Distance MBA- A Distance Management Program
Though correspondence MBA programs spell flexibility in many aspects, some glaring drawbacks made them less creditable in the job industry. In the correspondence system of education, students were left to study by themselves and there was no scope of guidance from the university, for references or expert opinion. The lack of prompt communication from the university's end influenced many aspects of the study-process from timely delivery, official intimations to the performance of the student. The industry or the job-market did not put a demand on the higher education system through correspondence to deliver what was up-to-date or industry-oriented. Correspondence education guaranteed a degree but its validity and credibility was questionable.
To plug the loopholes in correspondence learning, the distance education system evolved. Universities offering distance-learning programs provided the same degree of flexibility as correspondence. The initial phase of distance education kick-started with televised lectures, video-records of instructors, tele-conferences to help students learn about their subjects better.
Later developments brought out the concept of contact classes to tab on the student's state of progress. These contact classes were mediated through the university learning centres, which gave the students access to the infrastructure and other resources of the university. Faculty-guidance was also provided during the contact classes. Much in contrast to a correspondence MBA degree, the same program studied through distance learning added much value in terms of skills and employ ability.
With the onslaught of technology, Distance learning has overcome the limitations of correspondence MBA in all aspects. The technological advantage has brought distance MBA on par with its campus equivalent. The scope of learning in the online mode goes beyond academics and the interface enables students to interact with expertise from the industry. Therefore, the MBA certifications from reputable distance education universities are recognized by the job industry.
As the industry demand for management expertise is high, there is a greater need for MBA graduates with varied specializations. Correspondence MBA programs have adapted to the distance-learning mode to give access to the larger higher education segment of the Indian populace.
In addition, technology, through the online medium, has shrunk the gap between a regular MBA and the correspondence-originated Distance MBA.