The five different Centers of Distance MBA that we present before you are, AIMA-Centre for Management Education (CME), Sikkim Manipal University – Distance Education (SMU-DE), Institute of Management Technology – Center of Distance Learning (IMT – CDL) Ghaziabad, Symbiosis Centre for Distance Learning (SCDL) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). 

The first institute we reflect upon is AIMA- CME.

It is one of the top and oldest players in the field of distance education in India. AIMA-CME offers Post-Graduate Diploma and Certificate programs in Management that meet emerging industry needs. One of the major advantages of distance learning programs offered by AIMA-CME is an AICTE approved PGDM/PGDITM degree.

“AIMA–CME has been the pioneer in distance education in India.  It has been offering management programs in distance education mode since 1973,” asserts Dr. Kamal Singh, Director, AIMA CME.

The major programs offered by AIMA include Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) and Post-Graduate Diploma in Information Technology Management (PGDITM). Both these programs are of two-and-a-half year duration and approved by AICTE and Distance Education Council, Government of India. AIMA-CME also provides Post-Graduate Certificate in Management (PGCM). The duration of the program is one year. It is approved by DEC, Government of India. Its Advance Certificate in Management (ACM) lasts for six months.

In addition to above mentioned courses, AIMA-CME is all set to launch two new programs in Post-Graduate Certificate in Management (PGCM) area. These include PGCM in Agri Business and PGCM in Competitive Marketing Strategy.

Both the programs are targeted to industry professionals with relevant background and experience. AIMA-CME will also launch four short-term programs of three months duration in e-learning mode. These programs consist of Retail Management, Luxury Brand Marketing, Health Care Marketing and Industrial Law.

The fee for PGDM and PGDITM that are divided into four modules is Rs. 19,000 and Rs. 22,000 per module respectively. The semester-wise fee for PGCM is Rs. 15,000. ACM costs Rs. 9,000.

Stressing upon the relevance of programs, Dr. Singh said, “AIMA-CME programs are designed as per emerging industry needs. All the programs are structured keeping the flexibility required by any distance learning student. No distance learning player offers such rigorous and in-depth coverage. These programs are well acceptable in industry.” 

IMT – CDL Ghaziabad

It is another premier destination for distance learners. Being recognized by DEC, IMT CDL is counted amongst the leading Distance MBA B schools of the country. IMT-CDL was recently awarded as the best B-school in distance learning by Dainik Bhaskar newspaper.

In words of Dr. Arun Mohan Sherry, Director, IMT CDL, “The Institute of Management Technology (IMT), Ghaziabad is rated amongst the top 10 B schools in India. It is widely recognized as a centre of excellence in management education, having molded itself according to the fast changing business and social environment over the last 29 years.”

“IMT boasts of one of the best infrastructure in the country which is evident from its consistent high ranking on infrastructure parameter. Its strength lies in its eminent faculty and the quality of its courses that have in many cases, been trendsetters,” he adds.

IMT-CDL offers a wide spectrum of management and information technology programs. The curriculum is constantly updated to be in touch with the dynamic global and Indian environment.

Three-year Post-Graduate Program in Management – the flagship program and two-year advanced Post-Graduate Diploma in Management offered by IMT-CDL through the distance mode is specially designed to equip the students with a comprehensive management education.

Two-year advanced Post-Graduate Diploma in Management offers specialization in the areas of Finance, Marketing, Systems, Operations and Human Resource Management.

One-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management offers specialization in Business Management, Finance, Marketing, Export, Retail, Insurance, Supply Chain, Material and Human Resource Management.

The institute also offers one-year Post-Graduate Diploma courses in Taxation and Cyber Security.

For corporate and professionals, IMT-CDL offers one-year Post-Graduate Program (Executive) and the two-year advanced Post-Graduate Program in Management.

The fees for two-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management and one-year Post-Graduate Diploma in Management (Executive) is Rs. 40,000 per annum each, while the fees for three-year Post-Graduate Program in Management and Post-Graduate Diploma in Taxation are Rs. 25,000 per annum each. If you have to pursue Post-Graduate Diploma in Cyber Security, you have to pay Rs. 19,000, per annum.

Assuring the high quality of programs offered, Dr Sherry says, “IMT-CDL believes that it is offering programs that are at par with the best programs. We have taken several initiatives to continuously improve its programs.”

SMU-DE

This is another preferred destination for pursuing correspondence MBA. It is a recognized by government and hence an apt choice. 

“We are recognized by the government - DEC for three academic years 2009-10 to 2011-12, the university is UGC recognized,” confirms Anand Sudarshan, MD & CEO, Manipal Education.

“We at SMU-DE deliver quality education with more than 6,500 mentors which is why we attract the best students in India who are looking for distance education. The quality of students and the companies they work for is a testimonial for it,” he adds.

SMU-DE offers Post-Graduate Diploma programs including PG Diploma in Business Administrator (PGDBA) and PG Diploma in Specialization Areas of MBA. PGDBA is a one-year program for graduates from recognized university.

The one-year PG Diploma in Specialization Areas of MBA is eligible for students from recognized University or those who have an equivalent of a two year Post-Graduate Diploma in Business Management from AICTE approved institutions.

SMU-DE also offers two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) to graduates in any discipline and from recognized university. Master of Business Administration (MBA) Distance Education Program provides specializations in Banking Management, Finance Management, Human Resources, Information System management, Marketing Management, Retail Operations, Total Quality Management, Project Management, Operations Management and Health care services management.

The annual fee for PGDBA and PG Diploma in Specialization Areas of MBA is Rs. 23,400. Two-year MBA will cost you Rs.23, 400 per annum.

To quote Sudarshan, “Our programs are designed for working professionals. They are convenient and flexible. Students can learn from their office or, home through the resources available on internet. The books that are provided help to learn, even while student is traveling.”

SMU-DE has gained a very wide reach with its numerous centers springing up at different places across the country.

“You can find our centers in 303 cities and 247 districts across the country in 725 centers. SMU-DE authorized learning centers are present in 20 countries. More than 350 SMU-DE examination centers across India conduct more than 22 lakh exams,” claims Sudarshan.  

SCDL

SCDL is yet another well known center for Distance MBA. It is located in the heart of India’s premier educational centre, the city of Pune.

At present, SCDL has more than 2, 00,000 students studying under various programs. Students come from all over India and also 42 countries abroad; representing varied educational and cultural backgrounds.

SCDL offers a varied range of programs which include two-year and one year post graduate diploma programs, and also one certificate program of six months duration. The two year PG programs are Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (PGDBA) and the One-Year Programs are Post Graduate Diploma in Insurance Management (PGDIM) , Post Graduate Diploma in Customer Relationship Management (PGDCRM) and Post Graduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management (PGDSCM).

The Six-Month Certificate Program is Certificate Program in Entrepreneurship Development (CPED).

SCDL conducts classes and Personal Contact Programs for selected courses. These Personal Contact Programs are scheduled at the end of 1st and 2nd semester.

IGNOU

The fifth institute which we elaborate upon is IGNOU. It is one of India's premier institutes for distance education courses. IGNOU has achieved the distinction of becoming the largest University in the world with 1.8 million students on its rolls. The IGNOU student services network now has over Centre coordinated by 58 Regional Centers. At present, IGNOU offers a total of around 350 specially need based academic, professional, vocational, awareness generating and skill-oriented programs, leading to certificates, diplomas and degrees (bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral).

IGNOU offers its management programs under the School of Management Studies.

Starting its operation in 1987, the School of Management Studies today offers a wide range of courses. The School follows a system of course-wise registration in its management program. It conducts two kinds of correspondence MBA courses: one general and one specially meant for the banking sector.

For the first course, a student is expected to study all 11 courses conducted in IGNOU's Post Graduate Diploma in Management (which vary from Information Systems to Marketing to Accounting). Following this the student must complete five courses form one of the specialization streams, which are: Human Resources Management, Financial Management, Operations Management and Marketing Management.

A student must do a course in Advance Strategic Management and Research Methodology for Management Decisions. One is also expected to do an elective course from one of five subjects. A project must be completed, which gains the same credits as two courses.

This course costs Rs 800 each, which includes examination fee. Admissions to the program are done on the basis of the OPENMAT Entrance Exam, conducted twice a year. The IGNOU School of Management Studies guides an entrance exam called OPENMAT twice a year. 

The Pedagogy of Distance MBA

Gone are the days, when the mention of Distance education used to bring to the mind the monotonous picture of heaps of study material in print, loads of books and precious readable stuffs left at the mercy of postal services. The advent of new and sophisticated technology has lent a new face to the Distance MBA, which is characterized by application of faster online delivery tools like Edunxt, EduSat, etc.

The instructional methodology forms the cornerstone of any Distance education and distance MBA is no exception. Different formats have been developed to educate the students and help them pursue the correspondence MBA. While the older traditional methods of delivering the study materials by post are being maintained, at the same time the institutes are delving more and more into technological sphere and utilizing it to the best. What it has resulted in, is a pedagogy which is a well assimilated blend of study kit, contact programs and online educational tools.

Such mixed mode methods of teaching are among the most popular and help students tackle their course of study through a range of teaching strategies. 

Let’s have a sneak peek into the pedagogy of distance MBA offered by each of five Institutes mentioned above.

AIMA-CME - Other than providing personal contact programs, AIMA-CME makes good use of online learning technologies to expedite its teaching process.

“AIMA-CME plans to take its programs to masses with using of cutting edge e-learning technology,” assures Dr. Singh.

“AIMA-CME will also launch four short-term programs of three months duration in e-learning mode.  These programs cater to the quick learning need of participant in functional area.  These programs can be taken at home or, office and the only technology needed at participant end include a laptop and Internet connectivity with minimum 256 kbps,” he adds.

IMT–CDL provides a judicious mix of the distance education, online tools and contact programs to add value to its mode of delivery. Its e- learning offers the students access to a rich digital library with which they access top international journals, books, recorded classroom teaching material and a lot more.

“We use a unique combination of distance education, e-learning and personal contact programs to create a hybrid learning environment to students,” says Dr. Sherry.

“IMT-CDL organizes personal contact programs where classes are held at IMT campus and other locations to aid personal interaction. Its course curriculum and contents are updated every six months which keeps the contents fresh. IMT CDL is interested in delivering quality management education and it does not compromise on its intake, course-curriculum, delivery process and examinations,” Dr. Sherry adds.  

SMU-DE believes in utilizing more and more Technology supports like Industry mentor chat, Webinars, academic mentor chats, videos, blogs, discussion forum, small group mentoring, newsletters helps to plan time better and more efficiently.

One of its salient features is EduNxt, which is an online tool for disseminating education.

“EduNxt, our online delivery system is the only two awards winning system that is recognized by the industry and government,” claims Sudarshan.

SCDL houses in its campus a professionally managed Call Centre and ‘e’ Communication Centre in order to provide prompt and accurate response to student queries. SCDL conducts classes and Personal Contact Programs for selected courses. These Personal Contact Programs are scheduled at the end of first and second semester. Its instructional methodology is characterized by flexibility and blended learning approach brought in via Interactive e-learning modules, online exams and online assignments. Other features are professionally managed students care center, Pre-recorded lectures from expert faculty on important courses and specially designed programs for corporate.

IGNOU provides multi-channel, multiple media, teaching and learning packages for instruction and self learning. The different components used for teaching and  learning include self-instructional print and audio-video materials, radio and television broadcasts, face-to-face counseling and tutoring, laboratory and hands-on experience, teleconferencing, video conferencing, interactive radio counseling, interactive multimedia CD-ROM and internet-based learning, and the use of mobile phones for instant messaging .While the traditional distance education delivery through print and study centre support is being strengthened, the University is strengthening the development of interactive multimedia content and learner support through video-conferencing and web-based platforms, by utilizing both the EduSat ad the Internet.

Technology has added a Midas touch to the distance MBA by expediting the dissemination of information and hence enhancing the efficiency considerably. The flexibility factor is always prominent in distance education and the various online delivery tools have only added to the convenience.

Just a click of mouse can land you onto significant syllabus details, case studies, etc. as per your personal ease. Hence there is a revolutionary rise in number of students opting to go for distance MBA.

If you too are bound by circumstances that prevent you from attending full time classes, then distance MBA is the right option for you and you can choose your institute of distance MBA, by looking into details above that we gathered and presented to you.

Want to know about what factors you must keep in mind while choosing your DL MBA center? Then, again, this is the right place to stay tuned to, for, in our next article of ‘Distance MBA’ series, we would bring to the fore essential factors that should be taken into account while pursuing Correspondence MBA.