What is the difference between MBA and PGDBM? What should one choose an MBA or PGDBM and why? Why do most of the people suggest to do a management course in a B- School and is there a real difference between studying in a B- School and Universities/ colleges? These are very common doubts every aspirant of management career face once in a while. But all students must know these issues before taking decision on Management Courses.
Most students do not know the difference. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a master’s degree in business administration. It attracts students from a wide range of academic disciplines. The core courses in the MBA program are designed to introduce students to the various areas of business such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resources, operations management, etc. Students in some MBA programs have the option to select an area or multiple areas of specialization and focus approximately one-third of their studies in this area. Only a recognized University can offer a master’s degree like MBA.
The Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management is a post-graduate diploma program. Institutes which are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) can only award a PGDBM certificate. Institutes which are not affiliated to a University usually seek the AICTE approval for offering post-graduate diploma in management education.
All MBA degree holders passed out of a recognized University are eligible to pursue doctoral studies in any University. However all PGDBM certificate holders are not eligible for registering for doctoral program. It is subject to the Institute offering PGDBM securing AICTE certification on it equivalence with MBA Program. However industries accept both MBA and PGDBM as equal and provide placement opportunities. Therefore those who are keen to pursue higher education should check the diploma program details before taking admission.
A B-School specializes in teaching, training and research in management education. A University will have multiple domains of study in which management is only a part. The focus and branding of a B-School is on their capabilities and competencies in the domain of business administration and hence would provide value for money. An autonomous department in a University also may provide good education but is not branded for their expertise in management education. However, a University does provide a network of resources for technical expertise which a B-School may not be able to provide.
Students pursuing management course in a B-School as opposed to a traditional University MBA college have advantage as B-Schools generally brand themselves and provide value for money. Good B-Schools have contemporary curriculum, effective learning methodologies, practice school, commitment to placement assistance, state of the art infrastructure facilities, alumni network, etc. Studying in a good B-School is an experience by itself.
These days there are many who claim themselves to be a B-School, but they are not well equipped. Hence one should be cautious when selecting a B-School.