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In the modern economic scenario all over the world – Management as a stream of education and training has acquired new dimensions. New tools and techniques are continuously being introduced to improve the efficiency, productivity and profitability of any organization.
Management education has entered a period of profound transition driven by globalization, technology, demographics, and pressing social imperatives. As it is understood that the management education is an investment in the future of business, it is important to understand the challenges, opportunities, potential risks and rewards associated with this transition.
In this context, National Knowledge Commission
(NKC) has also focused on Management Education - as in the recent past, there is unprecedented number of technical and management institutions being set up since the early 1990's mostly through private capital. The students have a vast choice regarding the institutions in which they want to study. In the field of management education, India has more than 1200 institutions providing undergraduate and post-graduate level courses. Since the management graduates and post-graduates produced by these institutions are primarily absorbed by industry, there is a growing need to match the curriculum and structure of management education to better fit the needs of India and sensitive to the changes in both in the industrial and services sectors within the country. Moreover, it is important to properly assess the quality of management education imparted to the students of the various institutions for proper decision-making regarding selection and recruitment by potential employers.
In most MNCs and professional organizations, many managers have MBA degrees. Employees who have management degrees from Business Schools have better career growth opportunities than those without such qualifications as quality MBA Program is believed to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategic perspectives that enable them to make significant contributions to the organizations they join after completing the program. Many working executives also chose to do an MBA, in order to boost their growth prospects within their companies and reskill themselves so that they can perform effectively in today’s highly competitive business environment.
Thus, the management education plays an essential role in today’s dynamic business environment. The rapid trend of globalization and technological changes have made difficult for organizations to survive in the competitive world. As a result, the importance of management education has been increased many folds. Business executives need to update their skills due to sudden changes in the external environment. Due to the increasingly complex nature of organizations and businesses, there is a need that the business schools impart relevant, current, and cutting edge knowledge to the students. Given the significance of management education which is essential for today’s organizations, the business schools as well as engineering colleges should play pivotal role in equipping our future managers with the emerging trends of management skills to face the challenges of dynamic business world.
Pros and Cons of Management Education – Campus and Flexible
Pros of a campus MBA
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Classroom based learning, competition and Peer learning.
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Face to face interaction with the faculty.
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Instant clarification to academic doubts from faculty.
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Exchange of ideas, personality development possible.
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Social interaction makes one more informative.
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Some campus programs also offer study abroad option.
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Comfort of using Internet, WiFi connectivity in the campus.
Cons of a campus MBA
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Campus program is more expensive.
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Can not work while pursuing full time program.
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Many people feel that they can learn on the job instead of in the classroom.
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The dependency on faculty is high as one can not study on their own.
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Infrastructure like classroom, faculty, extra-curricular activities, placements count.
Pros of Flexible MBA Programs
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Employers consider flexible/distance degree as equivalent to a regular degree.
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Flexible/Distance MBA programs are more flexible for working professionals; classes are usually scheduled in the week ends/evenings or late night after work.
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Flexible programs are typically favored by employers who offer tuition reimbursement.
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Flexible programs are generally cheaper than classroom programs.
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Flexible MBA students can apply what they learn as they learn it.
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Self paced learning.
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In general, anybody serious with dedication and regularly study can successfully complete the degree in 2-3 years time.
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Hybrid learning is possible with supplements to course material like e-learning, online support, case studies and seminars.
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Opportunity to get promotions after successful completion of MBA.
Cons of Flexible MBA Programs
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Not every B-School offers a Flexible MBA program, except the institutions which have experience of offering higher education on campus mode.
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Some Flexible programs offer fewer course
selections/optionals than their full-time counterparts.
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Flexible programs require fewer class hours each week, but sometimes take as long as two to five years to complete based on the pace of learning of a student.
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Working while you earn your Flexible MBA can be exhausting as one has to give equal footing for work and studies.
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Flexible MBA programs rarely offer a study abroad option.
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