IamDaryl,
I find it difficult to give recommendations on what a "good" MBA is. Lots of MBAs been mentioned throughout this thread and honestly, I too have had pretty good reviews and feedback of the MBA offered by University of Nottingham.

Should you decide to pursue a p/time MBA here in KL with a local instituition, it is true that the UK universities are costlier than those offered by the Australian universities [it could be due to exchange rates, etc? *shrugs*]. From my past experience (i'm unable to confirm if my findings are still accurate today), you will realise UK-based universities have more requirements; thus far, when I enquired, only the UK-based uni's had a MINIMUM age requirement; but if you're above 28, you shouldn't need to worry about this.

One of the more important aspects of an MBA would be the interaction and discussions between fellow 'classmates' hence it is important to ensure you enrol yourself in a course where your classmates WILL be able to share. It may be difficult to gauge upon enrolment but if majority of your classmates are going to be 'fresh graduates' with no working experience, chances are they will not be able to share their 'wealth of knowledge/practical experience' [there are exceptions ok?]. The more 'outspoken' the group, the more learning you will get from your MBA.

The facilitators also play an important role. They're not there to LECTURE but to FACILITATE discussions and workshops. And obviously, to GUIDE you. Bounce ideas off them as I'm sure they too can learn a thing or two from you

Do not use 'total contact hours' as your gauge to the best course as it is a matter of preference. Also, be realistic to the amount of time you're able to commit during the entire duration of your programme.

I hope you find the course you're looking for. Good Luck!


AmilyNhotdog,
The initial difference in salary's probably negligable I think . I haven't done an official survey nor had much discussion with friends/associates on this subject but I'm of the opinion that an MBA graduate will climb the corporate ladder faster than a non MBA holder. All said, the MBA too is merely a piece of paper hence work experience and personal attitude also contributes significantly to an individual's value within an organisation.

This post has been edited by tinkerbel: Jan 2 2007, 02:10 AM

lokgotz,
Thanks for correcting me re current MBA fees & entry requirements . Guess I better stop giving too much input in this area since my information's outdated but will try to share some thoughts on other matters.

To get the best and most out of your MBA, form a 'study group' as soon as you can and limit it to X number. It is vital whom you choose to make up this study group but keep your eyes open for those who seems sharp and whom you think be able to help exponentially increase your learning curve *grins* . Obviously, they're also the ones who'll be motivating you to keep going, etc. They become like family to you over time.

As a general rule, u should be able to tell if this person's able to give you insights and share his experiences and be an asset to your study group over an entire weekend of lectures.

I had my fair share of challenges and obstacles but my study group became my 'life-line'. Thinking back, I sure am glad they invited me to join their group despite my handicap in several areas .

All the best and good luck! Haf fun while learning too ya?

This post has been edited by tinkerbel: Jan 2 2007, 08:19 PM

IamDaryl,
I'm assuming you're gonna go for the Star Education fair? Well, if you do, could you do me a favour - you're afterall gonna be checking out ALL the available courses right?! *grins*

Will PM you the little favour in a bit Thanks in advance!

Teong,
Unless you've plans to work with the government, it really doesn't matter if it's LAN/MOE accredited. Just be sure the uni's recognised

This post has been edited by tinkerbel: Jan 5 2007, 06:53 PM

lokgotz,
U sure are excited! Hope u haf fun, and let us know how the Induction went yah? Oh, any lenglui's?

lokgotz,
Er, of course sure will have refreshments lah - takkan study so many hours no refreshment break meh? Besides, i'm sure the cost of it been embedded into your course fees *grins*

Speaking of which, got how many students this intake? And, did you take my advise to try identifying who you wanna form your study group with?

Ok, so now we know got 1/2 leng lui's... what about leng jai's? [pls dun include urself on the list ] heh heh....

Haf fun @ class tomorrow

seantang,
Your location states Ipoh/Singapore. Just by any chance, you're pursuing any one of the 2 MBAs you mentioned? Yes, INSEAD's one is definitely a reputable, v recognised course

seantang,
Age is nothing but a number. Isn't that how the saying goes? Then again, it is true too that when age catches up with us, our priorities changes.... but you're definitely right about having the opportunity to pursue well reputable MBAs in this region

lokgotz,
Reading ur posting gave me a headache

Yes, u will soon come to realise that every class you attend, you will be given FREE refreshment - don't sound like u come from kampung lah [i'm the one who lives in the kampung `k?]

I ask u not to include urself in the leng jai count cause i oredi 'know' u mah !! *doh* So, got any leng jai's or not? Faster tell faster tell... still not too late for me to register

I'm not sure what the Business Computing module consist of but at MBA level, it is important to know that you MUST apply the theories into the practical world, and use examples from it. Answering the question alone without further expanding its use in the practical world will not be suffice for a pass.

It's not true that the theoretical stuff's not important because you will need these to guide you in your answers, be it for exams or assignments hence pay attention especially to the specific theories which you can use and adapt it as part of your answer - with all practical explanations and NO theories to back up your answer, you will also fail the assignment.

Remember, you're taking a postgraduate course and shouldn't be spoon fed. Write down and take down notes you think is important. Things which you aren't too sure of or can't understand, it's ok to ask - you need to know how the theory works in order to put it into use. Memorisation alone is not going to help you.

Jargons such as "Value Chain, 4Ps, PEST(EL)/SWOT Analysis" are Management Jargons. Since Marketing Management is also a subject you're taking this semester, you'll definitely come across the 4Ps introduced by Kotler.

PEST(EL) Analysis is basically the analysis you do to examine the external (things which aren't in your control) influences of the organisation whilst SWOT gives you a better picture of the current situation your organisation is in.

The purpose of the study group is to discuss questions and to brainstorm with each other, other than networking purposes. The study group is also to help with the assignments, and to share ideas. Of course, if you think it's best to study on your own then go ahead but I still suggest you form a group - make sure you keep it to X people - maybe 4-6 at max. And always take turns to have a leader so you won't go out of topic and start chit-chatting.

Good Luck!

As much as I can understand the reasoning behind the minimum required age, I think there should be some flexibility on it depending on the individual as long as the rest of the entry requirements are met.

Then again, I'm not looking to pursue an MBA so I better keep my mouth shut

seantang,
I made *the* remark only because once upon a time, having met the basic entry requirements to a course I'd wanted to pursue, and even took pains to go through with an interview, I was finally rejected on the basis of "not having met the minimum age requirement" put me off

I would have accepted the decision of the university easier if they'd also rejected another applicant who was about 1+ years my senior [who also didn't meet the minimum age requirement criteria]. Ah well, guess some people gauge maturity by age alone, whilst I prefer to gauge it by responsibility, etc.

Oklah, admittedly I was a sore loser then - Er.. i think i'm still a sore loser now, heHEhehehe......

This post has been edited by tinkerbel: Jan 8 2007, 04:52 PM

Did someone not mention that Sunway's only offering the VU MBA? Nothing was mentioned about a Manchester MBA, was it?

Then again, I might have not have been paying too close attention, apologies

Teong,
Yups. Got me facts a lil jumbled up there. Btw, know if they offer the Manchester DBA at Sunway?

Creamer,
If I'm not mistaken, I vaguely remember someone saying the MBS MBA at Sunway's about RM80k.

From a pure business standpoint, the DBA serves little purpose. The ROI is just too low But ah well, everyone does things for different reasons, right?! *grins*

Creamer,
You are most right. Something ought to be done to ensure DBA graduates aren't made a fool off. Those ads ought to be communicated in a different manner. As hard sell as they want the ad to be, I personally find those headlines 'disgusting'

Hevrn,
I believe the learning curve at the DBA level's much different from the undergraduate levels. You learn the same theories whether you're doing your BBA, MBA or DBA but the 'thought process' shifts from one level to the next.

I had a few academicians telling me they were pursuing their PHDs only because they *had* to. There wasn't much they could learn which they didn't oredi know [I kinda agree with him - refer to paragraph above]. Then again, I'm *sure* something useful (other than the Dr title) came out of their course.

I wouldn't recommend an online MBA because the essential part of the course is the interaction (discussions, sharing experiences, etc) with your 'colleagues'.

Unless you're able to have uh, the Uni fix appointed conference times for such interaction, your learning curve from the MBA would reduce dramatically

Creamer,
I ado agree with yu but there's a slight difference between Distance Learning and and Online degree isn't it?

Earlier someone mentioned Australia's AGSM. Perhaps I'm a pure-breed Aussie grad, my preference sways towards AGSM than Nottingham Malaysia

e30,
X years of work experience will be sufficient to get you into the course. More working experience at X level will be required should you not have a basic degree.

If you oredi have a basic degree, it doesn't matter if that is an Engineering, Architecture or Law degree. A business degree is NOT a prerequisite into an MBA.

jackal1950,
Perhaps when people ask you, they actually wanna know if you're specialising into a specific stream, or just pursuing a general MBA.

Y the frustrations? So, MBA in what?! *grins*

Actually, seantang's right. Top Unis and Top MBA's aren't ranked the same. It also depends on who's doing the research and on what basis are they ranked such, etc.