MBA Handbook, 7th edition
Academic & Professional Skills for Mastering Management
By Sheila Cameron
September 2012
Pearson Education
Distributed by Trans-Atlantic Publications Inc.
ISBN: 9780273749998
509 Pages, Illustrated
$115.00 Paper Original
The MBA Handbook is the definitive, companion, skills support guide and reference handbook for all students studying for their MBA.
Contents:
Contents
INTRODUCTION
1 Management, learning and the role of this book
Learning outcomes and Introduction
How to use this handbook
How the book is structured
Chapter structure
Planning your work on the handbook
Summary
UNDERSTANDING THE MBA
2 The nature of MBA learning
Learning outcomes and Introduction
MBA origins
Challenges to the traditional model
A history of the MBA
Lessons for MBA design
Reflection and professional practice
Key MBA benefits
Summary
Further information
3 Your objectives for an MBA
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Your life as context
Learning aims for future career success
Developing objectives
Directing your efforts
Summary
Helpfile 3.1: Questions that may help you choose a programme
4 Creating a suitable learning context
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Gaining organisational support
Gaining support from family and friends
Your MBA provider
Ensuring emotional support
Creating a place to study
Internet access
Summary
PRE-COURSE SKILL DEVELOPMENT
5 Personal management skills
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Assessing your personal management skills
Planning skills
Emotional intelligence
Managing stress
Coping with unavoidable stress
Developing assertiveness skills
Knowledge management
Seeking information: preparatory reading
Summary
Further information
Helpfile 5.1: Edit and format commands
6 Time management
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Making time for study
If the time is simply not there …
Basic time management principles
Putting principles into practice
Summary
Further information
DEVELOPING LEARNING SKILLS
7 Managing your learning activities
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Creating time and space
Developing a study plan
Using study time effectively
Summary
Appendix to chapter 7: Exercises that can be used during study breaks
8 Learning and developing as a manager
Learning outcomes and Introduction
What is learning?
What is management theory and why is it useful?
Learning model and metaphors
Learning styles
Single and double loop learning
Critical engagement
Reflection and professional learning
Reflective writing
Organising your file
Summary
Further information
9 Improving reading skills
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Efficient eye movement
Increasing reading speed
Selecting reading material
Choosing your reading speed
Reading critically
Taking notes
Summary
Further information
Answers to exercises
10 Using diagrams
Learning outcomes and Introduction
The importance of diagrams
The magic management box
Brain patterns or mind maps
Relationship diagrams
Rich pictures
Systems maps
Multiple-cause (and other causal) diagrams
Other diagramming techniques
Diagramming hazards
Summary
Further information
11 Teamwork, leadership and learning
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Key communication skills
Active listening
Talking
Dialogue
Teams that work
Task and process
Behaviours seen in groups and teams
Choosing team members
Team formation
Practical aspects of team effectiveness
The dangers of group work
Becoming a more effective team member
Developing your leadership skills
The role of informal groups
Action learning sets
Virtual teams
Summary
Further information
12 Case studies, complexity and consultancy
Learning outcomes and Introduction
The place of case studies
Coping with cases
A method for approaching cases
From cases to consultancy
Summary
Further information
13 Using numbers
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Diagnosing your current skill level
Causes of difficulty
Descriptive equations
Modelling
Understanding probability and statistics
Making data more meaningful
Distributions and histograms
Bar charts
Pie charts
Graphs
Estimating
Rounding
Fractions, percentages and ratios
Using equations
Working with brackets
Differential calculus
Software for dealing with numbers
Further skills development
Summary
Further information
Helpfile 13.1: Cracking the code
Answers to exercises
SKILLS FOR ASSESSMENT
14 Scoring well in assessment
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Challenges for students if studying abroad
Assessment in context
Common causes of failure
Assessment as communication
Summary
15 Writing assignments and reports
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Assignment planning
Developing your material
Drafting written assignments
Using report format
Writing clear English
Writing for the screen
Summary
Further information
Helpfile 15.1: Glossary of terms used in examination and assessment questions
Helpfile 15. 2: Spelling (the right word)
Helpfile 15.3: Punctuation and grammar
Helpfile 15.4: If English is not your native language
Answers to exercises
16 Making presentations
Learning outcomes and Introduction
The risks of presenting
Structure
Delivery technique
Visual aids
Handling questions
Dealing with nerves
Preparation
Poster presentations
Summary
Further information
17 Passing examinations
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Types of written examination
Common causes of failure
Exam preparation
During the examination
Summary
18 Other forms of assessment
Learning outcomes and Introduction
The reasons for alternative approaches
Portfolio assessment
Assessment centres
Viva voce examinations
Summary
19 Projects, theses and dissertations
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Characteristics of management research
Stakeholders in your dissertation
The importance of topic
Generating possible topics
Topic selection
Your formal proposal(s)
Literature search
Primary data collection
Focus groups
Questionnaires
Research methodology and approach
Ethical considerations
Project management
Writing up
Summary
Further information
AFTERWARDS
20 Beyond your Master’s …
Learning outcomes and Introduction
Lifelong learning
Reassessing objectives and options
Developing your ‘brand’
Networking
Making an effective job application
Internet recruitment
Going forward
Summary
Further information
References and bibliography
Index