Thursday, December 30, 2010

Four Things a Kayaker Should Have On Board

By Michael W Gibson

Kayaking is a fun and simple activity that can keep you close to nature. It is also a great way to get a workout. Like other forms of wilderness travel, kayaking requires a certain amount of preparedness.

Part of this preparedness is knowing what to take with you.

Aside from water, food and your life jacket (state law), four items you might want to consider carrying along on your kayak excursion include:

GPS

If you're paddling down rivers or on small lakes, you may not need a GPS. However, if you're on a large body of water and planning on paddling over the visible horizon, GPS is a requirement. GPS units are also great for swampy areas where you're buried under a canopy of cypress and tupelo.

Waterproof Containers

There's always a need to keep the dry stuff dry when you're out on the water. Cell phones, cameras and many other items don't mix well with water. Waterproof containers are a must when kayaking. They come in all shapes and sizes, from flexible rubber deck bags to hard plastic cases sealed with o-rings.

Anchor

Although it may sound absurd, they do make tiny anchors specifically for kayaks, and they can come in really handy. When you've paddled hard for hours against the current or wind, it's nice to be able to drop anchor and take a break without worrying about drifting back the way you came.

Towel

Just because you don't capsize doesn't mean you won't get wet. On a windy day, the spray alone is enough to leave you damp at best and drenched at worst. Don't forget to bring a towel along. You can store it in one of your waterproof containers.

A kayak trip is so much better when you know what to bring along. Anticipate what you want to do, what could happen, and pack accordingly. Having the right gear can mean the difference between an exhilarating experience and pure misery.

Michael W Gibson is an avid outdoor enthusiast and has been kayaking since 2001. He currently manages several websites including   Campfire Zen, an up-and-coming website dedicated to all things camping and outdoor-related.

Board of Directors Beware!

By Joshua Keleske

Have you ever been approached by one of your friends who recently formed a corporation and asks for you to serve on his board of directors? It sure sounds like a good idea to serve on someone's board, after all you will meet periodically, get a few free dinners and perhaps be paid a fee for some modest work.

Florida law has well established fiduciary duties that must be honored by a board of directors serving on behalf of the corporation and its shareholders. These basic duties include acting in good faith, exercising care and loyalty in the board's actions. With all of that in mind, every director must work for the benefit of all the shareholders, even if nominated or designated by a group of shareholders.

Traditionally, boards performed decision-making functions, such as evaluating and approving significant business transactions. Beyond that traditional role of decision-making, directors are often asked to serve in an oversight function. This oversight might include actively monitoring corporate performance and determining whether the company is performing in accordance with current law and corporate policy.

Assuming directors are acting within these standards, they should have no cause for concern. In addition, directors are protected against lawsuits for personal liability by the "business judgment rule." This rule is a judicially created presumption that decisions are appropriate if made by disinterested directors based on a good faith belief that the decisions will serve the corporation's best interests. If a plaintiff in a lawsuit cannot overcome that presumption, usually by showing the conflict of interest or bad faith, this rule prohibits a Court from going further and extending liability to a director personally for lawsuits filed against the corporation.

With that being said, the legal requirements and the expectations for directors have been expanded over the past years. More attention is now being focused on a corporation's performance and reporting systems to insure ethical behavior, reliable financial reporting and compliance with law and corporate policy. We can thank Enron and similar cases for these increased requirements. Because a director must be actively engaged in the supervision of the company, sitting on a board, enjoying a few free dinners and getting a stipend for essentially no work appears to be a thing of the past. If you are asked to serve on a board, think twice about accepting, unless you are willing to put in the time necessary to properly exercise your duties to the corporation and shareholders.

Joshua T. Keleske, P.A. proudly serves families in the Tampa Bay area with their estate planning, estate and trust administration, and business planning needs. If you have questions regarding how we can be of assistance to you and your family, please contact us at anytime at 813-254-0044. We are happy to answer your questions and arrange for an appointment to speak with you.  

Pursuing Business Administration Career Training

By Renata McGee

Businesses run smoothly based on the decisions and work conducted by administrators. Students that are pursuing career training in business administration have numerous avenues available to them. Colleges and universities provide students with several program levels and concentration areas.

From a general business standpoint students will learn to work in a managerial fashion to create a positive and smoothly ran environment. Becoming a business savvy team leader is possible in several areas. Students are able to work through programs at many levels. Training is available at the associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree level. Several concentration areas can be pursued, which may include:

Finance
Leadership
Management
Accounting

Students can pursue an education according to their personal interests. For example, students interested in marketing can work through a concentration that prepares them to become marketing administrators. Students can expect to learn to apply foundational and advanced business principles to marketing.

Students that work through undergraduate training are able to enter entry-level careers. Training prepares students to work in health care, government, business, and more. Management and business theories are covered inside an associate's degree program through coursework that provides students with a strong knowledge base. Areas such as financial reporting, computer software, information technology, and entrepreneurship are common course topics. Undergraduate training at the bachelor's degree level is a great place to start education when pursuing management positions.

Inside a general business concentration students explore all areas related to administration. Training provides students with the concepts and theories to act as team leaders by managing the work environment and its employees. Human resources, microeconomics, computer-based systems, and research methods are curriculum areas that train students for the professional workplace. A specific concentration in marketing for instance teaches students about administration in regards to the marketing department of a business. Career training works through business concepts while teaching students to navigate merchandising campaigns, sales, and more. Marketing research and advertising are highly covered through coursework that includes subjects on strategy, consumer behavior, and business law. Continuing education gives students the opportunity to earn a master's of business administration degree.

Several areas can be focused on at the master's degree level. Many students that are interested in advanced management careers pursue this level of education. For example, leadership is a commonly pursued concentration at this level of training. Real world case studies are explored as students examine organizational behavior, psychology, and communication. Programs focus on developing the sills needed to motivate others and a business. Talent identification, mentoring, 360-degree feedback, and planning are topics studied within a typical leadership program. Students that obtain a master's degree are able to compete for jobs more successfully inside the popular industry of business administration.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

An Online College Makes Business Degrees Easier to Achieve

By Natasha Bright

The current competitive job market makes it essential for applicants to enhance their skills. That may mean adding a degree or certificate to put you ahead of the competition. A business degree can open up opportunities in almost every industry. Choosing to get on line degrees is one of the fastest ways to climb the career ladder and online college is making it easier. You don't have to quit your job to go to school or take classes at times that interfere with your life. You study at your own convenience.

If you enjoy crunching numbers, negotiating, or writing, a business degree may fit your interests. Or if you are not sure what career you want to pursue, business is a good option. Every employer needs people trained in organization, planning and management. Business majors can go on to careers in accounting, advertising, insurance and even real estate.

In the last few years, more students, as many as 20%, have added business classes to their curriculum. The reason? Students are realizing they are more marketable to potential employers if they have some business background. According to Career Builder, a popular job website, the number of accountants hired in the next six years is expected to increase by 18%. Accounting is a popular field for people with business degrees.

All levels of business degrees from an associate's degree to a doctorate in business can be earned online. Bachelors degrees are the standard college degree. A bachelors usually involves four years of study. However, some online degree programs allow students to earn their bachelors in less than four years. An MBA, or Master's of Business Administration, is the most popular business degree. Students must already have a bachelors degree to earn an MBA, but it does not have to be in business.

Many online degree programs have earned widespread acceptance with employers. Most companies are more concerned about a school's reputation than whether it's a brick and mortar facility. To make sure you are enrolling in a respected online college, check the school's accreditation. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation approves distance learning programs, as well as traditional colleges.

Why choose an online college instead of attending college on campus? If the convenience doesn't convince you, the comparable quality might. Many online colleges offer the same curriculum as their campus-based counterparts. However, you don't have to report to class. That means you can choose a nationally ranked business school even if it's on the other side of the country. Online programs are often cheaper than traditional college courses, but financial aid is still available for online learning. If you are already working, your employer may be willing to reimburse you for the cost of an online business education.

A study by the Sloan Consortium reveals the number of students taking college courses online has more than doubled in the last five years. About one quarter of all students are enrolled in at least one online course. That's nearly four million students learning online.

Masters In Business Administration

By Chris Cornell

The MBA business administration degree gives professional titles to individuals majoring in the business field. It produces experts in the corporation industry, especially the management administration line to facilitate a company's bottom subordinates. This program gives a wider knowledge of understanding of the concepts on how to navigate the collaboration between the employers, senior leaders and colleague relationships through some business principles. Besides, the pursuit of this master's degree paves the trajectory for individuals to explore their aspirations and capability in the business field.

If you are one who has the desire to take up the Masters in Business Administration, you would be sure to learn to be forward-thinking, solutions-oriented and immensely adaptive to environmental situations that may be subjected to great fluctuations and uncertainties in the global economy. Students will also acquire knowledge and skills associated with strategic planning, accounting, business law, marketing and human labor management in relation to an organization's operations. These are the factors that contribute vastly to a company's productivity, leadership, efficiency and abilities.

In general, the fundamental requirement for one to be able to admit into the MBA business administration program is the ordinary submission of official academic transcripts from former institutional bodies. The documents should include your results that indicate the cumulative grade point and the minimum is a 2.3. In the resume, student should also include their prior working experiences, letters of recommendation if any, the GMAT scores results and a personal proposal of career aspirations.

Most of the companies and business firms are constantly aiming to employ graduates of the Masters in Business Administration program. In fact, they would be more interested if these students graduate from accredited schools. The range of industries that come in close relation and available for this program covers the accounting, marketing, banking, finance, information technology, real estate development, management consultation, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, entertainment and healthcare. There is something imperative to look into that is choosing the right and suitable MBA program for yourself by taking into considering your personal talents, interest, previous qualifications, past experiences and overall academic achievements.

Study an Accredited Bachelors Degree in Business Administration (BSBA) For Less Than $10,000

By Ashley Bowkett

Ways to limit borrowing of funds required to study a BSBA include finding a degree course that balances quality with economy. Do a little bit of research and you will be surprised what you will find.

Top 8 tips:

1. Go for a DETC accredited university or community college without fail.

2. Choose a degree course at a university or community college where points can be transferred to other universities that may carry extra prestige, and save you a sizeable amount of money.

3. Don't study a course that offers a degree within 2 weeks or 5 days or 3 months. This simply cannot be done so fast and is evidence enough that the degree pretty worthless.

4. Make sure the online degree you want to study, such as the BSBA, is at least a 40 course program with testing at the end of each course. The course will usually be spread over 3 semesters.

5. Take a free online FEMA course in emergency management. This course is transcribed by Frederick Community College for $60 per credit. Exams are open book and you may be able to transfer up to 1 year's worth of credits.

6. Try the CLEP website and DANTES testing in order to meet some of the requirements

7. Study at Clovis Community College for $37 per credit-hour. This is an in-state or out-of-state course with online exams and no proctor/proctor fee. This is regionally accredited too.

8. Mix and match courses across several universities. Often universities partner up and cross-promote courses, allowing students to take advantage of better deals and study periods often reduced in length when points are transferred.

Try this for a solution:

If you are starting with no credits you can earn a regionally accredited/AACSB-accredited Bachelor of Science in Business Administration through the University of Wyoming.

1. Review the "BSBA curriculum sheet". Use Google to find this page.

2. You'll require 60 lower-level semester hours in certain classes. Check out Arizona Western College (2 courses for $258 per semester) and Clovis Community College (2 courses at $324 per semester). The most expensive would be around $3,300 from a community college for the first couple of years. Take two courses from each semester from Arizona Western and Clovis.

3. Two interesting statements from the document in item 1 above.

"Minimum of 48 semester hours of junior-senior-level courses. 30 of the 48 hours must be earned from UW."

"50% of the business credit hours must be from the University of Wyoming."

Based on 120 semester hours, that works out at 30 semester hours. So we have the backend covered for $4,050. Ten classes from University of Wyoming at $135 per semester hour (this includes fees) for 30 semester hours = $4,050. Our total now is at $7,350.

4. Take 10 classes at Louisiana State University, totaling approx. $2,300. Select only classes numbered 3000 and above for the upper-level credit. Apply to the degree plan. You must also pay proctoring fees for examinations.

You can study a BSBA for around $10,000 but the name of the game is to transfer.

Do your homework and you will be surprised what deals and surprises you will find.

Ashley Bowkett has been recruiting quality graduates and working professionals alike for more than 5 years into the television industry. He firmly believes candidate prospects increase greatly through career-long continuing education and personal development.

The Top 5 Business Administration Universities

By Joy C. Harrison

Getting a business administration degree can put you above your peers in the business world. Some companies require a MBA for advancement into positions of greater responsibility and leadership. If you are looking to further your career by getting a MBA, the top 5 business administration universities are listed below.

1. London Business School (London, England)
2. Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
3. Harvard Business School (Cambridge, MA)
4. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)
5. Columbia Business School (New York, NY)

While the top five schools are very distinguished and may be out of reach for most people, there are many top notch universities, both traditional and online, that can give you a high valued education.

There are many benefits of getting a MBA. You will graduate with a well-rounded knowledge of the business world. MBA programs do not concentrate on just one core competency. These programs will help you develop measurable skills in human resource management, critical thinking, decision-making, finance, research techniques and communication. This will allow you to make informed decisions about issues affecting your business.

There are many potential career options after graduating with a MBA. If you have an entrepreneur spirit, you can start your own business or become an independent consultant. You can also go on to become a top-level executive in industries such as finance, health care, automotive, and defense contracting.

Regardless of the career path you choose in the business world, a MBA can help you to achieve your goals. You can find many different programs both online and at a traditional campus. Be certain to choose one that fits your needs to the fullest.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Masters In Business Administration

By Chris Cornell

The MBA business administration degree gives professional titles to individuals majoring in the business field. It produces experts in the corporation industry, especially the management administration line to facilitate a company's bottom subordinates. This program gives a wider knowledge of understanding of the concepts on how to navigate the collaboration between the employers, senior leaders and colleague relationships through some business principles. Besides, the pursuit of this master's degree paves the trajectory for individuals to explore their aspirations and capability in the business field.

If you are one who has the desire to take up the Masters in Business Administration, you would be sure to learn to be forward-thinking, solutions-oriented and immensely adaptive to environmental situations that may be subjected to great fluctuations and uncertainties in the global economy. Students will also acquire knowledge and skills associated with strategic planning, accounting, business law, marketing and human labor management in relation to an organization's operations. These are the factors that contribute vastly to a company's productivity, leadership, efficiency and abilities.

In general, the fundamental requirement for one to be able to admit into the MBA business administration program is the ordinary submission of official academic transcripts from former institutional bodies. The documents should include your results that indicate the cumulative grade point and the minimum is a 2.3. In the resume, student should also include their prior working experiences, letters of recommendation if any, the GMAT scores results and a personal proposal of career aspirations.

Most of the companies and business firms are constantly aiming to employ graduates of the Masters in Business Administration program. In fact, they would be more interested if these students graduate from accredited schools. The range of industries that come in close relation and available for this program covers the accounting, marketing, banking, finance, information technology, real estate development, management consultation, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, entertainment and healthcare. There is something imperative to look into that is choosing the right and suitable MBA program for yourself by taking into considering your personal talents, interest, previous qualifications, past experiences and overall academic achievements.

Landing the Perfect Career in Business Administration

By Carey Dover

Well, you've earned your degree! You've got your AS or BS in Business Administration and you're ready to start your career. But where do you begin? Here are some hints to simplify your search.

First, prepare your resume. A good resume is more than a list of your skills, education, and work history; it also "sells" you to an employer. Find current resume-writing books that provide effective examples and templates for any career you're considering. Avoid flash; use white or cream paper in rag or linen and a plain, readable font to appear professional. Don't be modest; list your employment skills and achievements with confidence. If you have little or no work experience, focus on your education and list part-time jobs, internships, volunteer work, special projects and applicable school and extracurricular activities, emphasizing the ways these experiences have prepared you for the business world. Target your resume and cover letters to each potential employer, and make sure your contact information is complete and accurate. Finally, never lie on resume! People who do aren't hired or are fired when their deception is uncovered.

Second, decide what kind of position and salary you're looking for, and find out what is realistic for someone with your education and experience. Second, if you are unemployed, make the job search your job. You have many great job-hunting sources at your disposal. The Sunday paper want-ads are still contain many good prospects. Let your friends and relative know you're looking; you might be surprised at the contacts they can provide. The internet is a mother lode of job information. Try general websites: Careerbuilder.com, Monster.com, LinkedIn, Craigslist, and USA.gov are just a few. You can also search company websites for available positions, and apply and upload your resume online. Another way to find employment while gaining job experience is to work for a temporary agency. Many "temporary" jobs lead to permanent employment, plus you'll make valuable contacts and learn about the company culture while you're getting paid.

With your terrific resume and dedicated job hunting efforts, it won't be long before you'll be interviewing. Here are some tips to ensure a successful performance. Be on time. Allow plenty of time for transportation complications, such as a traffic back-up or lack of parking. Arriving early will also allow you to check your appearance.

Dress appropriately. Get a haircut, wear makeup, and dress cleanly and neatly for business, not a date.

Research the company. You'll want to be able to ask intelligent questions and discuss how your skills and education will benefit your employer.

Be positive, confident, and friendly.

Show interest and enthusiasm for the position and the company.

After the interview, send a brief thank-you note, reiterating your interest in the position.

Finally, be patient. A successful job search takes time. If you follow these suggestions, however, you'll find your degree in business administration will open doors to a life-enhancing career.

Earning Your Business Administration PhD

By Stuart Michael M

Getting your bachelor's degree in business administration may be tough. But it is tougher to earn your PhD in Business Administration. You still have to finish your master's degree and compile a lot of documents including your transcripts, letters of recommendation, your test scores at the GMAT and so many others.

If you want to earn your Business Administration PhD, it is very crucial that you get it from one of the best schools offering this doctorate degree. Search online for the top ranking universities that would let you earn your PhD. If you are interested to study online, do not hesitate to ask if they offer such program. At the same time, you should also check the program length, the characteristics of the student body, and the faculty of the university as well.

However, you should not only apply in one school. Have at least two to three schools were you would take entrance exams and complete the whole application process. For those who do have their Graduate Management Admissions Test or GMAT scores yet, you can apply at middle tier schools since high tier universities usually require the GMAT scores.

But it does not mean that you should no longer bother getting a GMAT. You should prepare to this as well by buying a couple of study guides. The library nearest you can also be a great place where you can look for materials that would help you prepare for the GMAT as well. The Internet now offers a wide range of websites that would let you take practice tests. Take advantage of the downloadable practice software. You can access it at the website of MBA without paying any charge. Remember that reviewing would help but it is not enough if you want to pass with flying colors. Taking practice exams is a must especially if you want to easily earn your PhD in Business Administration.

Small Business Administration Programs

By Peter Gitundu

There is a government agency in the United States that seeks to support small upcoming enterprises. The name of the agency is Small Business Administration. What the agency does is that, it seeks to make the enterprises stronger by funding them through loan assistance. The mission of the agency is to facilitate economic recovery and maintain this strength.

This is done by overseeing the establishment of small businesses and ensuring that the enterprises have access to loans from lending institutions. It acts as a guarantor for these loans, especially for those people who may want these loans but have nothing to offer as security. In other cases, it goes ahead and gives the loans directly to enterprises affected by unfortunate circumstances like fire outbreak.

Furthermore, Small Business Administration assists small enterprises to manage their operations, gain technical experience as well as provide training to their staff or administrators. Other services include helping the enterprises get government procurement contracts. As per the statistics, the agency has actually helped over 18 million ventures soar high.

All the same, this success has not been easy to come by. The agency has been faced with many challenges every now and then, but thankfully, it has been able to overcome them. Just to site an example, the existence of the agency has been threatened before by the Republican House of Representatives, which planned to wipe out the program. The problem was further compounded by the Bush government which sought to frustrate its efforts by reducing its budgetary allocation monies. However, the agency has survived this far and is doing well.

Obama's Changes to the Small Business Administration - Welcome Relief For Small Business Owners

By Sue B. Malone

On March 16, 2009 President Obama, in a long awaited address, finally reached out to the 27.2 million small businesses in this country and extended his hand. He may not have gone to the mountain, but he certainly walked down Main Street and acknowledged the plight of struggling small business owners. And it was just a matter of time that he did so. After all, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Recovery Act") nicely laid out beneficial provisions for small businesses and just as promised, regulations have come out by the SBA to start the ball rolling. And I'm not talking about more government promises or red tape, but bottom line capital to be infused into the coffers of deserving business owners. So let's roll up our sleeves and see one of the more important elements that was put into place on Monday.

SBA loan programs historically had guarantees of 85% for loans of $150,000 or less and 75% for loans greater than $150,000 (13 CFR Part 120). On the other hand, there are some programs that only go as high as 50%, including the Express Loan program (for those types of loans the new guarantee will not change).

As we all know, on February 17, 2009 the President signed into law the Recovery Act which, under section 502, authorized the SBA to guarantee loans up to 90%. On Monday, the SBA completed its review of the legislation and announced in a Policy Notice that indeed the guarantee would go up to 90% effective March 16th under the various 7(a) SBA loan programs.

Simple math tells us more guarantee, the greater the likelihood of the bank making the loan. For goodness sakes, 90% is tapping on the door of a 100% guarantee! Also note the guaranteed portion is typically sold on the secondary market (which has recently shut down to almost nothing in September of 2008) so there is more chance for loans to be sold and more money to go back into the coffers of the banks for further lending.

Now let us translate this into popular programs for small businesses. The Community Express Loan Program allows quick and reasonably priced SBA loans up to $250,000 (although most lenders are dispersing monies in the neighborhood of between $5,000 and $50,000 unsecured). They are now guaranteed to 90%.  And remember there are lenders now making such a loans even in this economy.  The equally popular U.S. Patriot Express Loan Program for veterans and their spouses or windows, goes to $500,000 and is also guaranteed now to 90%. At the same time, the workhorse 7(a) loan program, which is usually for loans in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, was likewise increased to 90%. Not to bore you with the details, but the only exceptions are almost minuscule, namely the guarantees are not used for business ventures involved in gambling, aquariums, zoos, golf courses, or swimming pools. Further, the SBA will not issue a guarantee to a borrower that hires, recruits, or refers for a fee, employees that are unauthorized aliens as defined by the Secretary of Homeland Security.

And it gets even better. Banks that are already SBA lenders don't have to do anything different in the loan process. Namely, there is no change to the submission process to get a SBA guarantee loan number. They simply get their approvals from the same central processing units throughout the nation as they did before. The same streamlined paperwork.

Of course, taxpayers' dollars will be funding these guarantees, especially since the borrower no longer pays for a guarantee fee on closing. In other words, the 90% guarantee will stay in effect as long as there is money appropriated by Congress. The current estimate is that approximately $8.7 billion will be allocated for these guarantees, of course depending upon the loan volume and default rate.

So how will the banks react to this news? Many experts predict in a favorable manner. Obviously, with a 90% guaranty, there is less risk if the loan goes south. This also means the traditional robust secondary market for purchasing government backed loans, once it starts to kick-in, will also find them desirable for purchase in investment pools. There is also another intangible you don't read about in the news: The environment in Washington has never been better for small businesses. You now have an Administration that respects small businesses and wants to do everything it can to engender their success.

Translation: banks are comfortable with the new SBA (as opposed to the more insular and contentious regime under the Bush administrations that spent more time fighting and failing to communicate with lenders than trying to treat them as partners) and so more willing to make loans even though the default rates go higher. They know the Obama Administration will probably understand the situation because of current market conditions.

Doctor of Business Administration - DBA - The New MBA?

By Hugh O'Connell

Did you know that the US produces over 90,000 MBA graduates per year? And that the UK, the second largest producer, produces over 10,000 MBA graduates per year? Perhaps you signed up for an MBA thinking it would make you special but have found that in reality nearly everyone you work with also has an MBA? Indeed it could be said that the MBA has become a victim of its own success. No longer is the MBA a passport to promotion and financial success - it is now the minimum entry qualification for the company.

In a poll by the Association of MBA's 1300 respondents suggested that the reason they took an MBA was as follows: To obtain a business qualification (82%); To improve job opportunities (79%); For Intellectual stimulation (70%); To increase salary (67%) To obtain general skills (64%); To change career direction (61%); and, To increase self-confidence (52%). Unfortunately many graduates will discover that the chances of increasing their salaries or improving job opportunities upon graduation will not be realised. Indeed the substantial costs associated with taking an MBA has to be written off since companies will not see the MBA as a particular advantage over experience or other qualifications.

Enter the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). The DBA is a professional qualification that is designed to enable practitioners who already have a postgraduate degree such as an MBA to extend their learning and make a contribution to the body of knowledge of their practice area. Since the DBA is a practical course that requires candidates to research an area of business practice it is usually offered as a part time course for practising managers.

What is the difference between a DBA and a PhD? The DBA is a doctorate designed for experienced professionals based on the research of managerial issues. In contrast the PhD emphasises the development of new knowledge and theoretical perspectives. The DBA is a widely recognised qualification equivalent in standing to a PhD. As LJM University state, "Put simply, a PhD makes a contribution to knowledge whilst a DBA makes a contribution to knowledge in practice, in both cases this being new knowledge." According to the University of Surrey in the UK, "The DBA is right for today's business world. It is often better received in business than a narrow PhD Doctorate. This is because the approach is broader and the thesis takes a practical subject as its basis for the research study."

Typically a DBA is undertaken in two stages. The first is the taught component consisting of a number of business and research methodology modules designed to help the candidate develop both in-depth business knowledge and an understanding of the research process at the doctoral level. This stage can take one to two years and the candidate is usually required to produce and defend a research proposal. The second stage is the research component during which the candidate is required to produce a piece of original research with an emphasis on applied knowledge within the work environment. This can take between two to four years. Some institutions allow candidates to produce three separate papers rather than one thesis, the three papers being bound together and submitted for assessment as one piece of work once completed. The bound work is then sent for external examination and viva (defence). A successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the contribution that their research makes to management practice.

The DBA is offered by many universities around the world. However, when choosing a course it is important to ensure that it is from a recognised university - look for accreditation from European organisations such as EQUIS and EDAMBA, or from the American AACSB. The application process will usually involve the potential candidate completing an application form and research proposal. The proposal will ensure that the university can supervise your area of business practice, an important consideration if you work in a highly specialised field. It should also demonstrate that you have a basic knowledge of the research process. Candidates should already have an MBA or equivalent business Master's degree and be able to demonstrate that they have experience of management at a senior level, or substantial professional experience. Non-native speakers of English would normally be expected to have an IELTS level of 7.0 or equivalent.

The DBA is therefore a natural progression for those who have completed their MBA. It builds on the foundation of an MBA and adds much more. It is exclusive and very few managers have one. As a result the Doctor of Business Administration is set to replace the MBA as the 'must have' qualification in corporate life - and unlike the invisible MBA, it allows you to put 'Doctor' on your business card! What better way to stand out from the crowd.

Cover Letter Example For a Business Administration Professional

By Igor Wruppi

This is an example of a cover letter. Use this as a template and for ideas and inspiration, do not just copy it word for word. Before you can use this example you will need to replace all the dates, all the names and all the addresses. Add your contact details to the header or footer of the document. Remember to include keywords for the position you are applying for. Try to find a comeback in the company that is responsible for human management and address the application to him or her. Good luck in your job hunt!

January 1, 2009

Mr. Example Name
Human Resources Manager
Company Name
111 Street
City, State 90111

Dear Mr. Name

My solid experience as a project metrics analyst for two of Lockheed Martin contractors has allowed me to gain strong analytical skills that can be effectively utilized by your organization. After years of on the job training with minimal supervision in a time intensive environment, I am now prepared to move into project and program management.

With a master's in business administration and extensive technical skills I, can also offer:

Ability to work cross functionally as evident by skill sets in project analysis, human resource management, staff training, purchasing, and technical accounting.

An enterprising attitude resulting in the successful development of a fault profile metric report for a software development program, despite an unfamiliarity with the initial program.

Organizational and interpersonal capabilities that led to a profitable team effort between a software consultant and myself for the efficient conversion of a 3000 employee multi state payroll from ADP to in-house.

Additional capabilities are listed in the enclosed resume. In an effort to discuss the matter further, I will be calling your office within the next few days to see if we might set up a time to meet.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at the numbers listed above. Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,
SIGNATURE

Your Name

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Careers With a Business Administration Degree

By David D M

Are you a natural leader and a gifted communicator? Do you have excellent analytical and logical ability? Are you a people's person with above average interpersonal skills? Have you won awards or accolades for your organizational expertise? If your answer to all the above questions is a resounding yes, then you may be the ideal candidate for a Business Administration degree.

While traditionally a Business Administration degree was the exclusive reserve of the crème-de-le-crème of the corporate world, that's no longer the case.

The biggest indicator of the fact that business education is no longer the right of a privileged few is the availability of this degree at Bachelor's level. The assumption is that the prospect may not have the relevant experience or exposure to the industry but has the drive to learn and make it big in the business world!

A Bachelor's of Business Administration degree is a typical four-year program that will prepare graduates for entry-level managerial roles in various business fields depending on their interest and area of specialization. Here's an overview of some of the possible careers with a Business Administration degree:

Sales and Marketing: Although often spoken in the same breath, sales and marketing are actually two divergent fields of business. Broadly speaking, the primary objective of a sales manager is to sell a product or service to the target consumer. Developing sales strategy, training and mentoring sales reps, and setting and reviewing sales targets are some important duties of a sales manager.

The core job of a marketing manager, on the other hand, is to drive the strategy for first identifying what people need, working with the product development team to develop the product with desired features, pricing it correctly, and then promoting the product (or service) amongst its target audience.

Human Resources: This branch of business is focused on the most valuable asset of an organization, namely, its people. Human resources management involves recruitment and management of an organization's employees and includes activities such as staffing, establishing company policies, managing employee benefits and compensation, dealing with performance issues, working on employee training, benefits, and motivation programs, etc. Administration skills combined with a "people's" personality can make one an excellent human resources professional.

Financial Services: One of the most lucrative careers with a business administration degree is that of a financial manager. According to the Department of Labor, the duties of a financial manager include overseeing the preparation of financial reports, directing investment activities, and implementing cash management strategies. With a background in finance, you can find a broad range of employment opportunities in financial institutions like banks, insurance companies, credit unions, small businesses and large corporate houses, and state and federal agencies.

Accounting: Another career option you can explore with a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree is that of a management accountant. Management or corporate accountants are the custodians of an organization's financial health. Budgeting, cost accounting, asset management, financial reporting, financial planning, and tax planning are some of the responsibilities of a management accountant.

Real Estate: If you like to walk the road less traveled, real estate or property management is an interesting field of business you can explore. As a real estate manager, your clients will rely on you to manage the operations of a property and monitor its life-cycle from acquisition and utilization to maintenance and disposition. If you want to become a real estate manager, make sure your business administration program allows you to specialize in property management.

Health Services: Health service management is probably amongst the most rewarding careers with a Business Administration degree. The job of a health service manager is to take care of the administrative and business aspects of a healthcare unit to ensure the smooth delivery of primary patient care. Although a degree in healthcare administration ties in more closely with this field, those who have Business Administration degree with a concentration in healthcare administration may also qualify for the job of a health services manager.

While all these careers may be open to you with a Bachelor's of Business Administration degree, what can really propel you on to high profile business positions is an MBA degree. A Bachelor's degree will provide you with a perfect start, while a Master's degree will ensure that you always stay ahead in the race.

Is It True That An Online Degree in Business Administration Will Lead To Significantly Higher Pay?

An online degree in business administration could earn you a lot of money in your future career, considering that Business Administration is one of the most prolific employment areas today, and competitive too! With myriad new businesses coming online these days, for example, there is a place in nearly every one of them for an administrator to help keep accounting and other vital areas working.

An online degree in business administration program will help you to get the insight that you need about the management and day-to-day operations of business.

Studying Business At This Level Opens Many Doors

The online degree in business administration is also known as a BSBA degree when you pursue a Bachelors degree. Online studies for business administration degree programs also include Associate in Business degrees.

Multiple online schools and universities today offer Business administration degrees. Most of them offer a solid educational opportunity in business administration studies. You are given a well-rounded experience that helps you to understand and to be conversant in nearly any aspect of managing a business.

Online degree study programs at accredited online universities will help to prepare you for work in a vast array of areas, including:
Management
Marketing
Economics
Finance
Accounting
Department Management
Information Systems
International business


Each online degree in business administration - depending on your school - offers the opportunity to specialize in various aspects of business. As a general rule, your studies in any Business administration class will include course work that will assist you in learning about:
Business Policies
Employee Relations
Office Management
Supervisory Positions
Financial Offices
Leadership Skills


Earning your Associate of Science or your Bachelor of Science in an online degree in business administration study program will give you a solid education in nearly every area of business. You may have the selection of different pinpointed areas of study that will help you to specialize in those areas and to be focused on one aspect of business administration when required.

Costs
The advantages that you can get with an online degree study program from an accredited online university are simply vast. The tuition costs are typically far lower than a traditional classroom course of study, and the travel time is of course non-existent so the cost for your transportation is also negated.

There are a few issues with online degree studies however, mainly depending on how well you study alone without a support system such as you would find in classroom type study.

Business Degree Study Materials Formats
There may also be issues with lectures for you if they are all presented in a printed format as opposed to videotaped studies. Many people find it difficult to study in this 'type of information' environment; it does take some time to adapt to new methods of study, but the rewards for your home-based Online Degree in Business Administration will be a more lucrative financial future and a feeling of personal satisfaction in your achievement.

Find out even more at our dedicated online degree information and review website - more details directly below.

Earn Your MBA at Home Through Online Business Administration Schools

By Michael Bustamante

Did you ever imagine that you could work your way up the corporate ladder by earning an MBA at home in your spare time? Accredited online business administration schools are cropping up all across the US and Canada to meet the demand for higher education without all the hassles of typical campus life. This is welcome information for ambitious learners with high hopes but little spare time to study.

The typical path to earning a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) calls for a strict timetable of dedicated attendance that is nearly impossible for a working adult to accommodate. If you were to start on the bottom rung, you would have to be willing to drop everything (job, family obligations, travel plans, etc.) and dedicate four or more years of fulltime study. This means spending about two years getting an Associate's degree; another year or so for a Bachelor's degree; then finally another year or two to get that MBA in your hand.

But, think how much easier it would be if you could choose when and where you will study? Online schools for business administration make it possible to open your laptop anytime, study as long as it is convenient, and take a break whenever you decide. There is no commuting to and from the classroom, so you save time, gas and parking fees. Tuition is often much less, too, because online colleges and universities have low overhead, and that helps to keep the costs down.

If you are self-motivated and driven, and you dream of swinging from the top rung of the corporate ladder, that dream is within your grasp. Check out some of the top accredited online schools for business administration, and you can soon cut yourself a clear path to corporate success!

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on our website.

Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Finding Employment In Business Administration

By Tony Jacowski

Whether you have a Bachelors or Masters in Business Administration, you will most likely, have no problem finding jobs in your chosen field. You simply need to know where to look.

This type of degree covers a very broad curriculum, opening up many possibilities. It provides students the ability to apply for any type of business position, and offers opportunities for specialization in particular areas. These include: finance, accounting, and sales, just to name a few. There are, however, actual positions in administration to be had and many ways to find them.

Perhaps your goal is to secure a management job or become a top level executive some day. A degree in business administration will help you when searching for this type of employment. Other jobs include: CEO, COO, president, vice president, regional manager, or assistant general manager. The list goes on and on.

There are also a wide range of business development jobs where this particular degree will be very useful toward seeking employment. A career in business development would involve identifying new business opportunities and determining whether or not they will be profitable. This can include: making decisions regarding the possibility of entering new markets, the development of new products, the forming of partnerships, changing sales processes, and overall strategic planning.

If you have obtained a bachelors degree in business administration, it may pay off in a very big way to also work toward a Master's Degree in the same field. This is otherwise referred as an MBA. An MBA opens up many other jobs that range in scope and enable you to reach the higher level positions you desire. You may also choose to obtain your bachelors, secure employment, and then work toward your masters in business administration. This will help you move up the corporate ladder more quickly and make more employment opportunities available to you. It will provide many useful benefits for obtaining promotions that will also help increase your earning potential for many years to come.

Is a Business Administration Degree Worth the Work?

By David Patullo

Do you know the importance of a business administration degree? Have you ever wanted to pursue such a degree but you are not sure how it can really help you? Well, relax and sit up in your chair because you are about to get information that will assist you make a very prudent decision. You will ultimately know if a business administration degree is essential in your career.

In any organization, there are leaders and there are followers. Business empires are no exemption to this principle. If you are a leader in any business organization, you can bear witness to the fact that skills and tact are two important qualities if you are to lead employees effectively and ultimately achieve the goal of your organization. It is also important to note that both the leader and the followers have an important place in every organization and no place of business can function without both. However, the success of business organizations comes down to the leaders. A business administration degree is meant to enhance your leadership skills.

Leadership skills are the most important skill of any manger. A manager should be able to direct and influence others positively. In addition, he should give sound directions. He should lead by example where his example is the shining star that is followed in the wilderness of any doubt; a leader who gets thing done not by force but by careful strategy that leaves both parties content. If you want to be such a manager, a business administration degree is meant for you.

There are plenty of reasons why you should not hesitate to take up a business administration degree. First, it turns a desert into a gold mine. If you were among the followers in an organization, you climb the platform where you are crowned as a leader. The responsibility of a leader comes with better rewards. These rewards continue to increase with time and performance.

Once you enroll in a business administration degree program, there are many options to major in, such as strategic management, accounts, finance, and marketing. The purpose of each of these options are to mold you into a leader who makes sound and informed decisions. They enable you to make a careful evaluation of a circumstance and to deal with it in the utmost confidence. It is confidence and knowledge that separates a captain from the rest of the crew in a ship.

Any business leader will come across situations that he has never encountered before. However, if a business management degree acts as his shield and spear, he will always be prepared. At the end of the day, he will solve the situation with ease. It is for this reason that employers have recently been on a more aggressive search for mangers who are business administration degree graduates.

If you want to be an effective manager, do not hesitate to take a business administration degree. At the end of the day, you will never regret your decision.

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree - Basic Information

By John G White

This degree is also known as a BSBA, and and is attained after studying for four years, with an average credit hour total of one hundred and twenty. It is similar to a Masters in Business Administration in that it is a general study of all areas of business.

During this academic program, students have a choice during their senior year to specialize in one area of business. This decision has a very direct effect on the type of job they will pursue after college. The general specializations often study include accounting, finance, legal studies, management, marketing, economics, international business, or management information systems. Depending on the school, there may be more or less specializations to choose from.

In general, a student that earns this degree will have studied and understand all these skills which are needed for those working in business, management, employee relations, finance, policies, and leadership.

This degree is a great foundation on which to begin your business career on. It is often seen as the first step to earning a Masters in Business Administration, and the jobs many recent graduates find themselves qualified for include business office manager, supervisor, or some form of employee manager.

Earning your Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Degree gives you an education in all areas of business. You also have the choice of a specialized area of study, which allows you to pinpoint exactly which type of business you are most interested in. The business world is always hiring and can be very lucrative, so if the above sounds interesting to you, you should consider this area of study for your college degree.