Monday, November 24, 2014

Fastest Growing Carers

Students get degrees to show that they are all prepared to enter into a career or a profession. Acquiring a degree means that they have obtained general education, a professional education and they are now willing to learn, work and function productively in companies all over the world.

AACBE conducted a survey from all the educators and companies and have found a list of careers that enhance lifelong learning and involvement and thus students want to pursue them.

Below is the list:

·         Law:
Studying a law degree opens many professional and financial avenues so it is the number one choice among students. 

·         Design Studies:
Pursuing a design degree helps students unleash their creativity and flair for art.  

·         Psychology:
Students who have an interest in workings of the human mind choose a career in psychology. 

·         Business and Management Studies:
A business degree provides a solid background for any student who wishes to pursue a career in this field. 

·         Computer Science:
IT students are always in demand and can pursue their career in computer science and open the door to professional development. 

·         English Studies:
Many students go on to pursue a career in writing because they enjoy reading and have an interest in writing. It also helps them to earn by writing free-lance while pursuing their degrees. 

·         Medicine:
Students who have a passion to help their fellow human beings pursue a career in medicine. 

·         Sports Sciences:
A highly successful career now awaits in this industry so the students that have a passion for sports, now are studying this subject. 

·         Social Work:
Social work has become extremely highly rewarding course option and future career for the students who want to give something back to the community and care for the welfare of other people.

Though there are other major subjects available at AACBE accredited universities and institutes, the AACBE accredited members should take into account the current trends and customize their study programs, some of them mentioned above, accordingly.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Future of Tablet PC’s


In the world of higher education, some technologies have revolutionized the way we teach and learn, others have not. Now, we have the tablet PC—the latest invention that promises to reinvent the way degree programs are delivered. But, will tablets actually become permanent fixtures in higher education? 

Many AACBE accredited institutions and business schools have or are currently conducting research on the use of tablets. For instance, Louisiana State University’s eMerging Technologies Project plans to explore the usefulness of tablets throughout higher education. Early results of these studies show positive impacts of tablet use on costs and environments. For example, according to an integration experiment conducted by IMD Business School, the most attractive benefits of using tablets were “the substantial cost-savings and environmental benefits of lowering the school’s paper consumption.”[i] [1]Tablets can be used to download textbooks, case studies, PowerPoint slides, lecture notes, classroom hand outs, exam reviews, and other additional readings that are often printed.  

However, the benefits of using tablets extend beyond budgets and environments. Emerging studies show that the device provides a wealth of positive impacts for students. For instance, in a study conducted by the University of Notre Dame, students naturally embraced the use of tablets, but used them much more than anticipated. Instead of merely using the devices for textbook reading, students downloaded apps that they integrated into study habits, team projects, and presentations. Students found dozens of ways that tablets could be used for their coursework. [ii] Another finding is that charts, figures, and formulas can become so interactive that they significantly increase the speed at which students understand them. This is why tablet textbook publishers like Inkling and CourseSmart are creating 3D diagrams that can be rotated with the flick of a finger. [iii] 

Thus far, the studies have revealed two limitations of using tablets for education: 1) the difficulty associated with taking notes on the device and 2) the preference for reading from paper. However, new apps and supplemental devices are beginning to allow users to take, use, and share notes with their tablets. This will help to eliminate the first drawback. Time, and not a lot of it, will likely diminish the second limitation. Therefore, AACBE predicts that the tablet will become a standard tool for higher education. 


[1] [i] Burns, R. (2010, February 9). “The MBA and the iPad.” TopMBA.
[ii] Woyke, E. (2011, January 21). “Pros and Cons of iPads in the Classroom.” Forbes.com.
[iii] MacMillan, D. (2011, June 9). “Inkling Publishes Textbooks for iPads.” Bloomberg Businessweek

Monday, November 10, 2014

Entrepreneurship Vs Business Administration Degree


Business school students usually have a tough time deciding between a degree in business administration (such as a bachelor of arts/science or MBA) and a degree in entrepreneurship (such as a bachelor of arts/science or Master of Science). Both degrees provide a wealth of skills related to running a business, so which one is right for you if you plan to pursue a startup opportunity some day? 
The team at AACBE has shed some light on important factors and things to consider when opting for any of the said degrees. 

Degree Programs in Business Administration
Business administration programs (both undergraduate and graduate) teach students foundational knowledge of business. These programs require that students take a variety of courses related to the many business disciplines. Most programs will allow students to take courses to minor or concentrate in a specific area if they wish to specialize their degree further (such as in entrepreneurship). Business administration programs require that students take accounting, finance, marketing, management (human resources and leadership), statistics, economics (macro and micro), and international business for starters. Programs that offer minors or concentrations in entrepreneurship will often provide several courses that students can choose from as electives. These courses often include topics such as business planning, strategic entrepreneurship, market assessment, and small business administration. If you have little experience or knowledge of general business concepts, a program in business administration with a concentration in entrepreneurship may be helpful. At the graduate level, many programs provide dual degrees, an MBA and a MS in entrepreneurship. This is often very useful since the degree can assist with a corporate career or a new business idea.
Degree Programs in Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship programs focus on the actual skills needed to plan, fund, and launch a new business. These programs provide students with courses in venture capital (skills to gain funds for startup), market assessment (skills to explore markets were there are opportunities for new businesses), business plan development (writing a business plan around an idea that can be proposed to an investor or group of partners) to name few. Students learn how to cultivate an idea into a business model that can become a viable product, service, or organization. Some programs focus more closely on the skills to start a business, while others provide a well-rounded approach of business and entrepreneurship knowledge. The type of program you choose will depend on your knowledge of business concepts (such as finance, marketing, and management).

For students to be sure they select the program that fits best with them, they should visit the school's website and look at the program's curriculum. What classes will you be required to take? Are these the classes they want or the areas they need additional skills in? If there are classes missing, can they take additional electives in topics that they need (for instance, operations management)?

 

Monday, November 3, 2014

How to Manage Evening Classes?

For students, besides figuring out how to finance their school, determining how to manage their schedule of classes with a full-time job should be their next priority. A typical semester is 12 to 16 weeks long. If the students are taking back-to-back semesters (such as with an accelerated program or summer term), there really isn't a break from the rigor of lectures, exams, and class projects. Therefore, the routine of days in the office, two to three evening classes per week, and weekends spent studying and keeping up with a household can be extremely exhausting. 

AACBE has planned out a small piece of routine for such students.

·         Pre-Plan Your Class Nights

For some students, it can be helpful to space out the nights that you are in class. For example, take a Monday and Thursday night class. This will allow you to have a break between your late nights on campus and give you a chance to prepare for each class during the week. Or, if you are someone that prefers to get your classes done at the beginning of the week, plan to do that. Although, this idea doesn't always work out when you have a semester that offers a class you need only on a certain night of the week.  

·         Talk with Your Employer

Let your employer know that you are taking evening graduate classes. They may allow you to create a flexible schedule, as well as have additional time off during your tough parts of the semester—like exam weeks and final presentations. 

·         Plan for Brain Breaks

If you have a full-time job that requires all day thinking and plan to take a full load of tough courses, be sure to plan time to give your brain a break. One of the biggest complaints of graduate students is that they become "brain fried" half way through the semester. This is why it is so important to plan downtime for your brain. For instance, choose a day of the week that you take off from studying and do something relaxing. Even if it is just staying home and watching TV all evening, a little time away from the books will help you clear your mind.  

·         Set Yourself Up for Success by Choosing Your Courses Carefully

Hopefully, your program will allow you to choose your course load each semester (most do within reason...Although, cohort programs usually require you to take classes with a group of students, and all programs require that you take certain classes before you take other classes). If you have some flexibility, you want to avoid taking two or three tough classes at the same time. For example, taking finance, statistics, and accounting in the same semester can be very difficult with a full-time job, as these courses usually are demanding and tough for business students. Therefore, try mixing a tough course with other courses that you know you'll have an easier time with (such as ethics or management/leadership).