBA at University of Florida, Hough Graduate School of Business, US
Northeastern University Online MBA Program at Northeastern University, US
Global On-line MBA Program at University of Texas at Dallas, US
iMBA at Whitman School of Management at Syracuse University, US
W.P.Carey MBA – Online Program at Arizona State University, US
Healthcare MBA at The George Washington University, US
MBA Anywhere at Drexel University – LeBow College of Business, US
UNL Distance MBA at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, US
Global MBA On-Demand at Thunderbird School of Global Management, US
The Surrey MBA at University of Surrey, School of Management, US
Global MBA at IE Business School, Spain
Euro*MBA at Euro*MBA Consortium in France, Netherlands, Poland, Spain & Germany
MBA (Distance Learning) at Aston Business School, Aston University, UK
Thunderbird and Indiana University – Kelley Direct MBA/M-GM Dual Degree at Thunderbird School of Global Management and Indiana University, US

Rankings of Online MBA Course

One of the most recognised rankings of online MBA courses are those established by the Financial Times. The Financial Times ranked MBA programs, including online MBA courses on yearly basis.

Each year, the criteria used to rank the online MBA courses are different. For example, the Financial Times uses the following indexes for their ranking: weighted salary of MBA graduates; salary increase; value for money; aims achieved; placement success; employed at three months; and a few other indexes.

Salary of Online MBA graduates

The salary of online MBA graduates depend more on just the program that they graduated from. It also depends on other factors such as years of working experience, seniority, economic outlook, geographic location, the industry and others. An online MBA course from a branded MBA schools seem to provide a higher salary compared to others.

The followings are salaries of MBA graduates from the top 20 rank MBA schools:

Indian School of Business USD169355
Stanford University GSB USD167225
University of Pennsylvania: Wharton USD165859
Columbia Business School USD165123
Harvard Business School USD162316
MIT: Sloan U.S.A. USD155160
Ceibs China USD154144
Dartmouth College: Tuck U.S.A. USD151673
IMD Switzerland USD150775
University of Chicago GSB U.S.A. USD148978
University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business South Africa USD148975
Insead France / Singapore USD146878
London Business School U.K. USD144918
UCLA: Anderson U.S.A. USD140058
University of Oxford: Saïd U.K. USD139684
New York University: Stern U.S.A. USD137548
Yale School of Management U.S.A. USD136318
Northwestern University: Kellogg USD135646
Cranfield School of Management USD134125
UC Berkeley: Haas U.S.A. USD131830

Financing Your Online MBA Course

To earn an online MBA takes more than just time commitment and a change of lifestyle. It also entails much financial commitment. In the U.K. and U.S., the cost of an online MBA course is more than the average wages. The cost of an Online MBA course may be as cheap as $8,000 and as expensive as $60,000. The average cost of an online MBA course is $40,000.

There may be other cost involved too, such as the course of buying textbooks and course materials. Some online MBA course also requires that you spend some residency at the campus.

There are however, many ways how you can finance your online MBA course. Many MBA students had got their employer to finance their online MBA course. Since you are able to apply immediately to work what you have learnt, this may be a factor to persuade your employer to finance your online MBA course.

There are also other financial aid that you can consider. These include: grant/scholarship; loan, and taking up fellowships.

To conclude, the advancement of technology had certainly changed the way how MBA education is being delivered. Furthermore, since doing an online MBA course have the same outcomes and results compared to earning your MBA in a part-time or full-time course, you should give it some serious thoughts on pursuing in on online basis.

There are many universities and colleges that are offering online MBA courses. You should leave your choice open and look at as many options as possible.