Who exactly is an MBA degree by distance learning for?

The demand for management education is constantly on the rise and very few people can spare two years for a full-time MBA programme or afford the fee for these programmes. Working professionals with these constraints along with family commitments do not have any other option when it comes to choosing an MBA programme. A distance learning MBA course is the best possible option for these people.

How is the MBA by distance learning programme at IMT structured and what are its objectives?

The distance learning MBA programme is mainly for working professionals. It is for a duration of three years and is equivalent to a full-time MBA in terms of the difficulty level of examinations and course content. The programme at IMT is approved by the distance education council division of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The distance education programme suits working professionals with classes held on Saturday and Sunday and with the presence of 80 study centres across India. There is an entrance test conducted for admission to the three year distance learning programme. There is also a one year programme for which there is no admission test. The total fee for the three year course is Rs 60,000 whilst for the one year course the fee is Rs 20,000.

What kind of students does this programme cater to? How many students change jobs after this programme or move up in the same company?

A lot of people are BTech and software graduates. They do not have a lot of exposure in the areas of business and finance. This course provides them with market exposure and knowledge of the latest trends in finance and HR. Approximately 30 percent of graduates switch jobs after completion of this course and about 40 percent move up in the same company.

What differentiates the distance learning MBA programme at IMT from other distance MBA programmes?

IMT is the only institute offering a distance learning MBA programme that is only involved with management studies. IGNOU offers courses in BA, MA along with its MBA programme. IMT on the other hand only deals with programmes concerning MBA. As far as other institutes are concerned, the distance learning programme offered by IMT is 28 years old. IMT was the first institute to offer a distance management programme. The classes held over the weekend form part of our Personal Contact Programme (PCP). There are nation -wide study centers, provision for 20,000 books in our digital library as well as self-explanatory study materials and facilities such as video-conferencing.

How does the institute try to compensate for what a person would experience in a full time programme?

In the model that we follow, a Personal Contact Programme is in
place. In this programme, classes are held on weekends and this helps
students interact with one another and faculty. Case studies are
discussed and we also have a facility by which video conferences can be
held. In this way, a classroom environment is achieved. There is also a
digital library which can be accessed 24/7. Full time programmes have a
summer internship programme which serves to provide students with
industry experience. Students that are enrolled in this programme are
working executives and do not need exposure of this nature. As far as
group activities are concerned, the last semester of this programme is
reserved for project work.

What is the drop out rate for students in this programme?

The drop out rate is 15 percent.

When should a person opt for a distance learning MBA?

Working executives have limited time at their disposal. A lot of them wish to upgrade their skills in order to hold higher positions in their organization. These days, an MBA is necessary to achieve this. Part time programmes have classes held regularly and this model proves to be difficult for working executives. Distance learning provides a lot of flexibility for students. At IMT for instance, the three year programme may be completed in a maximum period of five years. Students that have time constraints and wish for flexibility in the programme should opt for a distance learning programme.

Considering that entry in to distance learning programmes is relatively easier compared to other programmes, what value do companies attach to such a programme?

The entry is not relatively easier, it is much easier! As far as the value that companies attach to such a programme is concerned, as is the case for a full time programme, there are a large number of institutes which are offering a distance learning programme. However, there are only a few institutes which have quality programmes. The process which is followed to become a Chartered Accountant (CA) is similar to what is present in this programme. The entry is quite easy but clearing the entire course is not. We also have an entrance test for admission into this programme. Every semester, 4,000 students enter into this programme and the number of students that takes the examination is twenty times the number that is admitted.

What in your opinion is the principle need for an MBA by distance learning?

The demand for management education is constantly on the rise and very few people can spare two years for a full-time MBA programme or afford the fee for these programmes. Working professionals with these constraints along with family commitments do not have any other option when it comes to choosing an MBA programme. A distance learning MBA course is the best possible option for these people.

What are the main differences between a part-time MBA and an MBA by distance learning?

The main issue with part-time programmes is the model of regular classes which is followed. Students enrolled in these programmes go about their work lives in the day and then attend three-four hours of classes in the evening. It is not practical and as a result of this issue, the demand for distance learning MBA programmes is increasing. The Personal Contact Programme at IMT which includes the classroom sessions held on weekends allows for sharing of views between students and interaction between students of the class which is extremely heterogenous in nature. This programme also leads to sharing of information and interaction with faculty members. In the sessions held in this programme, lectures are held for the first hour and the remaining two hours are allotted to classroom discussions.

For a person who does not have any issues with spending three-four hours every day for classroom sessions, a part-time MBA is the best option. Of course, with a part-time course the fee is also much higher than that for a distance learning MBA. In part-time MBA, the selection criteria are difficult, examinations and interviews are conducted and usually all the applicants clear the programme. In distance learning, the entry is easy but clearing all the examinations is difficult because of the fact that students usually have job and family commitments while enrolled in the course. A lot of filtering happens during the programme and about 30 percent students clear the course. A part-time programme has the same faculty in the entire process which comprises of teaching, viva-voce and examinations. In this model, there is different faculty at each stage of the process. There is also a lot more flexibility in a distance learning programme. At IMT, the three year programme may be completed in a maximum period of six years.

When it comes to the job market, a part-time MBA and an MBA by distance learning have equal value.

There exists a perception that MBA by distance learning is at best a compromise solution to practical difficulties in oneas career and location constraints. What are your views regarding this issue?

The various types of MBA programmes on offer (full-time, part-time and distance education) differ hugely in terms of time required and cost of programme. For instance, the full-time MBA offered at IMT costs Rs 8,00,000 and the MBA by distance costs Rs 60,000. For a person who has family and job commitments and wishes to do an MBA, there is no other option apart from an MBA by distance education. A full-time programme is characterized by case studies and a large percentage of freshers. In comparison to this, MBA by distance learning is generally pursued by students with work experience. On an average, students have five-seven years of experience. Thus they have sufficient industry experience and wish to gain some level of theoretical knowledge. An MBA by distance learning provides this and also offers a lot of flexibility.

The MBA craze is increasing day by day. There are 25-30 reputed MBA colleges that provide full-time MBA programmes. There are of course limitations in terms of intake of students. After 5-7 years of work experience, there is hardly any difference between a full-time MBA and a distance learning MBA. Currently there are very few institutes offering a part-time MBA. For example, between IMT and MDI there are only 180 seats for part-time MBA. This number is not sufficient to meet the demand for MBA. In comparison to this, a batch of MBA by distance learning at IMT consists of about 10,000 students.

It is said that MBA by distance learning is best for people who wish to migrate within a company and that it helps little in changing companies. Some people also feel that it mainly serves as a resume value-add. What would be your thoughts regarding this issue?

I do not agree with these views. From the graduates of this programme, about 25 percent move up in the same company, 20 percent start their own ventures and others switch jobs or take up other things. There are about 40-50 universities in Ghaziabad itself that are offering MBA by distance learning. Of these only three-four have a record of hundred percent placements. The quality associated with this degree completely depends on the institute.

Discuss this article in the Forum!