The MBA Handbook ^{2nd Ed.}

This book provides MBA students, particularly those studying part-time, flexible or distance-learning courses, with guidance on how to prepare for an MBA and on the study skills that will be needed throughout the course. It enables students to benefit fully from the resources offered by the MBA provider by developing skills in the use of printed texts, case studies, their own experience, lectures and group work. It also gives them the skills needed to succeed in assessment-based activities by developing analytical report-writing, project management and examination technique. The new edition places more emphasis on developing competence and gives examples of the types of calculations students will be likely to encounter in finance courses. More emphasis has also been given to choosing between international MBAs.

Written as an interactive study guide, activities take readers from the point of reviewing their reasons for seeking an MBA through to taking positive career development steps having gained the qualification. In this accessible, down-to-earth text, Sheila Cameron guides readers through the pitfalls that they will undoubtedly face.

The MBA Handbook will help students to pass their MBA and to develop their managerial skills in the process. It will enable them to:

• choose the programme and mode of study best suited to their needs
• improve their time management skills and free the time needed for study
• develop skills in rapid reading, note-taking, case study analysis, group discussion and project management
• improve their report-writing and oral presentation skills
• tackle examination papers successfully
• integrate MBA study into career development and progression

Designed for use by those embarking on an MBA, the information in this book will also be highly relevant to management students and indeed any others for whom project work or a dissertation forms a large component of their course. The interactive nature of the material presented is particularly useful for student studying part time or on distance-learning programmes. Managers who are not sure that they want a qualification will still benefit greatly from the advice in the book on developing the many skills relevant to their job performance and career prospects.

• Introduction

1. Using this Handbok
• Introduction
• Objectives
• How the book is structured
• Planning your work on the Handbook
• Chapter structure
• Summary
• Before Deciding on an MBA

2. What MBAs Offer
• Introduction
• The American model
• Objectives
• The management development context
• Dimensions of variation
• Summary
• Further reading
3. Choosing an MBA
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Assessing your present position and goals
• Choosing the best route
• Choosing between institutions
• Summary
• Further reading
• Pre-Course Preparation

4. Preparing for an MBA
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Using a computer
• Gaining organizational support
• Developing assertiveness skills
• Managing stress
• Coping with unavoidable stress
• Preparatory reading
• Summary
• Further reading
5. The Time Problem
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Assessing the problem,
• Freeing the additional time you need
• Summary
6. Managing Time at Work
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Basic principles
• Putting principles into practice
• Summary
• Further reading
• Developing Study Skills

7. Effective Study
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Finding a place
• The advantage of studying at regular times
• Developing a study plan
• Clarifying your study objectives
• Using time effectively
• Exercises which can be used during study breaks
• Summary
8. Learning from Learning Theory
• Introduction
• Objectives
• What is learning?
• Kolb's theory
• Learning styles
• Summary
• Further reading
9. Improving Reading Skills
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Eye movements
• Increasing reading speed
• Selecting reading material
• Choosing your reading speed
• Taking notes
• Summary
• Further reading
10. Using Diagrams
• Introduction
• Objectives
• The importance of diagrams
• Brain pattern or mind maps
• Relationship diagrams
• Rich pictures
• System maps
• Multiple-cause diagrams
• Other diagramming techniques
• General diagramming guidelines
• Summary
• Further reading
11. Working in Groups
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Task and process
• Behaviours seen in groups
• Choosing a group
• Becoming effective as a group
• Other aids to group effectiveness
• The dangers of group work
• Becoming more effective in a group
• The role of informal groups
• Guidelines for running self-help groups
• Summary
12. Learning from Case Studies
• Introduction
• Objectives
• The place of case studies on an MBA
• Difficulties encountered with case-study work
• A method for case-study analysis
• Summary
• Further reading
13. Using Numbers
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Causes of difficulty
• Why managers need maths
• Cracking the code
• representing numbers
• Range
• Distributions and histograms
• Bar charts
• Pie charts
• Graphs
• Estimating
• Rounding
• Fractions, ratios and percentages
• Using equations
• Working with brackets
• Summary
• Further reading
• Skills for Assessment

14. Doing Well on Assessment
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Objectives of assessment
• Common causes of failure
• Assessment as communication
• Summary
15. Writing Reports
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Report planning
• Developing your material
• Drafting written assignments
• Using report format
• The basics of clear English
• Spelling (the right word)
• Punctuation and grammar
• Other common mistakes
• Summary
• Further reading
16. Making Presentations
• Introduction
• Objectives
• The risk of presenting
• Structure
• Delivery technique
• Visual aids
• Handling questions
• Dealing with nerves
• Preparation
• Summary
17. Passing Examinations
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Common causes of failure
• Exam preparation
• During examination
• Summary
18. Other Forms of Assessment
• Introduction
• Objectives
• The reason for alternative approaches
• Portfolio assessment
• Assessment centres
• Viva voice examinations
• Constructing your portfolio
• Preparing for assessment via simulation
• Preparing for an oral examination
• Summary
19. Projects, Thesis and Dissertations
• Introduction
• Objectives
• The objectives of an MBA thesis or dissertation
• Topic choice
• Generating possible topics
• Topic selection
• Data planning
• Project planning and control
• Writing up
• Summary
• Further reading
• Afterwards

20. Beyond an MBA…
• Introduction
• Objectives
• Reassessing your objectives
• Exploring options
• Making an effective job application
• Going forward
• Summary
• Further reading

Describes, in a good way, which skills you need to study for an MBA. A lot of practical tips.