Evolution of management programs over the years

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Introduction

Did you know that Management Studies originated in Portugal and dates back to 1755? Yes! The initiative to teach management as a subject started in response to the Lisbon earthquake and the Escola do Comércio was aimed at training public administrators in the art of managing tax and disbursement. Soon enough, the field started gaining traction all over the European continent with management institutes and universities opening in Germany, Sweden, Russia (formerly USSR), France, Austria, Hungary, and Italy.

European migrants spread the word about the science and art of management, and the industrial revolution aided their efforts. Industrialists became patrons of universities and sponsored dedicated trade and commerce departments and business education. Soon, we witnessed the foundation of some of the best universities for MBA, such as Wharton, Harvard, London Business School, and more.

Today, management is one of the most sought-after career options in India and abroad. MBA has become one of the most desired master’s programs to explore a career in the field of marketing. Let’s take a look at how MBA has evolved over the years.

Early MBA

Harvard Business School offered the first MBA in 1908. In India, the first ever MBA degree was offered by Kolkata-based Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management in 1953. Years later, in 1961, Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta was established. This can be called the turning point for MBA in India. Soon IIM began establishing institutes in major cities in India, and MBA became a popular master’s degree to pursue after graduation.

MBA programs have come a long way since then. Studying MBA became a crucial part of exploring careers in management roles. Management was no longer about instinctive human ability. Instead, it rested on principles driven by science.

Earlier, a typical manager would spend their career performing a single function, for instance, marketing or accounting. Thus the MBA curriculum was soiled by these related disciplines. Moreover, students had to attend colleges to pursue their MBA and there were no other alternatives to pursue a degree.

MBA today

Today, organizations have become completely flat. Companies want leaders who specialize in multiple fields and can work across boundaries of function. For instance, if a candidate is specializing in marketing, they are also expected to have some knowledge on other forums like digital marketing. They must also be aware of how the sales department is performing and develop strategies accordingly. To do so, you need varied hard skills like in-depth subject knowledge and experience in the field, and also soft skills like communication, leadership and decision making skills.

Moreover, education on the whole has evolved drastically. The concepts of distance learning and online learning have become popular. Many candidates are opting for online MBAs, since they are more convenient and accessible from anywhere.

Earlier, candidates would ideally pursue an MBA soon after their undergraduate degree. Or those who are working would quit their jobs to pursue an MBA. However, now, you can pursue an online MBA from anywhere, whether you’re working or not. Here’s how online MBA has brought about a drastic change in the market today.

Easy accessibility

You can apply for an online MBA and study from anywhere in the world. With the help of a laptop, smartphone or a tab and an internet connection, you can pursue your MBA from anywhere.

Learn at your own pace

Another advantage of pursuing an online MBA is that you can learn at your own pace. Study materials are provided online and you can fix a flexible schedule to study.

Affordability

The cost-effectiveness of online MBA makes it extremely desirable. Since there are no physical classes, you can save money on food, travel and rent. Classes and learning material are provided online, so it is a very affordable choice.

UGC-entitled

Online degrees are UGC-entitled and are recognized at par with on-campus degrees. Online degrees also provide the same kind of placement assistance. You can also connect with your peers virtually and network with alumni globally.

Be it on-campus, distance, or online MBAs, universities are now providing a variety of specializations to pursue. Earlier, only a handful of specializations were popular and a majority of students would opt for them. However, in the last few years, learners are exploring careers in management in various sectors including healthcare and fashion management. There are also universities offering MBAs in in-demand specializations like data science and business analytics. With a pool of options available, you can pick the MBA that’s the right fit for you.

The Online Manipal advantage

The online MBA programs offered by Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) on the Online Manipal website is the right choice for you if you’re looking to pursue a degree online. With the help of an enhanced digital learning platform and experienced faculty, you can explore a career in MBA with Online Manipal. You can graduate with a degree that’s UGC-entitled and NAAC accredited.

Conclusion

MBA has come a long way. From traditional core subjects to in-demand specializations being offered today, an MBA program hones your skills in the field of management, and you can opt for a subject of your choice and secure a future. An MBA not only helps you secure a high-paying job, but also helps you explore the world of entrepreneurship.