Hard Skills vs Soft Skills: Differences, Definitions, and Examples

We have experienced a paradigm shift in the nature of learning and delivering education over the past few years. Conventional classroom teaching has been shifted to interactive online and distance learning methods. The advent of newer technologies in the post-pandemic world has led to a tremendous rise in the popularity of online courses all over the globe. And the most sought-after course of all time is an Online MBA programme.

The constantly revolutionising global workplace requires modern solutions to constantly evolving problems. For this, they require a highly qualified, well-experienced, and extensively trained workforce. And an MBA programme presents the right solution to the problem of increasing demand for a workforce that is well-versed in both management principles as well as technical know-how.

What is an Online/ Distance MBA programme?

An MBA Programme is a two-year postgraduate professional course that provides in-depth knowledge of various subjects related to business and management. The course imparts relevant business as well as entrepreneurial skills, which facilitates tactical decision-making in the organisation.

An Online/ Distance MBA course uses various technologies to facilitate learning in a virtual setting, without being physically present at the campus. This method is an interactive way of acquiring deep conceptual knowledge through innovative online tools. An Online MBA programme provides a myriad of specialisations, for you to choose from. These can be listed as follows:

• Business Management
• Sales and Marketing
• Banking and Financial Management
• Human Resource Management 
• International Business 
• Business Analytics and Data Management 
• Information Technology Management
• Operations and Production Management

Now, if you are thinking of pursuing an Online MBA degree make sure that you earn it from the prominent B-Schools of the country so that you can enjoy the various benefits provided by the university and can take full advantage of the course. 

How to Choose a Specialisation for an Online MBA?

In the recent era, all of us require specialists for performing various tasks that are crucial to the success of a business. A corporate workplace, thus, requires specialised persons in order to take charge of separate departments. Therefore, it becomes important that before you go on to choose a specialisation, you must first carefully evaluate your interests, career goals and current skill set. Based upon these, you must pick a specialisation that aligns perfectly with your ambitions as well as talents. 

Here, we have listed some of the top MBA specialisations that are industry centric and are trending as per the corporate norms:

1. Business Management: It is one of the most in-demand specialisations while pursuing an Online MBA programme. An MBA in Business Management gives practical as well as theoretical knowledge regarding the different subjects of business and enterprise management. The course equips you with relevant knowledge about general business management functions and procedures. 
   
2. Sales and Marketing: Sales and marketing are two indispensable functions of an enterprise. And these are also the evergreen job positions in an organisation as no business will be able to survive without them. An MBA degree in Sales and Marketing helps you explore various innovative marketing techniques to deal with the challenges of the contemporary business world. The job possibilities in this versatile field are endless.
3. Banking and Financial Management: The finance department is an integral part of the business which provides a strong foundation for the organisation. An MBA in Banking and Finance is mostly preferred by candidates with commerce and related backgrounds. The course has a vast scope of job opportunities in the near future considering the country’s economic growth and development. 
4. Human Resource Management: Human Personnel is a significant part of the organisation as no company can function without humans. Thus, human resource management is an important function that will define the success of the company. This specialisation provides you with the relevant knowledge and skills in order to efficiently manage the workforce of the company. It also imparts strategies in order to maintain harmony and order in the organisation with efficient communication. 
5. International Business: Increasing globalisation has led to the birth of an enormous marketplace for businesses to flourish. It is important for businesses to have a deep understanding of foreign trade policy, global outsourcing, international currency, WTO norms, and all the information regarding the international trade environment. An MBA in International Business equips you with all this required knowledge. Moreover, due to the increasing trade between nations, it has become a promising career opportunity for aspirants. 
6. Business Analytics and Data Management: MBA in Business Analytics is one of the rapidly growing industries due to increasing digitisation and automation. It offers a promising career to those students who have a knack for both business fundamentals as well as technology. It is, therefore, an ideal course for students with a technical background. This specialisation educates you about various business strategies and analysis methods that can be used to enhance and improve the performance of various operations in an organisation and increase their efficiency and thus, profits. 
7. Information Technology Management: Information Technology is undoubtedly the backbone of every industry. An MBA in Information Technology will help you to learn to combine general business practices and information technology in order to facilitate the smooth functioning of the organisation. 
8. Operations and Production Management: Operations and Production make crucial parts of the organisation. A specialisation in Operations management equips you with relevant knowledge about production management, procurement management, logistics, quality management, distribution management, and other relevant functions crucial to the success of a business.

Takeaway

An Online MBA has a vast scope of future opportunities for students with different expectations and interests. You can opt for any specialisation you wish considering your interests and future expectations from your career. 

In addition to the above-mentioned specialisations, there are certain other specialisations that are equally demanded in the business-oriented world which are Retail Management, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, International Trade, and many more.