Applied learning with distance learning MBA

W44

2 3

Posted Aug 04, 2012 13:18

Hi

I am currently trying to determine the most suitable distance learning program from the following:

Manchester Business School Global MBA
Aston Business School online MBA
Bradford Business School distance learning MBA

The key points for me are the volume of more practical, applied learning and the flexibility of study times and online presence.
I am very attracted to the MBS program due to the workshops, online collaboration and teamwork but fear that this will result in more prescriptive study times due to having to fit in with other ppl. Despite all my research, I have not uncovered much information as to how this unfolds in reality. I appreciate that you can't have it both ways, but it's crucial that I find a balance between being able to study when I can find the time (not necessarily same time every day) and more practical study methods.
I would greatly appreciate anyone with any insight on this.

Thanks!

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Duncan

1.163 1.006

Posted Aug 04, 2012 21:38

Indeed the strength and challenge of the MBS program is that student teams play a major role. There is a huge benefit. Do you have a specific question? Why not ask to speak to an alumnus?

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W44

2 3

Posted Aug 05, 2012 14:10

Thanks for the response.

The exam question is how much of the course can be studied when I want, and how much has to be studied at times to suit the study teams?

E.g. I probably would want to conduct a lot of study early in the morning, prior to going to work, but this may not suit study team due as I live in Switzerland (+1 hour GMT).

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Duncan

1.163 1.006

Posted Aug 05, 2012 14:24

Almost all the study is asynchronous. Of course when you're doing project work, you need to schedule conference calls at times when most people can make it. That will probably be evenings and weekend. Everyone is in the same position as you, and the volume of team work is quite supportable. There's not too much -- much less than on an EMBA.

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ezra

85 59

Posted Sep 06, 2012 17:04

The key points for me are the volume of more practical, applied learning and the flexibility of study times and online presence.

For the programs you mentioned, the study times will generally be pretty flexible. Much of the interaction is done through online discussion forums in one shape or another - and with these types of programs, usually you'll have a certain amount of time where you can weigh in on a specific topic. So the professor might pose a question, and then you'll have until the end of the week to discuss. The exact time you interact doesn't make a difference, as long as it's by the deadline.

I am very attracted to the MBS program due to the workshops, online collaboration and teamwork but fear that this will result in more prescriptive study times due to having to fit in with other ppl.

Well, you'll be interacting with busy people from all over the world, and both you and they will have to work with that. That's how it's done in global business, and people find a way to make it work. I wouldn't worry so much about that, but rather that you actually have enough free time to commit. Bradford, for example, says that you should expect to do about 14-16 hours a week during the program.

<blockquote>The key points for me are the volume of more practical, applied learning and the flexibility of study times and online presence.</blockquote>
For the programs you mentioned, the study times will generally be pretty flexible. Much of the interaction is done through online discussion forums in one shape or another - and with these types of programs, usually you'll have a certain amount of time where you can weigh in on a specific topic. So the professor might pose a question, and then you'll have until the end of the week to discuss. The exact time you interact doesn't make a difference, as long as it's by the deadline.

<blockquote>I am very attracted to the MBS program due to the workshops, online collaboration and teamwork but fear that this will result in more prescriptive study times due to having to fit in with other ppl.</blockquote>
Well, you'll be interacting with busy people from all over the world, and both you and they will have to work with that. That's how it's done in global business, and people find a way to make it work. I wouldn't worry so much about that, but rather that you actually have enough free time to commit. Bradford, for example, says that you should expect to do about 14-16 hours a week during the program.

quote