subject: Several Mba Projects [print this page] With the increase in demand for an MBA both in terms of students and corporations, a vast variety of types of programs have come onto the global market. Additionally, there is a wide range in the ways and combinations of courses that are being offered.
Variety in Offerings At present, there are five widely recognized types of MBA programs available in various parts of the world. A quick overview of the types of MBA include:
Distance-learning MBA - A distance-learning MBA program is usually internet-based though in some parts of the world where internet is less reliable, other media elements may be utilized.
Executive MBA - An executive MBA is more descriptive of the target audience, than how it is delivered. The most common delivery format for an EMBA program is in short, intensive periods (usually ranging from one week to one month in length) where participants attend classes at a university, satellite, or other setting.
Flexible MBA - A flexible MBA program allows a student to select courses that are of interest to them to work toward an MBA with a desired emphasis. Though there are several of these programs primarily in the U.S., the flexible approach is the slowest growing of all MBA programs.
Full-time MBA - A full-time MBA program is for students that desire to focus primarily on their education often without work responsibilities. Most often, the full-time approach is held on a university campus.
Part-time MBA - A part-time MBA program usually consists of a three plus year program that is held on a campus or satellite location.
According to a 2007 survey reporting the "Net Trend in Total Application Volume," program growth rates are as follows: (1)
Part-time MBA 46%
Online MBA 43%
Executive MBA 40%
Full-time MBA 36%
Flexible MBA 18%
There is significant growth in MBA participation in general and the higher growth rates in the part-time and online programs than other formats. This is due to a couple of key factors. One of these is a growing number of professionals that are returning after some years of experience to earn their MBA degree. With ongoing work and family responsibilities for many candidates, an increase in coursework that offers more variance in scheduling and portability of work is to be expected. A second factor impacting MBA trends is an increase in part-time and online programs due to universities offering courses in other geographic locales. This expansion has led some universities to take a go-it-alone approach, while others have looked for strategic partnerships.
Growth in Partnerships There is an increase in the level of partnership that is occurring in MBA education throughout the world. One example of this is the partnership formed between Wharton in the U.S. and INSEAD with campuses in Fountainebleu, France and Singapore. While a partnership such as this brings a number of benefits, one of the main benefits according to the respective deans is the increased global presence and experience it brings to their students and alumni.
