The business world is moving rapidly and the present scenario demands an individual to be prepared for the upcoming challenges from the academics itself. MBA courses have become the favorite choice of students looking to hone their managerial skills and other soft skills such as communication, interpersonal development, etc.
Students can advance their career by choosing any one of the two popular modes viz; Online MBA Course and MBA Distance Education. The essence of the program or course is the same but the modes are different. Both of them prepare students for the executive positions within the organization.
Sometimes students often get confused between the two terms as they are occasionally assumed to be identical. So, here we have come up with the basic differences between the two to learn more about them and remove all your confusion.
Here are six key factors to differentiate between the two modes of MBA program:
Mode of Delivery
Online MBA Course: As the name suggests, this mode uses the power of the internet and digital age tools and technologies to deliver knowledge. Students can take the live classes online. Various live forums, classes, and chats are made active to assist the students in their learning process and have fewer distractions. Learning is self-paced but at the same time more dynamic due to real-time influence.
MBA Distance Education: This mode of education requires a student to get admission, and study materials online. But, there are some institutions, which require at least a one-time visit for the induction or some particular exams. Learning is done mostly online with the help of posted course materials or online recorded lectures. Learning is self-paced, but less dynamic as there is less interaction in the form of live forums or chats.
Flexibility
Online MBA Course: These programs are highly flexible and void of time constraints. Students can strike a perfect balance between their professional and personal life. Learners only need a strong internet connection to access the course materials, live classes, and forums from anywhere in the world. This mode is the favorite one for working professionals who have busy schedules but wish to get a career promotion or salary hike. Online mode is non-parallel, because of which the professionals get enough time to focus on both, their personal and professional lives.
MBA Distance Education: This mode prefers the students who want to learn at their own pace and at the same time manage their personal lives. Women returning to work, Housewives aiming to complete higher education and students having relocation issues prefer this mode at the large. The syllabus can be completed at one’s own pace and can appear for the exam when the course material is studied completely.
Learning Management System (LMS)
Online MBA Course: This approach provides the LMS in various forms, that make the learning more interactive:
Live Lectures: live online classes from the College/University faculty.
Industry Expert Lectures: Various corporate executives are invited to give insights on a particular topic.
Digital Library: a complete online library for the students to study related books while doing the course.
E-Books: Electronic books or materials provided by the University/College.
Video-recorded Lectures: a recorded playlist of some topics provided by the university to cover the course with some additional reference.
MBA Distance Education: This mode primarily depends on written communication, emails, and posts. The LMS is often posted to the student’s address. There is a lack of real-time communication, so sometimes the student feels isolated due to a lack of immediate communication and discussion.
Examination
Online MBA Course: It uses a digital assessment methodology to assess the students. It typically organizes various online quizzes, exams, and projects. The assessments are auto-graded and instant feedback on the performance is given.
MBA Distance Education: This method requires students to visit the College Campus and take the exams or submit their assignments, projects, etc. The assessment process is generally long as after the physical or by post submission, the results are also sent through the post.
Cost
Online MBA Course: The course cost is higher, but less than the traditional MBA programs. Although the infrastructure and relocation costs are diminished, the use of technological tools and an interactive learning platform makes it costlier than the distance program. Generally working professionals who earn, and want to upskill themselves opt for it.
MBA Distance Education: Less costly than the Online ones. The price is less due to fewer or no frequent interactions. There is absolutely no charge for the tools and organizing interactive sessions, so the prices are affordable for students, women returning to work, and housewives looking to pursue a higher degree.
Placement Assistance
Online MBA Course: Placement is fully assisted by the Universities providing the course. There is a chance to build a Global Network with the help of alumni Groups, Industry Experts, and faculties from all around the world. Colleges collaborate with International Universities and arrange lectures of international faculties.
MBA Distance Education: Not all Universities give assured placement assistance. Due to limited networking opportunities, students often find themselves isolated from the real industry environment.
Conclusion
We conclude that both of these modes provide a flexible studying platform. But, a choice between them can be made by you on the personal pick. If you want a contemporary approach to study with the help of advanced technologies then pick the Online MBA course. But, If you want to experience the slow-paced learning experience and more for a degree then go for the MBA Distance Education. Ultimately, the goals and objectives of an individual must be met, whatever mode you are selecting. The comfort and flexibility of a student is prime, when he selects a course.
