Why to do an MBA?

With the passing each year, MBAs are becoming increasingly popular indeed. More and more new types of MBAs are coming online. However, are MBAs really useful? In particular, is an MBA appropriate for you? Read this article to learn more about MBAs.

What is an MBA?

MBA is a term which refers to postgraduate programme, which is known as Master of Business Administration. The world's first MBA programme was launched by the Graduate School of Business Administration (GSBA), at Harvard University in 1908. The original MBA programmes were created in order to provide the cream of business executive community with a scientific approach to business management. However, in recent years, the MBA programmes have broadened out to include an enormous array of disciplines. For example, it is possible to obtain an MBA in such diverse subjects as international trade, entrepreneurship and project management, just to name a few. In essence, the MBA has moved away from being a top echelon training device. Instead, it has become a mainstream managerial training programme. Typical MBA time frames MBA programmes come in every shape and size. While originally they were typically a two-year full-time course, this has now broadened into a variety of flexible courses. The Masters of Business Administration programmes can now be found in a one-year intensive version, two-year accelerated courses, as well as a flexible executive MBA programme which is designed to fit in with professionals who are already in full-time employment. Course content The Masters of Business Administration courses usually have a core set of high-end business administration subjects, such as: - Human resource management - Marketing - Organisational behaviour - Management accounting - Statistics - Business communications Note However, depending on the specialisation of the MBA, other subjects will vary considerably. It is important to note that present day MBA programmes all involve some degree of specialisation.

Why take up an MBA programme

The important question to ask is: What is an MBA degree good for? The answer to this question varies considerably. Although it is good that MBAs are widely available, as a whole, it raises the competencies of many businesses. At the same time, it also means that an MBA is no longer the golden ticket which it used to be. This means that the MBA programme must suit the needs of the professionals if it is to be of any use to them. Examples A grocery shop manager, for example, will probably not achieve any extra career success with an MBA degree, whereas, project managers, for example, may require an MBA in order to progress further with their career. With this in mind, it is important to weigh up the potential benefits prior to taking up an MBA.