10 July 2002

Germany

ACHIEVE MBA SUCCESS WITHOUT THE HASSLE

Today's job market is continually changing and this is reflected in the growing popularity of 'life-long learning'. The days are long gone when employees could rely on their qualifications for the duration of their careers. Increased take-up of Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes underlines this trend. But the demands of such courses (in terms of absence from work and possible relocation) has to some extent left the corporate world wary of supporting their own staff on MBAs. Innovative programmes offered by the University of Liverpool, in association with their eLearning partner K.I.T, remove these obstacles, by providing prospective students with the first entirely online global MBA programme.

The MBA is an excellent way of extending employees' capabilities. "The changing demands of business and global commercial pressures have forced companies to undertake a systematic approach to staff development, which will include the option to pursue an MBA," commented Shai Reshef, Chairman of the board of K.I.T. eLearning. Internal research by K.I.T. suggests that many employees are reluctant to commit to the MBA for a number of reasons (such as a lack of flexibility in being able to change locations due to family commitments and concerns over an interruption to their careers.)

"Our online programmes are tailor-made to suit the requirements of our students", said Shai Reshef, and he underlines the real advantages of the MBA programme: "This is the ideal opportunity for participants to enhance their career free of interruption to their personal and professional lives".

One year on from the start of the programme, students from over 45 different countries are participating in the scheme and they are being taught in virtual classrooms by professional tutors. The flexibility of the course is essential and this is shown by the students' ability to choose their own options in a schedule that suits them. Shai Reshef added: "Students are supported by a personal programme manager who ensures that each participant is fully engaged with the course and is able to interact with others on the programme".

The ability to network and interact with others across the globe is a critical component of the programme. Virtual classrooms and discussion groups allow the students to share their personal experiences of the course and this also provides immediate feedback to those running the programme. In summary, this course provides a real alternative to programmes offered by traditional business schools across the globe and, according to Reshef, the only significant difference between the conventional MBA and the programme offered by K.I.T. eLearning, is that "our students can sit at the breakfast table during class!"

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