Guide to Pursuing a Part-time MBA in Zambia

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Master of Business Administration or MBA focuses on creating leaders who have the management and analytical skills to lead business organizations. Graduates of any undergraduate degree program can join an MBA course.

The course duration can be up to 2 years. There are different specializations in MBA like finance, E-commerce, human resources, and public administration. Candidates can also choose from general management, marketing, banking, insurance management, or accounting. The right choice depends on career objectives, existing jobs, and aptitude.

The Purpose of an MBA Program

The purpose of doing an MBA is to acquire knowledge for running an administration efficiently. Employers will also insist on an MBA degree to take over bigger roles in the organization. 

Working professionals can, therefore, upgrade their skills and qualifications by taking up a part-time MBA program and completing it at their pace. Here is an example of part-time MBA course content.

First Year Syllabus:

Principles of Management & Organizational Behavior

You will learn about managers and what they do. Topics will include leadership, entrepreneurship, and strategizing.

Managerial Economics

You will gain experience solving business problems and making decisions. It includes the application of theories to elicit practical results. 

Business Accounting and Finance

You will learn the principles of accounting, recording cash transactions, and financial information processing. 

Marketing Principles

You will be introduced to products, pricing, promotion, displaying, people and consumers. 

Strategic Management

You will learn to achieve targets, sustain advantages, design products, and promote products methodically.

Business Research and Statistics

You will be introduced to definitions, statistics, research types, research advantages, and importance. 

Second Year Syllabus: 

You will choose four elective subjects based on your interest level. Students will do projects, publish research work and do a dissertation. 

Why Study MBA?

The job opportunities for MBA graduates are many in Zambia and other parts of the world. Students, after completing MBA, start their career as a manager. Sought-after positions are available in finance, marketing, and business consultancy and analysis. There are also vast opportunities for getting high-level certification in several disciplines.

Soon-to-be students must understand that a part-time MBA is at par with a full-time MBA. The core learning principles and curriculum are the same. There is no discrimination at all in employee preference. Employers prefer a part-time MBA degree because they come with practical knowledge.

Doing a Part-time MBA Degree Vs Full-time MBA Degree

MBA programs are offered by colleges, business schools, and universities worldwide, including Zambia. If you don’t have a job already, you may join a full-time program. If employed, you can pursue the degree by joining a part-time MBA program. The advantage of a part-time MBA is that you can keep your present job and still move up the career path.

Soon-to-be students must understand that a part-time MBA is at par with a full-time MBA. The core learning principles and curriculum are the same. There is no discrimination at all in employee preference. Employers prefer a part-time MBA degree because they come with practical knowledge.

Here are the significant advantages of doing a part-time Master of Business Administration program. 

Get work experience:

Experience is an important asset that you can showcase after completing your MBA. You can take advantage of experience when you apply for a job. When you get an MBA, your existing employer might offer you a better position; it is all possible. Your familiarity with the current job, along with an MBA, will be an added advantage financially. You will be more competitive and better suited for the new role.

Learn as you earn:

You don’t have to depend too much on support when you earn. The money that you make can be used for paying bills, buying books, and college expenses. The money can also help you live a little comfortably. Your family will also get some relief and may not be required to make too many sacrifices.

Learn time management:

As a part-time MBA degree student, you will have to make the best use of your time. When you have to do more with less time, you will work efficiently. It will help you later in your life and profession. Flexibility is another advantage you will enjoy. You can study at a pace that is comfortable for you.

Learn new valuable skills:

Skills are as essential as college degrees. Learning a new skill when doing a part-time MBA is easy because you will be surrounded by like-minded people. You can share ideas, information and learn from others’ experiences. It will make you job-ready. 

Create a professional network:

During the time you spend doing a part-time MBA program, you will meet people like you. You can use this opportunity to create a network. Networks can help you find the job you want. It will help you to become a professional consultant. 

Selection Factors for Part-time MBA Admission

Every business school has its selection factors for admitting students to MBA programs. Broadly, it will focus on the academic performance in the qualifying degree. Other factors are personality and extracurricular performances. Age, background, and elective options are also essential factors. Good intellectual capabilities, a fit body, and emotional stability all count in the selection process.

Some top electives choices for part-time MBA degrees. 

Data Science is an emerging field as a choice elective for students. Developing skill sets in this elective will improve your chances of getting an excellent job in industries. Your role will centre on data-intensive business models and managing information. To take this elective, you must be analytic-minded with a minimum knowledge of coding and programming skills. 

Accounting Systems and Processes Elective is about managing money in a business organization. If you are already working in a retail shop or service delivery office, this elective is excellent for you. You will learn about accounting software and the different accounting methods. It will help managers to meet government compliance requirements.

Customer Behavior is a great elective if you plan a career in the retail industry. You will learn about product positioning and analyzing customer behavior. It will focus on different theories about customers and the different factors connected to them. 

Global Marketing will be a great elective for students working in the export and import business. You will learn about exporting/importing processes and documentation also. Students will also be introduced to maritime insurance, air cargo booking, and digital sales. 

Research methodologies, taxation, and project management are other elective options you will get. This is not a complete list. You must contact the business school you plan to apply to for a complete list.

Applying for Part-time MBA Degree in Zambia

Zambia is a good place to join for a part-time MBA degree course. There are quality business schools, and you can apply online. Once you send in your details, you will receive a brochure. It will contain fee details and available scholarships.

Once you have collected the details, you can research available scholarships. The college you plan to apply to can also give you details regarding available scholarships. Each scholarship will have conditions attached to it. For this reason, you must verify your eligibility.

The next step is filling up an admission form and paying the fee. You will then be informed about the program’s commencement date. Don’t delay. Apply for admission immediately because vacancies may be limited.

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