TWith India rapidly morphing into a corporate based economy, demand for business savvy professionals, tagged with an MBA, is shooting up like never before. This makes the three lettered golden MBA degree one of the most sought after degrees which is needed in almost all types of departments, be it engineering, medical, law, mass communication, commerce, arts or designing. But, what if you are a busy working professional who just cannot afford to attend the daily classes in brick and mortar classrooms? Then quality Distance MBA is what you can rely upon.

We at MBAUniverse.com have explored in depth the various facets of Distance MBA in this three part series. Here is the first one, bringing to you an overview of the basic elements encompassed by distance MBA, and that how it is different from a regular MBA, including the views of the experts whom we exclusively interviewed.

Read on to know more.

What is Distance MBA?

Imparting the essentials of management without the physical boundaries of a classroom, at a time feasible to the schedule of the students is the basic concept behind the correspondence MBA. “Distance Learning in MBA lends flexibility and convenience to the distance MBA takers. They get an option to learn online while doing their jobs. Their upgrading skills help them to implement assigned projects or, work in the field,” says Anand Sudarshan, MD & CEO, Sikkim Manipal University-Distance Education.

With the rapid adoption of internet and other tools of e-learning, Distance MBA has got a shot in the arm. Technology mediated learning seems all set to enhance the accessibility of courses of like MBA. In fact, pursuing an MBA degree has become much easier now with the introduction of online MBA courses. It makes use of multi media study material, online communication, e-lectures and virtual classrooms, webinars, etc. for the process of information transmission.

For Whom?

With increasing number of candidates impatient to kick start their careers as soon as possible; investing two long years to pursue full time regular MBA seems a Herculean task. At the same time, it’s a well known fact that without learning the basic concepts behind management and mastering the skills of decision making, financial analysis, interpersonal relationships etc. associated with it, their career will grow at a turtle pace.

In such scenario, distance learning MBA programs come in handy for students looking to work as they study and even for working professionals wanting to add luster to their CVs in order to invite better career opportunities.

“Our programs are designed for working professionals. They are convenient and flexible. Students can learn from their office or, home through the resources available on internet. The books that are provided help to learn, even while student is traveling,” says Sudarshan.

Also, distance MBA proves to be a boon for those who cannot find access to the B School campuses for their own reasons.

Generally the ones opting for MBA through Distance Learning are those who are already working with an organization and want MBA to enhance their efficiency. “Our students come from companies like SBI, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, GE, HP, Airport authority of India, Indian army, Indian Navy and Indian Airforce where they are posted as Assistant Vice President, Senior Consultant, Center Business Head, Deputy General Manager and Project Manager. President, Senior Consultant, Center Business Head, Deputy General Manager and Project Manager”, tells Sudarshan.

Modes of Delivery:

Institutes offering distance MBAs combine a range of delivery methods to ensure that the content of the programs are taught in such a way that the remoteness of a student's location is no obstacle to the academic and learning experience. In some situations, schools establish regional teaching centers where certain elements of a program, such as seminars or keynote lectures, are delivered physically so that students can travel and experience this element of the program. In other cases, elements of the degree might be offered to students through their actual attendance at lectures or teaching elements at the institution itself, thus offering part of the fulltime teaching experience to these distant students.

Mixed mode methods of teaching on these programs are among the most popular and help students tackle their course of study through a range of teaching strategies. For example, IGNOU follows a multimedia approach for instruction which comprises Print Materials, Audio-Visual Material Aids, Counseling Sessions and Interactive Radio Counseling, while Sikkim Manipal University Distance Education (SMU DE) relies upon Industry mentor chat, Webinars, academic mentor chats, videos, blogs, discussion forum, small group mentoring and newsletters.

Distance Learning MBA vs. Regular MBA

Distance Learning MBA degree differs from a regular MBA in that it is earned through a college or university with a distance learning format. Students who enroll in an online degree program do not attend classes at a brick and mortar school; rather, they receive assignments through an interactive web-based portal and complete required work as per their own convenience. Though compared to regular MBA, the enrollment ratio in Distance MBA lags much behind. “In India the inclination towards distance learning is still low as distance learning is in growth phase in India. Though it is growing at the rate of 30 per cent per annum,” states Dr. Kamal Singh. Director, AIMA-CDL.

Despite their huge popularity, some MBAs don't consider distance-learning programs to be the ‘real thing’. The way to truly experience a subject, they argue, is to fully immerse oneself in a full-time program, giving opportunity for deep contemplation away from outside pressures. “Yes, we do agree that any day full time course cannot be substituted by distance learning course. But then we are providing management education to those who are disadvantaged due to time, money or location,” says Dr. Singh. But at the same time, he seems to disagree with this notion and adds, “AIMA-CME doesn’t agree with this notion. In fact the system of weekend class and twenty-two-and-a-half hours of class room teaching per subject per module is highest in any distance learning programs and at par with part time courses. In fact generally regular B-School has only 30 to 32 hours of teacher based teaching, rest is student oriented activity.”

A similar opinion is voiced by Dr. A. M. Sherry, Director, IMT-CDL who believes in the quality of education as being the deciding factor. “At IMT-CDL, it is believed that if adequate efforts and processes are established, the quality of education offered by distance institutions can be as good, even better than regular full time education,” he says.

As far as the course curriculum of Distance MBA is concerned; the institutions offering distance education claim it to be at par with that of regular MBA.

“The course curriculum of all AIMA-CME programs is at par with curriculum of leading management Institute in India. Though these programs are offered in Distance Education mode, the rigor is maintained through system of assignment and class participation,” informs Dr. Singh.

Advantage Distance MBA

Regular MBA candidates might scorn at the idea of distance MBA education, but such MBA has its own set of target students. The USP of distance education MBA lies in the fact that it provides job-oriented knowledge that can be immediately practiced as one works alongside. Distance MBA allows you to enjoy the comfort of learning from your home, at a time which is most convenient for you and doesn’t interfere with your busy work schedule.

“The upgrading skills help them to implement assigned projects or, work in the field. We offer the students peer learning via the online tools like academic and industry mentor chat on EduNxt,” claims Sudarshan.

Another advantage is being able to attain a well recognized degree which is well accepted by industry and government organization.

“One of the major advantages of distance learning programs offered by us is an AICTE approved PGDM/PGDITM degree. Students may take the course anywhere in India with wide network of study centers. They get well-recognized degree at comfortable fee structure,” tells Dr. Singh of AIMA – CME. “The module structure of the program lends flexibility and the relevant certificate or degree at each stage. Continued education brings students with different academic and experienced background at one platform leading to wholesome learning,” he adds.

Hence, distance education proves to be an icing on the cake for those who are already working professionals, as adding an MBA degree can enhance their skills multifold and also guarantee a thicker pay package.

In our next article, we will extend our research to the different key players offering distance MBA, and compare the programs and pedagogy offered by them. So, stay tuned.