So, talk to me about higher education (Open University)
Discussion
Up until now, my company has supported me in every aspect possible, offering training courses and qualifications in numerous roles (Sales, SQL, Roboform, Crystal, SQL2008, VB, C##) which is great for the CV, but I'm looking for something more serious which relates to a recent promotion into Project Management.
I'm looking to get a part-funded (or fully funded) degree (not sure what type) in Business/Project Management. University is something up until now, I've never really looked into.
So, what's the best method? Open University? As well as this, can anyone offer suggestions on a good course? The Open University website bombards you with a million courses!
Edit - Open University is not the only option, I'd just rather not study full-time
I'm looking to get a part-funded (or fully funded) degree (not sure what type) in Business/Project Management. University is something up until now, I've never really looked into.
So, what's the best method? Open University? As well as this, can anyone offer suggestions on a good course? The Open University website bombards you with a million courses!
Edit - Open University is not the only option, I'd just rather not study full-time
Edited by JDMFanYo on Friday 26th February 12:54
I think you may have an image of an MBA that is far higher than the reality. If you have common sense, can read and write and do maths, and you're willing to work hard for a few years I don't see why it's not possible. I should think th OU do one - they may even do some seperate, related modules or lead-in courses. But that's up to you.
I agree that sn MBA may not be as daunting as you think it is. How many years of experience do you have in the roles you have done. If you've got maybe 7-8 years experience and you're reasonably intelligent you should be fine even if you haven't done an undergraduate degree.
It may be better to look at if any of the universities near where you live do a part time MBA (Some of the higher ranked universities may insist on an undergraduate degree but most won't if you've got some experience). It's often better to meet other students and learn from them and often you can choose how many years to do it over (2 or 3 is typical). There's also a difference between a degree and a training course - a degree teaches you the underlying concepts of why businesses work the way they do. You are expected to work out yourself from this what you need to do day to day to be a more successful project manager.
It may be better to look at if any of the universities near where you live do a part time MBA (Some of the higher ranked universities may insist on an undergraduate degree but most won't if you've got some experience). It's often better to meet other students and learn from them and often you can choose how many years to do it over (2 or 3 is typical). There's also a difference between a degree and a training course - a degree teaches you the underlying concepts of why businesses work the way they do. You are expected to work out yourself from this what you need to do day to day to be a more successful project manager.
Depends what you want to achieve. I had the choice between a MBA or an MSc, because I was an IT Programme Manager, and already had a Diploma in Management I went for the MSc in Business Information Tech. I did mine part time at a Uni that specialised in Business Degs. When considering the MBA, it became apparent that there were MBA's and MBAs's that were recognised by the Assoc of MBA's, which were more highly accepted in the work place. Of course, those were a lot more expensive, and only offered by red brick uni's.
The OU is a good way to get a degree, but seems to take a lot of time and you do miss out on the ability to work with others on your course.
Without upsetting anyone, when recruting, I would always rate a degree from a uni over an OU degree.
The OU is a good way to get a degree, but seems to take a lot of time and you do miss out on the ability to work with others on your course.
Without upsetting anyone, when recruting, I would always rate a degree from a uni over an OU degree.
Emeye said:
Why not go for a PM qualification such as Prince2?
I did this on the advice of my boss. It's a worthwhile qualification to have on your CV but it doesn't really teach you about project management. There is nothing wrong with Prince as a methodology but you don't learn to drive by reading the owners handbook for a Rolls Royce.The OU used to do a project management course which used Prince2 as an example. If they still do it it may be worth investigating. It cost about the same as a Prince2 course and would be far more useful, it also counted towards an MSC.
Incidentally there is nothing wrong with the OU MBA, it's fully accredited.
I'd go for the MBA over a specialist MSc in something like project management. A specialist MSc will teach you how to do your current job better, but will be of little use once you've moved beyoned this. An MBA will teach you the fundamentals which will be of less immediate use but better in the long term.
Does your industry value qualifications in themselves - in most places I've worked (but not the case everywhere) we don't really look at what academic qualifications senior IT people have and make any decisions about them based on whether or not they can do their job. If this is the case for you, then you need to look at the syllabus and work out how it will make you do your job better.
Does your industry value qualifications in themselves - in most places I've worked (but not the case everywhere) we don't really look at what academic qualifications senior IT people have and make any decisions about them based on whether or not they can do their job. If this is the case for you, then you need to look at the syllabus and work out how it will make you do your job better.
Prince 2 is a good qualification to have, but you can get practioner level in a week, so it doesn't really stack up against a MSc or MBA. There is nothing wrong with the OU MBA as a qualification, but if your looking for high end jobs with top tier consultancies, you need an MBA that is from one of the top Business Uni's, no matter what anyone else says.
I would still say, a good MSc is better than an MBA that is not from a top tier Uni. A lot of Uni's saw MBA's as money spinners, so they all started doing them, so be careful on the content and find out how they are actually viewed.
If you work for a Consultancy, a higher qualification does count, as when you are billed out, customers review CV's and look for proof of what they are buying. I know several of the top consultancies, where you won't even get an interview uless you have a good degree. Also in the public sector such as the NHS, senior management have to be degree qualifited. There will be exceptions I guess, but generally that is how it is.
I would still say, a good MSc is better than an MBA that is not from a top tier Uni. A lot of Uni's saw MBA's as money spinners, so they all started doing them, so be careful on the content and find out how they are actually viewed.
If you work for a Consultancy, a higher qualification does count, as when you are billed out, customers review CV's and look for proof of what they are buying. I know several of the top consultancies, where you won't even get an interview uless you have a good degree. Also in the public sector such as the NHS, senior management have to be degree qualifited. There will be exceptions I guess, but generally that is how it is.
I'm just finishing my final (second) year of a Foundation Degree in Business (Management) and will be continuing on in September to do another two years to get my BA(Hons) Business, in a follow-on course specifically designed for FdA students.
I'd second what others are saying about getting a wider base of knowledge, which a Business degree offers. However, it depends on what you're looking for. If you intend to stay in your current business, then go for the focused courses and excel.
I felt the FdA was a little simple in the first year (despite claims that it's all "degree level", I didn't do uni when everyone else did, so wouldn't like to say), but covers a number of subjects (economics, finance, managing people, marketing etc) so gives you a good grounding. Second year is a little more demanding but, judging by some of the window lickers on my course, you can get through without too much effort, providing you're switched on and can grasp the business concepts. Much of the subjects are the same or similar, but with more depth and analysis.
I'm studying part time, one full day a week with assignments set into what would normally be the summer holidays, which actually keeps us up with the full timers (who study, a no-doubt mentally draining, two days a week!). IIRC We're usually set one assignment (2.5-3k words) and one exam per module, with 3 modules per semester. I try to get the assignments done on a Saturday (at work) so they don't eat into my valuable evening TV watching schedule
I feel I'm getting value from the course and would recommend the FdA over the OU equivalent. Personally, I find that I need deadlines and a bit of structure to ensure I get work done. I generally enjoy the lectures and in-class discussions. If it was all self study I'd find excuses not to do it, but then I'm a minimum effort type!
Finally, with the broad subject coverage of the FdA one can apparently apply for additional proffesional qualifications based purely on the completion of the course.
I've rambled on quite enough.
I'd second what others are saying about getting a wider base of knowledge, which a Business degree offers. However, it depends on what you're looking for. If you intend to stay in your current business, then go for the focused courses and excel.
I felt the FdA was a little simple in the first year (despite claims that it's all "degree level", I didn't do uni when everyone else did, so wouldn't like to say), but covers a number of subjects (economics, finance, managing people, marketing etc) so gives you a good grounding. Second year is a little more demanding but, judging by some of the window lickers on my course, you can get through without too much effort, providing you're switched on and can grasp the business concepts. Much of the subjects are the same or similar, but with more depth and analysis.
I'm studying part time, one full day a week with assignments set into what would normally be the summer holidays, which actually keeps us up with the full timers (who study, a no-doubt mentally draining, two days a week!). IIRC We're usually set one assignment (2.5-3k words) and one exam per module, with 3 modules per semester. I try to get the assignments done on a Saturday (at work) so they don't eat into my valuable evening TV watching schedule
I feel I'm getting value from the course and would recommend the FdA over the OU equivalent. Personally, I find that I need deadlines and a bit of structure to ensure I get work done. I generally enjoy the lectures and in-class discussions. If it was all self study I'd find excuses not to do it, but then I'm a minimum effort type!
Finally, with the broad subject coverage of the FdA one can apparently apply for additional proffesional qualifications based purely on the completion of the course.
I've rambled on quite enough.
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