Relevance of MBA for functional managers in information management | |
| Author | Amarasinghe, U. A. A. Saumya Udayangani |
| Call Number | AIT RSPR no.SM-09-04 |
| Subject(s) | Information resources management Master of business administration degree--Information resources management |
| Note | 55 leaves : ill. |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Series Statement | Research studies project report ; no. SM-09-04 |
| Abstract | After 1950, when the drivers of economy diverted from a manufacturing to service, information age started to emerge. Organizations have been highly dependent on information ever since. Managers today are faced with a two key issues related to information management, defining data and the increase of information overload. Organizations have realized that hardcore hands on experience backed up with a sound educational background is needed to overcome these challenges in the future. Most critical information related activities happen at the middle management level where mostly functional managers operate across the organization. Therefore, strong skills in information management needs to cultivated in this level in order to facilitate and ensure a smooth organizational information flow. The future information management will highly rely on computer based information systems which are used to collect, store, retrieve and disseminate information through a common platform across the organization. Therefore, the future middle or functional level managers need to be highly skilled in Information Management in order to be competitive and performing and to gain a sustainable competitive advantage in organizations. With this view in mind, the author of this research study has explored in to the competencies inculcated by Master Business Administration, a professional qualification to become managers as specified by the UNHMBA, with regards to information management, compared to other professional masters graduates (Non MBAs). This study compared the perceptions of two different groups, MBAs and Non MBAs, in performing 1M related tasks and explored whether an MBA is relevant for future managers to perform better in 1M. Study was conducted in an Asian educational context where 90% of the population was from Asian countries. The survey was based on the students of School of Management, AIT and students from School of Engineering and Technologies and School of Environmental Research and Development of A1T. It was further narrowed down to evaluate only the business skills and interpersonal skills related to handling information systems in an organization. Based on the findings of the survey, MBA students holistically showed better perceptions compared to the Non MBAs. Non MBAs showed equal perceptions and strengths in sharing and retrieving information. However, it was interesting to note that Non MBAs were not out performing MBAs in any area of focus. Recommendations were given to the institutes based on the findings of the research to fine tune the curricular to prepare the students for the future information war. Further areas of studies are also been suggested considering the limitations of this study |
| Year | 2009 |
| Corresponding Series Added Entry | Asian Institute of Technology. Research studies project report ; no. SM-09-04 |
| Type | Research Study Project Report (RSPR) |
| School | School of Management (SOM) |
| Department | Other Field of Studies (No Department) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Master of Business Administration (MBA) (Publication code=SM) |
| Chairperson(s) | Donyaprueth Krairit; |
| Examination Committee(s) | Nicholas J. Dimmitt;Yuosre Badir; |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Fellowship; |
| Degree | Research Studies Project Report (M.B.A.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2009 |