Online MBA

Almeda University, one of the leaders in online education, is now offering MBA courses online. Those with the requisite background and knowledge could attain an MBA in about 6 months. It is likely to be a boon for anyone unable to opt for full time courses. The Masters and Doctorate degrees would be available through the dissertation or thesis options. This would offer the working professionals, students on assignments and those with financial constraints a unique opportunity to get the coveted degree without foregoing their present commitments.

Modern day business demands creativity, independent learning, intellectual reasoning, and originality. The Ph.D. by dissertation or MBA by thesis major offered by Almeda looks to develop future talents for the best-prepared workforce of tomorrow. The course puts Almeda University students at par with select graduate studies or special undergraduate honors programs offered by some of the best names in PG studies internationally.

A graduation is essential to enroll for the course. Those without a bachelor's degree need to obtain their UG credentials for the purpose. The thesis for one of Almeda University's Master's programs should focus on a main hypothesis supported by theoretical propositions, methodological considerations, and literature analysis.

Almeda University is a member of NBBTA (National Black Business Trade Association), NCB (Netcheck Commerce Bureau), AIEA (Association of International Education Assessors), ePublicEye.com, USDLA (United States Distance Learning Association) & USA Chamber of E-Commerce and accredited by IEM (Interfaith Education Ministries), AOAEX (The Association for Online Academic Excellence) & CDEA (Council For Distance Education Accreditation).

You can get more information and post your comments and feedback at drkeithcarter@yahoo.com
http://360.yahoo.com/drkeithcarter

Top 10 Steps to Spectacular Success in Business

Ever wonder why some shoe-string start-up businesses succeed wildly, while some well-funded ventures tank big time? Contrary to what you might believe, spectacular success does not require a huge advertising budget, celebrity endorsements, or an MBA. Here are the ten simple steps that will lead your business to spectacular marketing success:

1. Create a clear picture of your goals and what you're going to do to achieve them. You can't figure out how to get someplace without knowing where you're going, so you need to document your plans by quantifying your goals (how much revenue you want to generate), outlining your strategies and tactics (what you plan to do to attract, acquire and retain your clients), and finally, scheduling your activities (when you're going to do all these great things).

2. Understand why you are in business. You have your own business not because you want to work for yourself, but because you have something of value (a product, service or information) that someone is willing to pay you to get. Period. You may have a personal agenda (or three), such as making a huge profit or tithing 20% or pursuing your artistic passion, but those reasons are not why people pay you, so they are not reasons why you are in business.

3. Identify your best or ideal client. There is no product, service or piece of information on Earth that "everybody" wants, including yours. Heck, we can't even agree on the same soda pop, for goodness sake, so why would you think that everybody in the world would want what you're selling? Chances are there are people out there who really want and need what you've got to offer, and once you figure out who those people are and where you can find them, you're in the money.

4. Identify your solution. Another tricky step, because most people try to sell the process, not the outcome. If you think you know what your clients really want, ask yourself this: Why does my client want that? The answer to this question is probably the solution you offer.

5. Articulate your solution. Distilling your value to a particular client base in seven to nine words is a great way to articulate your solution (many of us call this an "elevator" speech). For example, an image consultant I know used to say she dresses women who want to look their best. Nice, but so what? What do her clients really want? Here's a hint: Her new "elevator" speech is that she helps women look 10 pounds thinner and 10 years younger.

6. Spread the word. People have to know that you exist and that you can solve a particular problem for them in order to take advantage of your services. Tell everyone you know (and plenty of people you don't know) about your business. Too modest to talk about your own great self? Let your clients do it for you, by quoting them on your web site or in your marketing materials, or having a notebook of letters from satisfied customers.

7. Ask for business. Kids working the counters at fast food restaurants have no problem asking if we want fries with our orders, but many small business owners (particularly service providers) are hesitant to ask for business. Remember two things: People like to be invited (so invite them to work with you), and you're offering a viable solution to someone who would benefit from your product or service, not trying to pick his pocket. So ask.

8. Provide great service. Think "service" isn't part of your business? It's part of every business, but the type and quality vary wildly. Maybe your restaurant doesn't allow substitutions, but your servers are helpful and friendly, your restrooms are spotless, and your products are delivered to the table piping hot (or ice cold, as the case may be). That's good service.

9. Appreciate your clients. Nobody likes being taken for granted, especially your clients. There are many ways to demonstrate your appreciation, including personal notes, loyalty programs (buy 10, get one free), longevity discounts (after a certain number of purchases, the client can purchase at a lower rate), and even verbal expressions ("Thank you!"). Make sure your clients know that YOU know they have a choice of vendors, and that you're happy they chose you.

10. Take personal responsibility for your success. Whether or not your business succeeds or fails depends on you, not market conditions, competition, or other outside forces. Obviously, you want to confirm that there is a market for your product or service before sinking your last dime into the business, but know that once that market is identified, the only thing standing between you and success is you. Thinking otherwise gives you an excuse to fail, and that's not the way to spectacular success.

Spectacular success is less a matter of chance than choice. If you choose to follow these steps, success will follow.

Top 10 Steps to Spectacular Success in Business © Veronika Noize 2003. All rights reserved.

Henley Management College launches new Distance Learning MBA programme

Henley Management College, one of the world's top management education providers, has launched a new Distance Learning MBA programme that challenges the way managers think. The programme also features work-based assignments enabling programme members to gain recognition and rewards from the learning before the completion of the MBA.

As the world's third largest suppler of Distance Learning MBAs the Henley Management College Distance Learning MBA programme develops critical thinking capability, offers intense personal development and focuses on the practical application of the learning back in the workplace via organisation based assignments.

Henley Management College's Distance Learning MBA Degree is aimed at experienced managers, typically in their mid to late thirties, who have experience of managing teams and projects and want to develop into global managers. The programme recognises that as a manager's level of seniority increases in an organisation they will be exposed to greater levels of ambiguity, complexity and uncertainty. The MBA programme equips managers to manage effectively given these conflicting circumstances. In essence, Henley's Distance Learning MBA programme develops cognitive capability for decision-making.

Another area that the Distance Learning MBA programme focuses on is reflection - a key skill for 21st century managers and a key element of the learning cycle. Henley is tapping into the rise of 'social media' to assist students with aspects of reflection. Students are encouraged to reflect, record and share their learning experiences with their cohort. Social media is one of the ways that Henley assists students with this activity.

The Distance Learning MBA is a blended learning experience, an ideal mode of study to balance the increasing demands of career, family life and study. Henley, a triple accredited school, leads the field with a high number of face to face taught days, compared with other providers. As well as the face to face teaching, the programme also consists of group interaction via on line workshops and discussion, assignment work, personal study and readings. All these methods of learning are complementary to ensure an effective learning process, enabling programme members to quickly apply their learning back in the workplace.

Professor Jane McKenzie, Director of Studies Executive MBA commented 'The Henley Executive Distance Learning MBA is an intense and rewarding experience. It will offer new opportunities for some; it will hone fitness for senior leadership roles for others; but for everyone it will challenge thinking about business and the practical art of management. Programme members work alongside leading international faculty and talented international managers to understand the dynamics of management and business choices. These areas are underpinned with a continuous theme of personal development. Known for our supportive culture, Henley offers maximum support for distance learners, through personal and subject tutors, online discussion, team work and networking'.

The next Executive Distance Learning MBA programme starts on 15 June 07.

Contact Details
Lynne Stone
Henley MBA office
Henley Management College
Greenlands
Henley-on-Thames
Oxfordshire
RG9 3AU
England
+44 (0)1491 418803
mba@henleymc.ac.uk
http://www.henleymc.ac.uk/mba
www.thehenleymba.com

MBA Online Education Gains Popularity

The advent of online MBAs has made access to quality higher education a great deal easier. A great many people are unable to attend classes and need a flexible learning option that allows them to fit study around work and other commitments.

A major consideration with regards to choosing an appropriate online MBA course is that of accreditation. There are many suspect MBAs vying for your business. The obvious ones to avoid are those offered by diploma mills. These are usually offered by distance but may appear on searches for online courses and will often give ridiculous credit for life experience and sometimes (but not often) require one written paper in order for you to be awarded an MBA.

For a worthless piece of paper, the prices are high: anywhere from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. These qualifications can be potential future embarrassments so you need to do your research as they often have names very close to legitimate universities.

There are unaccredited universities that offer high quality and recognized courses but for the most part unaccredited universities should be avoided. The best valued online MBA degrees are accredited degrees. Forty eight percent of American universities offer online degrees so finding an online course from a desirable university is easier than it ever has been. University is easier than it ever has been. While there are a number of universities who have become online degree specialists such as Phoenix University, other universities with superior reputations are also offering online programs.

Many online MBAs require residential schools. This can be difficult for some people so it needs to be factored in to your decision. You can sift through online MBA courses and find one that meets your needs and does not have residency requirements or you can look at the course offerings of local universities and see if they offer online MBA programs. At least if they are local, you do not have to deal with travel time and costs and you can probably get away with staying off campus. Furthermore, if you have any problems you will be able to make an appointment to talk to someone face to face.

The costs of online MBAs can be prohibitive. However, there are in fact a wide range of prices for MBA programs and you will have to do your research to find the best value MBA for your needs.

If you have had a solid background in business management, there are online MBAs that will take that into account and save you months of study. Some online MBAs will only take you twelve months if you have relevant prior learning and experience.

Most MBAs share common subjects including Financial Management, Marketing, Communication, Business Psychology, Economics and Commercial Law. Many MBAs also offer modules in Entrepreneurship, e-Business, Import/Export and skills for dealing with different governments. There are many more related possibilities. Universities are competing for your education dollar, so don't assume that a course you looked at two years ago is the same.

The average price for an online MBA from an American university is $90,000 with many premium MBA programs offered through quality branded universities at around $120,000. However, you shouldn't let these figures scare you. Some people have been able to obtain MBAs for as little as $20,000 particularly where they possessed substantial experience and/or prior learning that could be taken into account.

Phoenix University, Regis University and Kaplan University are very experienced in providing high quality online MBA degrees. Other universities who are gaining good reputations for their online courses are Duke University, University of Michigan and the University of Maryland. In fact, there are a great many of excellent universities offering online MBAs and it will take you some time to research their offerings.

It may well be worth your while to consider the high quality educational offerings available outside the United States. In particular, Australian Universities offer high quality, accredited degree programs at comparatively affordable prices. You can also take advantage of the exchange rate which at the time of writing provides you with an additional seventeen percent advantage. Compared to the cost of studying at American Universities, Australian education prices are significantly lower. These degrees are well accepted in the United States.

Finding the right online MBA to suit your needs will take a little time and effort. However, your effort will be well rewarded when you find a course that is the best value for money for your educational and career needs.

Finding the Right MBA Online Degree

Nowadays people of all ages are getting their degrees online - from an undergraduate degree to a Master of Business Administration. But just as in the bricks-and-mortar world, there's no one-size-fits-all MBA online program. So before you start classes, it's a good idea to do a little shopping around before you commit to pursuing your MBA degree online.

Who's Getting MBA Degrees Online and Why?

MBA degrees online are very popular with adults who have had a career for years and are perhaps either looking for an occupation change or would like to further their current career. Professionals who want to get a master's degree without taking too much time away from their career or home life are also taking advantage of MBA online programs.

Other than the extreme flexibility and convenience of MBA online degree programs, there are virtually no differences between online courses and a traditional MBA program. Two degree programs, one offline and one online, will have similar curricula along with equal amounts of study time and overall difficulty. Thus, students can be reassured that they have the opportunity to learn as much from pursing a Master of Business Administration degree online as they would a traditional degree program, that is of course, as long as they find the right school program.

Becoming a Master of Business Administration

When researching MBA online programs, it's important to look for curricula that teaches leadership and strategy in terms of managing people, finance, technology and other important aspects of today's ever-changing business culture. Employers today are seeking individuals who embrace and continuously build upon changing environments as well as those who are comfortable using technology to solve problems. So, when researching MBA online degrees, be sure to find a school that will:

* Cover the different aspects of the business cycle * Help you identify and overcome challenges in business leadership * Teach you the technological skills needed to succeed in today's demanding business world * Challenge you with a good variety of lectures, readings, assignments and projects that assess real-world situations.

Having these skills and knowledge can make you stand out from the rest - and could even mean a step up at your current job.

As you search for the best school to earn your Masters of Business Administration, be sure to do your homework. Find a school that is accredited by the appropriate agencies and has a good reputation that will be respected by future employers and colleagues. Additionally, beware unaccredited programs that simply hand out worthless diplomas.

With the right information, the best online program and a whole lot of ambition, earning your MBA online could be easier than you thought! So get out there and begin your education - because after all, it's never too late to learn something new and earn the degree you've always wanted.

Increasing Potential With An Online Business Administration Degree

For those looking to advance their careers, an online business administration degree can be the best option available. Online learning has paved the way to success for many working adults. The time and money saved in conjunction with practicality has made online learning a legitimate method for improving one's station in life.

In today's world, management positions often require training and a degree in business administration on some level. Many know that increasing earning power, prestige and work satisfaction means getting the necessary skills and education. Even with a balancing act of work and family, online learning can become an easy addition to the flow of life.

With an online business administration degree, one can learn all they need to know about the various aspects of business. Business organization, management, communications, accounting and finance are only some of the specialties of this business degree. These skills can be used for either private or public companies and for profit or nonprofit businesses.

Those who choose to earn an Associates degree in business administration will learn the general aspects of business. A Bachelors degree helps ready an individual to assist in running the general functions of a business or company. An MBA program prepares individuals to control various business functions from production to logistics to accounting.

Although this method of learning is a great way to break into a career, many choose to use it as a way to further their current occupation. The career based curriculum focuses on giving the necessary skills that are considered most valuable in the business world. This makes for a most efficient learning process.

Getting the necessary training in an efficient matter is not only an attractive option; it is often the best option for the already busy lifestyle. Because of this, any intimidation about the curriculum of an online business administration degree immediately falls by the wayside. Many students actually begin to look forward to the learning process.

Another attractive feature about online learning is that students can take their classes at any time of the day or night. Many programs run courses off of a syllabus that allows a student to progress at a level that is comfortable to them. This is one of many bonuses that allow getting a degree in this manner to be so easy.

Because online courses are accredited, financial aid is often available to those who qualify. This can make the choice to continue an education in business much easier. By working with a financial aid specialist, it may be possible to finance tuitions and certain fees with student loans or grants.

Many prefer getting their degree in this manner as opposed to an on site campus simply for the fact there are no hidden costs. With an online business degree, the cost of a course includes all books and any other required items. The lack of traditional college extras such as room and board, parking or meals keeps online tuition and fees at a wonderfully manageable price.

Upon completing a degree, a number of programs are commonly offered with career placement programs. This can be a blessing for those just starting out their career. Learning to create a perfect business resume is a great skill that never goes out of style.

Even a multimillion-dollar corporation can fall apart without the right leadership. For this reason, an online business administration degree makes perfect sense for those looking to be an asset to their company. Prospective employers not only prefer but also require individuals with the right skills that can help keep a company in the forefront of competitive markets.

Background

The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging as the country industrialized and companies sought out scientific approaches to management. The first American business school, Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, was established in 1881, 62 years after the world's first business school ESCP-EAP was established in 1819 in Paris. The Tuck School of Business, part of Dartmouth College, was the first graduate school of management in the United States. Founded in 1900, it was the first institution conferring advanced degrees (masters) in the commercial sciences, the forebearer of the modern MBA. Founded in 1898, the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, the second oldest U.S. business school, was the first graduate school in 1940 to offer working professionals the Executive MBA (EMBA) program, a mainstay at most business schools today. Thunderbird School of Global Management, founded in 1946 following World War II by Lieutenant General Barton Kyle Yount, (the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Air Training Command), is the first and the oldest business school in the United States focused solely on "international business."

As the U.S. MBA model emerged at the turn of the 20th century, Europeans developed such business schools as at Webster Graduate School at Regent's College, London and in Manchester Business School; elsewhere colleges such as Cass Business School, London, IMD, MBA-HSG, Instituto de Empresa, INSEAD, Henley Management College, Cranfield School of Management, and Ashridge were established for management training. In 1950 the first MBA degrees were awarded outside the United States by the University of Western Ontario in Canada, followed in 1951 with the degree awarded across the Atlantic by the University of Pretoria in South Africa. In 1957, INSEAD became the first European university offering the MBA degree, followed in 1969 by the HEC School of Management (in French, the École des Hautes Études Commerciales) and the Institut d'Etudes Politiques de Paris. In 1968, the Asian Institute of Management was founded.

The MBA degree has been adopted by universities worldwide, and all six habitable continents have universities offering MBA programs.

In Europe, the recent Bologna Accord established uniformity in three levels of higher education: Bachelor (three years), Masters (five years), and Doctorate (eight years). Students can acquire professional experience after their initial bachelor degree at any European institution and later complete their masters in any other European institution via the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. A European masters degree in Management is therefore equivalent to the American MBA having additional scientific content; for example, a European master of science in management requires writing and defending a master's thesis.

Accreditation

Business schools or MBA programs may be accredited by external bodies which provide students and employers with an independent view of their quality, and indicate that the school's educational curriculum meets specific quality standards. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is generally regarded as being the most prestigious MBA accreditation, covering business schools worldwide.

The United States also has six regional accreditation agencies as members of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA), New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASCSC), North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Other U.S. accreditation agencies include the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) which typically accredits smaller, private American schools, and the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE).

Accreditation agencies outside the United States include the Association of MBAs (AMBA), a U.K. organization that accredits schools worldwide; the Council on Higher Education (CHE) in South Africa; the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) for mostly European and Asian schools; and the Foundation for International Business Administration Accreditation (FIBAA) in Europe.

Basic types of MBA programs

Full-time MBA programs are the most common, normally lasting two years. Students enter with a reasonable amount of prior real-world work experience and take classes during weekdays like other university students.

Accelerated MBA programs are a variation of full time programs, lasting 18 months or less, involving a higher course load.

Part-time MBA programs normally hold classes on weekday evenings, after normal working hours. Part-time programs normally last three years or more. The students in these programs typically consist of working professionals, who take a light course load for a longer period of time until the graduation requirements are met.

Executive MBA (EMBA) programs developed to meet the educational needs of managers and executives, allowing students to earn an MBA or another business-related graduate degree in two years or less while working full time. Participants come from every type and size of organization – profit, nonprofit, government — representing a variety of industries. EMBA students typically have a higher level of work experience, often 10 years or more, compared to other MBA students. In response to the increasing number of EMBA programs offered, The Executive MBA Council was formed in 1981 to advance executive education.

Distance learning MBA programs hold classes off-campus. These programs can be offered in a number of different formats: correspondence courses by postal mail or email, non-interactive broadcast video, pre-recorded video, live teleconference or videoconference, offline or online computer courses. Many respectable schools offer these programs; however, so do many diploma mills. Potential students should check the school's accreditation before undertaking distance learning coursework.