Here is a query from a working professional. That says ‘I am working as Manager – Business Development in a Software company. Now, the problem is my qualification is just intermediate. But I have close to about 6 1/2yrs working experience. I want to do MBA now. Are there are any institution where I can do the PG without a graduation? If yes, kindly suggest.

Answer: You have a good experience and we can understand your inquisitiveness to learn and earn MBA degree. In real sense any PG requires a Graduation. If you want to skip the number of years it may be difficult. There are PG courses which are integrated and starts after 10+2. However, your Choice is to do a Distance mode of MBA which is integrated in model due to your working. Distance Integrated MBA is offered by many Universities / Institutes in India. Alternatively you can pursue a BBA program and these are generally advanced in terms of the course curriculum and design. There are International Universities which provide Online MBA but I have my own doubts on how much you can benefit unless you want to have a PG in Management. You can check for instance: Alagappa University, Directorate of Distance Education and Vellore Institute of Technology (deemed university) offers full time.

MBA (Materials Management):

Here is another question related to Management Degree: ‘I did M.Sc. Geophysics from Osmania University, Hyderabad in 2008 and presently I am working as a Materials Management Officer. I would like to study MBA with specialization in Materials Management / Inventory Control in the distance education mode from the recognized university / institute. (the degree also should be recognized by DEC / AICTE). Hence I am requesting you sir, please give the details of such universities / institutes which are offering MBA with specialization in Materials Management / inventory control.

Answer: You may want to look at programs in MBA with production as specialization which covers the Material Management and Inventory Management as focused subjects. There are many Universities providing Distance courses in Production management. Some specific courses are mentioned here. IGNOU provides MBA in production management which includes the above inputs for your learning. Also Indian Institute of Material Management provides – Post Graduate Diploma in Materials Management (PGDMM) of 3 Years duration (Distance Education). Symbiosis offers a one year PGDSCM (supply chain management). Please use your discretion in pursuing and since you are working, I would advise you to check with your HR Department for clarification on these courses and eligibility for future growth. Wish you a great career.

In association with Hitachi Ltd., THE HINDU newspaper group invites applications for award of scholarships. The selected candidates will be trained in Japan. The number of scholarships: 3 (Three only). Candidates should be not have completed 30 years of age. Candidates should possess minimum Degree of B.E.,/ B.Tech or B.Sc. (Engineering) or its equivalent from any recognised University. Applicants with relevant industry experience will be preferred.

Applications are available at following THE HINDU offices:

1. Chennai : 859 and 860, Anna Salai, Chennai – 600 002, or the Branch Offices at New Delhi : 3rd Floor, PTI Building, 4, Parliament Street, New Delhi- 110 001.
2. Kolkatta : LMJ Chambers, I Floor, 15C, Hemanta Basu Sarani, Kolkata – 700 001.
3. Mumbai : Kasturi Buildings, Jamshedji Tata Road, Mumbai – 400 020.
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7. Puducherry : 135, I floor, Mission Street, Puducherry – 605 001.
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12. Mangalore : 23-9-655/1, Jeppu, Mangalore -575001.
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14. Thiruvananthapuram : T.C. No. 36/1946(1) ,` Airport Road, Vallakadavu, Thiruvananthapuram – 695 008.

Notification will be released during November every year. Last date for submission of completed applications is December 2010.