Business Analysis or Strategy

Sarames

17 34

Posted Feb 19, 2012 07:34

Dear All,
I am shortlisting Masters courses I want to apply to. My selection criteria is based on:
Reputation of the University: This is the first and foremost on my list.
Course content: I want the course to be challenging enough yet not so tough that i either get bored or find it too difficult to clear or pass.
Cost: I can scrape the bottom of the barrel to just about afford the MSc at Warwick that costs 22,500. So thats the absolute max I can spend. However, the lesser i invest the better.
Uk is my first option, and i would also like to apply to universities in Germany and France.

In my opinion MSc Management is not an option for me cos it overrides my work experience(6 yrs, but i don't feel prepared for an MBA yet)
MSc International Business seems like a very superficial degree- not challenging enough
MSc Marketing - I have this feeling that despite, the fact that I find marketing very interesting, I could not contribute much to a solely marketing based job. I think i am just not the creative types. But then again the jobs i have done in the past i never knew i could do them either.
MSc Finance/ Information Systems - Forrrrrrrget it!! Not my cup of tea and not even Economics

So now I am left with Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Business Analysis. The first 2 I know i can deal with. Its the Business Analysis I am not sure about. I am not that good at quant(or so I think). Just the thought of the tough maths like trignometry. algorithms, statistics, memorising formulae makes me crave for a strong cup of coffee to stay awake. Thing is i need someone to explain to me - what does Business analysis consist of and when people mention quant skills/modelling etc what really are they referring to. When i read teh course content of some of the Masters degrees, i am not sure I understand what they are offering. Probably due to my lack of knowledge about a subject, the course seems more difficult and boring than it really is. my shamefully pathetic score in GMAT not once but twice, has me even more convinced that i am bound to fail in the purely mathematical kind of things.
So even though I subtly understand(from researching on google) the terms business analysis, business architecture etc, and how they help a firm/Company; in terms of what business schools teach, is what i need to understand.

Thank you for taking the time to read and reply to my post.

Many Thanks

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Mamit

293 515

Posted Feb 19, 2012 09:10

Hi,
According to the information given i could make out that you have 6+ years of Work experience and you are from India. Being an Indian student with 6+ years of experience i would strongly recommend you MBA over MSc for some basic reasons
1. MSc is more theoretical based as compared to MBA which is more practical
2. MSc is offered to freshers and MBA to experienced candidates, so if you opt for MSc then most of the peer group will be inexperienced and you can hardly expect any contribution from them in group assignments and projects. and their will also be a difference in understanding level.
3. MBA degree has more value then MSc, both in India and also in the UK (for experienced people)
4. Salary structure is higher for MBA graduates then MSc in the UK (applies to experienced candidates)
5. MBA will add more value to your career then MSc.
6. Some of the universities have highly experienced MBA cohort and you will get opportunities to learn from them and from their experiences with will not be the case with MSc.

Well i am not sure how you have concluded that you are not prepared for MBA, but what i can judge that you will be a perfect candidate for MBA and lot of FT ranked universities would be happy to accept you if you prepare you application very carefully. Although GMAT score is a very essential aspect of MBA admission but it can be compensated by your other professional achievements.
In case you decide for MBA then i would suggest that go for a general MBA as most of the good B-Schools offer general MBA with various electives, which helps you in tailoring your own MBA program by choosing appropriate electives.

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Feb 20, 2012 04:27

Hi Mamit,

Thank you for the prompt reply.
I am Indian yes. And I have worked in Europe for 6 years. I am in India at the moment and looking to relocate to Europe. (Immigration/work permit etc for Europe is not a problem.) Education is my way to start my new life - I can't just land up in England one morning and expect to get a job, considering the current job situation. Besides a year at the University will give me an opportunity to warm up to the culture in England, make new friends, feel settled etc. Therefore, I decided to study further. I got my UG from Mumbai University and you know the education system in India, so I feel a world class degree will be a great addition.
My first priority is the reputation of the Uni, which is why I can't afford an MBA. And the second priority is what I learn from the course for my knowledge. I don't mind doing an online MBA from a Tier 2 University once I am working. But i am iffy about that.
And the secret is GMAT, i am terrified of it and do not want to ever have to step into that cubicle. Atleast not now. It may sound dramatic but GMAT has shook my confidence. I used to think i was intelligent. :( Though both times, i had very little time to prepare.
Anyway, I know there is a craze for MBA in India but God willing, I will not be relocating to India anytime soon and hopefully never. After a couple of years, I want to start my own business. I don't know if I am explaining my situation well, but MBA is not a must have for me, if you know what I mean.
back to the specialised courses - what is the best option I have? I am interested in short training courses or workshops from CIM, CIPD, CIM etc that i could pursue when i am employed. And i am doing a green belt workshop in Six sigma here in mumbai in march. My friend had spent 2000 pounds on a Project Management vocational course in London, which helped him secure a good job. So I understand that if there is particular field that i want to gain expertise in, there ma be a wa out. And now universities like Edinburgh are also offering CPD.I think Kind's college has a good selection of short courses too. Good Lord, I am so confused.

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Feb 20, 2012 08:50

Mamit's advice is generally sound, but there's one caveat: An MSc from a strong, accredited, business school will have better students and training than an weak MBA. As a result, those students end up with better salaries and employers.

Business analysis is often quite IT-focussed. Business analysis review and design business processes, using tools and methods that allow those processes to be turned easily into strong workflow. I did the MSc in business analysis at City University: http://www.city.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/business-systems-analysis-and-design Manchester has a much less IT focussed programme in BA, similar to an MBA: http://www.mbs.ac.uk/programmes/masters/courses/global-bus-analysis/

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Feb 20, 2012 10:55

Hi Duncan,

Thank you ever so much for the information.
Ah yes, the MSc at Cass, is indeed a very IT specific programme. It reminds me of the IT guys, project managers, software developers, who would create backoffice systems for us to work on as well as the product (software) that customers used.
Although the definitions and explanations i had been reading of Business Analysis was very different, it was quite ambiguous.
The MBus from MBS is the reason I am looking for info on Business Analysis. I have this programme on my list of programmes that I will apply to by the end of this month.
The course seems very interesting from the modules, however, I was just making sure there will be no surprises after the programme begins. Since i am not so well informed with regards to Business Analysis, i didn't want to assume anything.
I am also quite keen on the MSc Marketing & Strategy from WBS
MSc Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship at MBS
MSc Enterprise and the MA Corporate Communications & Public Relations from Leeds and the
MSc Entrepreneurship and Management from Henley
in that order
Any suggestions
Many Thanks

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Feb 20, 2012 14:06

Well, you seem to have a pretty clear idea. I would use the FT MSc ranking to focus on schools with good outcomes. I work in corporate communications now but I would not recommend that as a degree. Aim for the MBus.

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Feb 21, 2012 06:08

Thank you Duncan
You're a star!!
Will do
Regards

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Mamit

293 515

Posted Feb 22, 2012 04:22

Hi ,
Its good that you are very clear with your career progression. Although MSc is very well regarded in the UK and doing from the top B-School adds icing on cake, but the only issue i could see with MSc is the peer group. For experienced people its very important to have a good peer group with similar or better profile, and even if you consider the top B-Schools in the UK most of the MSc students are with 1-3 years experienced, so you may not have the best experience you deserve from the program apart from good academic teaching, which is not the case in MBA. When We talk about MBA you can expect a good FT ranked MBA program without GMAT (i.e. Birmingham, Aston, Durham, Strathclyde, Bradford, Leeds, Kent ) as they sometimes exempt their GMAT requirement if the profile of the candidate is good.
Yes its a good idea to do certification courses as well as it always add value to your profile.
I hope this helps.
Regards
Mamit

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Mar 14, 2012 23:26

Thanks Mamit,

You are right, Perhaps, I would give it a go and apply for MBA at a couple of unis to see how it goes. Truth is i am not clear about my career progression, as it stands, I only know i want to study a subject that is challenging enough yet not too difficult that i cannot thrive; that i don't want to study a superficial programme like International business or Management. and that the reputation of the uni is of topmost priority. applying all theses filters, the courses that remain, i will apply to and from the ones i get an offer for, i will slect one.
Thank you

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Mar 14, 2012 23:43

Mamit's advice is generally sound, but there's one caveat: An MSc from a strong, accredited, business school will have better students and training than an weak MBA. As a result, those students end up with better salaries and employers.

Business analysis is often quite IT-focussed. Business analysis review and design business processes, using tools and methods that allow those processes to be turned easily into strong workflow. I did the MSc in business analysis at City University: http://www.city.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/business-systems-analysis-and-design Manchester has a much less IT focussed programme in BA, similar to an MBA: http://www.mbs.ac.uk/programmes/masters/courses/global-bus-analysis/

Hi Duncan,

following your messsage, i did a more thorough research on BA. Came to the conclusion that Business Analysis term is general and has several branches. IT Business Analysis being one of them, Business Process Analysis etc. Since the IT industry use the term Businesss Analyst there is an ongoing confusion among, employers and students about the roles of a Businesss Analyst. I know i am not interested in anything too IT focussed. Though i was unsure if its is worth studying a Business Analysis course to obtain the skills that will help me in any business and need not pigeon hole me into working in Business Analysis forever. As Business Development is where my interest lies, i assume the switch from Business Analysis to Business Development sometime in future (after a Distance Learning MBA) will ensure that I have a well rounded understanding how businesses operate and can be improved. Doest it sound silly?
Please have a look at this programme i found interesting:
http://www.wbs.ac.uk/students/masters/bac/content.cfm

<blockquote>Mamit's advice is generally sound, but there's one caveat: An MSc from a strong, accredited, business school will have better students and training than an weak MBA. As a result, those students end up with better salaries and employers.

Business analysis is often quite IT-focussed. Business analysis review and design business processes, using tools and methods that allow those processes to be turned easily into strong workflow. I did the MSc in business analysis at City University: http://www.city.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/business-systems-analysis-and-design Manchester has a much less IT focussed programme in BA, similar to an MBA: http://www.mbs.ac.uk/programmes/masters/courses/global-bus-analysis/</blockquote>

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted Mar 15, 2012 01:27

According to http://bit.ly/weEDNU for the price of the WBS MSc you could take the MBA in Bath, Bologna, Edinburgh, Grenoble, HHL or Strathclyde. I'm sure that can't be totoaly right, but it's worth looking at carefully.

Analytics and Analysis are very different. Analytics relates to the use of software to develop business intelligence. I don't think it's a route into business development.

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donho199

422 503

Posted Mar 15, 2012 08:04

Sara

Forget about all these BA stuff if you need to change career, Good BA is decent Programmer. Without getting dirty with the code you cant be a BA. Normally testers and developers who cant get good jobs and promotions will do BA.

Or if you have very good domain knowledge in GIS or Accounting or Finance but those possess such knowledge in depth normally do VBA and Maths, Physics pretty good.

The career path of BA is also not there and you have to progress to PM role or Manager role which almost never take people with BA skills alone.

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Mamit

293 515

Posted Mar 15, 2012 11:23

Hi Sara,
With regards to the specialisation, I would suggest that you can opt for a general MBA, and choose your electives according to your requirements, As most of the good universities offer wide range of electives to choose from.
Regards
Mamit

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Mar 16, 2012 06:46

Sara

Forget about all these BA stuff if you need to change career, Good BA is decent Programmer. Without getting dirty with the code you cant be a BA. Normally testers and developers who cant get good jobs and promotions will do BA.

Or if you have very good domain knowledge in GIS or Accounting or Finance but those possess such knowledge in depth normally do VBA and Maths, Physics pretty good.

The career path of BA is also not there and you have to progress to PM role or Manager role which almost never take people with BA skills alone.

Hi Donho,
Thank you ever so much for your valuable advice on BA. ever since i read the explanation of Business Analysis that only mentioned things like SWOT analysis, CATWOE, PESTLE etc, I was under the impression, it can't be that difficult and interesting even. I see, from what you've mentioned above, its not my cup of tea.
Many Thanks

<blockquote>Sara

Forget about all these BA stuff if you need to change career, Good BA is decent Programmer. Without getting dirty with the code you cant be a BA. Normally testers and developers who cant get good jobs and promotions will do BA.

Or if you have very good domain knowledge in GIS or Accounting or Finance but those possess such knowledge in depth normally do VBA and Maths, Physics pretty good.

The career path of BA is also not there and you have to progress to PM role or Manager role which almost never take people with BA skills alone.</blockquote>

Hi Donho,
Thank you ever so much for your valuable advice on BA. ever since i read the explanation of Business Analysis that only mentioned things like SWOT analysis, CATWOE, PESTLE etc, I was under the impression, it can't be that difficult and interesting even. I see, from what you've mentioned above, its not my cup of tea.
Many Thanks

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Mar 16, 2012 06:49

Hi Sara,
With regards to the specialisation, I would suggest that you can opt for a general MBA, and choose your electives according to your requirements, As most of the good universities offer wide range of electives to choose from.
Regards
Mamit

Hi Mamit,
As per your advice and that of Duncan, now I am also considering MBA programmes. Hopefully, by end of this month, i will be sending in my applications to all teh programmes I have shortlisted. Lets see, where I get offers from.

<blockquote>Hi Sara,
With regards to the specialisation, I would suggest that you can opt for a general MBA, and choose your electives according to your requirements, As most of the good universities offer wide range of electives to choose from.
Regards
Mamit</blockquote>
Hi Mamit,
As per your advice and that of Duncan, now I am also considering MBA programmes. Hopefully, by end of this month, i will be sending in my applications to all teh programmes I have shortlisted. Lets see, where I get offers from.

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Sarames

17 34

Posted Mar 16, 2012 06:53

According to http://bit.ly/weEDNU for the price of the WBS MSc you could take the MBA in Bath, Bologna, Edinburgh, Grenoble, HHL or Strathclyde. I'm sure that can't be totoaly right, but it's worth looking at carefully.

Analytics and Analysis are very different. Analytics relates to the use of software to develop business intelligence. I don't think it's a route into business development.

I will look up the MBA programmes at universities you have mentioned. I guess BA is not a good option for me, like I mentioned in the message to Donho, below, I misunderstood what Business Analysis is.
I really apreciate your time and advice.
Many Thanks

<blockquote>According to http://bit.ly/weEDNU for the price of the WBS MSc you could take the MBA in Bath, Bologna, Edinburgh, Grenoble, HHL or Strathclyde. I'm sure that can't be totoaly right, but it's worth looking at carefully.

Analytics and Analysis are very different. Analytics relates to the use of software to develop business intelligence. I don't think it's a route into business development.</blockquote>

I will look up the MBA programmes at universities you have mentioned. I guess BA is not a good option for me, like I mentioned in the message to Donho, below, I misunderstood what Business Analysis is.
I really apreciate your time and advice.
Many Thanks

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u23025

2 3

Posted May 23, 2012 18:28

Hi All,

I would like to ask you for your suggestion in my case. I am working in an IT firm as Mainframe Software Developer, 2.5 years of experience. I was looking for a role change.
? What would you suggest should I go for MSc or MBA courses?
? If someone wants to become Business Analyst, Which all courses help in its way?
? In one of the post Mr.Duncan has mentioned Business Analytics and Analysis are quite different, in what way it?s different and which one would be best to do, keeping job opportunity in mind?
? I have an offer from Bangor in MBA Information Management, is it worth doing from there?
? How worthy it will be to do a Business Analyst/business MSc course from Ireland UCD University, the job opportunity as well?

Thanks & Regards
Tusti

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Mamit

293 515

Posted May 23, 2012 20:47

Hi Tusti,
When will you complete 3 years of work ex? if you complete 3 years of work ex by july or latest by August, you can be considered for an FT ranked B-School. University of Bangor offers MBA for freshers and i dont think this course is meant for people with 2+ years of work exp. With regards to selecting between MBA and MSc, i dont think MSc would be the right choice for you with 2.5 years of experiences. and being from an IT background I would recommend you for a General MBA with some additional course in PM (i.e. Prince 2 ) as it will help you to apply for Project Management roles in IT industry. I would not recommend complete shift from IT domain as it will be very challenging for your career.
I hope this helps.

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ezra

521 711

Posted May 24, 2012 15:51

? What would you suggest should I go for MSc or MBA courses?

An MBA. Like MBA from UK said, if you have three years of work experience, you can apply for an MBA, which will offer you a much better return on your investment and better growth opportunities in the future.

? If someone wants to become Business Analyst, Which all courses help in its way?

This is sort of a broad question. I'm guessing that since you're in the IT field, you are talking about some kind of technical business analysis. Either way, with this kind of career goal, you should aim for the best possible school you can get into - and try to tailor your experience with electives or a concentration to match your goals. For example, if you got into Birmingham, you could take their "information management" module, which could give you a better understanding of this at a high level. Similarly, Lancaster offers some electives like "managing IT in organizations," which could help as well.

Keep in mind that a general MBA might well provide you with the skills you need. You're really looking for a comprehensive understanding of business strategy and development - mixed with information technology and information systems skills, some of which you might already have.

? In one of the post Mr.Duncan has mentioned Business Analytics and Analysis are quite different, in what way it?s different and which one would be best to do, keeping job opportunity in mind?

They really are two separate things, although analytics may play a role in analysis. It's probably better to focus on the higher-level understanding and strategic implications of the two than going deep on the functional aspects of either.

<blockquote>? What would you suggest should I go for MSc or MBA courses?</blockquote>
An MBA. Like MBA from UK said, if you have three years of work experience, you can apply for an MBA, which will offer you a much better return on your investment and better growth opportunities in the future.

<blockquote>? If someone wants to become Business Analyst, Which all courses help in its way?</blockquote>
This is sort of a broad question. I'm guessing that since you're in the IT field, you are talking about some kind of technical business analysis. Either way, with this kind of career goal, you should aim for the best possible school you can get into - and try to tailor your experience with electives or a concentration to match your goals. For example, if you got into Birmingham, you could take their "information management" module, which could give you a better understanding of this at a high level. Similarly, Lancaster offers some electives like "managing IT in organizations," which could help as well.

Keep in mind that a general MBA might well provide you with the skills you need. You're really looking for a comprehensive understanding of business strategy and development - mixed with information technology and information systems skills, some of which you might already have.

<blockquote>? In one of the post Mr.Duncan has mentioned Business Analytics and Analysis are quite different, in what way it?s different and which one would be best to do, keeping job opportunity in mind?</blockquote>
They really are two separate things, although analytics may play a role in analysis. It's probably better to focus on the higher-level understanding and strategic implications of the two than going deep on the functional aspects of either.

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Duncan

14.013 15.475

Posted May 24, 2012 23:03

Having taking an MSc in business analysis before my MBA, I think that there are few roles as a business analyst which would find a western MBA to be a good enough foundation. I way western because, in India for example, there are some Asian "MBA" degrees which are basically like European MSc degrees -- hyperspecialised without a general management and managerial skills element.

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