More takers for Executive MBA Route

There has been a rising demand for executive MBA and Distance Learning MBA programmes versus the falling popularity of fulltime MBAs throughout the world. These results have been thrown up by a survey conducted by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC, that holds the GMAT) on MBA entrance tests used by B- schools across the world. The information considered 665 graduate management programmes in 39 countries.

What does this mean for MBA Education

Increased the popularity of executive and part time MBAs will be attributed to two causes - increased awareness amongst professionals about qualification enhancement in a aggressive world ( a by- product of financial meltdown) and changing perceptions towards part- time/ distance learning mode.

There is no doubt that MBA education has gained a lot of importance globally, especially in the last two decades. The demand for executive or distance learning MBA is high globally; but in India, there is still a excessive demand for the one year full time mba and two 12 months full time MBA programmes.

There was a trend, particularly in India, of working executives leaving their lucrative jobs and joining the regular MBA for getting a high jump in salary or getting a job in the best company, .The global recession changed the MBA job market. Executive MBA has become highly popular profession with mid-career professionals and those juggling jobs and families are choosing part-time MBAs. There are two reasons for the trend. Many students are not comfortable with the new computer-based version of CAT. Plus, the cost of doing an MBA Education has gone up with the fee being increased by many B- schools in india, declining the 'return on investment' as the last couple of years have also not seen outstanding placements from B- schools.

As an executive MBA is almost as good as a full time two year course, nobody's complaining for that programme. The most important benefit of Executive MBA program is that the course curriculum is role specific and concentrate on developing a specific range of management expertise resulting in quick upgrade in designation as well as salary. Although these Executive programs aren't meant for rising business managers who want a well-rounded, comprehensive managerial degree and also not for individuals who lack considerable workplace expertise.

Another Challenge related to Executive MBA is need to take care of a stability due to Heavy Stress of Corporations Workload and necessary Attendance at the weekends at classes. This will restrict family life and add more stress on their Lives. Thus a have to Maintain Balance is a must that once extra is a managerial Skill. Thus the working managers can improvise by these EMBA Programs to maintain rising up the Corporate Ladder.