Trend forecasters, business analysts, economists and academics are trying to paint the day after the pandemic. They are trying to answer how national economies will adapt, how the way we work will change, what skills and qualifications will be required in the global workplace of the future. In other words, they are trying to assess whether the skills imparted by business degrees will still be relevant in the post pandemic era. Meanwhile, coronavirus infections are still spiking in many countries, while economies remain slow. A large number of businesses close down, or file for bankruptcy. Thousands of people are losing their jobs every day, on both sides of the Atlantic.
The resilience of MBAs
Because of the continuing crisis, the business and financial world is overwhelmed with anxiety. New graduates, unemployed and working professionals, are wondering whether additional qualifications, like business degrees, could secure them a successful career. A Financial Times article predicts that the effect of the pandemic will be ‘profound and long lasting’. According to the article, the economic downturn will probably reduce demand for executive education. But business degrees, ‘such as MBAs, may be better protected in a prolonged period of economic restructuring and recession, as people who lose their jobs or consider career changes seek to reskill’.
Opportunities of the crisis
On the other hand, the current crisis is also bound to bring opportunities to the surface. Like the utilisation of technology in education, business and social life, to work around lock downs and social distancing measures. For example, study programmes delivered through Unicaf’s state-of-the-art online digital platform , continue uninterrupted throughout lock downs. Students of Unicaf’s partner universities can connect with their tutors and receive online everything they need. Unfortunately though, many students at traditional, on-ground universities had to put their studies on hold, because of the current crisis. Those students will now take longer to complete their degrees, and may lose new career opportunities, once the economy improves.
The new sectors driving the economy
Apparently, the emerging drivers of the global economy will be sectors like healthcare, supply chain management and logistics, ICT, web development and digital marketing. However, to climb to high positions in these sectors, you still need good management and business skills, which can ensure good financial outcomes. Furthermore, it is very possible that the longer the present crisis lasts the more professionals will see their skills become outdated or obsolete. In addition, professionals who have seen a dramatic decline of operations in their industries, are bound to seek new qualifications. These industries include travel and hospitality, retail and sales, arts and entertainment etc. For all these reasons, individuals and organisations will need to up-skill and reposition themselves in the market, to improve their prospects.
Bouncing back post Covid-19
According to the Harvard Business Review every organisation and business will need a strategic plan on how to bounce back post-Covid19. Organisations must redefine their identity and culture and take strategic decisions for the most cost-effective use of resources. In addition, they have to launch projects relevant to the new market conditions. Thus, individuals will have to retrain, to be more employable, to make a career switch, or create their own enterprise. To achieve these goals, quality business degrees will continue to be valuable assets.
Quality MBAs withstand the test of time
It is a fact that good business and management skills will be in demand in the post pandemic world. However, business degrees will need to upgrade their content, in order to serve the diverse demands of tomorrow’s business world. So, any professional looking for a job or a promotion, or starting a new enterprise, or consultancy, will need a top business degree to stand out and succeed. By mastering new technologies and new processes, professionals with good business degrees can transform the way organisations operate. They will also be in a position to shape new business models for the marketplace of the future.
The additional benefits of online MBAs
Unicaf delivers online modern MBA programmes of partner univeristies in the UK and Africa. The content of these business degrees is constantly updated to respond to changing global conditions and future predictions. One of the greatest benefits enjoyed by Unicaf students is the interaction with tutors and professionals in 156 countries. In other words. they learn about foreign work cultures, processes and mentalities, and expand their professional network.
The online MBA of the University of Suffolk in the UK
The MBA offered by the University of Suffolk, through Unicaf, is a general management Master’s degree. This programme for those aspiring to senior management positions, as well as for entrepreneurs and consultants. The cutting edge MBA incorporates all new information and theories, reshaping the world of business. The programme focuses on Managing Strategic Change, Strategic Marketing, Managing through Finance, Consultancy Management, Project Management, and Research Methods. Above all, students are required to conduct supervised research and write a Dissertation to be able to graduate.
Specialised online MBAs available from Unicaf University
Unicaf University offers an exciting range of specialised MBAs. They extend from Healthcare to Finance, from Management to Information Systems, and to Oil and Gas Management.
The programme focuses on crucial management functions, such as Managing people, Finance, Operations and Sales/Marketing. Supply Chain and Logistics, Strategic Leadership and Development, Management of Corporate Change and Consulting Procedures are covered in the programme. This is a great qualification for new managers, or recent graduates, who wish to widen their career options. This programme covers the management core syllabus and provides expertise in the unique issues of the healthcare industry.
Students study modules on Operational Management and Marketing, Health Economics, Financial Management for Public and Private Health Services, Finance and Strategic Management, Strategic Leadership and Practice. This degree provides the business and technical expertise needed for high positions in the IT sector, as well as in different other industries.
Modules include Web Design and Development, Business Data Communication and Security, IT Project Management, Strategic Leadership and Practice, Strategic Development, Business Function and Procedures.
This MBA balances mathematical rigour with management practices. Modules cover Risk Management in Finance, Corporate Finance, Markets and Financial Institutions, Strategic Development, Strategic Leadership and Practice. Also, students acquire the skills to become successful strategic leaders in finance and banking, or in other industries and work environments. Providing a rigorous training into the challenges of the Oil and Gas Industries, the programme focuses on environmental issues,exploration and development.
It covers modules in Energy Management and Policy, Accounting and Economics in Oil & Gas, Strategic Leadership and Practice, Strategic Development, Business Function and Procedures. The programme prepares graduates for executive positions in the energy industries.
A programme for executives in the public and the non-government organisation (NGO) sectors that, it offers the skills and understanding to solve problems and tackle challenges. The MPA includes modules on Contemporary Public Policy and Management, Ethics, Governance, Managing HR, Strategic Planning, Electronic Governance and Statistical Research in the public sectors.
Furthermore, Unicaf University offers a DBA, which is equal to a PhD. This is a doctorate suitable for those who aspire to a business career, rather than research, or academic work. The programme enhances professional expertise through the application of theory and research to real and complex issues. Through the DBA graduates develop advanced skills to lead organisations successfully and effectively. More specifically, they have the opportunity to focus on the core principles of Leadership, Research, Strategy, Technology, Statistical Thinking, and Business Ethics.
