Hello
I am working professional (based in the Middle East). I am looking at studying MBA degree in order to prepare myself for leadership challenges of tomorrow.

With some research at FT reading about MBA schools, ranking etc., I understood that accreditation of the school can be considered an important factor in understanding perceived value of degree by future employers. Now, at the same time, there is annual ranking published by FT. As I was looking at distance learning mode of study only (even part time sometimes not possible given tight work-family related commitments), I applied at Durham University and eventually secured position in Global MBA.

I am still confuse about the comparison between FT rankings and accreditation (for instance, Durham is crown accredited). As I still have some time on hand, should I consider B-schools higher in rankings or the fact that B-school is crown accredited is sufficient to kick start with the studies, regardless of the rankings.

I am currently working in the Middle East, but in longer term would be looking to work in European markets or may perhaps move back to my home country in South East Asia. With this objective in mind, should I consider other B-schools who could position myself much better in these markets?

Thank you and regards

I think it depends on your goals. Generally speaking, you will do well if you get into the best programme you can. As you will from the FT rankings, there are big differences in the outcomes. Triple 'crown' accreditation is great, but even between those schools there are differences in the educational experiences, the alumni networks and the brand equity.

If you want to be able to work across Europe, the Middle East and the Far East then more global brands might help. I'm especially thinking of schools like Insead, London, Manchester and Strathclyde, which run programmes in all three regions and thus have notable alumni networks on the ground.

Dear Duncan

Thank you for valuable comments. I am writing this post again as explorer lost the previous one :(.

Yes, I am thinking about other business schools. My notion is if I am already investing GBP 19k (possibly 100% self funded, with meager chance of employer sponsoring 50% - typical employers in this part of the world) to get to a school in 80s rank, why not I invest few thousand more bucks to study school higher in the rank.

On the side line (this has happened to me first time - so not sure if this is routine thing amongst MBA aspiring students), a top 10 b-school approached me on linkedin asking if I would be interested in sponsorship from the school to pursue business education. I immediately went back to the program director and she confirmed that this message was indeed sent by her. They asked me to share linkedin profile and the course I would want to enroll on. Later on they asked for copy of my resume. Not sure, how it works. I am sure many intelligent and well qualified students/professionals are ahead of me in the queue.

I have noticed Imperial College of London will be starting online MBA from 2015. What are your thoughts on this? Imperial is #16 globally.

I have also noticed IE business school offering only 9 months MBA. IE is already #1 in Europe and #11 globally. Is 9 months MBA not too short version of MBA i.e. would you really be able to reap benefits as promised in connection with MBA studies?

Now, If I dream about top 15 b-schools, which are definitely beyond my budget and many do not offer online/distance learning study route, I would appreciate if you can share some guidance or ideas about funding MBA education (scholarship, or loan). Are there any organizations or institutes offering scholarships other than b-schools itself?

As Christmas and new year is around the corner, so happy new year and merry Christmas to the readers from Middle East :)

Many thanks and regards

Sorry to add:
Insead/London Business School cost fortune to study. USD 100k is too much !!!! (I asked LBS today if they have any plans to start online/distance learning program (which would be more affordable for many students, of course)- answer NO).

Manchester & Strathclyde have campuses in Dxb (I am based in Dxb), but work schedule is too tight and I may not be able to attend classes regularly.

Unfortunately, online/distance seems to be the best option as I would be able to better manage work-life-family-studies in one go.

Thank you and regards

Imperial previously offered a DL MBA. Search the boards for discussion about it. It wasn't great.

IE is a good school but, as you say, you will get a better experience from a fuller programme.

I'm curious about what you say about this top ten school, but it wounds like an offer you should consider seriously.

For most students a scholarship is a false economy (see The sad facts about scholarships http://www.find-mba.com/board/37055 ) but if top ten schools are hunting you then perhaps it's possible. Schools explain financing options very well on their websites.

Why are you not considering full-time programmes?

Dear Duncan

Your analysis on scholarship facts is spot on and an eye opener. It is true that scholarship is only for top brass, and you are very right in pointing that example of an Olympian student! I think schools also look at what benefit they can reap by sponsoring students, which they can use to their advantage now or in the near future e.g. to fuel marketing efforts. Just to share an example (recently quoted in the Middle Eastern newspapers, I would withhold name of the University) - an Australian University sponsored full time bachelors education of daughter of a maid working in UAE ! Personally, I liked the effort, but was not comfortable with focus on the background of the student.

The scholarship assistance is a relative thing. For instance, some students may just need 20-30% of the cost to be financed, however it is true that no top school would finance 100% of the fees when others are paying thousands and thousands of dollars. So, London Business School would only sponsor someone who they think is simply outstanding and will be able to add totally different flavor to the school's profile.

For the business school I mentioned, I am not really sure if its a marketing tactic, but I am pretty sure they don't need to market. Let's see if this would actually materialize. I will be realistic and not keeping high hopes. At the end of the day, its my career and I have to invest (just curious - have you ever seen this happening i.e. schools approach prospective students through social media?)

Nevertheless, I will pursue other programs that may fit well in my budget. I can not pursue full time MBA studies as I am full time employee. The concept of sabbatical leave does not exists in the Middle East therefore it is highly unlikely that I may ever be able to study full time unless I quit my current job.

I will do more research on business schools, and may come back to you with further questions. Your guidance, efforts and time to answer so many aspiring students is really appreciated.

Thank you, happy holidays and best regards

Dear Readers

Happy new year and best wishes for the 2014!

Further to above, I would want to get more thoughts on doing Executive MBA from Henley (which offers online module - with once a year face to face study meets) than Durham online MBA. From fees perspective, it is almost same, but Executive MBA would mean studies which is more focused on practical experience than just books (correct me, if I am wrong). It would be helpful to know if there is a real difference between Executive MBA and MBA studies (contents, consideration of work experience and related learning) or it is just the fact that Executive MBA is for senior leaders who wants to get on with the management degree?

On the note of Executive MBA, the top 10 or even top 15 executive MBAs are too expensive. I am 32 years old with 12 years of international finance/accounting/tax work experience (Middle East and South East Asia, even in current role I have regional responsibility for the Middle East + Australian and Russian subsidiaries). Should I go for simple MBA or Executive MBA? I am definitely looking for something (be it MBA or Executive MBA) which gives me global flexibility to move across countries based on my MBA (+professional experience). Other way round, as I am in early 30s, do you suggest me to do MBA now or wait few more years to embark on Executive MBA journey?

Currently Executive MBA on campus does not fit in my work schedule, but I am enquiring Cass and Strathclyde Business schools

Thanks and regards