What are online MBAs? Are they credible? Do employers give weightage to online MBAs while recruitment? Which are the best colleges to do online MBAs?
Does an online university have campus placements such as a regular B-School has?
In a chat with readers on May 22, online education expert Bhaskar Ranjan Das answered these and many more queries related to online MBAs?
For those of you who missed the chat, here is the transcript.
cvp asked, Hi. what do you think is online MBA really beneficial. i have around 7 yrs of work ex in IT networking. due to my timing cobnstraint i can't atttend part time courses.. what is your view on executive MBA. it does not specialize in any field.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Hi. Online MBA is the answer to a busy executive who needs to work, travel and balance his/her family life You could do a Masters Degree in the online mode as well
ANNIE06 asked, Do online MBA's hold much water? I think the market is not ready to accept online MBA'a. People want to see a degree from a reputable school university.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, The market has accepted online MBA already. The European Foundation of Management Development has till date accredited 7 Business Schools around the world for their Online Programs You may go to www.efmd.org to check this out
cvp asked, I agree with annie06.are there any lectures for online MBA? Can you list some gud Online MBA institutes? is it really worth?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Please visit www.U21Global.edu.sg This is the world's premier online institute It is backed by 17 world-class universities Online institutes do not use the lecture model They use discussion boards to discuss topics of importance with international faculty
Sakshi asked, At what point in one's career should one get an MBA done? Or update their skills through executive programmes? What are the indicators, so to speak?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, An MBA should be done after one has accquired a minimum of 4 to 5 years of work experience You will then be able to relate to the course subjects such as Finance, Data Analysis, MArketing, Strategy, etc The indicators are typically : when you find that you need to accquire new skillsets to move to a higher role in your current organization or shift to another organization
Aditya asked, I am currently in the field of marketing but not too happy with the field and would like to switch to finance which I think I would be good at. The issue is that I have had no background in finance in terms of education or experience really? I think an online course would suit my needs simply because I don't want to take a break. However would an online course be advisable to take in such a situation? Would employers in the field of finance accept such a degree.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Absolutely true. I know that both HDFC BAnk and ICICI Bank have accepted people at mid-management levels Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank already nominate their executives to do online MBA programs Whether you are good at Finance is another matter. This you will need to check for yourself when you do the finance subjects
ranjeet asked, Do you think Online MBa sponsored programs act as a rentention tool for employees
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Any program (long-term) acts as a retention tool for employees An online program is no different Online is only a delivery style
vicky asked, I am pursuing corr. MBA frm sym is it worth
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Learning is what you take away from the program Not what the program gives you Having said that, companies recruit the best talent and it is not typically always based on results achieved
shailesh1 asked, Hi, I am a student who has just finished the 12 std, is it advisable to do an online course?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, I would not recommend this. You need to do a minimum graduation and then work for a couple of years, before you embark on any management course.......classroom or online
Sheela asked, Hi..Online is good...but what about the credibility of online...
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Online is credible today 5 years back, I would not have said this, but today organizations value executives who can multitask their work, their life and their learning I know of companies such as Wipro, TCS, Aditya Birla, Citibank, HCL, 3M, Patni, Hewitt, etc who regularly sponsor their executives to such online programs
ANNIE06 asked, What is the equivalent of exams in an online situation? Are there any projects in an online situation like regular programs? How does one submit them or co-ordinate for them?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Online exams are more qualitative They are mini-case-studies or real-life business situations There are both individual as well as team projects in online program, just like regular programs They are co-ordinated as you would do in blogs, with timelines built in for submission
bala asked, Can you please tell me the names of few recognized universities for online MBA. Even if you asy the links to sites of those universities would be helpfull
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, U21Global www.u21global.edu.sg University of Liverpool University of Phoenix University of Nottingham
ranjeetWarwinthinker asked, I work in the Public Relations industry. Do you have specialty offerings for us.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, I am afraid, we do not have such specialized courses yet We offer a general management MBA with electives which can focus you on FInance, Marketing, HR, etc
Sakshi asked, What is the cost of an online MBA degree?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, The Online MBA from U21Global will cost US$ 12,000 The PG DIploma will cost US$6,600
Aditya asked, does an online university have campus placements such as a regular B-School has?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, It offer placement assistance just like regular B Schools However, we don't see too many "students" asking us for these services as they are already working SOme students move in their careers even while doing the program
vaibhao asked, Hi, I have about 3 years of IT experience from top MNC.I am willing to persue MBA through part-time programs,buts it seems to be difficult.Can you please suggest should I wait about 2-3 years more & then go for fot part-time MBA or should I go for online MBA?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Please do not have the impression that online is easy Online MBAs are as intensive as regular face-to-face MBAs I would suggest you can try out a shorter program in the online mode (like PG Certificate) to test whether this methodology suits you
Delta-A10 asked, Are there any courses in Client Services management with U-21
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, There is a 3month course on MAnagement of Services
Riya asked, How is MBA online competent to a classroom MBA?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Online MBA is more flexible. It does not require you to listen to faculty lectures It does not need fixed time sessions You learn at your own pace Also, online, all students have an equally loud voice This is not possible in classrooms So much for flexibility. In terms of international exposure, online MBAs have students from over the world This is great networking experience The faculty are also international You would need to travel abraod to an international university to access such quality of faculty
shailesh1 asked, i'm a little baffled. Considering MBA is a highly technical and knowedgable degree, i expect it to be optimally useful only if pursued wholeheartedly and full time. And yes i do mean that part time MBA's are just that, partly good. And then this great era of part time/online MBA. Are you trying to tell me this is gonna add value- or just convincing me that an MBA is just a degree and most of the learning is done at work...so screw the hassles and login. I dont think this is gonna work. please
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, I would invite you to speak to some of our students (some of them are VPs & CEOs) who are doing or have done this program, online Some are already MBAs. They still feel it adds a whole lot of value to their careers and job roles Also, if you feel that this going to be easy, a cakewalk, think again Its more intensive than a face-to-face session
GustavoBattiy asked, I am an expat based in Mumbai, I am hoping to do a course Facilities management. Do you have a course in the field
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Hello Gustavo, We do not offer a course purely in Facilities MAnagement. However, we do have a 3 month course on Strategic Outsourcing and Vendor Management
Sheela asked, what is a PG diploma...how many years for the diploma? is it recognised?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, A Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management is for a duration of 18 - 20 months. It is recognized by 17 world class universities Please visit www.u21global.edu.sg for more details
bala asked, Do Software companies consider the online MBA,for employment with them.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Yes, they do. IBM India, TCS, Wipro, Satyam, PAtni have recognized these programs already They even send their own employees to these programs to upgrade their current skills
fagun asked, hi, I graduated in 1995 and have been involved in my family run business since then. Would an MBA help me? I have no intention of leaving this business?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Any management program which you complete will help you in your business. (not just ours) It should provide a set of skills and inputs which help you to run your business better and take it to higher levels of performance
Sheela asked, how dyou register?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Please visit our website www.u21global.edu.sg You can register and apply online as well
rcsamik asked, Hi, Can you please let us know about how rigorous the curriculum of online MBA is? I am an entrepreneur and wish to do an MBA, but time is a big constraint for me. So I would like to know how much time does one need to devote incase of doing an online MBA.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, If you can spend 7 to 9 hours a week, you can do this program Of course, you need not be logged-in online all the time The flexibility of doing it at your own time (rather than a fixed time) is tremendous
payal patheja asked, Hi Do you think an online MBA programme gives as much expposure as a regular course?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, In my opinion, online is better I had the same apprehensions about online as you do But, I was blown away by the depth of learning
RaoulDuke asked, Hi Mr.Das , I'm currently located in Singapore and I'm interested in doing an MBA, online seems a very good option, but most business schools require you to be onsite so how the online MBA going to work out?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, You need to visit our website www.u21global.edu.sg In the online MBA, you participate in online classes which are not-lecture-based They are more knowledge based and also leverage the experience of the other learners in your class They are facilitated by international faculty from around the world
manisha asked, Hi, I completed my PGDBA(HR) from Symbiosis Center of Distance Learning. Currently, I am working with a US based HR Outsourcing firm in HR Operations. Please let me know how Online MBA can add value to my profile as I am looking forward to switch to a Corporate.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Any quality MBA program will add value to your profile If you wish to continue working and do your MBA, online is a great option to do so Online MBA from international universities are of tremendous value as they teach global skills They are also cross-cultural
nagesh asked, I am a diploma holder in mechanical engg.(3years. Going to take MBA fast track through IIBMS, which is Affiliated to WORCHESTER University, London. Wanted to know how much value it has among Indian univesities or MNC's.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, I really do not know this program ..... cannot comment on it
jitu asked, Hi is there any online course related to Matetrial magt? if yes what is the duration & fees?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, We have a 3 month program on Supply Chain Management MAterials management is a part of the same Fees are US$ 1000
abhi_pooja1 asked, Other Than Symbiosis Which Other Premier Institute in India Provides Part Time MBA. ?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Firstly, most Indian institutes do not offer an MBA They offer a PG Diploma Let me clarify. MBA is MAsters in Business Administration which is a Degree program Symbiosis also offers a PG Diploma So do the IIMs and XLRI In India, we treat these as MBA programs Internationally, MBA = Degree Hope this helps All institutes including the IIM's have part time programs as well as residential full-time programs
Kafeel asked, Hello Mr. Das, Good Evening.... Iam currently located in Dubai, U.A.E. and i wanted to do my M.B.A. in some good distant education provided indian universities. Which will u recommend for me?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, In Dubai, you have S P Jain Institute of Management You also have U21Global available in Dubai, as in many parts of the world
Priya asked, I just happen to miss the online chat on Love can I do it now or later?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Priya, I am not the one for the chat on love I can only help you to manage This one is for online management programs
BEULAH asked, If a person completes his or her MBA at the age of 40, will it be useful for him/her in career search?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Henry Ford said "The person who stops learning at 20 or 80 is really OLD" Of course, it will be useful Today careers and extended careers are till 60+ years
prasad asked, you are just here to promote your university right....otherwise you know online MBA is just for academic sake and does not have any value in job market
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, I am here to promote online learning (and not just U21Global) Why else would I recommend other universities who are also online when someone asked me for information Also, please check with companies which I mentioned about Finally, do you know that IIM Bangalore has tied up with us for a Certificate Program in Entrepeneurship Please visit our website.
abhi_pooja1 asked, Does IIM'sa Do Provide Post Graduate Diploma;s Part Time ....
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Unfortunately, IIM's provide PG Certificates part-time. But I know that IIM Calcutta does give PG DIplomas part-time
kamlesh asked, Hi I want to do MBA through distance learning, can you tell me some university or institute who provide MBA degree around 20K.
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, You may check with Symbiosis and ICFAI They do provide degrees in that range
prem asked, My work requires me to be on the constant travel in different countries for period of 3-4 months. This is not allowing me to pursue my further masters, can I opt for the online MBA?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, We have a student who is an oil driller who is away for 3 to 4 months in a year in the Libyan desert He is doing this program and is finding it useful as well We have ship captains who are doing this program as well Online is the only way for people in such professions
santosh asked, I have done b.com and pgdiploma in business management (cor). and my age is 36years. i want to do some course for future competition. pls advice which course is suit for me. I am now working in a ltd co. as asst mgr f&a
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, If you already have a PGDipl in business management, and you are in finance & accounts, you should look to do a program in Financial MAnagement & strategy for furthering your learning
education asked, Hello Sir, What is the fees of doing MBA on line?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, The fees for doing the U21Global online MBA is US$ 12000
Raghavendra asked, Difference between Online MBA and Correspondence MBA course?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Correspondence course. University send you the material and you study on your own and give exams to qualify Online program : YOu need to participate in a virtual forum which will be led by international faculty There will be exercises to be done online Examinations are also conducted online You will interact with faculty and other students in your class in joint assignments
Al asked, Hello, Does the global MBA programs of 1 year have edge over the full time 2 years courses?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, No, you would need to compare like to like A full-time 2 year program should be compared to an online program of 2.5 to 3 years
akshy asked, hello Bhaskar , how r u doing today, just a quick question for you , I m a engineer by profession, haveing 2 year expeinece with Ericsson in pure GSM.,I want to do MBA please suggest which stream and college ,and type of MBA WILL be best suited for u (i mean regular , corresopniding ,executive)
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, If you wish to continue working please consider an online or part-time MBA There are many options available from IIMs, XLRI, U21Global, University fo Liverpool, University of Phoenix, etc
Shishir asked, Hi Mr Das, Is your U21Global have offices in India,if yes which cities ?. Are there any other institutions providing such facilities ?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Yes, U21Global has offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Bangalore
fagun asked, Further to my earlier question about managing a family run business is there any course in particular that you would recommend?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Please look at doing the U21GLobal & IIM (Bangalore) program on Entrepreneurship
Riya asked, even if i agree to all that you have said about the quality of the faculty and the variety of experience, does online mba stand a chance in from of a proper mba as far as jobs are concenred. when there are scores of people available who have done regular mba, why wud anyone want a perosn who has done one online?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, It does, when you intend to work globally In fact, then the regular MBA from a lot of Indian institutes are not recognized at all It is all about accreditation That is why IIM Ahmedabad has now applied to EFMD to get their program approved and to go global
sowrabh_1985 asked, I WANT TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PG DIPLOMA AND NORMAL MBA?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, The word MBA means a MASTERS DEGREE (MASTERS in BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION) A PG DIploma is NOT a DEGREE. As the name suggests, it is a DIPLOMA In India, this PG Diploma is loosely termed as MBA when actually it is not so
Nitinc asked, How do you plan to reach the people who do not have internet access? DO you have any centers in India, from which they can attend the interactive sessions?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, I am afraid, we do not have centres for internet access. You can use any reliance webworld across the country for access. In fact, our students when they access from home on weekends face internet problems at times on account of bandwidth. They sometimes use these services of WEbworld to submit their postings and assignment
prakash asked, Hi Mr Das, Whats your comments regarding Masters of IT in Business from the university SMU. Singapore management University
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, That is a great program using the face-to-face mode SMU is also an institution of quality
guru asked, any IIM offer online management programmes which i can do from abroad???
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Unfortunately, no. IIM Bangalore is the first IIM to go abraod, but using the campus route. They have opened a centre in Singapore
varshini asked, Dear Bhaskar- I have 7 years of experience and currently doing MBA from ICFAI- correspondence. Please let me know how will be the opportunities for a job prospects in future 2-3 years?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, DO it well is my recommendation. Please note that job prospects are not always a function of the MBA brand that you have with you Your personality, your outlook, your attitude, your performance in academics, your work experience, etc. all play a vital role in selection for a career I have many friend who have passed out from IIMs, but are not into such high-profiles which you read about in the media Only the US$ 100,000+ job winners get the media limelight
guru asked, online MBA of University fo Liverpool, University of Phoenix, accredited globaly??
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, Yes, please refer to a Financial Times article on Online Business Schools published in 2008 Do a google search to get this data You will see all the top 40 ONLINE business schools in the world
Adil asked, Hi Bhaskar, Do i need to travel to have a face to face interaction with faculty sometime during the course?
Bhaskar Ranjan Das answers, No, that is not required. You need to login from your office or home or wherever you are based to do this program There are no face-to-face sessions