Online MBA 2013

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SET YOUR COURSE FOR LIFE

Latest trends in web-based learning Tips on admissions and assessments Guidelines for programme selection

www.educationpost.com.hk/online-mba

Foreword by the sponsor RDI’s vision is to change your world through innovative learning.

By the beginning of this year, RDI Management Learning Hong Kong had seen enrolment for its online courses increase by 300 per cent since 2007. It has recently launched the inspirational iLearn learning platform, which means that students can now access e-materials anytime, anywhere via their iPad’s, iPhones and Kindles. Web 2:0 technologies such as social media networking sites, video sharing, wikis and blogs are providing a new generation of teachers with an armoury of tools capable of delivering a highly interactive experience for students. And students want this. There has been an extraordinary increase in demand for online degrees across the globe due to accessibility, flexibility and costs, which is enabling students to balance their studies with complex work and family commitments.

Affordability is a major consideration for students and a factor driving the growth in demand for online degrees. RDI’s online courses currently cost 30-60 per cent less than on-campus learning at UK universities and other online learning providers. RDI offers a variety of payment options such as monthly or “pay-as-you-go” which helps students to manage their finances effectively.

RDI recently launched ‘iLearn Explorer’ (www.rdi.co.uk/explore) for potential students to test drive the iLearn facility. Absolutely free of charge, registering is quick and easy and gives students access to the full online learning experience.

Students will automatically enrol for a two-week online course and participate in classes, interactive debate with other students and tutors including access to extensive e-materials, and receive invaluable feedback from tutors.

Simon De-Lay Lead Academic Adviser RDI Management Learning Limited

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CONTENTS Online MBA 2013

Sole Sponsor

SET YOUR COURSE FOR LIFE

04

The Trends

Latest trends in web-based learning

- MBA - Go to class or go online?

- Online MBA joins the 'in-crowd'

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Tips on admissions and assessments Guidelines for programme selection

Admissions

- Easy steps for a successful application - Online MBA: the easy way in?

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The RDI Story

www.educationpost.com.hk/online-mba

Bradford MBA moves ahead with web-based learning

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Hot Tips

- The interview: out with the old, in with the new - What you need to know

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10

06

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08

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Decision

- The true cost of an MBA - Going digital: two sides of the coin

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04

Benefits

- Online MBAs - taking the distance out of distance education - How to choose the best one for you

Online MBA 2013 is published by Education Post, South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd in partnership with RDI Management Learning Limited.

All rights reserved.

Cover image: iStockphoto

Online MBA 2013

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The Trends Photo: SCMP Graphic

MBA – Go to class or go online?

- Heather McKenzie Traditional MBA programmes have customarily been esteemed by employers due to their history of linking graduates to successful placements within the business world, but as the future of business continues to grow along with technology, online MBA programmes have become more widely available. Here is a helpful guide explaining what you need to know before you enrol in an online MBA programme.

Online MBA programmes are genuinely adapting to the modern businessman by offering flexibility for those with limited time, financial restraints, and family obligations.

Online MBA programmes also allow MBA students to continue working while they attend business school.

With no loss of income, MBA students are not further burdened with financial strain. Employers may be impressed and appreciate the fact that you display the personal qualities, such as dedication and hard work, to achieve an MBA while still working. Online MBA programmes also allow students to directly apply and implement class instruction at work the next day, giving you true, real-world experience.

Before making your decision to enrol in an online MBA programme, be sure it is accredited with the AACSB International (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). Research the calibre of the faculty in the online options you consider as they

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determine the quality of the education you receive. Be sure to find out the job hiring rate and typical job placements for programme graduates. An option is to contact the hiring department at your ideal job or company to ask about the preferred qualifications they seek – would an online MBA be acceptable and comparable? Give some thought to the impact of the benefits of attending a programme for an online MBA with local context and application.

Finally, consider an online programme that is closely aligned with a traditional MBA programme, one that has a near-identical core curriculum and includes some in-person requirements, such as group development and presentations, career services, and access to alumni and corporate programmes from within the programme itself. The more benefits and requirements offered, the better the online MBA programme will be in providing you with all the resources you will want and need for a successful career in business.

In the end, having a MBA degree is better than not having one if you want to advance your career in business. Some employers, such as the government or military, may only care that an MBA is on your résumé, regardless of how it was achieved. There are many factors to consider and this should be a decision you make with careful thought, research and consultation.

The Trends Photo: iStockphoto

Online MBA joins the ‘in-crowd’ - Heather McKenzie

After years of struggling for a seat at the popular table, online MBA programmes have finally joined the coveted “in-crowd”. They are becoming popular among MBA students, and even employers are looking favourably on the online MBA graduate. The gradual shift is occurring because of advances in technology, as well as the growing desire among people to advance their careers without giving up on a huge chunk of their lives. Online MBA programmes provide unique opportunities and a flexibility that traditional MBA programmes lack, yet they can still open doors to upward employability.

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Students who do not want to settle for an MBA from anywhere but a top-tier school now have that option in the online arena

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How did this happen? Traditional bricks-and-mortar schools started offering online MBA degree programmes, paving the way for increased legitimacy.

In fact, some of the best joined the trend, among them North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School, Carnegie Mellon's Tepper School of Business, Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, IE Business School in Spain, Babson College's Olin School, and Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School, just to name a few. Students who do not want to settle for an MBA from anywhere but a top-tier school now have that option in the online arena. These schools report that the calibre of their student applicants continues to rise, creating a challenging and worthwhile peer cohort.

This new addition to the in-crowd dresses nicely as

well. The programmes utilise high-end equipment, video-conferencing techniques, and the latest technology to create a quality learning experience.

Class discussions occur in real time via internet connections, and class lectures are interactive (you can click a link that allows you to “raise your hand” and type a question to the professor). The programmes also respond to concerns about diminished networking and interaction opportunities by creating leadership experiences similar to on-campus curriculums by offering workshops, seminars and one-on-one coaching.

Employers are welcoming the new kid. Salary and promotion reports indicate that employees who complete their MBA online are rewarded with an average salary increase of 30 to 36 per cent and a promotion rate of 30 to 66 per cent. One study that interviewed 20 hiring managers from leading companies revealed that managers consider online and traditional MBA programmes to have equal value when hiring or promoting. Employers also appreciate the fact that students pursuing a MBA online display the dedication, motivation, and hard work to achieve the degree while still holding down a job.

The online MBA is no passing fad. As the world becomes increasingly digital and virtual, top schools are stepping up to be part of progress, and are providing comprehensive online MBA programmes that students and employers are embracing. Highly skilled and qualified students, faculty and employers have welcomed online MBA programmes to the table for a permanent seat.

Online MBA 2013

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Admissions Photo: iStockphoto

Easy steps for a successful application - Donna Lin Niles There is a wide variety of online MBA programmes available, offering students many choices in selecting the “perfect” degree for them. But when applying, candidates should pay close attention to several key factors to ensure they are making a good investment in both time and money.

Before beginning the application process, it is wise to think about personal and career ambitions and assess carefully if an online MBA will help to achieve them. You can start by reviewing your professional history and education to date, and seeing how the modules on offer will help to fill in obvious gaps.

A reputable and accredited programme will likely require GMAT or GRE scores as proof of your quantitative proficiency. Therefore, it is advisable to complete any specified tests as soon as possible in order to be sure of meeting basic requirements and to have transcripts and certificates confirming a first degree and any professional qualifications.

Also, be prepared to provide at least three strong letters of recommendation from past professors and employers.

You should finalise your list of preferred MBA programmes at least six months before the application deadlines. While the university’s name may not be as important as your desired area of focus, it makes obvious sense to select a programme from a fully accredited institution. Many well-known universities and

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business schools have similar admissions requirements for both online and “in person” MBAs. Selecting a programme with a strong reputation should help in achieving later career goals.

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A reputable and accredited programme will likely require GMAT or GRE scores as proof of your quantitative proficiency

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If required, begin preparing essays at least three months before your applications are due. Essays can be particularly important as they give the admissions office an insight into your personality, strengths and achievements. They are also a great way for the school to assess what you may achieve as a member of their alumni community. In addition, personal statements are an excellent place for your enthusiasm and passion for the programme to shine through.

With research, plenty of preparation, and a thorough understanding of what you hope to accomplish by earning a degree, an online MBA can be a big step towards achieving your career goals. By selecting an accredited programme and taking advantage of the flexibility it offers, you can continue to learn and make the most of new opportunities.

Admissions

Online MBA: the easy way in?

- Assiye Keskin

Online MBAs have stirred much discussion and debate in the business community since the first such programme appeared in 1987. Many arguments have been ranged against the concept, seeing it as an inferior and less prestigious option compared to traditional classroom-based courses. But as top business schools become increasingly expensive and competition for places increases, growing numbers of students have been turning to the online option. Is this, though, taking the easy way?

It should be noted, though, that just because online MBA programmes offer an “easy� way in, that doesn’t mean they are easier to complete than the traditional MBA. Where major business schools also offer online courses, these are just as demanding as their on-campus programmes. Often the online content is even more rigorously designed by professors and consultants.

Interestingly, research has shown that students pursuing online learning have performed better on tests and earned higher grades than those receiving face-to-face instruction. Some say this can be attributed to having more time to digest the material and not having to compete in a classroom environment.

Up to now, online MBAs have always been seen as the poor cousin, but that reputation is steadily changing. As business professionals become less willing to leave their jobs to pursue full-time study, the market for online MBAs is growing apace. In response to this demand, many more business schools are establishing online MBAs which can accept larger numbers of students from around the world, and they are doing so without compromising on quality, thereby providing a popular and valuable alternative.

Photo: Edward Wong

Already, online MBA programmes accept more students than the campus-based alternatives. For the top 10 full-time MBA programmes, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report, the average acceptance rate for the September 2012 intake was 19 per cent. Against that, for the 10 highest ranked business schools with online MBA programmes, the average acceptance rate for 2012 was 64 per cent. The reasons for this are simple.

Not being subject to the restrictions of limited space and resources, a virtual classroom can hold as many students as the school is willing to accept. In addition, teaching faculty and students can be recruited globally, making the online experience truly international and diverse.

This prompts an obvious question: if schools can take more students, does this mean they are less selective?

Admissions officials at top business schools offering online MBAs report that their courses have the same entry standards as their more traditional counterparts, but the two programmes attract different types of candidate. Applicants for most campus-based MBAs tend to be younger and have less work experience. For these students, factors such as undergraduate grade point average and GMAT scores are more important to gain entry, as they have little else to distinguish them from other applicants. In contrast, candidates for online courses tend to be older, more established in their careers, and for this reason GMAT scores and previous academic results carry comparatively less weight.

Online MBA 2013

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The RDI Story Photos: iStockphoto

Bradford MBA moves ahead with web-based learning - John Cremer One essential in offering a long-running MBA programme is to move with the times by anticipating new student needs and revising course content and approaches to teaching to reflect shifting dynamics in the broader business world.

The Bradford School of Management in Britain continues to do just that, as its 30-year track record and consistent ranking among the top international programmes clearly attest. And the school’s latest steps to ensure students get the learning support and overall flexibility needed to combine work with part-time study and family responsibilities include an increased focus on web-based tutorials and the use of online materials.

The basic MBA entails 14 core modules plus a dissertation and, for Hong Kong-based students, is generally completed within 21 months as a distance learning programme. However, the option is always available to take certain modules on campus either in Britain or at any of Bradford’s partner institutions in the Netherlands, Germany, Singapore, Dubai and Italy. This, of course, adds an extra international dimension and widens each student’s exposure to different business cultures, as well as their potential network of classmates and other useful contacts.

Flexibility is also seen in other ways. There is, for example, the chance to extend the period of study if necessary and, more recently, the adoption and integration of new technology for better learning outcomes. In effect, this means students can now keep up with most courses any time, anywhere. They are less tied to the classroom or a set weekly schedule and, therefore can more easily manage their study commitments in and around intense periods at work, business trips and other duties.

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The school’s objective has been to create a comprehensive online learning environment. This now includes not just PowerPoint presentations and audio recordings accessible via the internet, but also guest lecture series, workshops and discussion forums. Where necessary, each module has been carefully redesigned and adapted. The programme still makes extensive use of the variety of material found in textbooks, academic journals, research papers and market reports. However, there is now much more emphasis on developing practical knowledge and understanding of business theory by using video clips, podcasts and live online tutorials.

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This form of distance learning allows people to study at a time, place and pace to suit their needs and we ensure that they never feel like they are studying alone

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- Simon De-Lay

“This form of distance learning allows people to study at a time, place and pace to suit their needs and we ensure that they never feel like they are studying alone,” says Simon De-Lay, Lead Academic Adviser at RDI Management Learning in Hong Kong, which collaborates with the Bradford School of Management in offering this MBA programme. “When taking a module, students are also part of a small tutorial group, as a member of which they are expected to visit the weekly online discussion boards and a series of live online tutorials. They can also discuss issues with other

The RDI Story

distance learning students and academics through “The Atrium” – the school’s social networking site.”

Using a virtual learning environment called Blackboard, programme leaders set up a dedicated site for each module. This contains a copy of the relevant books and information on recommended reading, guidance on the method of assessment, and appropriate recordings of previous lectures or seminars.

There is also wider-ranging material selected by Bradford academics from journals, specialist publications and the news media plus an extensive “bank” of multiple-choice questions to help students gauge their own progress and advance their all-round understanding of the subject.

“Our distance learning students have access to Bradford University’s online library resources from wherever they are in the world,” De-Lay says. “They have their own dedicated librarian who can provide scanned copies of, say, articles from journals or key data from company reports.”

For students who took their last formal qualification some time ago, an effective learning service is available to help them back into the routine and self-discipline of regular study. This covers essential skills such as essay writing, revision and critical analysis and, if required, can include one-on-one consultations with a nominated adviser.

A strong advocate of both the distance learning concept and the Bradford MBA is Shagufta Barker, who completed the programme MBA in 2012. It took her five years in total, but during that time she also had a full-time job with Cathay Pacific, got married and had two children.

Now an in-flight quality control manager, Barker describes her MBA experience as “invigorating” and notes the additional self-confidence that comes from gaining new skills and insights and being able to apply them in practical situations.

“The MBA changes you as a person,” Barker says. “You become more objective and analytical and start applying what you have learned at every level. As a part-time degree, this programme really gave me great flexibility in terms of time management, and I can honestly say that it has changed my perspective and my career.”

Shagufta Barker (right) who completed the programme MBA in 2012. It took her five years in total, but during that time she also had a full-time job with Cathay Pacific, got married and had two children.

About RDI Founded in 1990, Resource Development International (RDI) is the world's largest independent provider of UK university qualifications by distance learning. Its headquarters are located in Coventry, UK and it has a subsidiary in Hong Kong responsible for the Asia-Pacific region.

RDI partners with several UK universities to provide a broad portfolio of degrees, master’s and MBA programmes which it markets and delivers worldwide. All its UK university qualifications are delivered by online distance learning with world-class tutor support via its innovative iLearn platform.

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) audits UK higher education institutions. All partner universities have been audited by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA).

RDI is a subsidiary of Capella Education Company, a leader in online education and parent company of Capella University, a regionally accredited online university based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the United States.

Partners:

Online MBA 2013

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Hot Tips Photo: iStockphoto

The interview: out with the old, in with the new - Diana Mah Gone are days of traditional MBA interviews done in person. The new practice is for admission interviews to be done online, so candidates should prepare accordingly. With technology moving ahead and students applying for business school places from around the world, committees are now making full use of the internet to “connect with” applicants as a standard part of the process.

Any interview is nerve-wracking, but here are some pointers to help you when doing it online: ．Download and practise using Skype if you haven’t already done so. Technology is a great help, but sometimes learning to use it isn’t always intuitive. Get familiar with the key steps and find out how to deal with possible glitches in the programme. ．As in any other interview, preparation is vital. Avoid using cue cards when talking online, even if the interviewers won't be able to see them. Looking down at them can be a distraction and may make you seem rehearsed and unnatural. Practise on Skype beforehand with a friend or family member. ．An MBA interview lets a business school assess your character, but also allows you to ask them relevant questions. Take the chance to find out more about the school and its programmes, including what they can do to help you achieve your MBA goals. ．Focus on your delivery and position Skype so that

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you are looking at the interviewer – or the camera – not staring down or looking at yourself during the interview.

Also, speak clearly and concisely, and don’t fidget. ．If English is not your first language, practise as necessary with other people ahead of time or record yourself to see how you sound. Don’t think too much about the right words to use, but on delivering those words well. Try varying your tone and changing the length of your sentences to avoid sounding flat. ．You may be thousands of miles from the interviewer, but still make sure to dress appropriately. You shouldn’t be wearing shorts or pyjama bottoms, even if you can get away with it. Dressing the part will make you feel and behave more professional too. ．Choose a quiet location that is well lit and has a good internet connection. Clear away any clutter and be aware of any pictures or “strange” items which may appear in the background. Close the door so that your flatmates, family members, or pets can’t disturb you during the call. Also, make yourself unavailable to any other chat programmes or notifications which might pop up during your interview, and turn off your mobile phone.

Remember, an interview, whether conducted in person or online, is a reflection of who you are. Smile and don’t forget to display confidence. Despite the distance, your personality can still shine through, so give yourself every chance to stand out.

Hot Tips

What you need to know - Donna Lin Niles

As online MBA programmes have grown in availability, it may help to learn more about how online degree programmes work, how they compare to traditional ones, and if the online route is the right path for prospective students. Many are looking to online courses as an alternative to traditional ones for a variety of reasons: flexibility, cost, perceived ease, or time and social constraints. With online MBAs gaining in popularity, read on to learn more about online offerings and how they may fit into your career goals.

Online MBA programmes attract a wide variety of students, from older professionals with well-established careers to young workers hoping to take the next step towards future management roles. Some attendees even include students from around the world, working remotely from different continents. The admissions process and requirements are similar to those of traditional MBA programmes. Proof of your bachelor’s degree and a résumé summarising your professional accomplishments are necessary, though some may or may not require applicants to take the GMAT. Tuition fees may vary; some are comparatively inexpensive, while others may cost just as much as competing partand full-time ones.

students for education and knowledge, and can provide connections to future employers. But online MBA students have to take the initiative in creating a network for themselves. Another drawback is that success as an online MBA student depends on individual motivation and commitment to completing the programme. Without the impending timeline of the next class, it is up to online students to finish the work in a timely manner on their own.

An online MBA provides great flexibility and the opportunity to earn a degree from a reputable programme, but it isn’t without its limitations. For self-starters who can hold themselves accountable for timelines and deliverables, an online programme can offer a great degree of flexibility to pursue higher education without disrupting life. For those who may not have the self-discipline or time-management skills necessary for a successful online MBA venture, traditional MBAs will be the better option.

Photo: iStockphoto

Online MBA programmes are known for the flexibility they provide over traditional bricks-and-mortar curriculums. While the types of courses students take are similar in terms of subject (marketing, finance, accounting and so on), online programmes allow students to attend classes from anywhere in the world, so long as there is an internet connection. Some programmes may offer videos, interactive presentations and discussion boards as part of the required coursework while other online MBAs may include a number of in-person sessions that are required (based on individual availability). Either way, the majority of lessons, reading, projects, and tests will be completed online, through your school’s web portal.

While it may seem easier to enrol in an online MBA programme, there are certainly drawbacks. It’s fairly obvious that students in online programmes will not have the benefit of networking and learning from peers.

Classmates are traditionally a great resource to MBA Online MBA 2013

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Decision Photo: Bloomberg

The true cost of an MBA - Diana Mah The decision to complete your MBA may be the most important one of your career, but it can also be the most expensive and time-consuming. One way to avoid the large debt incurred in tuition fees to a business school is to choose to complete an MBA online. However, while they may be the best option when considering finances and commitments, the true cost of online programmes is still worth considering.

The reason many students opt to study online is cost.

The tuition fees for an on-campus MBA can range anywhere from US$40,000 to some US$150,000, not including the cost of living, international student fees, travel to and from the place involved, and textbooks.

Depending on where you decide to study and which city or country you want to do it, in, the cost of a physical MBA programme can be exorbitant for anyone.

This is where completing an online MBA from an accredited institution is much more attractive for the budget-conscious professional. The price of tuition for online programmes ranges from US$10,000 to US$92,000, significantly lower than that of traditional programmes.

If financial costs are still a lingering factor in your quest for an MBA, there is hope. Financial aid programmes, private loans, scholarships and grants are available to fund your online education.

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The price of tuition for online programmes ranges from US$10,000 to US$92,000, significantly lower than that of traditional programmes

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While monetary costs cause many to hesitate in applying to an MBA programme, whether online or traditional, there are also social and familial costs to consider as well. Committing to a two-year MBA programme isn’t always feasible for most professionals, especially ones with families or full-time positions that don’t allow for the time away to complete their studies.

Like any correspondence or online courses, take into consideration the fact that you will need time to focus on your studies as well as your family and career. You will need to be self-motivated and able to manage your time properly in order to stay on track with the course schedule.

At the end of the day, if an MBA is what you’re seeking, an online programme has the potential to fulfil the same requirements as a traditional bricks-and-mortar school.

With the added benefit of a huge saving in terms of cost and time, an online MBA may be the way to go for economical business students.

Decision Photo: iStockphoto

Going digital: two sides of the coin - Heather McKenzie

Although online MBA degree programmes are increasing both in number and popularity, controversy remains. Will I get a quality education? Will this increase my employability and salary? Will graduates have the training and exposure they need to meet my company’s needs? Will the online coursework maintain the high quality and standards of the traditional programmes our university offers? There are many questions, and so the controversy over the online MBA persists.

Students face a dilemma. Online MBA programmes offer them flexibility in juggling multiple adult responsibilities while completing coursework. They also provide the option for concurrent employment, which means a reduction in the financial burden incurred at a traditional MBA school. Online students also gain unique electronic communication strategies and skills that are increasingly vital in a global economy. On the other hand, online students miss out on consistent face-to-face interaction with faculty and peers, as well as the chance to develop networking relationships and business-savvy social skills. It is also more difficult to consult a faculty member or classmate for additional details or support. At present, the benefits concerning employability, salary increase and promotion are not well researched.

Employers are also confronted with problems. On the positive side, they may view online MBA students as innovators with the flexibility to pursue a non-traditional educational route. They may also see these students as sensible managers of time and obligations, with significant motivation and dedication. However, because many online programmes are so new, it can be hard for employers to have confidence in the quality of online

MBA education. Various studies reveal differing conclusions about employer perceptions. In 2010, when 450 human resources professionals in 140 countries were surveyed, only 34 per cent viewed job applicants with online degrees as positively as those with traditional degrees, while another study reports 50 per cent as considering online and traditional MBA programmes to be of equal value when hiring or promoting employees.

Universities face decision time. Schools that offer traditional MBA programmes have the opportunity to increase their revenue, global reach and student diversity through the addition of online degrees. There are also new options for corporate partnerships with a heavily digital learning format. Many esteemed teaching faculty members have recently given positive feedback regarding new innovative online instruction styles that mimic the evolving business world. However, some feel that the lack of classroom interaction makes it difficult to know whether students fully understand materials.

Currently, some top business schools, such as Harvard, maintain that online methods are insufficient and have no plans to develop such a programme.

The benefits of online MBA programmes to students, employers, and universities are numerous – as are the concerns on the other side of the coin. With the increase in online MBA programmes, more data will be soon be available to address these unanswered questions. Until then, only time will tell.

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Benefits Photo: David Castillo Dominici / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Online MBAs – taking the distance out of distance education - Assiye Keskin Online MBAs are growing in popularity, with increasing numbers of students opting for the benefits of online study. These include flexible study options, 24/7 access to lectures, a specialised curriculum, and a more affordable price tag, especially for international students considering relocation costs, visas and flights. As the demand for virtual learning increases, so too does the choice of business schools offering online degrees.

Without having to leave home to go to business school – and with the world as your MBA oyster – how do you decide which programme is best for you? Let’s look at some of the best options and latest international trends in online MBAs to help you decide.

Current rankings show that some of the top online programmes are coming from increasingly diverse sources. Not surprisingly, the traditional home of the MBA, the United States, has some of the top ranking online MBAs, including Indiana’s Kelley School of Business and Arizona State’s W. P. Carey School of Business. Some of the top contenders in the Financial Times rankings are Aston Business school in the United Kingdom and the Centrum Católica in Peru.

But as the growth of the global economy moves east, so too does the demand for MBAs. With four Asian business schools in the Financial Times top 20: CEIBS, HKUST Business School, the Indian School of Business, and Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, Asia is rapidly becoming a top destination for business students, both geographically and virtually, attracting not only local but also many international students as well. This is also reflected in online education, such as the City University of Hong Kong’s

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award-winning iMBA (Interactive Master of Business Administration). As the demand from Asia increases, some international universities are adapting their programmes to accommodate industry and student needs in target areas. Edinburgh Business School offers an MBA programme which can be studied online or through a local learning partner and assessed in either English or Chinese in examination centres across Asia.

Just as globalised business involves collaborating on projects with colleagues and clients in different countries, the online MBA prepares students for virtual teamwork by incorporating projects with fellow students across the globe and developing international networks in the process. The growth of programmes teaching students skills for successfully navigating the Asian business world in a global context are proving to be a valuable asset to top multinational employers who are increasingly recruiting graduates from these programmes.

As the business world becomes more globalised and technology becomes more sophisticated, the MBA has also moved with the times. Online MBAs have transformed business education by taking the distance out of education and connecting students across the world, creating business professionals with global mobility. It’s clear that with these advances, Asia is becoming not just a consumer of online business education, but a leading provider of high-quality MBAs producing graduates with regional expertise and a global mindset.

Benefits

How to choose the best one for you - Heather McKenzie

Although online MBA programmes have existed for nearly a decade, there is very little solid data about their worth. The standards used to measure quality in traditional programmes do not translate well to online programmes. There are, however, a few basic elements that are crucial to consider before choosing the best online MBA programme for you.

Is the school accredited? The AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) is the oldest and most trusted accreditation board for business schools. It also has the strictest requirements, including high-quality coursework, frequent interaction between students and faculty and a rigorous admissions process, making employers and recruiters more apt to accept a degree from an AACSB-accredited programme.

at your ideal company and ask about their preferred qualifications, and whether they would accept an online MBA from the specific schools you are considering. Find out the school’s post-graduation hiring rate and typical job placement programme graduates. If they do not have this data to share, that in itself is valuable information.

Watch out for phoney programmes. Some of the red flags that might signal a fake online MBA programme include course credits for “life experience”, programmes priced per degree (legitimate programmes typically charge by course or per semester hour), school names that sound too similar to well-known schools, addresses that are PO boxes, and a lengthy list of accrediting agencies that sound too impressive or are hard to locate or verify. If you don’t recognise an accrediting agency, check the Department of Education’s accreditation database. Another good resource is the Diploma Mill Police at GetEducated.com, which monitors more than 300 phoney online colleges.

Ultimately, in our changing global and mobile business climate, where you earn your MBA may not be as important as what you learned. That being said, CBS News asked executive recruiters at Stanton Chase International and experts at GetEducated.com, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report about the best online MBA programmes. Five schools repeatedly rose to the top: Indiana University, Thunderbird School of Global Management, University of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania State University and Arizona State University. Perhaps that is a good place to start when you’re trying to choose which online MBA programme is the right one for you.

Photo: iStockphoto

Who are the faculty? Their calibre determines the quality of the education, so check for years of experience, prior affiliations and published work in their name. The more experience the faculty has from reputable schools and affiliations, the surer you can be of the quality of education you’ll be getting.

Determine if it meets your financial and employment goals. A major advantage of online programmes is their perceived affordability. AACSB-accredited online MBA programmes average US$32,000, while others are as low as US$20,000. But beware: many of the best online programmes can cost more than their traditional school affiliates due to increased technology and demand on faculty time. At the top end, Duke University’s Global MBA costs a whopping US$135,500 because it requires time abroad. Not all employers and recruiters are comfortable with applicants who have earned an MBA online. But depending on your job and career-level goals, it may not matter. Contact the hiring department Online MBA 2013

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