Why to pursue distance MBA Manipal Education MD & CEO tells

Online, May 20, 2010 (Newswire.com) - Students at Sikkim Manipal University-Distance Education MBA (SMU-DE) are employees of top companies like SBI, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, DE and HP as Assistant Vice President, Senior Consultant, Center Business Head.
Sikkim Manipal University - Distance Education (SMU-DE) offers diverse range of Distance MBA programs with the growing demand among working professionals for pursuing MBA through Distance Education. These include under-graduate, post-graduate diploma and master programs.
In order to answer the queries of MBA Aspirants for the Distance MBA offered by SMU-DE, MBAUniverse.com brings to you the exclusive interview with Anand Sudarshan, MD & CEO, Manipal Education.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: What makes SMU-DE different from the other institutions offering distance MBA?
A: 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. We are recognized by the government -- DEC for three academic years 2009-10 to 2011-12, the university is UGC recognized.
EduNxt, our online delivery system is the only two awards winning system that is recognized by the industry and government. We are ISO 9001-2000 certified. This means students have a very good experience with us - on time delivery of books, exams, degree etc. We are a public-private university and the Governor of Sikkim is the Pro-Chancellor of SMU-DE.
We are part of Manipal Education that has a legacy of over 56 years in quality education.
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.
Q: What management programs are offered by SMU-DE?
A: We offer varied range of management programs including Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Business Administration in Retail Operations (BBARO) and Bachelor of Commerce in information System (BComIS). All these under-graduate programs are of three-year duration and the eligibility criteria is 10+2. The Post-Graduate Diploma programs include 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. Students who have completed the SMU MBA degree in the past are also eligible to pursue this program, if they wish to acquire a postgraduate diploma qualification in an added area of specialization.
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 provide 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.
Q: It is a general notion that full-time classroom MBA has more relevance as compared to a MBA degree attained through distance learning. What is your view?
A: 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.
The modular structure of the course with learning outcomes makes studying possible anywhere, anytime. 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.
Our students come from companies like SBI, TCS, Infosys, Wipro, GE, HP, Airport authority of India, Indian army, Indian Navy and Indian Airforce where they are posted as Assistant Vice President, Senior Consultant, Center Business Head, Deputy General Manager and Project Manager.
Q: What advantages does distance learning offer to the admission takers?
A: Distance Learning in MBA lends flexibility and convenience to the distance MBA takers. They get an option to learn online while doing their jobs. Their upgrading skills help them to implement assigned projects or, work in the field. We offer them peer learning via the online tools like academic and industry mentor chat on EduNxt.
Q: What is the application process followed for admission to distance education courses?
A: We follow a step-wise application process for admission to programs in Distance MBA. After deciding the program you want to pursue, you must download the prospectus from the institute's website. Then visit the nearest learning centre to purchase the application form. The application form must be filled completely. Required documents mentioned in the application must be duly attached. The application form with the required documents has to be submitted at the learning center, along with the course fee.
Q: What fee structure does SMU-DE follow in regard of these programs?
A: There are various programs and fees vary but is affordable to all. For instance, the fee for BBA is Rs. 20,900 p.a. The annual fee for PGDBA and PG Diploma in Specialization Areas of MBA is Rs. 23,400. Two-year MBA costs you Rs. 23,400 p.a.