Really good advice, sharneel.

6. Finances: Last but not least, if like myself, you have
found a school which way over your budget compared
to the ones you chose earlier, be sure that this extra
cost is justified.

One thing I'd add is that, in the case of online MBAs, the calculus is different from that of full-time programs. This is because the return on investment is not as easily calculated for online MBA programs, and that paying more will not always guarantee better results in the long-term. In fact in some cases you might be paying for the "poshness" of a specific school!

Good to see useful criteria being discussed again....

Since in the case of many schools, WBS I know from experience, the diploma does not say how you earned the degree - there is no connotation of DL as your future employer may never know! It is what the employee can do with the added knowledge of an MBA in addition to the employee's skills and experience. In my experience, employers ask for a print/photocopy of your degree and check it's ranking and reputation - often assuming FT studies and nothing is asked about transcripts which is where you may see a notation of DL studies. The only exception would be if you went from undergrad straight to MBA then grades may come into play or towards an DBA or PhD, experience really should be squeezed in between undergrad and graduate studies.

Seriously, when was the last time you were asked for a transcript of your grades for a job application process?

The DL is structured for those of us that are close to or holding a junior, middle or senior management position to make us stand out and have additional skills than the next guy to move up the ladder.

So degree with no DL on it, along with all of the points mentioned above, and earlier in other posts, and a reasonable cost spread over the program timeline should help you in choosing a program.

I agree with you CANUCK. I have so far checked other business schools like Bradford and Stratchclyde (fighting strongly against WBS) but there is nothing bold enough to knock WBS from my list! I had concerns regarding

- Career Services for DL learners and the school sent me recorded sessions of post grad career service. Looks like they have introduced new support mechanism for the DL students and they also can attend live presentations conducted by employers on campus should they wish to or via wbs live.
- I have also checked the historical trend of ranking for WBS (for FT program) and noticed that they have been very stable on their position, in fact showing an improvement to place themselves from an average 46th position in the last 3 years to the 27th position in 2012. Whereas Bradford seems to be slipping over years being 97th on the recent FT ranking!
- Admission wise I also found WBS to be more advanced in technology and prompt in response whereas Bradford is still using traditional methods of reference collection and responses to student queries seem slow.

I also noticed Warwick being mentioned as "prestigious" school during my research on various magazines and articles which clearly showed the respect it holds across global employers and researchers like FT, WHich MBA, Economist. I believe if I am paying for something especially an investment on myself which will be a brand attached to my learning and my career for the rest of my life, let it be a well-respected, highly prestigious and top ranked school in the world. Let it be Warwick Business School :)

Everyone has to consider their options and evaluate what they feel is best for them. I did this three years ago and chose WBS and very much enjoyed the program.

Once you realize that DL is an effective method of delivery along with online and on campus interaction with the international reputation of WBS it wouldn't surprise me that you would come to the same conclusion I did three years ago. I'd suggest that WBS is just getting better and more recognized as the years progress.

I'll admit it was a new idea to study a UK MBA from Canada but as I took the courses and attended the on campus sessions, along with some of my relatives knowing graduates of Warwick University that studied on campus - I became more comfortable and very much enjoyed it! WBS is now starting to have FTF courses on this side of the pond in Boston, USA which should build their recognition and reputation here.

Just when I am at the last minute to submit my acceptance form to WBS, I did my last bit of research to find the overall status of the university especially when there was a recent discussion about "plate glass" school and bumped into the following league table:

http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings

I am a born brought up Asian British and have been always proud of the British education system. Even during my stays in USA and UAE, I noticed great respect for British universities. Therefore, I didn't even bother to seek outside UK and all my comparison has been against Brit schools only. Knowing that I shall be doing my MBA at a school which is 6th best in UK as per the league table above and consistently maintained its position on top 10 in UK, I am feeling quite chuffed. I believe working towards achieving a degree from such a well ranked prestigious school will boost confidence and keep the engine running when fuel is low on the motivation part.

So I end my journey here as I now have made my final decision in favor of WBS. I want to thank members like Duncan, CANUCK, Ralph, ezra, Mamit, Hudson, George (of course), maubia for all their support and guidance. A month ago I joined this forum with LSBF being my choice due to cost by today I am walking out with WBS, one of the best B-Schools in world simply because the members here always pointed me towards the right direction so that I can research more and choose what is best for myself.

Thank you! :)

You'll have a great time with Warwick. Just one comment: that league table is for undergraduate degrees. It's not the best guide for MBAs.

I know Duncan :) I have done nuff research on MBA aspect already.. Studied trends in FT rankings for 3 years.. Checked their post graduate career support and saw recorded event on same, met my cohort via FB and they seem an extremely intelligent and highly experienced bunch coming from various geographic location and representing various industries. The league table was something of a last thing I looked at to gauge the performance and standing of the university itself as opposed to the business school only. And it answered my final question :)

You'll have a great time with Warwick. Just one comment: that league table is for undergraduate degrees. It's not the best guide for MBAs.

I'm confident that you will enjoy and benefit from the lessons and experiences of the WBS MBA, and glad you found our few pence of input useful.

Good luck, now the work begins!

But some fun too!!!

Congratulations Sharneel on finally choosing WBS, hope to start the course with you in January 2013; I enrolled last week and am already receiving several career emails via my WBS email; unfortunately I am not in the UK, and am not looking for a job anyway. But it looks like if you can attend some of their events, being a DL students is not a hindrance at all.
British education is indeed the envy of the whole world; I live just a stone throw away from Melbourne University here, but I will have more "classmates" in Melbourne than I would have if I had chosen the Melbourne MBA (itself highly regarded, although without the DL option).
Duncan - It is true that the University ranking is mainly for undergraduate courses, but if everything else is ticked, I think being associated with a good University doesn't hurt. Obviously it's the last box to tick.
I also found this forum to be very useful in helping people decide. Both the critical and the supporting comments are helpful. I came here initially being very sceptical about the compulsory residential attendances, yet I went away convinced that it was actually a positive to have that. I also note that Sharneel you started by saying you had your own network of contacts, and I now see you have been impressed by the few highly experienced people you have "met" so far. I hope though, that others people from other business schools also post their reviews here so people can make informed choice. I am now a Warwick convert, but I still believe Durham, Henley, and Bradford are not too bad. Imperial College was too pricey, and the quality not as good in my opinion, but I would like to read another opinion. I have a question mark on Strathclyde; they gave me an offer even though my essay was incomplete; plus they had not even received my references by then. I am a good candidate no doubt, but it felt too easy to get in. Still, I would still go there if I lived nearby.

Sharneel, congratulations on making your decision for WBS! I look forward to meeting you and hudson4mba at Warwick week. I'm also starting in January. This forum is indeed indispensable.

so far this comparison discussion is going good.

Does WBS allow DL students to take part in International projects, study experiences, exchange with other schools etc along side FT/EMBA students?

In a email response to my querry DBS says they allow it and encourage it. They give recent examples such as exchanges with
Mannheim Business School (MBS), Germany
Sun Yat-sen university (SYS) in Guangzhou, China
Central University of Finace and Economics (CUFE)in Beijing, China
Srilanka, Brazil projects, etc

WBS, MBS, Aston, Strath, Henly, Imperial - any similar feature? Is it just a marketing stuff or a sign that DBS treats DL students on par with FT/EMBA?

A more recent or current student will be able to give a better answer; but I did have the option of classes at Mannheim Business School (MBS) and FTF at various locations around the world. You could also transfer to or take FT or EMBA courses at WBS.

But for the latest list and possibilities I would refer you to the website at wbs.ac.uk which they recently renewed.

WBS, MBS, Aston, Strath, Henly, Imperial - any similar feature? Is it just a marketing stuff or a sign that DBS treats DL students on par with FT/EMBA?

Some of them do. Warwick, for instance, requires you to attend a module at at least on non-UK campus. Also, like many other similar programs, they allow you to do a consultancy project - and this can be with an international organization.

Likewise, Aston has a project component where you can work with an international organization - this can be with your current company, or with another of your choosing.

Hi,

I have just received my unconditional offer for the Global MBA at Durham which I'm really excited about.

Now I'm in the process of deciding if I should attend the 1st week module at Durham University (optional) or if I should do it online? Since it is the starting point for this great opportunity in my career, I am really considering to visit Durham even though it will cost me around 1000 - 1500 USD extra.

Did anyone from the Global MBA try this?
I can see little reviews about their Global MBA online when searching on Google.

Many thanks
Joel

I haven't done this MBA program, but in general, these online MBA programs are most effective when you're able to do the on-campus residencies. This is because you meet with the faculty and other students, and you are able to more robustly build your soft skills like leadership and teambuilding.

The relationships you build and the connections you forge are fundamental parts of an MBA program, and unfortunately, tend to be neglected by online MBA programs. So if you can, try to take advantage of all of Durham's on-campus residencies.

Hi,
I am on this program. I did online induction and couple of modules online. I felt lonely and boring. Then I attended 4 residencies (3 to 5 days per module) so far. It is great and very effective, full of activities, team works, etc. It totally changed my view of cost/benefit proposition. I found that people who started with induction on-site form a good relationship and network and move together almost entire program, the professors/staff also make a very good connection with them. You feel on par with full timers, it motivates you greatly. I strongly recommend you start on-campus and tap the best out of the program. Now I managed to catchup with my cohort. Six of us doing the same set of modules from London, 4 from Germany and 3 from Belgium, 4 from US, 3 from Canada, 7 from Nigeria/Africa, 2 from Ireland and the rest spread across UK. I stayed at the school with the full timers, I also made few good connection with them - they are from all over the world. They are easy to approach and willing to help progress in my course.

In short - whichever school, if you do "fully" online/distance whatever be the technology in use, you miss the whole point of MBA.

I found that people who started with induction on-site form a good relationship and network and move together almost entire program, the professors/staff also make a very good connection with them. You feel on par with full timers, it motivates you greatly.

Great insight. I agree that the in-class components add a ton of value to online MBA programs. You get to improve your soft skills by working in teams; networking can be more robust; and even just talking to your professors is easier than in any online environment.

Dear George:

I just have a quick question. When you do a residency module [3-5 days], does that fast tack your MBA programme? If you attend the classes on campus, do you still go through the 6 months semester program?

Thank you in adavnce.

Kidn regards,
Rakhee.

Good question. The best part of the residency is that the entire module is condensed in tightly pack sessions with loads of activities. All formative assessments are done within those days, we are only left with final assignments and/or exam after a month or so. I am a self learner and used to study alone but I find modular residency model is very different and more engaging. It helps you to speed up the whole program as well, if you need to. I plan to do rest of the program this way. Negotiating with my company to get appropriate breaks :-).

If you can and afford to.. by all means go for a school that gives you enough onsite residencies.

I wish I'd done MBA some 10 years back.. spent far too long contemplating :-(. But on the other hand, the MBA is only making sense and better understood after all these years of experience, so I am happy :-)

Hi Georgep

You mentioned that it would have been better if you would have done 10 years ago?> How much work ex did you have when you applied for this MBA?