High School, College Admission, and Class

The following post is a book review I wrote for the NACAC online book review section. It was published in August, 2008.

Tearing Down the Gates: Confronting the Class Divide in American Education
By Peter Sacks
University of California Press
$24.95, 373 pages (incl. notes and index), hardcover

Reviewed by Willard M. Dix
Executive Director, College Access Counseling

The college admission Petri dish grows many strains of the American Dream. Mixing aspiration, class-consciousness, education, social and cultural expectations, adolescent psychology, family dynamics, and financial complexity, it produces wildly varying results. Until recently, the formula seemed simple: ӀmeritԀ plus financial wherewithal plus extracurricular prowess equaled entr退e into the hallowed halls. But social and cultural awareness over the last 30 years has shown that formula to be more complex than once thought, and its effects more pernicious than the Dream would dictate.

In his new book, Tearing Down the Gates: Confronting the Class Divide in American Education, Peter Sacks looks at issues of class using the high school to college nexus as his laboratory. Combining solid research with portraits of young people and one educator struggling against classրbound issues, he asks us to consider that issues of class, as much as of education, have a significant impact on those striving to better their circumstances in American society.

Crashing the party
Sacks argues that Ӏclass is the grand organizing principle of American educationԀ and as such it works against those not already in the middle- or upper-middle classes. He challenges us to rethink the simplistic assumption that education by itself is a way for non-elites to enter the middle class. Educational Ӏstandards,Ԁ for example, often cater to those already capable of meeting them, rather than encourage othersҀ achievement. As a reverse example, he profiles Oceanside High SchoolҀs Dayle Mazzarella, Ӏa dangerous man,Ԁ who developed a successful program that opened advanced courses to students once considered incapable of succeeding in them. Sacks calls the San Diego teacher someone who is Ӏcrashing the exclusive party that American higher education has becomeԀ because he dares to assume that non-elites can achieve the same success of their more privileged peers if only they are challenged and supported properly.

Public and Private Commitment
Although this portrait and others in the book help bring the theme of class and education into focus, they are not as compelling as SacksҀs look at how higher education seems to be becoming more, rather than less, a bastion for elites and more adept at serving private, rather than public (read societyҀs) interests. He notes that Ӏa mere three percent of the freshmen enrolled at the nationҀs 146 most selective institutions came from the lowest socioeconomic quartileԀ in a 2004 study, while Ӏ almost 75 percentŀcame from the highestŀquartile.Ԁ In another, it was found that ӀoneҀs social background ׀particularly oneҀs fatherҀs education ׀proved to be just as powerful as academic merit in predicting the selectivity of the college one attended,Ԁ and that, in fact, that power has doubled over the years from 1980 to 1992.

At a time when a great deal of college rhetoric focuses on serving more lower-income and first-generation students, the facts seem to indicate otherwise. Sacks quotes a recent study contrasting university endowments with the number of students receiving Pell Grants on campus: Many of those with the healthiest endowments had the fewest Pell recipients: Harvard (6.8 percent), Princeton (7.4), Washington University in St. Louis (8) and Wake Forest (7) being among them. Even more unsettling are the records of state institutions, designed specifically to provide education for the public good. He finds that the University of Michigan, for example, while increasing its overall prestige through greater selectivity and claiming to pay more attention to Ӏsocio-economic diversityԀ actually slashed its Pell Grant enrollment in half between 1992 and 2002. It and other similar institutions seem to be abandoning their commitment to the greater good in favor of chasing institutional prestige, a worrisome development that threatens their social role as developers of the middle class.

At the gates
Sacks believes that we should work harder to make American education the leg up to the middle class we envision it to be. He celebrates the Ӏrabble rousersԀ and Ӏgate crashersԀ already doing that work and in the final chapter makes a few suggestions for action that would bear much more development. Tearing Down the Gates is in fact more polite than radical, spotlighting the intersection of class, privilege, and education and prodding us to a wider consideration of how they ought to work. The battle has not yet been joined, but, as Sacks notes, Ӏfor any educational reform to really happenŀAmerica will have to confront its class problem.Ԁ By putting high school education and college admission in this context, Sacks has significantly moved that discussion forward.

AIU Online MBA | Project Management

Many of the potential students who wished to pursue a specialization in Project Management could not give up their full-time career. Now, they do not need to as the AIU (American InterContinental University) offers Online MBA with concentration in Project Management. As AIU is a member of the U.S. Distance Learning Association, the AIUҀs Online MBA in Project Management may be one of the best online MBA programs in the U.S.

About American InterContinental University (AIU)

The American InterContinental University (AIU) was founded in 1970. AIU offers a wide range of Associate Degree, BachelorҀs and MasterҀs degree programs. They are focused on helping students to acquire knowledge and skills that is current to the industry so that the students may build and advance their careers.

AIU currently has campuses in Atlanta, Georgia; Los Angeles, California; South Florida; Houston, Texas; and London, England.

The AIU Online is a web-based virtual campus of the American InterContinental University. The AIU Online allow students the flexibility to pursue their AssociateҀs, BachelorҀs or MasterҀs degree online.

AIU Online is a member of the U.S. Distance Learning Association.

Online MBA degree with a concentration in Project Management

There is bright career prospect for those who earned an Online MBA ր Project Management degree online. According to the U.S. Department of Labour, top performers in Project Management careers are the most highly salaried professionals. Furthermore, the demand for Project Managers is expected to remain robust through 2012. This is all the more true for growth industries such as Computer & Information System and Marketing and Human Resources.

The AIU Online MBA ր Project Management course equips students with the advanced knowledge, skills and experience-based education necessary to advance their career in the field of Project Management.

The Online MBA ր Project Management in AIU is delivered through cutting-edge learning technologies. Their online courses is delivered using Flash technology and rich, interactive multimedia. This enables Online MBA students to interact in real time with classmates and faculty staffs, engaging in lively, informative discussion board and complete interesting group projects with students from around the world. All Online MBA students can assess their classes online, at any time and may conveniently rewind, fast-forward or even pause their learning materials.

The AIU Online MBA ր Project Management may be one of the most accelerated fast track online MBA course around. It may be completed in as little as 10 months. Getting a fast track online MBA course in less than 1 year is now possible.

Curriculum of the AIU Online MBA ր Project Management Course

In order to graduate from the AIU Online MBA ր Project Management course, students have to complete 6 business core courses and 2 concentration courses in Project Management.

Project Management Concentration Courses

The followings are a description of the 2 concentration courses in Project Management:

MGT637: Project Management: Integration, Scope, Time, and Communication

This course from the AIU Online MBA ր Project Management offers a practical approach emphasizing the project phases and processes presented by such organizations as the Project Management Institute (PMI(r)) in their Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK(r)).

This course provides an overview of aspects related to the project life cycle and project management techniques that are used to manage projects that are on schedule, within budget. MBA students learn the basic project management framework as well as the preparation of a basic project plan. Students will focus on project management processes including scope, scheduling, cost control, and communication.

MGT657: Project Management: Cost, Quality, Risk, and Procurement

This Online MBA ր Project Management course emphasizes a hands-on approach to using project management knowledge areas to facilitate scheduling, estimating, tracking and controlling the schedule and costs of the project. A project baseline will be set so that actual schedule and cost variances can be compared to the project baseline and corrective actions can be developed to address the variances. In this course students will learn about the legal, ethical, and fiscal considerations in procurement and contracts. Students will examine ways of identifying, evaluating and mitigating risk in scheduling, cost control, contracting and procurement.

Business Core Courses

The followings are the description of the Business Core Courses:

BUS610: Economics for the Global Manager

This course from the Online MBA ր Project Management will help students apply the theory and tools of micro and macroeconomics and research to the formation of business decisions in the global environment.

FIN630: Global Financial Management

This course examines the development of policy; financing options for International business; and the making of standard financial management decisions.

MGT600: Business Research for Decision Making

In this course from the Online MBA ր Project Management, students will explore decision making from a managerial viewpoint and examine the role of decision making in dealing with employees, formulating strategy, and negotiating. This course requires students to understand, apply, and evaluate both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies as they apply to business studies and analysis.

MGT615: Leadership & Ethics for Managers

In this course, students explore the interaction between leaders, followers, and situations. The course involves the consideration of opportunities and ethical challenges of leadership.

MGT680: Strategic Management

The development and implementation by the global enterprise of intergrated business strategies and policies is the focus of this applied course of Online MBA ր Project Management. Course contents include the planning, implementation, management, and evaluation of the corporate resources, products, and assets. Advanced research is an integral component of this course.

MKT640: A Managerial Approach to Marketing

This course from the Online MBA ր Project Management focuses on the application of marketing concepts in a global organization. Student will examine international channel distribution as well as promotional, pricing, and product strategies.

Cost of the AIU Online MBA ր Project Management

The current total cost to pursue the AIU Online MBA concentration in Project Management is $31,026.

International Students Financial Aid

AIU Online only offers student federal financial aid to U.S. citizens who qualify. International students are required to prearrange coverage for all their educational and living expenses prior to acceptance at AIU Online.

There are many other different types of private loan programs available. Students may also try to get their employer to pay for their Online MBA Course as they can immediately apply what they learnt to the working environment.

Students Review and Testimonial on AIU Online MBA

The followings are the survey conducted by AIU on their online courses:

89% of students were satisfied with their overall experience with AIU online courses
81% would recommend their instructors to other students
94% rated their Admissions experience into AIU online program as ӀgoodԀ or ӀexcellentԀ
88% rated their Finacial Aid Advisor as ӀgoodԀ or ӀexcellentԀ
87% agreed that they were satisfied with the Technical Support staff at AIU Online

There were also many other students who appreciated the flexibility of the AIU online. On their potential career prospect, one AIU online students commented, "We worked together on one day, and. . .the next. . .I obtained the job position. I hadn't had any success prior to working with her."

Another AIU Online student has this comment: "All my instructors were only a click or phone call away."

Compared to other online universities such as University of Phoenix, DeVry, Capella and several Kaplan schools, 74% of AIU Online students gave positive reviews about AIU online compared to 67% about the other online universities.

What does employer has to say about AIU Online graduates? The followings are their response to survey carried out:

98% of AIU Online graduates have appropriate problem solving and reasoning skills
97% of AIU Online graduates have the required oral communication skills
98% of the AIU Online graduates have the required written communication skills
97% of the AIU Online graduates have the needed Information Technology skills
95% of the AIU Online graduates have the practical understanding of group dynamics and teamwork
98% of the AIU Online graduates have demonstrated awareness of cultural diversity and are able to efficiently and effectively work in a diverse environment.

The followings are a review from an MBA students about the AIU Online MBA program.

When Mohammad Aslami left his native Afghanistan to escape the Soviet occupation, he packed his hopes, dreams and self-confidence and set out on a journey to pursue the American dream. The road to freedom and success is often marked by challenges and mileposts, something Mohammad realized as he deplaned at JFK International airport. Although he had studied the English language, he could not understand a word the first gentleman he spoke with said.

Nearly twenty years have flown by since MohammadҀs arrival in the United States, and in that time, he has not only mastered the English language but also the lofty career aspirations he set for himself. He presently is a Senior Process Engineer at Seagate Technologies, and he has recently completed his MasterҀs Degree in Business Administration from American InterContinental University Online.

Though educated when he arrived in America, Mohammad realized early on that his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Kabul University would not instill a high degree of confidence or respect from demanding U.S. employers. Rather, he accepted jobs for which he was overqualified and set out to prove himself through dedication, hard work and industriousness. After a year of seemingly endless paperwork and verbal examinations, Mohammad earned respectŀand a promotion to Engineer.

ӀThat is what is great about this country, if you want something bad enough and are willing to work for it, nearly anything can happen.Ԁ

MohammadҀs hard work as an engineer continued to pay off and twice earned him recognition as Top Notch Talent for his having been an outstanding team member as well as a premiere individual contributor.

While at Seagate, he has invented two new ways to test the quality of computer components. MohammadҀs methods are faster, safer and less expensive than other methods, and the U.S. Patent Office has granted patents on both.

At a point in a career where many might choose to rest on their laurels, Mohammad Aslami instead continued to challenge himself by advancing his education even further. Now the proud recipient of an MBA, he shares his unbridled enthusiasm for a future yet unseen. ӀWith an MBA, the possibilities are endless. You can be whatever you want. Although, since I wasn't born here I canҀt be president; but nearly everything else is wide open!Ԁ

And as if one advanced degree isnҀt enough, Mohammad is just five courses shy of finishing his MasterҀs in Electrical Engineering; another feather in his cap and another means by which to achieve his loftiest goals.

Mohammad Aslami enjoys the good life he shares with his wife and three children. They take full advantage of the skiing, hiking and biking afforded them by their home at the base of the Rocky Mountains and look forward to exploring more of the expansive land they have adopted as their own. ӀI owe my family a lot for their support these last 10 months. We went to California for two weeks after graduation. That was a start.Ԁ

Looking back on humble beginnings in a Soviet-occupied country, Mohammad has a true appreciation for freedom and for the opportunities made possible by education. ӀGrowing up I never would have imagined this life for myself, but now I wouldnҀt change a thing. IҀm incredibly fortunate.Ԁ

For the latest information about the Online MBA ր Project Management course offered by the American InterContinental University (AIU), please contact the university directly.

Syracuse University iMBA Distance Learning

The iMBA offered by the Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University is a Distance Learning MBA Course delivered online. This article is a review of the iMBA offered by the Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University.

About Syracuse University

This history of Syracuse University (SU) started in 1870 when they promoted equal education rights for men and women. The first bachelor degree course offered by Syracuse University was the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree that started in 1874. In 1946, Syracuse University tripled their enrolment with the return of 9664 returning World War II veterans.

Syracuse University advocates the idea of scholarship in action, i.e. education that is not static. SU is a place where students becomes leaders and they hopes to elevate the community through new ideas.

Syracuse University is located in Syracuse, New York, at approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The faculty members consist of 909 full time faculty members, 106 part-time faculty and 447 adjunct faculty. About 88% of the full time faculty members have doctorate degrees or professional degrees.

Students at Syracuse University come from 50 states and more than 115 foreign countries.

The Whitman School of Management of Syracuse University was established as the College of Business Administration in 1919. In 1920, it was the 16th collegiate business school in U.S. to be accredited by AACSB.


Whitman School of Management launched its first MBA program in 1948. In any given year, Whitman School of Management is the home for nearly 2000 graduate and undergraduate students.

iMBA ր The Distance Learning MBA for Executives

The iMBA is an online MBA course developed for executives. It is a distance learning MBA course that is delivered online with limited residency. The Whitman School of Management, Syracuse University has more than 30 years of experience in delivering their MBA programs in flexible format combining residency and distance learning.

Residencies are held on the SU campus and in other areas in U.S. and abroad. The entire MBA distance learning process is supported by full-time faculty and online course management system.

The iMBA program features the same curriculum, faculty and degree as full-time MBA students. In fact, if they wish to, they could even participate in all extracurricular activities organized by the Whitman community.

The MBA degree for the iMBA program is also accredited by the AACSB International and is identical to the MBA degree awarded to other full-time MBA students of the Whitman School.

New students enrollment into the iMBA at Syracuse University takes place in January, May, or August.

Format of the Syracuse University Distance Learning iMBA

All distance learning iMBA students are required to attend one-week residencies three times a year during their MBA program. After that, iMBA students participate in their courses using online course management system. The online MBA course allows students the flexibility to organize their learning in concert with their professional and personal lives. Students typically complete the iMBA program in three years.

Distance Learning iMBA students begin their all their terms with the residency week that is offered in Syracuse UniversityҀs campus. A residency week begins on a Saturday and concludes after the last class the following Thursday. Students take classes and exams during the residency weeks. When not in classes, students spend their time reading, working on assignments, attending events and getting to know students and faculty.

Online MBA Students may also opt for the residential weeks that are periodically offered abroad. International residency is a great experience in a professional, intensive setting. iMBA students may also participate in multiple international residencies. Typically, distance learning iMBA students take one or two courses in connection with international residency. Examples of the international residency include London, Bermuda, Shanghai, Dublin and Florence.

Other than the residency weeks, students attend the distance learning iMBA course using the online course management developed by Whitman. The online tools allow students and faculty to easily maintain contact and share information across different time zones. Final exams are taken on-campus during the first day of the next residency week.

Curriculum of the iMBA distance learning course at Syracuse University

The distance learning iMBA core curriculum is designed to give participants broad, strategic managerial perspectives as well as tools for analyses and decision-making. Students are free to choose the combination of elective courses that best meets their individual needs and interests, developing greater specialization or greater breadth, as they see fit.

The followings are the Core Courses offered:

Հ Data Analysis and Decision Making
Հ Economics for Managers
Հ Financial Accounting
Հ Global Entrepreneurial Management
Հ Leadership in Organizations
Հ Managerial Finance
Հ Managerial Accounting
Հ Marketing Management
Հ Operations Management
Հ Strategic Management
Հ Law and Public Policy
Հ Management of Information Systems

In addition to the Core Courses, iMBA students are also to choose any six of the following Elective Courses:

Հ Business and Government Relations
Հ Corporate Venturing
Հ Designing High Performance Organizations
Հ Entrepreneurship and Digital Commerce
Հ Distress Investing
Հ Employment Law
Հ Financial Statement Analysis
Հ Fraud, Corporate Governance and Sarbanes-Oxley
Հ Innovation Management
Հ International Business Law
Հ Intro to IT and E-Commerce
Հ Legal and Ethical Environment of Business Leadership Dynamics
Հ Marketing and the Internet
Հ Market Research
Հ The MIS Database
Հ Organizational Process Consultation Skills
Հ Venture Capital

Class Profile of iMBA at Syracuse University

There are approximately 250 students studying for the distance learning iMBA at Syracuse University. The average age of the students is 36, with an average 11 years of working experience. 67% of the students are male students and 33% are female students. The average annual salary of IMBA students are $70,000.

7% of the distance learning iMBA students are international students and 23% are from ethnic minority group. International students come from Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Germany, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.

About 33% of distance learning iMBA students have a bachelor degree from business/economics, 36% are from engineering/science with the remaining 31% from social science/humanities studies.

More than 20% of the iMBA students are already holding at least one masterҀs or doctoral degree, mostly in sciences and engineering.

Students Testimonial of the distance learning iMBA at Syracuse University

All students come from different background and have their own stories to tell. For most students, IMBA is their first experience with distance learning and with Syracuse University.

The following is just one of the many of the distance learning iMBA studentҀs stories, told by student Niclaus Sims:

It was while attending the National Black MBA Association conference in Atlanta with a group of Whitman MBA students that Sims was offered a position as a business analyst with the Target Corportation. Sims recently led an iMBA team in the Panasci Business Plan Competition and plans to participate in the Velocity Conference in 2008 where he will meet with CEOs from high potential businesses and the venture capitalists funding them.

Sims says he chose the Whitman iMBA program because of its flexibility and its entrepreneurial sprit. ӀNow in my third semester of the program, IҀve found several applications from my studies for my career and personal entrepreneurial aspirations. Building a network of associates through interactions from the residencies in Syracuse as well as the summer residency in London has been one of the jewels of the iMBA program.Ԁ

Admission Criteria for iMBA at Syracuse University

Admission to the Whitman iMBA program is highly selective. To be considered for admission, an applicant must possess at a minimum:

Հ A bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a regionally accredited college or university, and

Հ Five years or more years of post-graduate full-time work experience
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) are not required as part of the application process. The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for applicants whose native language is not English.

Candidates applying for admission into the Syracuse University iMBA program are evaluated individually, with special consideration given to professional experiences and accomplishments. Prior academic success and communications skills from the application essays also carry some weight.

For International Students, the following additional criteria applies:

TOEFL Requirement
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required for all applicants for whom English is not the primary language. A minimum score of 600 (paper) or 250 (computer) is required. Generally, scores no more than two years old will be accepted. The TOEFL is administered by the Educational Testing Service.

Student Visa
The iMBA program requires three residency weeks per year of enrollment. It is possible that international iMBA students will need a Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) to apply for a (F-1) Student Visa in order to attend residencies. Although a visa may not be necessary, individuals from Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands are also subject to this requirement and may need the Form I-20 to enter the U.S. Please note that immigration law prohibits individuals with B-2 Tourist Visas from studying in an academic program. The Slutzker Center for International Services at Syracuse University will contact admitted applicants to the iMBA program to determine necessity of a student visa for iMBA residencies.

To conclude, the Syracuse University iMBA Distance Learning program offered by the Whitman University is a definite choice for many potential students.

Online MBA Accounting from Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Many prospective students who are looking for MBA Courses look for MBA Course with a concentration in Accounting. One such university that offers an MBA Course in Accounting is the Florida Atlantic University (FAU). This article is a review of the Online MBA-Accounting Course at the Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

About Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) was established in 1964. It is a public university located at southeast Florida and the first in U.S. designed for upper division students only. Currently, slightly more than 40 years after its founding, FAU has more than 26,000 freshmen, transfer and graduate students on seven campuses and sites.

The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) currently offers more than 170 degree programs. There are more than 40 research centers. It was the fifth university in Florida when it was first established by the Florida State Legislature in 1961.

FAU's colleges include the College of Architecture, Urban & Public Affairs, the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts & Letters, the Barry Kaye College of Business, the College of Education, the College of Engineering, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science and the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, which provides a unique and challenging four-year curriculum for the brightest students from Florida and beyond.

FAU has many Eminent Scholar Chairs. The Division of Colleges and Universities of the Florida Board of Education has designated FAU as a research university. Carnegie had also classified FAU as a ӀResearch University ր High Research Activity.Ԁ

Florida Atlantic University had also launched a medical school program in conjunction with the University of Miami. Under this program, students will spend the first two years in the FAUҀs Boca Raton campus before transferring to Miami for rotation and completing their degree at University of Miami.

In addition, FAU also runs one of the nation's largest continuing education program known as the Lifelong Learning Society.

Florida Atlantic University is a member of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, and the Council of Graduate Schools in the United States.


Online MBA / Accounting Program from Florida Atlantic University

Students may complete the entire MBA / Accounting program from the Florida Atlantic University online from anywhere in the world. Students may also opt to attend courses in the campus.

Accreditation and Ranking of the Online MBA / Accounting Program from the Florida Atlantic University

The Florida Atlantic UniversityҀs College of Business has full AACSB and SACSҀs accreditation. FAUҀs School of Accounting ranks in the top 10 universities in the U.S. for its CPA Examination pass rate. In addition, it was also ranked in the U.S News & World Report 2002 as one of the best online graduate programs in the U.S.

The Online MBA ր Accounting program contains 18 semester hours of accounting, which satisfies the stateҀs requirements for the CPA certificate. Corporate Sponsorship Program are also available. The entire Online MBA ր Accounting program may be completed in 40 semester hours.

The Online MBA ր Accounting program is conducted by the Florida Atlantic University College of Business. The program is tailored for busy professionals in such a way that students from any part of the world may complete the entire course through web-based distance learning. Students may also opt to take some of the courses on campus. Campuses are located in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Port Saint Lucie.

Most of the online courses are supplemented with case discussion groups, guided by professors, all conducted online. All the examinations and assignments are also hosted online.

One of the most important goals of the Online MBA ր Accounting program at the Florida Atlantic University is for students to build life-long relationship among themselves and the faculty. Most students that started the program will stay together during the whole course.

Faculty members are properly trained to handle the online MBA courses. Even though the courses are conducted online, many students who had completed the MBA ր Accounting program online had reviewed that it was a great learning experience and the best course that theyҀve taken in their whole academic career!

Curriculum of the Online MBA ր Accounting at Florida Atlantic University

The online MBA in Accounting at the Florida Atlantic University consists of 40 credits of graduate business study. This consists of 22 credits of non-accounting MBA core courses, 6 credits of accounting MBA core courses and 12 credits of accounting credits. The total of 18 credits of accounting courses is sufficient to satisfy the stateҀs CPA requirement. Students without undergraduate business background may need to take up an additional of 12 credits of Foundation Courses.

The followings are the non-Accounting Core Courses (Total 22 credits) of the online MBA

GEB 6215 Graduate Business Communication Applications (3 cr)
GEB 6931 Contemporary Issues in the Industry: the Executive Forum (1 cr)
FIN 6806 Advanced Financial Management (3 cr)
MAN 6937 Global Environment of Management (3 cr)
MAR 6815 Strategic Concepts in Marketing (3 cr)
MAN 6151 Organizational Behavior (3 cr)
MAN 6501 Operations Management (3 cr)
MAN 6721 Global Business Strategy (3 cr)

The followings are the Accounting Core Courses (Total 6 credits) of the Online MBA

ACG 6085 Advanced Analysis and Application of Accounting Data (for those without an undergraduate accounting degree or advanced undergraduate work in accounting) or ACG 6135 (for those with an undergraduate degree in accounting or advanced undergraduate work in accounting). (3 cr)
ACG 6475 Advanced Accounting Information Systems (3 cr)

The followings are the Accounting Concentration Courses (Total 12 credits) of the Online MBA

TAX 6025 Taxation Concepts (3 cr)
ACG 6275 International Accounting (3 cr)
ACG 6935 Accounting and Internal Controls for eCommerce (3 cr)
ACG 6935 Consulting (3 cr)
ACG 6135 Advanced Accounting Theory (3 cr)
ACG 6935 Advanced Accounting Concepts (3 cr)
ACG 6595 Accounting and Governmental Regulation
ACG 6625 EDP Auditing
ACG 6656 Advanced Auditing Theory and Practice
ACG 6675 Operational Auditing
ACG 6815 Accounting Research (3 cr)
ACG 6175-Financial Statement Analysis (3 cr)
ACG 6367 Advanced Cost Accounting Theory and Practice
Tax 6065 Tax Research
Tax 6105 Corporate Taxation 1
Tax 6405 Estates and Trusts
Tax 6114 Corporate Taxation 2
Tax 6877 Practices and Procedures
Tax 6875 Tax Topics
Tax 6525 International Tax

Students without undergraduate business degree are required to complete the following Foundation Courses, which introduce the broad field of business administration and fundamental quantitative techniques used in business analysis:

ACG 6027 Financial Accounting Concepts
FIN 6408 Financial Management
MAR 6055 Marketing Functions and Processes
ECO 6008 Seminar in Modern Economic Concepts & Theories

Criteria for Admission into the Online MBA ր Accounting Course of the Florida Atlantic University

The followings are the criterias to be admitted into the Online MBA ր Accounting Course:

BachelorҀs degree from an accredited institution
Հ Cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 or 4.0 scale in the last 60 hours of undergraduate course work
Հ Score of at least 500 on the GMAT
Հ Score of at least 600 on the TOEFL (for international applicants)


There are many financing available such as Corporate Partnership for online MBA students.

If you are looking for a AACSB accredited Online MBA in Accounting, why not consider the Online MBA ր Accounting course from the Florida Atlantic University.

The Euro MBA Distance Learning

European Master of Business Administration

We have been hearing a lot about the European Master of Business Administration or more popularly known as the Euro MBA or Euro*MBA. This is a review on Euro MBA - the distance learning and online MBA program offered through the joint efforts of top European business schools and universities.

The Euro MBA is a two-year program. It consists of four days of introduction seminar to introduce MBA students to its program, the communication and IT skills required for the online learning environment. There is also a six-week of residence throughout Europe which cover a wide spectrum of topics on European business and management issues. During this residency, MBA students visit companies and are provided with leadership training.

There are 10 core business modules to be completed online to help MBA students develop in-depth knowledge on general management. These online learning also provide students with the opportunities to network among themselves. The online learning for Euro MBA allow students to study wherever and whenever they wanted.

Euro MBA students also are required to complete a Master Thesis to utilize the skills they have learned throughout the program and to apply them to real-life management issues.

Accreditation

The Euro MBA is a well-reputated certified MBA program that is accredited by various accreditation agencies. These include accreditation by AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS.
Upon completion of the Euro MBA, graduates obtain a certified MBA degree of the full consortium members:
1. Audencia Nantes Ecole de Management (France)
2. EADA (Spain)
3. IAE Aix-en-Provence (France)
4. Leon Kozminsky Academy of Entrepreneurship and Management (Poland)
5. Universiteit Maastricht Business School (the Netherlands)
6. HHL - Leipzig Graduate School of Management

The followings are detailed description of the format and program of the Euro MBA.

Introduction Seminar

All registered students of the Euro MBA attend a four-day introduction seminar. This takes place during the first weekend of the Residential Week that precedes the first course.
The purposes of the seminar are to:
1. Get to know the Euro*MBA staff and the Euro*MBA programme and procedures
2. Get to know your colleague students you are going to work with during your courses
3. Make a good start with your course and your group consultancy project
4. Acquire skills needed to perform well in the Euro*MBA programme.

During the Introduction Seminar, there will be sessions on Writing Skills, Presentation Skills, Teamwork and Multicultural Communication, Lotus Notes, Teambuilding Activities and Kick off Sessions Courses.

Residential Weeks

Euro MBA students have to attend six residential weeks spread over the two-year program. Each of these residential weeks cover different themes in management and leadership skills. Euro MBA students will receive lectures and materials from experts and professionals on current issues n business, work on group projects and receive management skills training.

The themes of the Euro MBA Residential Weeks are:

Corporate Social Responsibility by Audencia (Nantes/France)
Organisational Learning and Transformational Change by UMBS (Netherlands)
Managing Emerging Markets by LKAEM (Poland)
Entrepreneurship by IAE-Aix (Aix-en-Provence/France)
Managing Strategic Innovation by HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management (Germany)
Business Life Cycle by EADA (Spain)

In addition to the theme, there are also soft skills development in the area of communication processes, international negotiation, influencing/interaction skills, problem solving in teams, decision making and coaching.

The Euro*MBA programme consists of ten distance learning courses:
Հ Strategic Management
Հ Change Management
Հ International Management
Հ Management Accounting
Հ International Financial Management
Հ Human Resource Management
Հ Technology and Innovation Management
Հ International Marketing
Հ Business Simulation
Հ European Business Law

Strategic Management

The Strategic Management of the Euro MBA provides a rigorous analytical view that firms face in todayҀs competitive environment that can be used in the process of strategic decision-making. This course aims to provide Euro MBA students with an understanding of what corporate strategy is, why strategic decisions are important, approaches to formulate and implement strategy, levels of managers in the strategic management process and the effects of European Union on the firmҀs environment and strategy.

Among some of the main topics covered in the Euro MBA Strategic Management course include: evaluation of the firmҀs environment; evaluation of firmҀs strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT); competitive strategies; cooperative strategies; integration and diversification; merger and acquisition; global strategies; and the effect of the European Union.

Change Management

The goals of the Euro MBA Change Management course are to teach the basics of change management, apply this knowledge in practice, further students teamwork and to prepare students for the Masters thesis. The Change Management course of the Euro MBA discusses in detail the steps change agents take such as diagnosis, sense making and strategizing in the change process.

Students are divided into teams that consists of 4 to 6 students per team for this course.

International Management

The goals of the International Management course of the Euro MBA is to enable students to acquire the knowledge and insight into the conditions about international business development and growth, nature of international business, characteristics of international, multinational and global enterprises, and the basic policy available for the management of international business.

Among some of the main topics covered in the Euro MBA International Management course include: the nature of international business; international trade; involvement of government and companies in international trade; foreign direct investment; management of marketing and production; strategic issues for global enterprise; specific strategic issues for the global enterprise; internationalization of the global enterprise; organizational issues; and the cultural environment of the global enterprise.

Management Accounting

The goals of the Management Accounting course in the Euro MBA are to enable students to understand and appreciate the strengths and limitations of a firmҀs accounting system, to use opportunity cost in decision making process, to use organization theory to understand how accounting is employed as part of the control mechanism and to connect concepts of real-world cases.

Some of the main topics covered in the Euro MBA Management Accounting course include: nature of costs; organization architecture; budgets and budgeting; cost allocation; absorption cost systems; and management accounting in a changing environment.

International Financial Management

The goals of the Euro MBA International Financial Management course are to enable students to learn to manage international investments, analyse the profit and risk of international investment, international financing, to assess the risks associated with debt, currency risk, political risk and various risk management.

Some of the main topics covered in the International Financial Management course of the Euro MBA include: time value in risk management; role of foreign exchange market; foreign direct investment decision; diversification and portfolio approach; international financial markets such as bond market and SWAP market; cost of capital of foreign project; foreign exposure and risk; and political risk management.

Human Resource Management

The goals of the Human Resource Management course in the Euro MBA are to help students to understand the role of human resource management in an international context, how human resource management relates to corporate strategy, cultural differences and difficulties that arise in multicultural organization and to develop human resource strategies that lead to sustained competitive advantage.

Some of the main topics covered in the Human Resource Management course of the Euro MBA include managing workflows, staffing ր recruiting/selecting/downsizing, development of appraisal tools, compensation and reward, governance and international human resource management.

Technology and Innovation Management

The goals of the Technology and Innovation Management course in the Euro MBA are to provide an understanding of how technological and innovation processes work, ideas for developing and exploiting firmҀs innovative and technological capabilities and to provide concepts and tools for the integration of technology and innovation into the firmҀs competitive strategies.

Some of the main topics covered in the Technology and Innovation Management course in the Euro MBA include: Innovation in historical context; integration of technology and strategy; design and evolution of technology strategy; enactment of technology strategy; organization architecture and managing innovation; managing functional competencies; and executive leadership in managing innovation and change.

International Marketing

The goals of the International Marketing course in the Euro MBA are to enable students to understand and analyse foreign environments, understand the impact of foreign environment market behaviour, analyse intermediate and final demand in a foreign investment, understand the international marketing strategy options and formulate international marketing strategies.

Main topics covered under the International Marketing course in the Euro MBA include: the international marketing environment; the economic behaviour; the cultural, political, legal and technological environment; human and natural resources, demand in international markets; international marketing research; international business marketing, market entry strategies, export and licensing; and international marketing strategies.

Business Simulation

The educational goals of the Business Simulation course of the Euro MBA are to improve decision making process, study how benchmarking improves performance, coherence of functional decisions, group working, understand financial marketҀs impact on firmҀs strategies, value drivers, international positioning, and global business versus core competences.

In this Business Simulation course of the Euro MBA, students have to develop new policies in line with the most recent developments in strategy, finance and competitive alliance. They also have to practice negotiation in a full internet context. Students make use of a distance-learning tools to learn how to negotiate alliances with other firms and under the scrutiny of the financial markets.

European Business Law

The goals of the European Business Law of the Euro MBA are to help students to acquire knowledge and insight into: business organisations, notably public companies, under the national laws of six Member States of the EC (Belgium, Germany, France, The Netherlands, Spain, the UK); business organisations under EC-law; the harmonisation programme within the EC; employee participation under national laws and in relation to the trans-national enterprise; cross border cooperation and acquisitions; groups as regulated by national laws and the EC; and investor protection as regulated by national laws and the EC.

Some main topics covered under the European Business Law course in the Euro MBA includes: business organisations within the EC; formation and financing of companies under national law; business organisations under the EC law; and cross border cooperation and acquisitions.

How Does Online Learning Works in Euro MBA?

Students use internet technology to work together with managers from various cultural, national and sectorial background. No lecturers are required as students can study anytime they want.

Students are grouped in teams of 4 to 6 students, with at least 3 nationalities. Team members will be able to encourage and motivate each other to complete the course.

During the residential weeks, students of the Euro MBA are provided with MBA materials such as books, readers and CD-ROM. They can assess their online MBA via the Web.

Assessment of the Euro MBA

The assessment for each course shall be based on individual assignment, a group assignment and a final exam.

Master Thesis

The final Master Thesis is the final task in the distance learning Euro MBA program. The followings are examples of Master Thesis completed by other Euro MBA students:
Հ Pioneering Emerging Markets in Developing Countries with Supply Chain Collaboration (Annette Lindinger, German)
Հ Predatory Pricing in the CRM Market (Dave Puckett, American)
Հ Performance-Based Maitenance Service Outsourcing by Alaleh Motamedi (Belgian/Iranian living in the US)
Հ Real options valuation of a drug discovery project: Aspects of Value Maximisation by Harald Mottl, with distinction (German living in Italy)
Հ Headquarters-Subsidiary Relationships in the Changing Multinational Company Environment: Empowering Subsidiaries by Shekhar Pula, with distinction (Indian living in the Netherlands)
Հ Entrepreneurship in Matured Organizations: A Theoretical Analysis and Empirical Study of MNCs in the Automotive Supplier Industry by Reiner Nesper (German)
Հ Learning to invent the future: Public Service in a Market Economy Strategic Planning and Organization Transformation in Government Organizations by Louis Titre (Dutch)
Հ What advantages Small and Medium Enterprises have over larger firms in Information Technology Services: The case of Spain by Jordi Torras (Spanish)
Հ Basic challenge of global organisations between technology innovation and knowledge management: a relation approach by Ferruccio Frigerio (Italian)
Հ Board Structures Under Corporate Governance by Clodagh Coakley (Irish)
Հ Comparison of Shareholder Value and Stakeholder Value Consequences for the strategic management by Christoph Stoppok (German)
Հ Competency Management at the Heart of Organisational Change by Gerard Nieuwe Weme (Dutch)
Հ Competitive Strategies for the European Logistics Industry by Ralph Burns (British living in Germany)
Հ Concentration, Disintegration and Co-operation in the Pharmaceutical Industry by Joop Wijdeven (Dutch)
Հ Concepts, a Threat to Existing Brands by Peter de Mol (Dutch) Developing, Implementing and Evaluating International Human Resource Strategies in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises by Arno Sunnotel (Dutch)
Հ Country Risk Management by Guus Rozendaal (Dutch)
Հ Fraud Prevention, Detection, and Reporting in Multinational Corporations and Who Should be Held Responsible? by Darlene Brown
Հ From a State-Controlled Bureaucracy to a Customer Oriented Company by Genio van der Schaft (Dutch)
Հ Future Proofing Innovative Telecommunication Services by Kamalesh Mehta (British living in Switzerland)
Հ How can the concept of core competencies help European Hospitals to adapt to their new environment? by Ronan Dubois (French)

Accreditation and Ranking of the Euro MBA

The Euro*MBA programme is accredited by:
Հ AMBA accredited (programme accreditation),
Հ AACSB accredited via Universiteit Maastricht, HHL - Leipzig Graduate School of Management and AUDENCIA Nantes Ecole de Management (school accreditation)
Հ EQUIS accredited via IAE Aix-en-Provence, AUDENCIA Nantes Ecole de Management, EADA Barcelona and LKAEM Warsaw (school accreditation).

The Euro MBA was ranked 5th in the world in its category in The EconomistҀs Which MBA? Guide 2007. Although The Economists ranked Euro MBA as the 5th overall, it had ranked them 2nd for quality of students, 3rd for its distance learning standards and 7th for the program content.

The Euro MBA was ranked in the top 32 e-learning program in the Financial Times ranking 2007.

The Euro MBA is certainly one of the most interesting and reputated Distance Learning MBA program in not only Europe, but in the whole world.

Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College, University of Georgia

This article is a review of the Executive MBA with Online Learning offered by the Terry College of Business, University of Georgia. The Terry College of Business, University of Georgia was first founded in the year 1912 as the School of Commerce, and is today a flagship business school in the state of Georgia. It is also one of the oldest Georgia state-chartered universities in the US.

Terry College of Business has more than 140 faculties, provides world-class research and scholarship for the business communities. To date, they have been more than 55,000 graduates from the Terry College of Business.

The certified MBA program offered by Terry College of Business, University of Georgia has one of the highest average GMAT scores, which places it among the top 15 highest averages for public business schools. They are also consistently ranked among the best by US News & World Report, Business Week, Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.

The certified MBA program offered by Terry College of Business, University of Georgia was also offered at UGAҀs Gwinnett campus near Lawrenceville and the Atlanta Executive Education Center in Buckhead.

Terry CollegeҀs certified MBA program is accredited by AACSB International ր The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB was founded in the year 1916 and having an accreditation from AACSB is a hallmark of excellence in business education.

Why Should You Pursue Your Certified MBA from Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

It is now becoming a well-known factor that Leadership is critical for business success. The technological change and global competition demand business leadership that are responsive, creative, supportive but at the same time flexible. The Terry CollegeҀs Executive MBA with Online Learning is designed to develop the skills that leaders need. MBA students learn about important dimension of effective leadership and measure their own skill using a series of assessment tools. The information derived is used to construct their own personal roadmap for leadership growth.

The Executive MBA with Online Learning program of Terry College of Business devotes much focus on developing leadership qualities of the students. Students are provided with the opportunity to interact with an executive leadership coach to better understand their own strength and weakness. This interaction continues throughout the Executive Program. Participants also engage in online discussion forum that addresses different leadership topics each month.

The Executive MBA with Online Learning program at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia is delivered using a mix of traditional classroom instruction and distance learning. While classroom interaction is important to take advantage of the collective experience of the group, distance learning technology provides participants with the flexibility to learn at a time and place that is most convenient to them.

Format of Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

The format for learning in the Terry CollegeҀs Executive MBA with Online Learning Program is distinctly different from other Executive MBA program.

The Executive MBA with Online Learning program offered by Terry College, University of Georgia is based out of TerryҀs Executive Education Center in Buckhead. The Executive MBA is an 18-month program. This includes two week residencies on the campus of the University of Georgia, 21 weekend sessions in Atlanta and a 10-day international residency. The Terry Executive Educational Center in Atlanta provides a focal point and meeting place for Terry students, alumni, faculty and staff to interact with the AtlantaҀs business community.

Nearly 50% of the Executive MBA content is delivered online, which allows busy working professionals the flexibility to juggle the demands of family, career and school.

The Terry Executive MBA with Online Learning is divided into 10 learning modules. There are seven 9-week modules consisting of 3 weekend classroom sessions per module and distance learning in between classes that focuses on core business knowledge and application.

There is also two 1-week modules on campus in Athens that focuses on leadership. Then, there is a 10-day international residency outside the United States that focuses on International Business.

Two modules of the Terry Executive MBA with Online Learning focus solely on leadership. The Executive MBA program kicks off with the first weeklong sessions. This is followed by the second weeklong session. Both the sessions are held at the Terry College on UGA campus in Athens.

There are seven modules that focus on core business knowledge and its practical application. Some of these courses serve as an introduction to functional areas of organisation so that you may appreciate how marketing, finance, accounting, operations and other issues interact to determine organisational effectiveness. Other courses challenge the students to think and act strategically.

The weekend courses consist of classes held all day Friday and Saturday at the Terry Executive Education Center in Buckhead. A typical module includes two courses delivered over a period of nine weeks involving three weekend sessions.
The Terry CollegeҀs Executive MBA with Online Learning focuses on the following aspects of the leadership development: Self-awareness and Personal Leadership, Vision, Execution, Adaptability, Social Influence, Developing Others and Business Acumen.

The Internet-based tools provide a structure for independent learning, while at the same time facilitate interaction among participants and the faculty members. The Online Learning activities include electronic presentations, threaded group discussions and synchronous help sessions.

The final module in the Terry Executive MBA with Online Learning Program is a capstone event. MBA students get to experience international residency during which MBA students get to visit several countries to gain perspective how business processes are influenced by various factors. During the trip, students will also be exposed to interesting blend of lectures, guest speakers, site visits, and other cultural excursions.

Curriculum of the Terry College Executive MBA with Online Learning

The followings are the curriculum of the Terry College Executive MBA with Online Learning:

Skills and Perspectives for Effective Leadership

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA focuses on the development of fundamental leadership skills, such as self-awareness, strategic thinking, creating a motivating environment, empowerment and delegation, managing change, and team processing. Students get to evaluate their current leadership style and potential, and based on one-on-one interaction with a personal leadership coach, they will develop an individualised action plan for improving their own leadership capability.

Economic Analysis for Business Leaders

In this course, the Terry College Executive MBA introduces the basic tools of microeconomics and macroeconomics to analyze management decisions and competitive strategies of firms in a market economy. These include the microeconomic concepts of supply and demand, production, cost, and market structure. The concepts from microeconomics are combined with macroeconomic issues related to fiscal and monetary policy to form a solid understanding of the relationship between the structure and performance of the business firm and the economic environment is which it operates.

Analytical Tools for Decision Making

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA enhances the analytical skills of business managers who must make decisions based on quantitative data, in particular in environments characterized by significant uncertainty. The topics of the course include sampling, estimation and inference, regression, simulation, decision analysis and constrained optimisation.

Financial Accounting and Reporting

Every good MBA course should have a course in financial accounting and reporting. This course addresses the basic concepts that underlie the preparation and use of accounting information utilized in the preparation of financial statements for shareholders and other external users. Topics of study include concepts of accounting (such as cash vs.. accrual), the format and content of financial statements, and interpretation of corporate annual reports.

Managerial Finance

This is another important course in MBA. This course from the Terry College Executive MBA considers the responsibilities, concerns, and methods of analysis employed by corporate financial managers, and the role of financial markets and institutions in the modern economy. Topics of study include capital structure, dividend policy, asset evaluation, capital budgeting, risk analysis, and portfolio theory.

Marketing Management

This course of the Terry College Executive MBA explores the foundation of strategic and tactical decision-making in marketing through intelligence gathering, environmental analysis, positioning of market offerings, and market segmentation. Topics of study include marketing management thinking, analyzing customers and competition, positioning strategy, product development, relationship logistics, and integrated marketing communications.

Operations Management

This course of the Terry College Executive MBA examines how operational processes can be designed and managed to ensure that goods are produced and services delivered in a timely manner with the cost and quality characteristics required by customers. Emphasis is place on effective decision-making to determine how people, facilities, inventories, and information can be managed to create and maintain competitive advantage for the firm. Topics of study include process analysis, operations planning and control, total quality management, and operations strategy.

Enterprise Risk Management

In this course, the impact of the cultural, economic, regulatory, and organizational environment in which a business operates on enterprise risk are investigated. The emphasis of the course is on appreciating the various sources of risk and how they interact to form an overall risk profile of the firm. This holistic view recognizes the importance of risk, regardless of its source, in affecting a firm's ability to achieve its strategic objectives.

Internet Technology and Strategy

In this course in the Terry College Executive MBA, the strategic use of Internet technology to support organizational goals and increase organizational performance is explored. The course provides an executive's guide to Internet technology and network computing, as well as models for identifying strategic opportunities.

Advanced Leadership Skills

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA focuses on processes for negotiating and resolving practical and ethical conflicts encountered in business environments. A key objective is to allow participants to interact with their personal leadership coach in reviewing progress towards leadership goals, and to revise individual action plans accordingly.

Financial Analysis and Cost Management

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA applies basic principles of finance to a broad array of management activities. Topics of study include financial forecasting with an emphasis on cash flows and financial needs, valuation of ongoing operations, evaluation of production alternatives, cost accounting systems, and advanced capital budgeting.

Strategic Management

Elements of traditional corporate strategy with principles of large-scale organizational change to produce an overview of strategic management as an organic process for adapting the firm to its changing environment are combined in this course. Topics of study include practical issues related to mental frameworks and human behavior, environmental and competitor analysis, and change implementation.

Legal and Regulatory Issues

An enhanced level of awareness of many legal issues that directly impact the way that leaders conduct business is created in this Executive MBA course. The course is designed to develop an understanding of legal and regulatory topics to gain an appreciation for the role of effective business/government relationships. Topics of study include legal institutions, contracts, public law, employees, and international law.

Marketing Strategy and Decision Making

This course of the Terry College Executive MBA focuses on the integration of marketing concepts and their application to strategic decision making. Topics of study include marketing in the knowledge economy, developing a market-focused organization, understanding customers and competitors, relationship management, and the impact of organizational variables on customer satisfaction.

Service Operations Management

Best practices in the service sector by analyzing leading-edge firms and the strategies they employ to create and maintain competitive advantage are explored in this Terry College Executive MBA course. Emphasis is placed on the close coordination of marketing and operations in the design and implementation of service delivery processes. Topics of study include the importance of developing both human and technical skills among employees who represent the most critical point of contact between the service organization and its customers, and the role of technology in changing the nature of the service delivered and/or the way in which the service is delivered.

Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation

This course from the Terry College Executive MBA examines the new venture process, from idea generation to startup to harvest. Emphasis is placed on the generation of a complete business plan for a new product or service.

International Residency

The objective of this course is to expose students to the business challenges and opportunities in selected countries. The program incorporates economic, political, social, cultural, and organization issues through a mix of lectures, guest speakers, site visits, and cultural excursions.

Acceptance Requirements and Criteria for the Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

The following describes the Terry College of Business Executive MBAҀs acceptance requirements and criteria.

Students who gained from the MBA are those who have demonstrated significant leadership capability and those who show the potential for further development. Students are expected to actively participate in highly engaging and interactive educational experience.

The admission to the Terry College of Business Executive MBA program is highly selective. A bachelorҀs degree in any discipline from an accredited institution of higher learning is required. Students are expected to have a minimum o five years of relevant, full-time work experience. In addition, the following factors are also considered:

Հ Do you have the perspective, the intellectual capacity, and the drive and discipline to successfully complete all program requirements?
Հ Will the program content add significant value, given your current position in the organization and your potential for future growth?
Հ Will your experience and expertise add to the educational experience of other participants in the program, and are you motivated to share these strengths with others?
Applicants that meet specific criteria established by the UGA Graduate School may have their GMAT requirements waived.

Students Profile of Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

In general, students of the Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business has 12 to 15 years of relevant work experience and have previous managerial or leadership experience. A minimum of five years of related working experience is required for admission into the program.
The typical age of students is 37, with 20% of them consisting of female students. The average years of work experience is 14.5 years with 6 years in management.

Many of the students are already in managerial positions when they enroll or are promoted to the following position while studying for the Executive MBA course:
Հ Vice President and Treasurer, Saks, Inc.
Հ Director of Customer Management, Fannie Mae
Հ Internal Audit Manager, Home Depot
Հ President, MAB Inc.
Հ Vice President of Compensation, SunTrust Bank
Հ National Sales Manager, RTS Packaging
Հ Vice President of Treasury and Risk Management, Rock-Tenn Co.
Հ Director of Sales and Finance, Acuity Brands
Հ Worldwide Operations Manager, Eaton Corporation
Հ Principle Consultant, S1 Corporation
Հ Director, Cushman & Wakefield
Հ Regional Account Director, The Integer Group
Հ Sr. Oncology Medical Scientist and Clinical Area Manager, GlaxoSmithKline
Հ Senior Safety Engineer, Merck & Co., Inc.
Հ Program Manager, Trammell Crow Company
Հ Business Solutions Consultant, Equifax
Հ President & COO, Independent Living Aids
Հ Plant Manager, NIBCO Inc.
Հ Director, AT&T Business Services
Հ Surveillance Manager, AIG Advisor Group
Հ Vice President of Sales, The Evercare Company
Հ Senior Account Manager, The Gillette Company
Հ Partner, Accenture
Հ Division Sales Manager, John Deere Company
Հ Practice Manager, Solution Builders, Inc.
Հ Vice President, Morgan Stanley
Հ Human Resources Manager, Avon Products, Inc.

Program Tuition and Fees of the Executive MBA with Online Learning at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia

The tuition fees paid cover for all costs of course materials, textbooks, hotel accommodations and parking. This also includes the round-trip airfare and hotel accommodations for international residency. Tuition fees total $65,000 and spread across five terms. There are also other fees such as nonrefundable deposits and application fees.

Scholarship, students loans and financial aid are available to deserving students.

If you are looking for an Online MBA Course that combines traditional classroom learning with online learning, then you should consider the Executive MBA at Terry College of Business, University of Georgia.

Free K-12 Online Schools

If you are looking for a free online homeschool program, you might want to try K12. They offer a couple options, online school and textbook school. This is a good alternative to private homeschooling because many parents don't have the time or desire to put together a course of study for their kids.

Parents know that they want their children to be home schooled and K12 does the hard work for them. I would suggest contacting them and exploring their website to see if it will be a good fit for your student and for your family.

K-12 offers free online homeschooling for the following states:

Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, District of Columbia, Chicago (IL), Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, New jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania , South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming

Check their website for more information

Online MBA at Open University OU

When it comes to Online MBA or Distance Learning MBA, Open University has one of the biggest students intake per year. Perhaps, this large intake is already a good indication of the quality of the Online MBA offered by the university. This article is a review of the online MBA program at the Open University.

Generally, Open University offers their certified MBA programs the traditional classroom ways. However, MBA students who wished to pursue for a certified MBA using online classes may do so through their online tuition courses.

In addition to the general MBA degree, Open University also offers specialisation for two disciplines ր the MBA (Technology Management) and the MBA (Life Sciences).

About Open University

Open University started providing business education in 1983 and had already helped over 17,000 managers fulfill their career goals. The Online MBA offered by Open University has a strong international focus and emphasis on strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills and independent judgement, and is specifically designed for practising middle and senior-level managers.

The OU Business School is accredited internationally by the European Foundation for Management Development, through its EQUIS programme; by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); and the MBA is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). The School is one of only 21 business schools worldwide to have achieved all three accreditations.


Why Study for Online MBA at Open University?

Open University listed as follows, the factors that set their online MBA course different from other institution:
Հ Open UniversityҀs MBAs are independently accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA).
Հ Employers respect the Open UniversityҀs MBAs. ThatҀs why 40 per cent of their MBA students receive financial support from their organisation
Հ Their MBAs are open to all, irrespective of academic or career background
Հ Their MBA (standard version) is available for study globally
Հ Their tutors are mainly practising business professionals
Հ Open University take education to the heart of management. YouҀll put into practice what you learn right away, reinforcing your learning as it develops
Հ They extend your international perspective as you exchange ideas and practice with managers worldwide
Հ They offer a wide choice of electives as well as sector-specific MBAs
Հ They provide excellent networking opportunities through the biggest MBA alumni network in the world.

Combine the above factors with competitive cost, flexible study arrangements such as the Online MBA, high level of support and first-class MBA materials, the Online MBA offered by Open University is a very prestigious and of high quality.

The General Online MBA

This certified MBA course that is internationally recognised is designed for practising managers who aspires to higher positions. The emphasis of the MBA is on strategic analysis, interdisciplinary skills, intellectual stimulations and independent judgement. Students will learn the knowledge to analyse, synthesize and evaluate a wide range of situations.

Among the situations considered include the economic, environmental, social and technological change issues, corporate governance, markets and customers, managing resources and operations, financing organisations, management and development of people, developing information technologies for application in business and management within a global knowledge-based economy, and development of appropriate business policies and strategies within a changing context to meet stakeholder interests.


Curriculum of the Online MBA (General) at Open University


The General Online MBA program consists of two stages of study. At stage one of the online MBA, students build a sound foundation in the functional aspect of management. There are two programs offered during stage one of the study ր Professional Diploma in Management or the Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration. Stage two of the study consists of two core courses and two electives.

Timescales to Complete the General Online MBA Course

By overlapping the study of some courses, the General Online MBA Course at the Open University may be completed in either 2.5, 3 or 3.5 years.

Stage One Courses (to choose one)

The followings are the MBA courses for Stage One of the Online MBA Course
Fundamentals of senior management
Management performance and change

Stage Two Courses
The followings are the core courses for Stage Two of the General MBA offered by Open University:
Strategy
Making a difference

The followings are the electives for Stage Two of the study, and students are to choose any two:
Business operations: delivering value
Capacities for managing development
Creativity, innovation and change
Financial strategy
Leading and managing for effective education
Managing human resources
Marketing in a complex world
Managing knowledge
Supply chain innovation, strategy and management
Technology management: an integrative approach

Note that the above courses are not offered online at the moment.


Online MBA Course Fees at Open University

The course fees are dependent of the subjects taken. This is a sample course fees for the Online MBA at Open University:

Stage 1 - 　3540 per course
Stage 2 core courses - 　2850 per course
Stage 2 electives ր varies from 　945 to 　2360 per course

Entry Requirements for Online MBA at Open University

MBA potential students are expected to have a number of working experience to be enrolled in Open University MBA course.

The Online MBA (Technology Management) at Open University

This specialist online MBA is designed to develop leaders in facing up to the challenge of management of techonological change. It is designed to develop people who can lead technological and organisational change in a rapidly moving business environment, and who understand how to manage new and changing technologies to achieve excellence.

This Online MBA programme's development was supported by the European Union's COMETT programme, and it provides throughout a European perspective on the management of technology. The OU Business School is accredited internationally by the European Foundation for Management Development, through its EQUIS programme; and by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB); and the MBA (Technology Management) is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA).


Curriculum of the Online MBA (Technological Management) at the Open University

Stage 1 courses ր similar to the general MBA course

Stage 2 core courses ր the followings are the courses offered:
Technological management: an integrative approach
Technology strategy
Making a difference

Stage 2 elective courses ր the following courses are offered:

Creativity, innovation and change
Financial strategy
Managing human resources
Marketing in a complex world
Managing knowledge
Strategy
Integrated safety, health and environmental management
Systems engineering
Enterprise and the environment
Supply chain innovation, strategy and management
Business operations: delivering value
Problem solving and improvement: quality and other approaches


Online MBA (Life Sciences) at the Open University

A leading edge MBA qualification designed for the Life Sciences and Health universe, from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology industries through to the broad environment of healthcare provision. It is directed towards strategic decision-makers and those who have the potential to move into strategic positions and, crucially, those who want to equip themselves to influence future directions in these areas. It will consider such strategic issues as research and funding priorities, patient life style changes, optimal resource utilisation and risk management.

Specifically, the programme is intended to contribute to the professional education of potential future leaders and managers working in the broad universe of patient care by equipping them with:
Հ organisational and environmental analytical skills
Հ strategic thinking capabilities
Հ an ability to facilitate creative and innovative approaches
Հ an ability to manage knowledge in the most effective way
Հ skills critically to evaluate future strategic opportunities
Հ skills to deal with emergent challenges facing the environment.



Curriculum of the Online MBA (Life Sciences) at the Open University
Stage 1 courses ր similar to the general MBA course

Stage 2 core courses ր the followings are the courses offered:

Strategy
Strategic Management in life sciences and healthcare
Making a difference

As there are no electives, all MBA students studying for the Online MBA (Life Sciences) has to take all three core subjects in Stage 2 of their study.

The Online MBA at Open University is accredited by AMBA, AACSB and EQUIS.

Connections Academy- Grades K-12 Absolutely Free Homeschool Program

Connections Academy's Free Online Program is not in as many states as K-12 but they offer a similar program. It is free aside from special activities and field trips. They offer online classes and textbook study.

Connections Academy 

operates in the following States:

Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Texas, Idaho, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Wyoming

Each Connections Academy school offers different grade levels and each have different eligibility requirements. In Addition, each state has different policies for providing a computer and internet reimbursement.

Fee-Based Programs
Connections Academy does have a private school program available in all 50 states for all grades. Tuition is about $5,000 a school year depending on what courses the student would need.

Online MBA at Northeastern University

This article is a review of the Online MBA at Northeastern University. The Northeastern University has been offering certified MBA for decades and is accredited by the AACSB. Northeastern University prides itself as one of the university that produces graduates who are highly employable.

About Northeastern University

Northeastern University was founded in 1898, and is a private research university located in the heart of Boston. It is a leader in interdisciplinary research, urban engagement and the integration of classroom learning with real-world experience. They offer undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees all the way to doctorate in six undergraduate college, eight graduate schools and two part-time divisions.

The Northeastern University College of Business Administration was established in 1922 with the aim of offering undergraduate, graduate and executive programs that have accelerate successful business career for their graduates. Graduates of Northeastern University enjoy successful careers as leaders of multinational corporations, researchers, leaders of national politics, editors of major national newspapers and as faculty members at universities across United States.

Online MBA Program Overview at Northeastern University

The aim of the Online MBA at Northeastern University is to refine the essential talents to increase studentsҀ competence and confidence. The followings are the area of expertise that students could develop by pursuing a certified MBA with Northeastern University:


In-depth understanding of business enterprise

Northeastern UniversityҀs unique 17-course program provides a solid foundation in all areas of business enterprise, from the fundamentals of operations, finance, and marketing to strategic planning. Throughout the Online MBA program, students will enhance their understanding of how the corporation functions in the contemporary global economy.

Comprehensive insight into the global marketplace

Northeastern University has globalization and enterprise growth as the two pillars of the Northeastern MBA. Students develop understanding of both areas through case studies and the insights of faculty with real-world experience.

Focused knowledge in your area of interest

MBA students at Northeastern University have the opportunity to deepen their knowledge by selecting a specialization that focuses on their area of interest. The MBA specialization of the Northeastern University includes area of Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, International Management, Innovation Entrepreneurship, High Technology Management or Healthcare. Each of these specialization consists of five elective courses.

The Online MBA Program Structure at Northeastern University

The Northeastern UniversityҀs Online MBA was specifically designed and structured for working professionals. They are eight commencement dates available in the year, which offers plenty of flexibility to suit working professionals.

MBA students are expected to spend 15 to 20 hours a week studying. They are 17 courses in the Online MBA program for a total of 50 credits. Each course lasts between three and seven weeks. These 17 courses are divided into two segments -- core courses and electives:

Core ׀ 12 courses
The core courses provides MBA students with a comprehensive range of business concepts and knowledge that will empower students with a strong business and management foundation. The 12 core courses are structured to allow students to build on their knowledge as they progress through the Online MBA program.

Electives ׀ 5 courses
The elective component enables students to customize their MBA by selecting a specialization in Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, International Management, Innovation Entrepreneurship, High Technology Management, or Healthcare.

The followings are detailed description of the 12 core courses of the Online MBA at Northeastern University:

Creating and Sustaining Customer Markets
MKT 200 - 3 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA focuses on marketing analysis and planning. The course emphasizes analysis of customer needs and company and competitor capabilities, which forms the basis of a sound marketing strategy that provides value to customers in a way superior to competitors. This core courses of the Online MBA discusses how to deliver this strategy through the development of an integrated marketing program covering product offerings, pricing, promotion, and distribution.

Global Competition and Market Dominance
MEC 200 - 3 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA trains managers to understand the competitive implications of global economic policies, the business effects of technological change, and the commercial imperatives of alternative political systems at a macro level. At a micro level, this core courses of the Online MBA creates a framework for industry analysis in a global setting that combines economic analysis, competitive analysis, and business decision-making skills.

Organizations in the New Economy
HRM 200 - 3 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA examines today's evolving environment, in which effective utilization of human resources is a source of competitive advantage. To maximize the contribution of organizational members, managers must be able to understand, diagnose, and influence workplace behavior in the context of change. Topics for this core course of the Online MBA include management of cross-functional teams and boundary-less organizations. The emphasis is on the role of corporate culture and distributed leadership.

Ethics and the Marketplace
MGT 213 - 2 Credits
This core course of the Online MBA focuses on the roles and responsibilities of businesses and business managers in society. The course examines both current and historical legal, social, ethical, cultural, technological, and economic forces that affect businesses and the various policies, strategies, and tactics that businesses utilize to respond to these forces. The emphasis of this Online MBA core course is on what managers and corporations do, or should do, as they face many complex issues including legal and ethical decisions in the workplace and the marketplace, dealing with and shaping government regulations and public opinion, effectively responding to particular environmental and technological challenges, and the pressures of special interest groups.


Financial Reporting and Managerial Decision Making
ACC 200 - 4.5 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on the acquisition, measurement, and management of firm resources. Business managers make strategic decisions about the acquisition and use of a variety of firm resources. The course enables students to understand and utilize critical information in corporate financial reports to improve business decision making. This Online MBA core course also offers students the opportunity to learn contemporary methods of financial reporting and analysis used by internal decision makers and external capital providers.


Value Creation through Financial Decision Making
FIN 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course develops tools for and techniques of financial analysis and valuation to support financial decision making. Future managers are presented with actual business problems to learn to apply the tools of financial analysis to strategic decisions faced by the firm, such as capital budgeting, capital structure, use of derivatives, and currency exposure management. This Online MBA core course also highlights the role of financial management as a source of value creation in a competitive environment characterized by rapid technological, personal, and market changes.

Management of Service and Manufacturing Operations
MSC 206 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on decision making by an operations manager. The operations manager's major job function is to provide quality products and services desired by customers, on time and at a competitive cost. This course helps the operations manager to perform this function in both the manufacturing and service sectors of the economy. The course also explores operations management concepts, techniques, and models. These include the optimum allocation and efficient utilization of manpower, materials, equipment, and technology at strategic and tactical levels in the organization. Topics of this Online MBA core course include process analysis, capacity planning, materials management, resource allocation, quality management, and scheduling.

Managing Information Resources
MSC 204 - 1.5 Credits
Information has become a key resource in doing business. Managers must understand that high-quality information adds value to existing products and services, enhances the creation of new products, changes the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes, and affects relationships with customers, suppliers, and competitors. This Online MBA core course focuses on issues of the strategic uses of information technology for competitive advantage, support of business processes, information and control, digital business, integration of business with technology, organizational communication, and data management.

Information Analysis
MSC 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course provides students with basic information analysis skills and tools needed to manage effectively in today's information-intensive business climate. The course exposes students to analytical problems from different areas of business and the quantitative concepts and techniques that can analyze them. Course objectives are to improve the information analysis skills of the students, to provide students with a working knowledge of important statistical tools, to help students become more critical evaluators of studies and reports involving statistical and quantitative methods, and to improve skills in communicating the results of analyses. This Online MBA core course offers students the opportunity to learn how to evaluate, analyze, and interpret data, and present findings and conclusions that will be most useful for managerial decision making through the use of business applications and analytical software.

Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise Growth
ENT 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course explores the challenges and processes for harnessing technological innovation for new-business development. The course integrates technology strategy, innovation in marketing, product development, and organization design for the purpose of enterprise growth. Through readings, cases, and exercises, studies how firms from different industries gain competitive advantage through distinctive products and services, and leverage their technologies and skills into emerging markets. The course also focuses on processes for conceiving, financing, and organizing new ventures.

Managing the Global Enterprise
INB 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on the international business environment, and examines the influence on global decision making of such areas as the international economy and trade issues, legal and political context differences, governmental actions, cultural and ethical system differences, exchange rates and international currency markets, international institutions like the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund, and regional agreements like the European Union, NAFTA, and Mercosur. The course also analyzes why firms internationalize their operations, how they can internationalize, and key areas such as international manufacturing, marketing, human resource management, and strategy.

Strategic Decision Making in a Changing Environment
MGT 200 - 3 Credits
This Online MBA core course focuses on strategy development and implementation for a line of business and for the corporation as a whole by adopting a top management perspective. Beginning with developing a mission statement and goals for the firm, focuses on environmental scanning, incorporating economic, technological, sociopolitical,and legal trends in conducting industry analysis, thus assessing opportunities and threats and the firm's capabilities before formulating strategy that represents a fit between the environment and the firm. This Online MBA core course also discusses how to develop competitive advantage and assess competitive positioning, and studies how organizational structure and systems contribute to implementing strategy. It stresses the role of leadership and motivation before moving on to feedback mechanisms to assess success in strategy implementation, leading to revision of strategic plans as needed.


Elective Specializations

Students who wish to pursue specialization on their area of interest may do so by pursuing electives. The selection of the electives for an Online MBA course at Northeastern University was carried out based on careful consideration of the most important issues facing businesses today. The Northeastern University requires that students complete at least five electives to qualify for a general MBA degree. To complete a specialized MBA, three of the five electives must be from a single area of specialization.

Students may specialize in the following areas: Finance, Marketing, Operations and Supply Chain Management, International Management, Innovation Entrepreneurship, High Technology Management, or Healthcare.

The followings describe the electives offered under each of the specialization.

Online MBA (Finance)

Financial Strategy; International Financial Management; Business Turnarounds; Mergers and Acquisitions; Advanced Topics in Finance: Venture Capital, Risk Management, and Insurance; Analyzing Financial Statements; Investment Analysis; Real Estate Financ and Investment; Portfolio Management; Financial Risk Management.

Online MBA (Marketing)
Marketing Metrics; International Marketing; Consumer Behavior; Electronic Marketing; Marketing in the Service Sector; Market-Focused Strategy; New Product Development; Brand and Advertising Management; Business-to-Business and Strategic Sales.

Online MBA (Operations and Supply Chain Management)
Supply Chain Management; The Transportation Industries; Global Supply Chain Management; Executive Roundtable in Supply Chain Management.

Online MBA (International Management)
Managing the Multinational Enterprise; Cultural Aspects of International Business; Advanced Topics in Global Management and Strategy; International Financial Management; International Marketing; Leading Global Organizations; Information Systems for the Global Enterprise; Global Supply Chain Management.

Online MBA (Innovation Entrepreneurship)
Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Enterprise Growth; Management of Small Business Enterprises; New Venture Creation; Advanced Topics in Entrepreneurship.

Online MBA (High Technology Management)
New Product Development; Knowledge Management; Strategy in a Digital Business Economy; Electronic Marketing.

Online MBA (Healthcare)
Healthcare Management; Healthcare Leadership; Healthcare Informatics; Biotechnology.


Accreditation

Northeastern University is accredited by AACSB International. This is the highest standard of accreditation for any business school worldwide.


Career Prospects of the Northeastern MBA Graduate

According to The Princeton ReviewҀs annual college guide, ӀThe Best 368 CollegesԀ, Northeastern University is the nationҀs no. 1 institution in career and job placement. This may also translate to high salary for the Northeastern MBA graduate.

Northeastern University has relationship with more than 2,500 national and international companies, with many of these offering co-operation as a way to identify and attract the kinds of employees they need to succeed in the future.

The Business Week also placed the Northeastern UniversityҀs College of Business Administration at the top of the list in the category of internship. The followings are what one of the students had to say about her experience with Northeastern University:


Devon Gardner, a middler in the Bachelor of Science and International Business (BSIB) program, recently completed her first co-op with TJX Companies, Inc. as an allocation analyst in the planning and allocationҀs department for Home Goods. Gardner created and executed shipping strategies, decided how much product to send out to various vendors and analyzed sales trends to maximize business opportunities.

Though graduation is nearly two years away, Gardner has already been offered a full-time job by TJX. She said NortheasternҀs experiential learning model has helped her succeed in both the classroom and in the workplace.

ӀMy job at TJX revolved around time management,Ԁ she said. ӀIt taught me how to maximize my time to get everything accomplished, work more effectively in groups and helped me to become more organized.Ԁ

Gardner, who plans to travel to Spain for her second co-op, also commented on NortheasternҀs reputation with employers for providing real-world experience while still in school and said her co-op advisors thoroughly prepared her for the job interview process as well as provided techniques on how to keep in touch with previous employers.
ӀEverybody knows Northeastern for getting their students positions in their fields of study,Ԁ she said. ӀHaving work experience is the way to get me ahead of other students in the future.Ԁ

With an AACSBҀs accreditation and excellent record of high employability, the Online MBA at Northeastern University is an excellent choice.