Merits and Demerits of pursuing Distance MBA

But nothing can stop your from gaining education. For those who are unable to pursue full-time MBA programmes, there are various types of MBAs – Part-time MBA, Distance MBA, Online MBA, Executive MBA, etc.

There is a huge difference between Full-time MBA and Distance MBA. The two have completely different teaching modules. Acceptability of the programmes in business world is also different.

However, Distance MBA is no more a distance or correspondence programme since the availability of online courses. Through the facility of virtual classes, students and teachers can interact easily from anywhere, allowing conduction of smooth discussions. In other words, distance MBA is now evolving into various online, satellite, part-time and executive MBA programmes, specifically designed for a certain professionals.

Distance MBA too has its set of merits and demerits. Here’s a detailed look:

Merits

1. Flexible Study

What can be better than managing your studies and classes as per your own convenience? Although classes at distance MBA are prefixed and takes place to a specific schedule, you reschedule any class you have missed. Also, taking exams for the semesters is totally upto your convenience. You are given choices of date, time and centre. You can register for whichever date suits you. You can also opt to skip the exam in a particular year and take it next year.

2. Saves Time & Energy

Going to college daily along with full-time job can become too tiring and hectic. Beside the class timings clashing with office timings, it consumes a lot of time and energy. But the case is totally opposite in case of a distance MBA programme. You can access the lectures any time of the day and your time of travelling to the college is dedicated to you studies or something fruitful.

3. Tech-friendly Studying

You have no option to take a virtual class in a regular college. But as discussed earlier, in a distance MBA you have to study online in any case. Also, you need not to worry to buy heavy books. The institute will provide you with reading material and online notes which you can access easily. With the availability of modern technology, various trends in distance MBA has made it easy for students.

4. Study while you earn

Sometimes situations don't match our desires. Therefore, compromises have to be made. Many students drop out of academics to support their family or earn money. But distance MBA offers you the option of earning while studying. The classes are mostly held during weekends or evening hours or in online mode, so that one can attend the office on weekdays and study on weekends.

5. Low cost

The fees of regular MBA programmes is invariably high. Not everyone can afford such high fees. Thus, many students drop the idea of pursuing MBA programme because of unavailability of funds to invest. But distance MBA takes care of this problem also as its fees is low and affordable for everyone.

Demerits

1. Less exposure: Network and Market trends

One of the major drawback of pursuing a distance MBA is that you are left out of the MBA networking and market trends. Unlike regular MBA students you don’t get a chance to build network or interact with various kind of people in the industry. You do not get any opportunity to interact with your classmates. In a distance MBA programme, you are limited to your virtual classes or projects. Also, learning market trends from live experiences and case studies in not possible in distance MBA.

2. No recognition from recruiters

Although, many good institutes offer distance MBA but it still lacks recognition from employers. Recruiters prefer a regular MBA candidate over a distance MBA one. Also, the pay package is also not quite encourage for distance MBA students.

3. No direct contact with faculty

Many a times we need mentors to explain a concept or help in solving questions. Distance MBA lacks direct contact with the faculty. The only way to contact the faculty is through e-mails or video call. Most of the times, the candidate has to solve problems on their own or take tuitions.

4. Lack of Discipline

As such there are no hard and fast rules and regulations in a distance programme. Unlike regular MBA students, there’s no compulsion in attending virtual classes. One can re-appear for the exams if failed in the first attempt. The candidate will be not asked to take the exams on given day or schedule. The flexibility calls for self-discipline and focus to complete the programme. One has to have self-motivation to attend classes and webinars regularly and study hard and pass the exams in minimum attempts.

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View here top colleges providing Distance/ Correspondence MBA programme.