Many of the world's top managers have one thing in common - they have an MBA. The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is the gold standard for business degrees. There is a huge range of business degrees available, including generic ones like Batchelor of Business Administration (BBA) or specialist degrees in areas like Finance or Marketing. However, few of these degrees focus on Management, or even have any substantial Management content.



Most of those working in business start out in a functional area such as Marketing or Human Resources and are eventually promoted to a management position, often with little knowledge of what's really involved. They may then decide to enrol for an MBA course in order to improve their management skills. However, an MBA can also be a useful stepping-stone for recent graduates, particularly those from non-business disciplines, and can reduce the time it takes them to achieve a management post.

The first MBAs appeared in the USA in the late nineteenth century and they remained an American phenomenon for many years. The first European MBAs arrived in the 1940s and course provision in Europe, and especially in the UK, has grown rapidly ever since. Many people regard a European MBA as superior to an American one, as they are perceived as being more rigorous and usually incorporate a dissertation. European MBAs are extremely attractive to overseas students as they give them the opportunity to live and work in Europe before returning to their own country with a valuable qualification and the skills needed to take part in business ventures with European companies.

To meet the needs of prospective students, MBAs are generally offered in both full-time and part-time modes. In recent years they have also been offered by distance learning, initially paper-based but increasingly online. They can be studied in a whole range of locations, but many people like to study in a major European capital like London or Paris. London is a particularly attractive destination due to its cosmopolitan nature and it also gives students a chance to improve their English while studying for their degree.

An MBA programme usually covers a range of areas, including Human Resource Management, Financial Management, Business Law, Marketing Management and Project Management. Some courses are general in nature, while others allow students to specialise in areas such as Finance, Branding or Marketing. Entrepreneurship is a popular option as it is of great interest to students who wish to start their own business.

The dissertation or thesis is an important component of an MBA as it allows students to gain detailed knowledge and experience of a particular business area and to network with contacts who will be able to help them in their future business career. The thesis is generally research based, so most MBA programmes include courses in research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative, to prepare students for carrying out their research.

Anyone who has just been promoted to a management position, or anyone considering a career in business should give serious consideration to doing an MBA to improve their management skills and to show their determination to build a successful career.