Executive MBA - Part-time and Distance Learning options?

FrankGrimes

I'm looking into doing an MBA and am working full-time so my options are either part-time attendance in person or distance learning.

I'm interested in doing the standard MBA from a management perspective as opposed to a specialised MBA though the broader the set of elective modules within it the better. I'm 28 and have 2 years IT freelancing in/after college (1st class hons degree in Computer Science from TCD), followed by 5 years experience in management consultancy and 2 years as a senior business manager in operations for a large multi-national. Message from GM is I should be looking to make Director level within 5 years so getting an MBA under the belt would be a smart move at this stage.

From looking around here and elsewhere on the web it seems UCD Smurfit school is the best option for a part-time MBA over 2 years. Problem is it looks like next available space is for September 2010. TCD seem to only do a one-year full-time course with no part-time option available - is that correct?

I do like the idea of distance learning but am concerned that it might not hold the same gravitas as a normal part-time Executive MBA and that it offers less interaction with classmates (which is always called out as a highlight of an MBA). But it may well be the right fit for me so I looked into some options and it seems the best are:

Open University: triple accreditation, sample material and structure looks great, flexibility to do it over 2.5, 3, or 3.5 years. Some great feedback on it from students online but I wonder how it is regarded by employers? I have no plans to leave my company but would still like to ensure the MBA enhances my CV as much as possible. If anyone on here has an OU MBA and is still around the site, I'd love to hear how they have found the qualification has been received in the marketplace (particularly how recruiters treat it - have seen comments that they can be excessively dismissive of it).

Bradford university (through RDI): both the main accreditations (EQUIS, AMBA), seems to have flexible start-dates, 2 year course, get the same qualification as doing it part-time in person, well ranked business school, sample materials look a bit more old-style formal content but not a major concern.

Manchester: looks like a really excellent distance learning program over 24 months....only problem is they require 'six years suitable managerial experience' which I don't quite have, though my last 2 years have a genuinely very high level of managerial responsibility. It seems this would be the perfect course for me....I'll call them next week but wanted to check if anyone has thoughts on how rigid they would be on that requirement?

It's a bit of a minefield out there trying to weed out the strong courses from the fluff so I'm all ears for any suggestions or tips anyone has! Thanks.

Darren1o1

FrankGrimes wrote: »

I'm looking into doing an MBA and am working full-time so my options are either part-time attendance in person or distance learning.

I'm interested in doing the standard MBA from a management perspective as opposed to a specialised MBA though the broader the set of elective modules within it the better. I'm 28 and have 2 years IT freelancing in/after college (1st class hons degree in Computer Science from TCD), followed by 5 years experience in management consultancy and 2 years as a senior business manager in operations for a large multi-national. Message from GM is I should be looking to make Director level within 5 years so getting an MBA under the belt would be a smart move at this stage.

From looking around here and elsewhere on the web it seems UCD Smurfit school is the best option for a part-time MBA over 2 years. Problem is it looks like next available space is for September 2010. TCD seem to only do a one-year full-time course with no part-time option available - is that correct?

I do like the idea of distance learning but am concerned that it might not hold the same gravitas as a normal part-time Executive MBA and that it offers less interaction with classmates (which is always called out as a highlight of an MBA). But it may well be the right fit for me so I looked into some options and it seems the best are:

Open University: triple accreditation, sample material and structure looks great, flexibility to do it over 2.5, 3, or 3.5 years. Some great feedback on it from students online but I wonder how it is regarded by employers? I have no plans to leave my company but would still like to ensure the MBA enhances my CV as much as possible. If anyone on here has an OU MBA and is still around the site, I'd love to hear how they have found the qualification has been received in the marketplace (particularly how recruiters treat it - have seen comments that they can be excessively dismissive of it).

Bradford university (through RDI): both the main accreditations (EQUIS, AMBA), seems to have flexible start-dates, 2 year course, get the same qualification as doing it part-time in person, well ranked business school, sample materials look a bit more old-style formal content but not a major concern.

Manchester: looks like a really excellent distance learning program over 24 months....only problem is they require 'six years suitable managerial experience' which I don't quite have, though my last 2 years have a genuinely very high level of managerial responsibility. It seems this would be the perfect course for me....I'll call them next week but wanted to check if anyone has thoughts on how rigid they would be on that requirement?

It's a bit of a minefield out there trying to weed out the strong courses from the fluff so I'm all ears for any suggestions or tips anyone has! Thanks.

What about DCU, the are AMBA accredited. http://www.dcu.ie/prospective/degrees.php?school=50&prog_type=post

FrankGrimes

Thanks for the suggestion Darren, though I heard a few negative comments about DCU MBA through a friend of a friend and I would like to go for a course with triple or at least double accreditation. Will keep it in mind though.

The Henley MBA through the IMI looks like a good option based on the website - will try find out more about it but if anyone has experience of it or heard about it, I would be interested to hear.

JDLK

You have enough experience for the Manchester MBA as far as I can see- send an email to their admissions office with a copy of your CV and they will perform a cursory check but it looks good.

You may need to take a GMAT so start looking into it, also I would advise you to start filling out the form anyway as closing dates will be coming soon. You may need to chase up things like certificates or references that can take longer than expected.

EDIT: Sorry, I didnt notice it was the executive option- yes these can be alot harder in terms of expereince and colleges usually go for established executives however it would still be worth a shot, maybe ask your GM to put that directorship in a reference to help your application

Check out IE Business School global MBA DL programme- they are a Spanish based highly ranked business school

alanjob

Hi

I am currently doing the Manchester Business School MBA via distance. When I started, it was in conjunction with the Bankers Institute in the IFSC which was great for the workshops. I found it very good. It is comprehensive and gives a good overview of managment in general. When I applied, I dd not need a GMAT and while I had some managerial experience, it wasn't extensive. Having said that, I am on undertaking the final thesis part of the course and that is bringing its own heartache.

Good luck with your choice.

Al

JDLK

alanjob wrote: »

Hi

I am currently doing the Manchester Business School MBA via distance. When I started, it was in conjunction with the Bankers Institute in the IFSC which was great for the workshops. I found it very good. It is comprehensive and gives a good overview of managment in general. When I applied, I dd not need a GMAT and while I had some managerial experience, it wasn't extensive. Having said that, I am on undertaking the final thesis part of the course and that is bringing its own heartache.

Good luck with your choice.

Al

I recieved an approval email for their MBA and am considering it, my backgound is IT and though I already have a masters in business studies Im thinking the MBA may open more opportunities/carry a bit more weight- how have you found the career guidance/mba recruitment support?

alanjob

JDLK wrote: »

I recieved an approval email for their MBA and am considering it, my backgound is IT and though I already have a masters in business studies Im thinking the MBA may open more opportunities/carry a bit more weight- how have you found the career guidance/mba recruitment support?

My motivation for doing the MBA was career driven but my rationale was that I would wait until I had it completed before I looked to move/upgrade my job. So, to this point I have never had reason to utilise whatever recruitment services they may offer. Having said all that, with the way the environment is at the moment, it may be some time before any qualification is of any use. But given the time frame (realistically 30-36 months with the thesis), you may be in a prime position to exploit it. I think the more qualified you are, the better.

FrankGrimes

alanjob wrote: »

Hi

I am currently doing the Manchester Business School MBA via distance. When I started, it was in conjunction with the Bankers Institute in the IFSC which was great for the workshops. I found it very good. It is comprehensive and gives a good overview of managment in general. When I applied, I dd not need a GMAT and while I had some managerial experience, it wasn't extensive. Having said that, I am on undertaking the final thesis part of the course and that is bringing its own heartache.

Good luck with your choice.

Al

Thanks Alan, did they query your experience much - i.e. did they try to hold up the 6 years managerial experience requirement (doesn't sound like it)?

I have a very large level of responsibility in my role and think I can make a strong case if needed.

That said, I'm leaning more towards doing the part-time MBA in Smurfit as talking to someone on that course made it seem like the teamwork is a heavy part of the learning. That said, she did also point out that there are some slackers who don't pull their weight that slowed down their progress so there's pros and cons I guess so I'm still largely undecided.

JDLK

FrankGrimes wrote: »

That said, she did also point out that there are some slackers who don't pull their weight that slowed down their progress so there's pros and cons I guess so I'm still largely undecided.

If you think about it thats probably an accurate reflection of industry aswell and if you can learn how to manage that in your MBA you will be able to transfer that skill to general management in industry- so in a way it could be a pro.

alanjob

FrankGrimes wrote: »

Thanks Alan, did they query your experience much - i.e. did they try to hold up the 6 years managerial experience requirement (doesn't sound like it)?

I have a very large level of responsibility in my role and think I can make a strong case if needed.

That said, I'm leaning more towards doing the part-time MBA in Smurfit as talking to someone on that course made it seem like the teamwork is a heavy part of the learning. That said, she did also point out that there are some slackers who don't pull their weight that slowed down their progress so there's pros and cons I guess so I'm still largely undecided.

They never queried my relevant managerial experience. It was rather seamless. What might have made it easier was that I was dealing the Bankers Institute in Dublin so I am not too sure how it would work dealing with Manchester directly.

As for the teamwork aspect, I was lucky that the group I was involved with all pulled their weight. We developed a a rapport right away and there was a mutual responsibility to help each other with assignments and the like. I really enjoyed it and still keep in touch with the group.

DublinWriter

Check out Henley for a distance programme, I think they have some local representation in Ireland.

Deliberator

TCD offer an executive MBA over two years -

http://www.tcd.ie/business/executive-education/business-administration/

It's the most expensive one in Ireland, but also reckoned to be the best.

wonky79

I came across this link which could be a handy reference:

http://rankings.ft.com/businessschoolrankings/online-mba-2009

wonky79

Does anyone know anything about the MBA distance-learning program from the University of Edinburgh (http://www.ebsglobal.net/programmes/mba-distance-learning)? It seems way cheaper option (it is £800 per module and you have to complete 9 = £7200). The MBA award doesn't stipulate that it is by distance learning (I asked) which is good and the University of Edinburgh MBA program features as number 92 in the FT 2009 MBA global rankings. One (Major?) drawback from what I can see is that it doesn't seem to be accredited. They have a big spiel on why on their website (http://www.ebsglobal.net/programmes/accreditation)

thunderdan

I am currently in the last 6 months of my Henley distance learning MBA. Its run in Ireland thru the IMI in Sandyford. While its not cheap it does allow you to keep 'living' and you do learn quite alot when having to submit assignments etc, there are no team projects. Despite some tough times it is/was definitely worth it.

oilsheik

Some of the Institutes of Technology run decent enought programes Athlone is good value for money at €8k per annum, with many employers slashing training budgets its a good option for anybody who has to pay for the program themselves..just my 2 cents..good luck with whatever option you choose.

ramblingcelt

I also had an MSc in IT and Management before doing a full-time MBA. In my experience most IT departments don't immediately value an MBA but you do stand out when dealing with the commercial side of things and dealing with board members.

It took me several months to find a position where they wanted an MBA with an IT background but had to work in the UK. Siill glad I invested in the course and will prob head back to the UK as career progression here has ground to a halt.