Editorial
distance learning
mode for learning, but only if
the school has designed its
program with care and
sensitivity to the requirements
of the delivery method. It is
never sufficient to treat a
distance learning MBA
program as simply a proxy for
a traditional face-to-face
system. One aspect of this is
the set of course materials.
While a distance learning
program can be based on
standard text-books, this will
inevitably need to be
interwoven with materials
created specifically for the DL
method of tuition. Some
universities will actually design
and create all the materials –
books, audio, video, online
conferencing etc. – from
scratch, to ensure that
everything is properly suited to
a distance learning
environment.
Student support
One aspect of a DL program
that is often a concern for
prospective students is support:
will they be isolated and left to
fend for themselves? It is true that a benefit of accreditation is a much better indicator for what the individual can do with his or her learning
traditional MBA processes is the mutual support distance learning programs as the criteria used in the workplace. Studying for an MBA through
that students can give each other because they are for ‘rankings’ may not be particularly relevant distance learning is never going to be an easy
physically together, but a well designed distance outside their designed usage. option, but the ability to integrate theory and
learning program will provide analogous support The three key international accreditors for practice whilst one gains the degree is likely to
in other ways. Typically there will be a triangle of MBAs are AMBA (Association of MBAs), lead to a better, more complete senior manager.
support structures based on the central university EFMD (European Forum for Management Open University Business School (OUBS)
academic staff and infrastructure, a personal tutor Development), and AACSB (Association to is one of the few “triple accredited” business
looking after a small group of students and self- Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). schools. It has student groups in 15 countries
help between students.
Personal computers and the internet make
this easier and more effective. As PC-based video
conferencing systems become simpler, more
“It is true that a benefit of traditional MBA processes is the mutual
capable and, crucially, more reliable, sharing of
support that students can give each other because they are physically
spreadsheets and reports is essentially the same
whether students are crowded around one laptop
together, but a well designed distance learning program will provide
in a room or each at their own machines
analogous support in other ways.”
communicating over the web. For a well crafted
and resourced DL program it is no fantasy to say
that it should feel local to each and every student,
not distant from the university campus. through Europe, Russia and Africa, and students
A school accredited by one or more of these based around the world supported through the
Accreditation is essential bodies will have had its distance learning program internet.
So distance learning can certainly be a suitable assessed against general MBA standards but also Richard Wheatcroft is the Masters
route to an MBA – perhaps even a better one. But scutinised for effectiveness with respect to its Program Director for OUBS. He has degrees
how does one ensure the chosen school will mode of delivery. For most prospective distance from Oxford, London Business School and the
provide the right quality of education? While learning students this provides a more appropriate Open University, and was a banker in London
applicants for traditional, full time programs may gauge of quality than a ranking. and Hong Kong before returning to the
use the various league tables as an indicator, Ultimately, the test of a good MBA degree is academic world.

TopMBA CAreer Guide www.topmba.com 83
MBA_FALL_08_pp_066-287.indd 83 14/8/08 17:38:33
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