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5 Excellent Online MBA Programs

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Noodle Staff August 29, 2012

If you're looking for exemplary online MBA programs, here are five you can start with.

In this course, participants learn core principles, concepts, and methods of continuous improvement and explore the history of continuous improvement efforts. In a series of lectures, Master Black Belt in Six Sigma Shane Wentz, Ph.D., enables learners to enhance, optimize, and stabilize business processes and to augment quality control through varied methodologies. Participants gain the skills and knowledge to reimagine internal processes, engage in advanced problem-solving, and empower employees. The course covers high-level foundational principles of Lean, Six Sigma, and DMAIC processes before diving deep into Lean Six Sigma methods. Learners will analyze the tools of process mapping, Kaizen (a continuous improvement method/tool deemed a prerequisite for Lean transformation success), Lean (a continuous improvement philosophy that emphasizes streamlined workflows and reducing waste), and the process improvement methodology driving DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control.

Entrepreneurs fostering new ventures outside of well-developed entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley face significant challenges. These markets are unlike Silicon Valley, and they will likely remain so. That doesn't mean they can't nurture and sustain new businesses. In transitioning markets that lack abundant private sector financing, creative approaches from government officials, donors, and business leaders can fill the void to support entrepreneurial activity. Northeast Ohio (where Cleveland and Case Western Reserve University are located) has become a laboratory for such innovative solutions. During our time together in this course, we will explore some of these creative approaches to promoting regional entrepreneurship. Northeast Ohio has seen a massive infusion of government and donor resources for over ten years. In that time, Northeast Ohio has promoted regional development (including job creation and follow-on funding) through alternative methods of financing startups. It has not been easy. The region has made progress, but it remains to be seen whether it has struck upon an enduring formula. A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem takes many years, even decades, to develop. Government policymakers and donors typically seek quicker returns on their support programs, which makes long-term support for entrepreneurship challenging. This course includes case studies and first-person testimonials from entrepreneurs who have launched products and services ranging from medical devices to LED lights to whiskey. You will learn how these entrepreneurs discovered and procured resources from various programs and intermediary organizations. You will hear from business people still in the process of developing their companies as well as those whose ventures have flourished. Our focus will extend beyond Cleveland to selected markets around the world, including Greece, Vietnam, Tunisia, Argentina, Rwanda and China. You will learn about international incentives and other supports available to developing startups and small businesses across the globe. This course examines how different communities around the world approach implementing strategies and methods to support businesses. I will ask you to reflect on how to apply the principles we learn to growing entrepreneurship where you live. The social interactive features of the online platform will enable students from around the world to share ideas and learn from one another. Most MOOCs rebroadcast professors’ lectures; this course is different. Don’t expect to see me standing in front of the camera, talking and lecturing every module. Instead, the lectures will be relatively short in length. They have more of the feel of an engaging documentary than a static classroom setting. ## __What type of person takes the *Beyond Silicon Valley* course?__ - Active and aspiring businesspeople in communities looking to initiate new startup ecosystems or bolster existing ones - Current and prospective entrepreneurs who want to learn about funding sources, risk management, and the lifecycle of startups - Professionals who work in government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, philanthropic institutions, and various private funds that fund startups - Anyone curious about how to create and grow startup ecosystems outside the major tech hubs - The principles Beyond Silicon Valley teaches have been drawn from and applied to startups worldwide, from small villages to megalopolises. You'll study success stories spanning the globe from Vietnam to Kosovo to Botswana. ## __What will you learn in *Beyond Silicon Valley*?__ - How and where startups can find funding to get their businesses off the ground - What role government can play in encouraging startups and a healthy startup ecosystem - How anchor institutions such as universities and healthcare systems participate in startup ecosystems - How nongovernmental organizations support startups - How to raise funds from venture capitalists, angel investors, and accelerators - How to navigate challenging periods in the startup lifecycle - The importance of mentoring in successful startups

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Finding an online degree program can be difficult. Formats and time requirements vary dramatically, as does quality and value.

Here are 5 programs that are rigorous, well-thought of, and a great value:

UNC-Chapel Hill Kenen-Flagler Business School

Location: Chapel Hill, NC

Program: MBA@UNC

Description: This program can be completed in two to three years. It features a combination of asynchronous self-directed work and synchronous online courses with face-to-face interaction between students and professors. Students are required to complete several global immersions, or leadership cultivation courses that occur at major business center around the world. While students must complete at least two global immersions, they can participate in as many as they'd like (with up to four being covered by tuition). Global immersion occur across the world, including cities like Sao Paolo, Johannesburg, and Singapore.

Program Cost: $89,000 including books and all expenses for up to four immersions sessions around the globe.

The University of Florida Hough Graduate School of Business

Location: Gainesville, FL

Program: Internet MBA

Description: The Internet MBA program is the most competitive program at Hough, offering has two tracks: the standard two year MBA and an accelerated 16 month program for students with a Bachelors in Business. Two years of professional experience and the GMAT are required for both programs. A one week campus visit is also required for each four month term.

Program Cost: $41,750 for standard program and $41,400 for the accelerated. (Includes an iPad, but does not include books, room and board, or travel expenses.)

Indiana University Kelley School of Business

Location: Bloomington, IN

Program: Kelley Direct Online MBA

Description: The program can be completed in as little as two or as many as five years. It focuses on general administration and allows for nine electives. All classes are conducted asynchronously so students are not required to be online at a particular time and some campus visits are required. The program also offers to supplement your MBA with an additional MS degree in Business Analytics, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, Marketing, or Strategic Management.

Program Cost: $54,111 not including books and travel costs.

Babson College F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business

Location: Babson Park, MA

Program: The Babson Blended Learning Program

Description: This two year program focuses primarily on entrepreneurship. Online learning averages at about 20 hours a week and the program also requires weekend face-to-face meetings every seven weeks at Babson or at satellite campuses in San Francisco and Wellesley. A capstone project, either work-related or endorsed by your workplace, is also required.

Program Cost: $73,500 not including books or travel costs.

Thunderbird School of Global Management

Location: Glendale, AZ

Program: Distance Learning MBA

Description: Available in either 19, 28, or 36 month formats, three-quarters of the program is conducted through online asynchronous learning with the final quarter is composed of regional business seminars held throughout the world. Program concentrations are available in International Studies, World Business or Cross Cultural/English Business Communication.

Program Cost: $66,800 including books as well as food and lodging for orientation, regional seminars and graduation. Travel expenses are not included.

You can explore more MBA programs or online MBA programs with Noodle!