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Formal MBA qualifications have recently been criticised as too rigid and based on theory. So does the market need a revamp? Alison Thomas asks providers, employers and graduates their opinions
Rick Woodward
Training director, Kimberly-Clark Europe
We are establishing a partnership with a small number of world-class business schools and are generally pleased with the content, maturity and breadth of their MBA programmes.
Sometimes participants say that there is too much emphasis on theory and any movement towards a more practical approach would be valuable. On the other hand, if this entailed more project work, I would worry about the time implications. The students we send are of a very high calibre and are under pressure from their own workloads.
Although my colleagues in the States are expressing an interest in on-line MBAs, I have reservations. As a supplement to other modes, on-line learning is useful, but it can’t replace classroom discussion.
In any multinational, including our own, people become locked into the corporate way of doing things. An MBA gives managers an opportunity to benchmark against changing global standards. By analysing case studies and discussion with people from different industries, they gain a broad perspective, which they bring back into the business.
Gary Miles
MBA programme director, Roffey Park.
The trouble with the highly-structured curriculum of the traditional MBA is that while it may hit the mark in some areas, it can miss in others. I also think many courses are too academic and do not place enough emphasis on putting theory into practice.
The purpose of an MBA is to make managers more effective as well as to further their careers. They need something flexible, which is tailored to meet their particular needs and equips them to deal with ambiguity and constant change.
On-line learning has potential, particularly for the delivery of hard skills. But interpersonal skills and creativity can only be fostered through face-to-face interaction. To quote John Cleese in a Video Arts film, "Ideas don’t pop out of a laptop".
As competition among providers intensifies, it is up to HR to research the market and measure each qualification against the needs of the individual. This takes time, but when you consider the investment, it is worth it. The right MBA gives the organisation a more versatile asset, so
