[Rohittela]

Hello All,

Since there is not thread dedicated to discussing various Distance Learning Management program's I am initiating this.

The objective is to bring out the various 1-year, 2-year Diploma/Degree Management programs offered by institutes in INDIA. Hopefully, we will be able to get inputs from alumni's for comparing these courses.

My background is that I have done B.COM and MCA from Mumbai Univ. and have got 1+ year of work experience in a Pune-based pvt. ltd. software company. I was planning to pursue a FULL TIME PG course in Management from any of the top notch (say top 15 institutes in India) institutes, which I dint get into, this year (CET total 151). Now, I plan to take up a distance education course in finance/marketing and these are the options I am evaluating:

1.) 2-Year PG Diploma in Business Mgmt. from NMIMS (visit www.nmimsonline.org). They offer PGDBM, PGDMM, PGDFM, PGDHRM. They have an entrance test (Rs.1100) ) even for their distance education program (www.nmatonline.org). Enrollments to these programs are done twice in a year, and the program will cost approx Rs.30K. Last date for NMAT registeration is 17th June this year.

2.) 2-Year PG Diploma in Business Mgmt. from SCDL (Symbiosis) (visit www.scdl.net). They offer PGDBM, PGDMM, PGDFM, PGDHRM. Enrollments to these programs are done once in a year, and the program will cost approx Rs.25K. The exams and everything is online. Last date for registering is 30th June this year.

3.) 2-year MBA from ICFAI (Dual specialization) (visit www.icfai.org). They offer various options for specialization. The program is divided into 11 modules and enrollments/examinations are held 4-times an year. The fees for the program will be approx Rs.75K (in installments). They have got the widest network of exam centres. Last date for registering is 30th June this year.

I am looking currently only at these 3 options (and at NM and ICFAI more closely). I am looking in terms of recognition, value-addition and value-for-money in these programs. Please suggest me what is the level of toughness etc in these programs and which is more relevant and updated with the industry. And how much can it help me, after I have completed the course and gained 3+ years of work ex.

So MBA gurus, generously pour in your thoughts to help people like me who are stuck with the distance dilemma :-)

Regards,
Rohit.

PS: I am not very optimistic that I will give a 'second try' to FULL-TIME MBA this year (especially so after a FULL TIME 3-year MCA).

[rmbt]

http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/b-school-student-discussions/4047-icfai-distance-education-plan.html


check out the above mentioned thread.Use the search option before starting a thread.
Do read the newbie's thread and the basic rules thread

[Tumtum]

Originally Posted by rmbt

(Part time MBA)http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career-discussions/16038-part-time-mba.html
http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/b-school-student-discussions/4047-icfai-distance-education-plan.html
http://www.pagalguy.com/forum/career...-time-mba.html (3-Year Part-Time MBA Worth the Effort?)

check out the above mentioned thread.Use the search option before starting a thread.
Do read the newbie's thread and the basic rules thread

Well RMBT,

first get the basics right.
Part-time MBA is NOT the same as a Distance Learning course.

There is a difference. In part time MBA, you attend lectures daily in the evening, you do assignments and projects, you submit research thesis (all of which are graded) and finally you give end term- exams. Evaluation is both internal and through a term-end examinations. Generally the tenure of such courses is 3 years.

Opposed to that in a distance education setting , you study at your leisure and just give end-term exams. Thery may be or may not be "contact classes" for all subjects, which again is not the case with a part-time MBA. Another thing, there is no fixed duration in these distance courses. THough they specify the duration as 2 years, it wholly and solely depends on how fast you pass the exams.

So, RMBT bhai, before referring a person to any particular thread, just see what is discussed in it and whether it makes any sense to you that you refer it to some other person or not.

Regards,

Tumtum.

[rmbt]

Originally Posted by Tumtum

Well RMBT,

first get the basics right.
Part-time MBA is NOT the same as a Distance Learning course.

.

@ Tumtum...Thanks for enlightning me....The point is was trying to make was there are already threads on distance learning programme....Also, i had posted a link for ICFAI distance learning programme(which she is looking as one of the options).......Thought she would do better if it was a part time & could add more to her profile.

Ok..for the wrong links i had posted i have edited the same!!

[khatrupopat]

Originally Posted by rmbt

@ Tumtum...Thanks for enlightning me....The point is was trying to make was there are already threads on distance learning programme....Also, i had posted a link for ICFAI distance learning programme(which she is looking as one of the options).......Thought she would do better if it was a part time & could add more to her profile.

Ok..for the wrong links i had posted i have edited the same!!

this tumtum made a complete mess of your post. he just killed your discussion. you had to eat your own words......shame shame rmbt.
better come prepared next time and dont speak if you dont know anything u moorkh baalak

[Rohittela]

Hello Guys,
So after undergoing a lot of confusion and trauma regarding which distance learning course to join, I have finalised on taking up the 2-year PGDBM from NMIMS distance education. There were various reasons for it:

1.) NMIMS is a very good brand name
2.) The fees for the whole program would come close to 30K (fairly cheap)
3.) They are planning to come up with a 1-year course which can be done after completing a 2-year PGDBM, and after successful completion they will award an MBA degree (This thing is however yet in the pipeline..so let it be)
4.) It is approved by the Distance Education Council (DEC). For more info check: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/a...how/408551.cms
5.) Admission through NMAT (Rs.1100), so better quality of students (hopefully ;-))

Whats not so attractive about NMIMS:
1.) More theoratical course-content.
2.) Study Centres only in Maharashtra.

Why I did not choose ICFAI Flexible Education MBA:

1.) The MAIN thing was the Legal issues and speculations (about its status revocation) with the only other course I was thinking of. (Especially with me being a Maharashtra Candidate..). I have written to them seeking more clarification, but yet to get a reply. Students are advised to read their disclosure properly (at http://www.icfai.org/icfe/) before taking any steps.

2.) Very expensive. In installment mode, without the coaching classes, the course would set you back by a handsome 80K (68.5 K fees+ 8K for Exams (group C onwards) + 4K for E-Learning package (group C onwards) + 1K (Icfai Alumni) + 1.5K per year after first two years.)

Whats good about ICFAI Flexible Education MBA:

1.) A very decent course content.
2.) Exams centres spread across India.
3.) E-Learning packages.
4.) Placement Assistance (Incase...), but at a price (Rs.4.5K)

So after consciously evaluating the above I have decided this. Do post your queries/suggestions if any.

Regards,
Rohit.

[rmbt]

Great to know that you have enrolled for NMIMS.All the best.
If you have any information regarding SCDL ,do post it(like you have done for NM & ICFAI)!!
THanks!

[Rohittela]

@rmbt
Check out the course contents of NM and SCDL at their respective websites www.nmimsonline.org and www.scdl.net . Check out how they will map to your profile. They can be of help if you have workexperience and are not looking very much for placements after the course is over. Comparatively, I found NM to be better than SCDL. I have already addressed the issues with ICFAI in my earlier post.

But you are late for NM this spring. They have another round of admission in nov-dec.

SCDL has:
1.) Simple course content (Do read the thread at http://in.rediff.com/getahead/2006/may/30msg.htm)
2.) Fully objective-online examinations.
3.) Very cheap at Rs.25K for two years (to be paid in installments ;-))
4.) Recognized by DEC, Delhi.
5.) The Symbi brand name, ofcourse.
6.) No Entrance. But still need to purchase the prospecuts for RS.900
7.) Option to choose specialization even later in the course, unlike NM.

It could be a good course in the Distance Learning domain.

[sreev]

can u guys make out the pitfalls of SCDL edu? as the pros & cons of icfai r listed ... can ny1 provide pros & cons of trying out SCDL?

[jagan varshney]

hi thr
i m jus t giving u a brief idea about the 360 flexible learning program offered by ICFAI:

The MBA Program of Icfai offers 360° flexibility in learning. It broadens your business acumen and sharpens your analytical insights. The unique combination of both Indian and international perspectives and the general management focus will give you an edge in your career progression and will prepare you to act effectively as a manager in the ever-changing business environment.
The Flexible features include:
• Any time - Any place learning
• Quality Courseware
• e-Learning package
• Training classes
• Case-based learning
• Continuous Learning inputs
• Web support
• Electives in Nine disciplines : Marketing, Finance, HRM, Operations, IT & Systems, International Business, Banking, Insurance & Investments
• Examinations 4 times a year at over 130 Test Centers
• Equated Monthly Installment (EMI) facility
• Internships and Special Placement Program
• Life-long benefits through Edwintage scheme.


ELIGIBILITY Graduates (any discipline)

so if then also u find any problem than do contact me
my mail id is jagan_varshney@rediffmail.com