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What subjects in MBA equip you to be future-ready?

Hello! We do understand that you’ve completed your degree and are at crossroads.  

You have a choice to pursue a postgraduate program in the field that you did your undergraduate in or a master’s degree in a management program. Well, you are lucky that you have choices; yet you need to make the right choice.  

Although the program title is MBA, you will not be restricted to studying only management subjects that lead to the functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling. 

‘Must Have’ MBA subjects in your curriculum

MBA subjects are designed and introduced at just the right time, after being crafted with care, such that it boosts your confidence and improves your listening and communication skills. MBA, in my opinion, skyrocket your decision-making and analytical skills and enhances your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and self-discipline. You should then be able to work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds and temperaments since you would be a pro at interpersonal skills.  

Communication: We understand that you as a manager, need to be equipped with the most important tool to take up any of these management functions listed above. Wondering what that tool is? Yes, it’s a very simple one – communication. So, as an MBA student, you get to hone your communication skills. 

HRM: As a manager, you need to take care of many things – people skills, being one of them. Hence, the HRM subject is the basic input, and the advanced ones leading up to recruitment, compensation, employee benefits, training, and organizational development, in case you decide to continue in the HR domain. 

With good exposure to organizational behavior and HR, your leadership and teamwork skills definitely stand to gain. 

Marketing: The very fact of pursuing an online MBA is that you get to interact with many students (they’re in thousands, as against your regular classroom of a couple of tens, you see?), gives you that extra perspective – the ability to think out of the box. Networking, learning the latest trends in terms of marketing, understanding the consumer, and becoming a good salesman by applying all principles of selling that you’ve learnt, come as a bonus. 

Business Laws: You, of course, need to follow business laws and rules. It could be related to something as simple as knowing the minimum requirement to register for PF for your employees. You need to know these even if you are an employer and more if you hold a position in the HR department. In case you are setting up a company, you need to be aware of all the compliances that the law of the land demands. Hence, the MBA subject related to the legal aspects of a business is essential. 

Statistics & Research Methodology: We’ve been dealing with numbers from a very young age, and it continues to be the case at every stage in life – as an employee, as well as an employer. You need to be sharp to grasp numbers, make projections, and understand in which direction to steer your department. Here comes the use of research methodology and statistics for your help. 

Finance: And there are numbers related to profits. You need not necessarily be in the finance department to be equipped with the ability to understand those. As a basic life skill, you need to know the basics of accounting and finance, including simple transaction entries, receivables, and dues/outstanding payments. In future, if you plan on taking up a larger financial role or becoming an entrepreneur, you need to dig deep and understand statements, ratios, and more. 

Technology: In this era of technology, you can’t do without computer skills. You can use technology for simple calculations to perform complex analyses. You can use or build apps that help you in any role you may play – as an employee, a vendor, or an employer. 

Economics: The ability to understand economics is a key factor for any business. That’s how studying macro and microeconomics provides you with that ability to understand your business and contribute to not just your business but to the country/ global economy. 

Environment protection: While you may have a profit motive to contribute, as an employee or employer, you cannot lose sight of protecting the environment in any activity of the business that you undertake. You should have the ability to contribute towards environmental protection (whatever business you are engaged in, you should always think of protecting the environment, and hence you will be sensitized towards environmental protection in almost all subjects).  

Subjects that will make you ‘future-proof

With all the tools you get trained on, your Operations Management, Project Management, Analytical, Research and Risk Management skills should reach the altar, as also your critical and strategic thinking skills. If you are already gifted with creativity, your innovation and entrepreneurial skills improve too. You should not restrict your business idea in setting up a shop in India. The world is a global village. You will be exposed to international business too in the MBA program, which gives you that edge to think and act globally.  

Finally, the online MBA consists of several assignments and projects, which will help you with time management skills and your ability to prioritize. The project work gives you hands-on experience such as adaptability to changing business environments. If you are already in a job, an MBA serves as a springboard to propel you in your career. And you are aware of the benefits that come with the rise on the career ladder.  

MBA specializations

Whoa! Looks like there’s so much to management, right? What are the specialized subjects in MBA? 

By the time you finish two semesters, you definitely are a jack of all trades, but don’t you think a bit of focus is also required, at least when you wish to make a career in a particular domain? Here’s when specializations come in handy. You select an MBA specialization when you have a taste of all basics and when you are in a position to make a choice.  

Specialization helps you to focus. It leads to satiate your interest in a particular domain. All you need to do is choose the right one – from the range of traditional and new-generation specializations being offered that include HRM, Finance, Marketing, Data Science, IT & Fintech, Supply Chain Management, and Business Analytics. We urge you to make an informed choice based on your interest. 

Conclusion

So, what is the future of pursuing an MBA in India? With the growing number of start-ups and the boom in the corporate sector, the industry clearly needs more management executives. Your exposure to the above-mentioned subjects in MBA will improve your communication and interpersonal skills (to be able to deal with any situation in a prudent and intelligent manner). Not to forget that you get to improve your listening skills too in order to understand and speak well.  

Do you now agree that this online MBA program is designed to create a new you – who is brimming with confidence, and ready to solve complex problems? Are you prepared to take on the corporate world? 

Data: A fuel that drives business decisions

Data is the most valuable asset in the current technological era. Data assets can be in the form of a file, document, webpage, or application that an organisation would use for generating revenue. 

Data (datum-singular) refers to facts and statistics. It is one of the most used words in academia, research, and the corporate world.1 

Technological advancement and digitalisation have made accessibility of data to corporates at a click. Data is substantially vast, varied, and fast. 

In recent times, corporates, in a bid to gain a competitive advantage, use various applications and systems (ERP or CRM), where data help them provide relevant information and insights. When it comes to answering very basic but critical questions accurately about profit margins, productivity, performance,etc., it is important tohave correct and timely information. 

In sum, data is the best version of the truth and has essential information which businesses can rely on. Managing and mastering data is a necessity for businesses as it would enhance the quality and consistency of their key data assets. 

Why do we need data? 

Data is the basic component of modern decision-making. It has different purposes based on the type of data and business objectives. Some of the importance of data in business are as follow -  

  1. The only “source of truth: For seamless business operations and processes, it is important to have a single source of information. This source acts as a common thread that binds all the functions in an organization. 
  1. The basis for precise and accurate transactional data: The integrity of every single transaction depends on the accuracy and completeness of the data. 
  1. Business impact: It is impossible to do business without accurate data.  
  1. Efficiency: Data (which is the starting point for all transactional activity) if not managed efficiently can have adverse effects. The cost of re-do of the faulty foundation is colossal. 
  1. Uniformity: Standard procedures, and common vocabulary across functions, will facilitate smooth cross-functional interactions without any misunderstanding, thereby building synergies within the various functions in the organisation. 

Reasons why data will sometimes not be in good shape 

Data management could be hazardous due to various reasons. Followings are some of the reasons that affect the integrity of data -  

  1. Urgency: Various activities in the organisation happen in a hurry. There is a tendency to cut corners to save time which may lead to clerical errors or duplication of work. Also, the use of non-standard terms could lead to unnecessary confusion. Organisations end up spending a lot of time and money to clear the mess created by shortcuts taken to save time. 
  1. Rigidity: The master structure of the data is many a time prepared without having visibility of the future. A futuristic view should not limit its functionality. 
  1. Lack of definite ownerships: It is assumed that it’s the responsibility of the team that handles transactions and should create master records. However, this team may not have an overall understanding of the organisational functions. Also, centralising the process may not solve the issues if the mindset remains the same. 
  1. Multiple stakeholders and varied requirements and formats: The information available in the master data may have been created by limiting them to a particular department, an activity, or a function while ignoring the requirements of other stakeholders. For example, in a factory, the production department keeps a record of the number of units produced; however, the operations department wants to record the number of hours. 
  1. Ignorance of the creator: Based on the above example, we can understand that the limiting factors are not deliberate. Such omissions happen as the creator of the master structure is not aware of the consequences. The creator doesn’t have the full vision of the upstream and downstream effects of the master records. 
  1. System limitations: Various systems and applications are used by organisations to make the day-to-day job easy and avoid human errors. However, they have their own limitations. Also, many of the transactions involve communication with external systems. For example, validating a vendor based on GST No. or Bank A/c No., etc. Not all stakeholders will have access to all kinds of data based on the domain they operate in. 
  1. Setting up of priorities: Many of the errors and omissions do not get highlighted immediately. Therefore, it is necessary to have a set list of procedures and principles based on the priorities. It contributes to enhancing the quality of the master data. 

Adopting comprehensive data management is pivotal for all organisations as it is essential for building an efficient data-driven ecosystem. 

How to ensure the data is comprehensive and complete 

Here are a few processes that help data to be comprehensive and complete -  

  1. Futuristic view: The creators should have a clear understanding of business strategies and the key drivers. The data designs should be future-ready and help scale up the business objectives. It will also help in avoiding the risk of hitting the dead end. 
  1. Data hygiene: Making data hygiene is an ongoing activity. 
  1. Dedicated team for data management: Master Data Management (MDM) helps in maintaining the integrity of the data. MDM may be a shared service or at the head office. 
  1. Standardising: Standardising policies, creating frameworks at inception for procedures, conventions, vocabulary, etc., and setting ground rules will ensure weeding out silly errors. 
  1. Data validation: The systems and platforms used by the organisations should have proper validation rules set to prevent the garbage from sweeping into the system. Reasonable checks are necessary to eliminate errors that would litter the data. 
  1. Source data: There should be a full-proof way to ensure that every time data changes hand, it should not run a risk of unintended corruption. Any modifications are to draw it right from the source. 

Need for developing comprehensive data management functions 

The followings are some of the points that highlight why every business must develop comprehensive data management functions -  

  1. Eases operations: Enables smooth flow of activities through the Data Management (DM) platform. Data management also helps in improving UI/UX for all stakeholders. 
  1. Fast response mechanism: Data management helps enterprises in speedy, smooth, and seamless communication for better and faster decision making. 
  1. Integration of data: All internal and external stakeholders can be equally responsible and act collectively. Data integration across all functions in the organisation help in improving the brand image and preventing inadvertent errors. 
  1. Business insights: Data is everywhere and is very critical for business insights. Organisations are going towards building a data-driven decision-making culture. Flawed data can be disastrous. 
  1. Privacy of data: Dissemination of flawed data or leakage would lead to fatal consequences for businesses. Regulators are constantly emphasising data privacy.  

Be a future-ready data professional 

By enrolling in a course, you can be an in-demand professional in the world of data. Online Manipal offers a UGC-entitled online M.Sc. program in Data Science to build future-ready data professionals. The program was designed and delivered by the expert faculty from the renowned Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). NAAC A++ accredited, MAHE is one of the top-10 institutions in India that was bestowed the Institute of Eminence status by the Government of India. 

The comprehensive curriculum of M.Sc. in Data Science covers machine learning, big data analytics, and statistics. The industry-focused modules will help learners equip various data roles and positions in top organisations. You can take this self-paced programme from the comfort of your home by accessing the learning material on the state-of-the-art learning management system (LMS). The LMS contains reading, concept videos, recorded lectures, quizzes, an extensive e-library, and a discussion forum. Online Manipal provide placement assistance, industry connect, and access to alumni network to boost your career prospects. 

Conclusion

Data is the new fuel in this world as it is the basis for every step in the day-to-day functions of every organisation. From small business enterprises to corporates to governments, all depend on the data to make decisions and set processes for business growth. However, some activities jeopardise effective data management. Hence, it is essential for all to adopt comprehensive data management functions to build an efficient and futuristic data-driven ecosystem. 

References: 

  1. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/knowledge/other/data-assets/ 
  1. A recent survey by Mc Kinsey & Company (“Designing Data Governance that Delivers Value” – by Brian Petzold et al, McKinsey Digital June 26, 2020)

Difference between M.Sc. and MBA in business analytics programmes

If you feel like you’re reading about business analytics a lot, you’re listening to the proper people. Business analytics is a varied, booming sector that is attracting firms from a variety of industries, including technology, healthcare, and more—and now is the ideal time to join it.

The skills, statistical methodologies, and technologies that firms use to study and evaluate past business data and performance are referred to as business analytics. Executives receive critical insight into strategic decisions and corporate planning as a result of this effort. Let’s deep dive into the difference between M.Sc. and MBA in business analytics.

What role does a master’s degree play in a career in business analytics?

Business analysts and data scientists are in high demand, making master’s in business analytics an exciting subject to work in. Operational research analysts (who evaluate a company’s internal business risks) earn an average of USD 86,200 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, with anticipated job growth of 25% between 2019 and 2029—faster than other professions.

According to the research of data scientists’ and predictive analytics professionals’ (PAPs) wages, 83 percent of PAPs have an advanced degree (68 percent have a master’s degree and 15% have a Ph.D.). 94 percent of data scientists have a master’s or doctoral degree (50 percent and 43 percent, respectively). 

What is an MBA degree, and what does it entail?

MBA programs are aimed at giving students a broad understanding of how businesses operate; the skills and knowledge learned in an MBA degree may be applied to a variety of industries. An MBA program is meant for people who already hold a bachelor’s degree and have some work experience. Students examine the issues that real businesses face today and learn how to lead organisations through them. Whereas most full-time master’s degree programs last two years, MBAs are available in a number of formats and schedules to accommodate your individual needs.

What is an M.Sc in Business Analytics?

An M.Sc. in Business Analytics trains students to handle and analyse large data collections as well as commercial difficulties. Students learn in-demand programming abilities in programming languages such as SQL, Python, Apache Hadoop, R, and Spark as part of their study. They also develop and improve their interpersonal and communication abilities. With a master’s in business analytics, you’ll learn how to turn complex data into useful information that executives can use to make decisions.

What’s the difference between an MBA and an M.Sc. in Business Analytics?

The difference between M.Sc. and MBA in business analytics is that an MBA concentrates on the entire administration of enterprises, organisations, and projects, whereas an M.Sc. in Business Analytics is more analytical and concentrates on using data to make strategic decisions. MBA students strengthen their soft skills, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication, in addition to the technical skills required to run a business.

Curriculum

Coding, analytics, database management, and data mining, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation are all covered in an intensive M.Sc. Business Analytics program. In this master’s in Business Analytics, you’ll learn business planning, and communication with stakeholders. You may study law and ethics, but the emphasis is on analytic tools and methodologies.

An MBA program with a data science concentration — which covers statistical analysis, advanced analytics, and data management — provides a broader perspective on the corporate world. Operations, communications, stakeholder connections, negotiating skills, business model, as well as personnel, risk, supply chain, and financial management are all covered in this multidisciplinary programme.

Length of programme

An online MBA may take two years or longer to finish if you study part-time. This will be determined by the number of courses you are taking. The online M.Sc. in Business Analytics program, on the other hand, is usually shorter, lasting between 12 to 18 months along with projects and internships.

What may each degree be used for? 

While particular job titles may vary, MBA graduates typically work in the management field, managing people and budgets, coordinating projects, and evaluating progress and success.

Here are some entry-level career opportunities for MBA graduates:

  • Product Manager
  • Product Expertise
  • Business Adviser
  • Senior Financial Analyst
  • Project Manager
  • Manager of Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing Director
  • Manager of Human Resources
  • Manager of Finance

Here are some entry-level work opportunities for M.Sc. Business Analytics graduates:

  • Data Analyst
  • Analyst for Business Intelligence
  • Senior Data Analyst
  • Consultant in Analytics

What are the requirements for each degree?

MBA and M.Sc. Business Analytics degree requirements differ by school, so check the admission criteria for the programmes you’re interested in.

The following certificates are required for MBA and M.Sc. Business Analytics programmes:

  • An undergraduate degree from regionally accredited college or university (domestic students) or a U.S.-comparable bachelor’s degree (international students)
  • Scores on the GMAT or GRE
  • IELTS/TOEFL score (this is a proof of English proficiency requirement for international applicants born in a country where English is not the official language)
  • An official certificate from each university, college, or community college that you have attended
  • Purpose Statement
  • Recommendation letters
  • Appropriate Application Forms (provided by the programme)

MBA programme – gained skills and competencies

An MBA program can help students build skills and competencies that will help them improve in the corporate world. These abilities include the following:

  • Leadership: MBA schools stress the need of providing direction to staff, explaining the company’s strategy, and taking responsibility for the quality of products and deadlines.
  • Liaison between corporate stakeholders and employees: Managers and leaders must act as liaisons between business stakeholders and employees. Students in an MBA program are exposed to various sorts of communications that occur in businesses and are required to practise both verbal and communication skills.
  • Data-driven decision-making: MBA graduates understand the necessity of making data-driven decisions. Being a leader entails more than simply giving the organisation direction; it also necessitates the creation of plans
  • Technical proficiency: MBA students are exposed to the expanding technology demands of the corporate world, from new software applications to the development and deployment of emerging technologies such as blockchain.
  • Companies seek out leaders who can motivate staff, are knowledgeable about their markets, and are efficient at seeing projects through to completion, thus developing these qualities is critical for individuals aspiring to managerial or C-level positions.

M.Sc. in Business Analytics programme – acquired skills and competencies

M.Sc. graduates frequently acquire the advanced abilities required to succeed in the industry. Among the skills learned are:

  • Critical thinking: M.Sc. Business Analytics coursework exposes students to a variety of difficulties that put their ability to solve problems logically to the test. Graduates usually join the job equipped to provide their companies with analytical and creative answers to business problems as a result of their practice.
  • Technical skills: M.Sc. Business Analytics programs focus on teaching students how to handle data mining, infrastructure management, and quantitative modelling. When recruiting these types of employees, firms search for these expertise.
  • Effective communication: Understanding how to perform the duties of, say, a data analyst and understanding how to convey to colleagues and executives how that business function delivers ROI are fundamentally distinct difficulties. M.Sc. Business Analytics programs help these professionals develop a language and communication style that accurately and clearly communicates the purpose and significance of their job to other employees and stakeholders.

M.Sc. Business Analytics graduates with these talents can find work in organisations looking for someone with the expertise, technical knowledge, and professionalism to help them grow their business.

What do businesses prefer?

While both an MBA and an M.Sc. can get you hired in the industry if you receive them from top universities and training institutes, they both require individuals to have analytical skills in order to make judgments and manage processes in the company. Both MBA and M.Sc. degrees can be quite effective in the analytics business. While the question of which degree is superior is frequently disputed, many employers place a greater emphasis on the talents that an individual brings to the table rather than the degree.

What’s the best degree for you?

There is no right or wrong option when it comes to choosing a degree programme! Both programmes are meant to help you advance your career in different ways. Consider whether you want to concentrate in data and analytics or develop general management abilities when selecting a programme. If you’re thinking of specialising, an M.Sc. might be the way to go. 

An MBA may be a good alternative for you if you wish to improve your company management skills. Whether you want to advance your existing work or seek new professional development options, a master’s degree will help you achieve your goals. So the question of MBA or MSc in business analytics which is better completely depends on your skill set and career requirement.

You can pick between a UGC-entitled online MBA and an online Master of Science in Business Analytics Programs at Online Manipal. You’ll find a demanding curriculum, world-class teachers, and plenty of networking possibilities here. While developing key relationships and honing your leadership abilities, you’ll discover how to solve today’s corporate difficulties. Whichever degree you pick, you’ll get the knowledge and skills you’ll need for the exciting future professions in business analytics and data engineering.

With an online M.Sc. Business Analytics or MBA from Online Manipal, you may choose the professional path that’s right for you and offer yourself a powerful advantage.

Five advantages of using business analytics

Business analytics, or the operational and statistical study of company data, is becoming increasingly valuable to businesses of all kinds. Business analytics allows firms to streamline procedures, maximise profitability, and increase efficiency.

Professionals specialising in business analytics help firms make better decisions by providing them with insights. Those in this profession use data sets and prediction models to assist firms in obtaining a competitive advantage.

A career in business analytics may be both enjoyable and lucrative for those with a passion for analysis, good listening and communication skills, and superior writing and documentation talents. Those considering a career in business analytics may be interested to learn about job opportunities in the field.

Define business analytics

The advantages of business analytics are varied in number. First, we need to define business analytics in simpler terms. 

Business analytics (BA) combines techniques and technology for employing data analysis, simulation approaches, and other quantitative methods to solve business challenges. It comprises a systematic, iterative exploration of an organisation’s data to inform decision-making, concentrating on statistical analysis.

This is a field which brings together two different courses: business management and data analytics. It is like a stream with the benefits of both. With this course’s help, individuals can manage their businesses better with the help of statistical data. This, in turn, helps in upscaling a business.

Why is business analytics important?

Business analytics gives organisations a clear picture and understanding of how they might improve their efficiency by streamlining and automating activities.

It’s no surprise that organisations that are data-driven and embrace business analytics beat their competitors. This is because business analytics insights enable them to comprehend why specific results are obtained, investigate more effective business operations, and even forecast the likelihood of specific outcomes.

Business analytics also provides sufficient support and cover for companies seeking to make the best proactive decisions possible. 

One of the most obvious advantages of business analytics is that it aids in the gathering of crucial company information. This is performed by providing relevant facts to work with. 

One of the things that business analytics may help any organisation achieve straight away is efficiency. Since its inception, business analytics has played a critical role in improving firms’ efficiency. Business analytics gathers a vast amount of data promptly and in a style that makes it easy to examine. 

Business analytics can help you reduce risk. It can help businesses reduce short- and long-term risk by supporting them in making the best decisions feasible based on readily available data such as client preferences, trends, and other factors.

The business analysis also helps you to identify different segments of your business and classify them as assets and liabilities. In short, it helps you identify profits segment-wise. Business analytics helps you to transform raw data into fruitful results. This aids you in coming up with streamlined tactics that you apply to ensure the overall upliftment of your business as well as each segment individually. 

Top benefits of business analytics with a case study

Like any other course, business analytics also comes with perks. To understand where this course suits you, you must first understand its benefits.

  • Business analytics can assist you in measuring your progress

Your organisation makes progress in a variety of ways. You can lower your overhead and production costs, reduce debt, lower staff turnover, improve the return on your marketing investment, increase digital traffic to your social media pages and website, gain market share, increase repeat business, lower returns and customer complaints, improve receivables turnover, and lower your tax liability in addition to increasing sales. 

While attempting to enhance any of these areas may not appear to provide a significant return on investment, multiply that figure by ten or more, and you’ll see how a thorough and ongoing improvement programme spanning a wide range of areas can help your revenues surge.

  • It facilitates data-driven decision-making

Businesses can improve performance by using data-driven decision-making to generate real-time insights and projections. They can then put various methods to the test and make well-informed company decisions for long-term growth.

Staying ahead of the competition in the business world needs innovation. Data-driven decisions can help businesses adapt more swiftly to customer needs by bringing new and improved products to market. By examining data, you can foresee future patterns and identify solutions to problems that have remained unanswered in the past.

  • Analytics aids in the delivery of clear business insights

One of the most significant benefits of business analytics is that it enables you to display data in order to gain clear insights. The practice of expressing data and its insights using visuals or graphics such as pie charts, graphs, and other similar tools is known as data visualisation.

Your decision-making process will be a lot more efficient if you use detailed graphs and charts. You can quickly extract data from them, spot trends in your data, and generate more relevant and practical insights.

  • It keeps you up to date on market trends, allowing you to make more informed strategic decisions

Business analytics helps to analyse the current market trends with informed strategic decisions. To run any successful business, it is essential to follow these trends in order to make your business a success.

  • Business analytics can help you improve the efficiency of your processes

Business analytics can swiftly collect a large amount of data and present it in an understandable and appealing style to assist in the fulfilment of specific business objectives. By enabling staff to collaborate their ideas and participate in the decision-making process, analytics promotes a culture of efficiency and teamwork.

  • Enables companies to make an impact

Data analysis allows a company to better understand its business and the industry in which it operates, allowing it to make decisions that will help it grow. Business analytics provide the following:

  • Clarity

Knowing where a company sits in the industry or in a specific niche gives it the clarity it needs to design effective strategies to improve its future positioning.

  • Competitiveness

If a business does not examine the massive volumes of data it receives, it risks drowning in data and falling behind the competition.

  • Timeliness

Clear visibility into every part of the business allows for quick and easy decision-making that leads to excellent outcomes.

  • Stronger customer relationships

Analytics allows companies to gain insight into their consumers’ behaviour, needs, and pain points. It also allows a firm to gauge public perception of its brand, track the success of various marketing campaigns, and strategise how to improve its marketing strategy in order to cultivate long and fruitful customer connections. 

Case study

To understand the importance of business analytics better, Mainline conducted a case study. It turns out that with the help of this course, human-made errors were drastically reduced. There was more accuracy in the reports generated. Upon completing this course, people could comprehend and analyse data better, producing better and defined results.

Why should I pursue a career in business analytics?

If you have questions or doubts about why you must pursue business analytics or why you must opt for a career in it, here are the reasons.

  • It is a skill in high demand with little competition

Business analytics has become the go-to job of this century as more firms see the value of big data in terms of competitiveness and performance.

What makes pursuing a career in this industry even more appealing is that, even though demand has been continuously increasing over the last several years, the market’s supply side has yet to be saturated.

  • You’ll be prepared for a high-paying career

When it comes to business analytics, unlike many other fields, your professional background and previous experiences are irrelevant. Analytics may be used in almost any business, including entertainment, sports, education, manufacturing, insurance, banking, automotive, and other fields, making it extensively applicable and a simple transition from other fields.

  • You’ll learn valuable, in-demand skills

There is no such thing as a “typical” day for business analysts. They are constantly confronted with various obstacles as they work in various contexts and cater to clients with distinct requirements.

Furthermore, the nature of the position requires business analysts to interact with people from other departments, each with their own talents and expertise, which broadens their understanding of how a firm, and each of its departments, operate.

  • With data-backed insights, you can become a top performer

With the help of a course in business analytics, you will not just be able to understand the market and its needs better, but you will also help to plot that into numbers. 

  • The business analytics course will assist you in gaining a detailed understanding through data visualisation

Once you have a better understanding of data, you can visualise the growth of the company based on that. Developing products and strategies become much easier when thought in numbers. 

ALSO READ: Top career in business analytics

How do I begin my business analytics career?

To become a business analyst, you may need to acquire skills and qualifications relevant to the sector and industry you want to work in. Work experience, qualifications, and degrees can help you get a position as a business analyst. If you are looking for a course after your bachelor’s, Master of Science in Business Analytics or PGCP in Business Analytics might be a good choice for you.

This course is a two-year course which helps you to make your foundation stronger than ever. It shall help you get to the core of every problem. Handling concerns with better technical knowledge shall become your strong suit. 

This one-year course is specially designed for people who wish to get to the market faster. Here, the students are trained to analyse problems and come up with data-driven solutions which are far more effective. 

Final thoughts

Business analytics promise to triple the value of business data, opening up a slew of new development and expansion prospects. It assists business owners in making better financial, employee, marketing, and overall business strategy decisions.

It’s no surprise that demand for this field is always increasing! As a result, if you want to stay current and add value to companies, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity by enrolling in a business analytics school.
Furthermore, business analytics enables organisations to segment their customers depending on age, region, and product consumption. Not only can this help with a message and advertising, but it can also help a company figure out which consumer categories are the most profitable. Organisations identifying and focusing on important clients have a higher return on investment (ROI). Check out Online Manipal today if you wish to learn more about professional Business Analytics degrees and certification programmes.

Importance of data science in the Indian IT sector

What is Data Science? 

Why Data Science is important?

Data is one of the most crucial aspects of any company since it allows us to make decisions based on facts, statistics, and trends. Data science, a multidisciplinary field, emerged because of the expanding scope of data. 

For proper and efficient management and utilisation of data, data science has a major scope in India and abroad. As per the tweet by Ronald Vanloon, every 60 seconds voluminous data is getting generated, which requires the usage of proper techniques for analysing, which in turn helps in better management of data at various data centres.  

This tweet even covers the aspects of all the ‘four Vs’ of big data –

  • Volume which deals with the multiple scales of data
  • Variety which highlights the different forms of data coming from tweets, emails, mobile users, and many more
  • Velocity where-in data getting generated from various sources at a faster rate
  • Veracity which refers to the correctness of the data. 

Scope of Data Science in the Indian IT market

Data science is a relatively young multidisciplinary field concerned with gathering, preparing, analysing, visualising, administering, and preserving vast volumes of data to extract value from the data. It helps in simplifying and analysing complex data.  

The Government of India has come up with encouraging initiatives under NITI Aayog’s National Policy on Artificial Intelligence ‘AIforAll’, an Industrial collaboration between India and Sweden, which meant for technology leadership in Artificial Intelligence for accomplishing the betterment of society.  

The Department of Science and Technology initiated the Data Science Research wing to investigate the nature of data and scientific challenges around data and potential real-world applications. Mathematical foundations, machine learning and knowledge discovery, storage, retrieval, search, privacy and security, and data science applications are among the wide areas of research on which DST focuses. Many works are announced in the healthcare sector to provide affordable and accessible services. These were to mention a few initiatives taken up by our government, which mark the expansion of the data science domain in the current IT sector.  

Below are a few additional points to be considered: 

● Assists with the decision-making process 

● Increases data security in the organisation 

● Helps sales and marketing with target group optimisation 

● Optimise recruitment process by automation 

● Provides real-time business intelligence 

● Helps optimise organisation process and workflow 

Master’s in data science: Panchatantra strategies to take up Data Science career 

  • Stand out of the crowd: There is an information explosion in the field of data science. Hence, self-study will require many disciples. This is where courses, especially a Master’s in Data Science programme, come in handy. A master’s degree will help you set a path, define sub-goals, allow you to evaluate your progress, and create opportunities to interact with stalwarts in the field. Besides this, it would open avenues to job opportunities in this field. 
  • To become a scholar: A master’s degree in data science can help you learn how to collect, organise, and analyse data, spot trends, and offer accurate results. Data science is one of the world’s fastest-growing professions, and to stand out, you must have extensive knowledge and abilities in the field. 
  • Obtain an impressive salary: You can earn a good wage in your career if you have advanced abilities and expertise. In India, the average income for a data scientist is roughly INR 7 lacs per year. While entry-level experience can earn you INR 6 lacs per year, mid-level expertise can make you INR 10 lacs and more. And, because the need for data scientists is growing by the day, the salary is expected to rise by 10% by 2025. 
  • Acquire credibility with employability: A master’s degree, especially one that includes completing and defending a capstone data science project, will give the student who completes the programme credibility. The successful completion of such a project can demonstrate to potential employers that you can use data to solve real-world challenges. Right today, data science is relevant to almost every industry. Data scientists are in high demand in banking, healthcare, and technology. They work in academia, government agencies, and private non-profit organisations, among other places. This means that data science master’s degree graduates who are skilled and educated will be valuable additions to employers in nearly every field.  
  • Transitional and Prescient field: Data science is, without question, a fascinating topic of study. You will have the opportunity to go further into data science in your master’s degree than in your undergraduate studies. This means looking into issues you may not have the chance to look into before – and possibly discovering a field of expertise that truly excites you. 

Conclusion

Data science is an important element of technological advancement in today’s world. It plays a key role in the Information Technology sector as the digital transformation is in full swing in the sector. Being the biggest service industry in the world, the Indian IT sector is undergoing this tremendous change and now hunting for skilled data science professionals. The scarcity of talents is the major challenge they face in recruitment. Online degree providers like Online Manipal offer data science-focused programmes from prestigious universities like the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Currently, Online Manipal offers a UGC-entitled online M.Sc. in Data Science from MAHE that equips you to become a future-ready data professional. You can pursue the programme at your convenience using any smart device. You can learn more about the course on the Online Manipal website. 

Top 5 MCA job choices you have after getting a UGC-approved online degree?

MCA, or Master of Computer Applications, is a professional postgraduate degree in computer science. You can apply for an online MCA degree programme after earning a BCA (online/offline) degree. It strikes the fine balance of theory and practical applications, which allows students to develop a job-oriented mentality and prepares them for the real world.

Upon successfully completing your MCA course online, you can unlock various MCA job opportunities in the field of software development, systems development, hardware technology, management information system, networking, internet, and more!

While it is heartening to have so many options, it can be equally confusing. Fortunately, we are here to make this job easier.

List of top 5 job positions after online MCA degree:

1. Software Developer/Consultant

A Software Developer designs, builds, and maintains new software systems based on client requirements. They may also be involved in upgrading and optimizing legacy applications.

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for Software Developers will accelerate at an unprecedented rate of 22%. Even an entry-level position can fetch you an average base pay of Rs. 7,96,000/- per annum! Hence, it would only make sense to gravitate towards this option first.

If you have the penchant for coding and the natural flair for breaking down complexities into smaller, algorithm-based flows, then you have all the makings to be a successful Software Developer. If you already have some amount of experience in this field, you may also choose to get the role of a Software Consultant.

Job Responsibilities

• Researching, designing, developing, implementing, and managing software applications

• Testing and evaluating programme codes

• Writing, running, and documenting clean and efficient codes

• Identifying scope for improvement and incorporating appropriate modifications

• Developing standardized quality assurance procedures

• Coordinating with UI/UX designers, system analysts, and other developers

2. Database Engineer

If you found yourself fascinated by the many database management systems during your online MCA degree classes, then this job may be cut out for you. A Database Engineer (or sometimes Administrator) is responsible for creating and managing databases that will effectively store and organize data.

With an average base pay of Rs. 9,01,000/- per year, and the growth opportunities in this occupation lingering around 10%, getting a job as a database engineer can be an exciting prospect.

Job Responsibilities

• Installing and maintaining the performance of database servers

• Installing, upgrading, and managing database applications

• Developing processes to optimize database security and fidelity

• Setting, maintaining, and implementing database management standards

• Managing database access

• Troubleshooting or diagnosing database errors

3. Cloud Architect

The “cloud” is a set of remotely located servers. These are cheaper than on-premise servers and reduce the hassle of maintaining IT infrastructure. One of the greatest advantages of cloud services and cloud applications is the all-time access to data.

Considering that nearly 83% of enterprise workload is expected to be on the cloud, now is a great time to be involved in such an upcoming technology. Cloud Architecture is a sub-component of Cloud Computing, which has gained quite an amount of traction in the past few years. You need to have a solid understanding of networking, security, programming language, and at least one Operating System (OS) to carry out your tasks effectively.

Job Responsibilities

• Introducing cloud adoption and creating a cloud strategy to facilitate it

• Managing the cloud adoption process and coordinating with all stakeholders

• Evaluating cloud software, applications, and hardware regularly

• Developing and organising cloud systems and addressing any technical issues

• Working with cybersecurity to ensure data protection

• Defining design patterns and solutions to ensure high availability along with disaster recovery

4. Data Scientist

Given the importance of data in forging business success, companies want professionals who can separate the wheat from the chaff. Essentially, these enterprises are looking for data scientists.

A significant chunk of aspirants enrols in MCA top colleges as they strive to land the position of a Data Scientist. It can be a lucrative option for those students who were never really interested in the core software. However, you need to have a highly analytical mind that can crunch numbers, identify patterns, and discover any crucial information.

Job Responsibilities

• Identifying valuable data sources and automating the data collection process

• Preprocessing of structured and unstructured data

• Building machine-learning algorithms and predictive models

• Analyzing high volumes of data to identify trends and patterns

• Depicting data-based insights through visual representation

5. Cybersecurity Expert

The exponential growth of IT has also seen the parallel growth of digital threats. Everyone, from Government organizations to individuals, is turning to cybersecurity experts to keep them and their information safe. You could choose from a range of positions, such as an Ethical Hacker, Network Security Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst or Manager, or Chief Information Security Officer.

Job Responsibilities

• Incorporating security features during the development of software systems, data centres, and networks

• Identifying security risks and vulnerabilities in hardware and software

• Patching up security loopholes

• Monitoring the systems 24×7 to ward off any threats or attacks

• Finding ways to fortify the IT infrastructure of an organization

Read more – Top career options after MCA

Key takeaway

An MCA degree (online/offline) opens up several avenues for landing an exciting and high-paying job. Apply for any of the top jobs above and you will be on the pathway to professional success. Learn more about MCA course details and take your decision wisely.

What is a competitive advantage?

A competitive advantage empowers an organisation to perform better than the other players in the market. It takes a lot of time to avail of this advantage as it generates profit and builds a reputed position in the market. Every organisation has its eye on the competitive advantage, but employees need to spend blood and sweat to earn this. The benefit comes with a brand status, superior margins, quality of products, affordable price to the consumers, revenues to stakeholders, etc. The advantage is for the company’s years of experience and ethical performance by keeping healthy competition. 

The expertise every employee caters to in the business helps them profitably use the competitive advantage. You have to make sure you are using your understanding of business to grow your abilities. Covid-19 has affected businesses, and businesses are still fighting in the market to cover up their sales. The global pandemic has been challenging for entrepreneurs, but some have used the competitive advantage in their growth. It is the nature of the business to fluctuate, but people with strong convictions and competitive advantages can take risks. 

How does competitive advantage work?

  • The companies with a competitive advantage have the potential to increase their market shares which will produce higher incentives for the company and its shareholders. 
  • The company should be aware of the target markets and other prevailing services. Conducting market research and surveys could help companies get an insight into the selling trends and needs of the customers. The focus of companies must lay on the quality of services with a minimal price range, making them closer to competitive advantage. 
  • The structural process of activities going on in the business outperforms its competitors. A systemic approach in designing and implementing strategies so that employees can perform efficiently pulls the advantage to the company’s side. 
  • Keep a close view of the company’s performance so that you can use the competitive advantage in a useful way. Focus on resources that are being effectively utilised. Try to use the edge so that areas that are not performing well get the key to unlocking their locks in the market with the advantage.

What is the purpose of competitive advantage?

  • Companies get the upper hand with the competitive advantage on a product similar to their rival.
  • It benefits the company’s products as more people get inclined toward its profile.
  • A superior value develops in the market for that company, which helps bring new customers, increasing revenues.
  • Competitive advantage aims to create individual attention to the product’s Unique Selling Proposition (USP).
  • The challenges and risks associated with it make you a true entrepreneur.
  • Competitive advantage empowers the organisation, and using it without strategies can destroy the reputation and divert attention from objectives.
  • It enables smaller goals to lead the super-objective of the firm by earning a significant position in the market.
  • Adapting to changes is a must for business. You will have different competitive advantages; it depends on you to decide how to differentiate the potential of the advantage to promote the brand to the target audience so that your competitors need to revise their plans and decisions.

The benefits of competitive advantage are not just limited to the business; rather, customers enjoy updated products and services. Whenever customers purchase your goods or services, they also buy the advantage that comes with it. Your product focuses on making the customers’ lives better, and competitive advantage makes it easier for the organisation. 

Why is competitive advantage important?

  • The organisation remains loyal to its customers and thus reveals something new in its product which generates sales. 
  • Competitive advantage enables the entry of new customers, which also maintains the brand reputation. 
  • It assures the company members that they are meeting their objectives on time.
  • The company’s growth does not stagnate; the graph will always increase with the competitive advantage. 
  • The most important benefit of having a competitive advantage is that investors look forward to investing. 
  • It opens a way for collaboration with the influencers and develops brand alliances. 
  • An organisation can change and fix the price of their products to the company’s needs and not just rely on the customer’s demands. It gives the company freedom to decide its worth with the quality offered. 

What are the five types of competitive advantages?

1. Cost-based advantage

This is the clearest approach to accomplishing competitive advantage. Customers need quality but also cannot compromise with the price. So, in this case, the primary focus is the target market’s needs. The minimal cost attracts the customers, and they want more for less.

2. Innovation-based advantage

New technology drives people’s attention. They are ready to spend on products and services which make their work/ life easier. Innovation-based benefits can be beneficial to companies. The rapid change in technology captures the business eye to adapt its products. 

3. Differentiation advantage

When the businesses offer different benefits from the product obtainable to the market, the differentiation advantage promotes the development. You can get this power to show your USP of the product. The product can be unique in many ways like more features, better quality, add-ons, etc. 

4. First mover advantage

The one who produces first will get the first-mover advantage. Introducing something novel or something which has never been in the market before caters to higher chances of sales and margins. The need to change the products might get you to develop new things, and if the demands boost up, you are the segment leader by default. Most of the companies try to make similar products or add some of their ideas to the existing product, and still, they have managed to get the advantage to sustain in the market. 

5. Time-based advantage 

Time can be the key source of competitive advantage. Customers expect services with a click. Just like a cost-based advantage, managing time for your services is essential. Some products have short lives, but the demand increases due to their usage and satisfaction. People want fast product delivery; they do not want to wait. They use technologies to compact the time of their services and goods. 

Competitive advantage examples in the marketplace

It isn’t easy to survive in the business world if you don’t have a competitive advantage. The more access to new technologies, the more marketing your product will have. The operation of a business goes through a long process. Many discussions, meetings, and debates occur before launching something, considering the business’s risks. If an organisation has a competitive advantage, it can take risks in increasing the product features and including more products in its bucket. Here are some examples of competitive advantages:

Google

The only major search engine in the market right now is Google. It takes the advantages of being effective in this area. There is no one near Google to have this power over the internet. The company offers its services to everyone, and almost everyone uses it; it has reached great heights. The technology, size, and networking of Google have enabled it to earn this status. 

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become popular in a few years. Its primary goal is to provide information to working professionals and learn about recent industry developments. It is not a typical social networking site, and because of being niche in the market, it enjoys competitive advantages.  

Instagram and Facebook

These social media platforms entertain, educate, and help people earn and make a way to get fame. Be it a day or night, people nowadays talk about their networks, which is why they have a competitive advantage over their rivals. The brand alliances, free advertisement, collaboration, and much more benefits have made people vocal. The new inventions in Instagram and Facebook capture the competitive advantage. 

Learn MBA from Online Manipal

Channelise your skills to get a competitive advantage in business with the help of an online MBA degree course from Manipal University Jaipur. A Master of Business Administration degree (MBA) is a two-year programme that ensures that you learn all the aspects of a business. You might be innovative, but the course helps the students to get used to the technical business environment. After completing the programme, the certificate from Manipal University Jaipur opens doors for various opportunities in top organisations. 

READ MORE: MBA course guide: All you need to know

Conclusion

The business needs advantages to outshine in the market, but it requires effort to achieve a competitive advantage. Your idea and innovation have to be different from your competitors. Once you have the edge, you can access more opportunities for product development. It gives various product features and delivery features available to people.

What are the best online master’s degree programmes?

An online degree is an online programme where a student receives a degree conferred by an educational institution upon fulfilling all the requirements to clear the programme. The exclusive classes are held online via the internet.

After a student completes his undergraduate degree, they can either work for a company to gain experience or pursue a master’s degree. A master’s degree is an educational qualification that recognised institutions confer after the student demonstrates a high level of knowledge in a particular subject of choice. A student can choose between an online and on-campus master’s degree in present times. There are both pros and cons to online learning, which will be discussed in further sections. A master’s degree is very beneficial for many, especially those looking to change their domain or intending to pursue a Ph.D. Here are some benefits of completing a master’s degree: 

  1. A master’s degree holder earns considerably more than a college undergraduate. 
  2. While applying for a job position, a master’s degree makes you stand out from undergraduate candidates.
  3. If you want to pursue a PhD thesis, institutions admit candidates with a master’s degree.
  4. A master’s degree can make you eligible for leadership roles or senior positions in a company.
  5. You can broaden your network during a master’s course by connecting with domain experts and recruiters.

Overview of online master’s degree programmes

With the advancement of faster internet technologies & modern integrated communications systems and the recent outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, there is an ever-increasing rate of students applying for online master’s degrees. University Grants Commission (UGC) has entitled several universities to offer online courses. The online master’s degree is valued equally as the on-campus master’s degree. Most master’s degrees take from one to three years for completion. The exact duration depends on the choice of subject for a master’s degree and the country where the institution is registered. 

Regular vs online master’s degrees

There are a lot of differences and similarities between regular on-campus master’s degrees and online master’s degrees. We have listed down some of them for you: 

  1. One of the major differences between online and on-campus degree programmes is the type of communication involved. In the online master’s programme, the students take their lessons online via the internet. If they have to attend live lectures, they use software applications like Zoom. While the regular students who enrolled in an on-campus programme interact with their faculty in person.
  2. Regular attendance is a must for all students enrolled in on-campus degree programmes, and customised scheduling of classes is not possible. In comparison, most online master’s degree programmes are asynchronous, and online students can attend the lectures according to their convenience.
  3. The tuition fee of an online master’s degree programme is considerably less expensive compared to an on-campus course. However, both offer scholarships and permit semester-wise payment of tuition fees.
  4. An online master’s programme is highly flexible in terms of schedule. You have the opportunity to take up a full-time/part-time job to earn while you are studying. A regular programme may not be able to give the same flexibility. 
  5. Students who prefer hands-on experience to learn the theory behind it should enrol in on-campus master’s degree programmes. In contrast, students who prefer to study using tutorial videos and written material could do well with online degree programmes.

Difference between online master's degree and regular on-campus master's degree.

Many students believe that online master’s degree courses are less difficult or are lower in quality than on-campus degree courses. However, it’s not true at all. To get recognition by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accreditation by organisations like NAAC, AICTE etc., the institutions have to maintain high standards of academic excellence. You should always check for recognition and accreditations before applying to an online master’s course.

Regardless of the choice of online or offline master’s course, the access to resources and opportunities are the same (wherever possible). Students from both modes have access to placement services, alumni databases, etc.

What are the best online master’s degree programmes in India?

Following are some of the best master’s degree courses in India:

  1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) – It refers to the theoretical and practical training in the field of business administration. There are some specialisations within an online MBA that you can pursue, e.g., Supply Chain Management, Finance, Accounting, Marketing, etc. Some of the UGC recognised institutions which offer MBA degrees are  Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Amity University, Jain University, etc. The average starting salary for an MBA graduate in India is about INR 8.3 lakhs per annum. Since you study entrepreneurship during your MBA programme, it is considered to be the best master’s degree for starting your own business. Some career prospect after MBA are Project Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, HR Manager, etc. MBA graduates are in high demand in almost every business domain. Some well-known companies that hire MBA graduates are Google, Dell, American Express, Bank of America, and others.
  2. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Supply Chain Management – This course teaches the concepts of logistics, economics and finance. Supply Chain Management covers the processes that convert raw materials into finished products. Some of the UGC recognised institutions which offer MBAs in Supply Chain Management are the University of Mysore, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Jain University, etc. The average starting salary for an MBA in supply chain management in India is about INR 7 lakhs per annum. Some job profiles that might interest an MBA graduate in Supply Chain Management are Supply Chain Manager, Logistics Manager, and Performance Analyst. Some prominent companies that hire MBAs in supply chain management are Flipkart, Amazon, BigBasket, and others.
  3. Master of Computer Applications (MCA) – This course offers high-level learning in the field of computer applications development. After completing the course, you will be proficient in modern computer programming languages. A few UGC entitled universities that offer online MCA degrees are  Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), SRM Institute of Sciences and Technology, Jain University, etc. The average starting salary for an MCA graduate in India is about INR 8.8 lakhs per annum. After completing an MCA course, you could look into some job profiles like an application developer, ethical hacker, technical writer, web developer, and others. Some prominent companies that hire MCA graduates are HP, Accenture, Deloitte, KPMG, etc.
  4. Master of Commerce (M.Com) – It is a postgraduate course in the commerce field. Master of Commerce (M.Com) is popular amongst the students who finished their undergraduate course in Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com). This course involves learning subjects like Finance, Banking, Accounting, Insurance, and more. Some of the UGC recognised institutions which offer MBA degrees are  Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Lovely Professional University (LPU), Chandigarh University, etc. The average starting salary for an M.Com graduate in India is about INR 3.91 lakhs per annum. Some job roles that graduates of M.Com prefer are Accountant, Auditor, Risk Analyst, Trader, Investment Banker, and others. Some well-known companies like ICICI Bank, LIC, Bank of America, HDFC Bank, etc., hire M.Com graduates.
  5. Master of Arts (MA) in Journalism and Mass Communication – This specialised course teaches how to present essential pieces of information to a large audience via various means of communication. A few UGC entitled institutions that provide this course are Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Alagappa University, and Chandigarh University. A few of the job roles that you can apply for after completing an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication are Journalists, Copywriter, Editor, Content Manager, and others. The average starting salary for an MA in Journalism and Mass Communication graduate in India is about INR 4.4 lakhs per annum. A few prominent companies that hire MA graduates are The Telegraph, Hindustan Times, Zee News, Republic News, etc.
  6. Master of Science (M.Sc) in Data Science – This course delves deep into scientific methods and systems used to extract information from various types of data. This is one of the best master’s degrees after engineering in undergraduate studies. Some of the institutions that offer this course are Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) and Chandigarh University. After completing an M.Sc in Data Science, some job roles that you can apply for are Data Scientist, Data Engineer, Data Analyst, Data Consultant, etc. The average starting salary for an M.Sc. in Data Science graduate in India is about INR 7.8 lakhs per annum. Some prominent companies that hire MSc in Data Science graduates are Deloitte, Accenture, Google, Microsoft, etc.
  7. Master of Science (MSc) in Business Analytics – This course teaches the use of various tools and techniques to make sense of complex datasets and improve business performance. This is one of the top ten master’s degrees in India. Some of the UGC recognised universities that offer this course are Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), and Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani, etc. A few of the job profiles that you can apply for after completing an M.Sc in Business Analytics are Business Analyst, Data Analyst, Operations Analyst, and Product Analyst. The average starting salary for an M.Sc. in Business Analytics graduate in India is about INR 10 lakhs per annum. Some well-known companies like Accenture, KPMG, Microsoft, Meta, etc., hire M.Sc in Business Analytics graduates.

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Top online master's degree programmes in India.

The above given salary is the base average salary collated by Payscale.com. The salary package changes based on the role you receive and the company/ industry you join.

Is it worth pursuing an online master’s degree?

Following are some pointers that prove the worth of an online master’s degree.

  • The online master’s degrees provided by most institutions (e.g., Manipal University Jaipur) are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC), proving the institution’s and the programme’s authenticity.
  • Ensure that the online master’s course you apply for is accredited by organisations like NAAC, AICTE, ICAS, ICES, WES, etc. These accreditations mean that the courses fulfil the high standards of the organisations that have, in turn, approved the course.
  • The online’s masters degrees which are recognised by UGC, are widely accepted by government organisations and corporate entities during recruitment.
  • Given the significantly lower fees of online master’s courses compared to regular on-campus courses, it can be said that the return on investment is higher in the case of online master’s courses.

READ MORE: Online degree vs distance degree

How to apply for an online master’s degree programme?

Following are some simple steps with which you can apply for an online master’s degree programme:

  • First, you need to select the choice of the master’s course that you want to pursue.
  • Then figure out which institutions offer the master’s course of your choice. Try to understand all the advantages and disadvantages of pursuing a master’s degree at multiple universities to make a better choice. 
  • Now, select the institution that offers the master’s degree of your choice and fulfils other criteria like flexibility in time, budget, choice of elective subjects, etc. Also, make sure that you are eligible for the course at the university of your choice.
  • Next, fill in the registration form for the institution of your choice. If you face difficulty with the online registration form, you can contact them via the ‘Contact us’ section of the institution’s website.
  • Submit all the necessary and relevant documents required by the institution’s admissions office.
  • Pay the registration fee for the online master’s degree.
  • The institution will then confirm your admission via email or SMS and send you further details on payment of fees, the orientation of the programme, etc.

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) offers assistance for the entire admissions process via phone or email.

Enrol in a master’s degree at Online Manipal

Online Manipal hosts UGC-entitled online degree programmes from Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE).

MUJ is a UGC recognised institution with NAAC A+, WES, ICES, AICTE, IQAS and ICAS accreditation. In OUTLOOK-ICARE INDIA UNIVERSITY RANKING 2020, MUJ ranked 9th in the Top 50 Private State Universities. MUJ offers online master’s courses on Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Commerce, and Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication. Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at MUJ range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000.

The Institute of Eminence status holding university, MAHE, is currently offering a Masters in Science in Data Science and Business Analytics. The prestigious university is graded A++ in NAAC accreditation. The course fee for these career game-changing programmes is INR 2,60,000. 

Online Manipal has the option of semester wise payment of fees for its students. Online Manipal also offers scholarship discounts ranging from 10% to 20% of the tuition fees to students who belong to categories like people with disability, defence personnel, etc. Furthermore, Online Manipal offers free access to Coursera to its students. Corporate offices and government organisations widely recognise the online master’s degrees offered by MUJ and MAHE. Recruiters from more than 100 Fortune 500 companies have collaborated with MUJ and MAHE for placement services.

Conclusion

Online learning is gaining recognition and popularity in modern times. Many UGC recognised institutions offer online master’s degrees with multiple accreditations. An online master’s degree is valued as important as an on-campus master’s degree. It takes one to three years to complete a master’s degree programme, depending on the choice of subject and institution. Online Manipal offers a host of online master’s degree programmes in a broad range of subjects like MBA, MCA, M.Sc., M.Com and others. It is one of the top master’s degree providers in India that promotes its students’ skill building by offering free access to Coursera.

Which universities offer a low-cost online master’s degree?

A master’s degree or postgraduate degree showcases advanced knowledge in a specific subject. Generally, a master’s degree requires 30-60 credit scores in courses related to the choice of the master’s degree. It takes one to three years to complete a master’s degree, depending on the choice of subject. Master’s degree coursework is more extensive than undergraduate courses. 

Below are some advantages of pursuing a master’s degree: 

  • A master’s graduate has more earning potential than an undergraduate.
  • A master’s graduate can make you eligible for leadership and management positions in a company. 
  • A master’s degree distinguishes you from all the other undergraduate candidates.
  • There is a huge opportunity to connect with industry experts and successful people during your master’s degree.
  • If you want to pursue a Ph.D., a master’s degree is one of the most common requirements for eligibility.

How can I get a master’s degree online?

With the recent breakthrough in internet technology and modern integrated systems, pursuing a master’s degree online is fairly easy. Furthermore, many students are applying for an online master’s degree rather than an on-campus one due to various reasons. Pursuing a master’s course online can have many benefits, and some of them are:

  • Flexibility on the location: You can attend your degree programme from the comfort of your home or anywhere you prefer. You require a good internet connection and a computer/mobile device.
  • Flexibility on time: The universities offering these online master’s programmes set up multiple class schedules. They keep in mind the international demography of the class, and the students are also working simultaneously. 
  • Lower cost of studies: Online master’s degrees are generally less expensive than on-campus master’s courses. The lower price is due to the absence of infrastructure costs, rent and other utilities.
  • Earn as you study: You have the opportunity to earn while you are studying. Since the class schedule is flexible, you can take up a part-time/full-time job to earn money while finishing your master’s degree.

Best universities that offer affordable master’s degrees

If you are looking for a low-cost online master’s degree programme, below is a list of universities that offer low tuition online master’s degree courses in India – 

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ)

Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) is a University Grants Commission (UGC) recognised institution with NAAC A+, WES, ICES, AICTE, IQAS and ICAS accreditation. MUJ offers online courses on Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Commerce, and Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication. Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at MUJ range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000. MUJ offers free access to Coursera to its postgraduate students. The online degrees offered by MUJ are widely accepted by corporate offices and government organisations. 

Amity University

Amity University offers UGC-entitled online programmes, and it is a NAAC, WES, WASC and QAA accredited. Amity University offers online courses on Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Commerce (Financial Management) and Master of Arts (Journalism & Mass Communication). Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at Amity University range from INR 77,000 to INR 2,55,000. 

Alagappa University

Alagappa University is a UGC recognised university with NAAC A+, AICTE and NIRF accreditation. Alagappa University offers a range of online courses to choose from. Some examples of the courses offered are Master of Business Administration (MBA) with various programme specialisations, Master of Commerce and Master of Arts (Journalism & Mass Communication/English/Tamil). Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at Alagappa University range from INR 30,100 to INR 80,300. 

Bharati Vidyapeeth

Bharati Vidyapeeth is a UGC recognised university which provides a NAAC A+, NIRF and AICTE accredited online course in Master of Business Administration (MBA). The total fee for the two year MBA course at the university is INR 1,00,000. Bharati Vidyapeeth offers live classes to its students using the SWAYAM e-learning tool. 

Chandigarh University

Chandigarh University is a UGC recognised university with NAAC A accreditation. Chandigarh University offers online courses on Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Arts (Liberal Arts), Master of Commerce, Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication and Master of Science (Data Science). Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at Chandigarh University range from INR 1,00,000 to 2,00,000. 

OP Jindal Global University

OP Jindal Global University is a UGC certified and recognised as an Institute of Eminence. OP Jindal Global University offers online courses on Master of Business Administration – MBA (Business Analytics), Master of Arts in International Relations, Security and Strategy and Master of Arts in Public Policy. The courses offered by OP Jindal University are in partnership with either Coursera or UpGrad. T

Jain University

Jain University is a UGC recognised university with NAAC accreditation. Jain University offers online postgraduate courses like Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Commerce, and Master of Arts. They offer a wide range of electives to choose from to their students in each programme. Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at Jain University range from INR 57,000 to INR 1,90,000. 

Guru Nanak Dev University

Guru Nanak Dev University is a UGC recognised university and has been granted ‘Category One’ status by UGC with NAAC A accreditation. The university offers online courses such as  Master of Business Administration – MBA (General, HR Management, Marketing Management and Financial Management), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Commerce and Master of Arts (Punjabi). Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at Guru Nanak Dev University range from INR 34,000 to INR 95,200. 

Lovely Professional University (LPU)

Lovely Professional University (LPU) is a UGC certified institution that offers online courses on Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Computer Applications (MCA), Master of Commerce, Master of Science and Master of Arts (English, Economics, Political Science, History and Sociology). They teach their students with a mix of online live sessions and recorded sessions to optimise the learning curve of each student. Depending on the choice of the course, the fees for an online course at Lovely Professional University can range from INR 52,000 to INR 1,14,000. 

SRM Institute of Sciences and Technology

SRM Institute of Sciences and Technology is a UGC recognised university with AICTE accreditation. SRM Institute of Sciences and Technology offers online courses on Master of Business Administration – MBA (Finance, HR, Marketing or Business Analytics), Master of Computer Applications (MCA) and Master of Commerce. Depending on the course, the fees for the online courses at SRM Institute of Sciences and Technology range from INR 76,000 to INR 1,89,000. 

Is an online master’s degree worth it?

If you are wondering if the online master’s degree is worth it, you should learn about the differences between an online master’s programme and an on-campus master’s program. 

  • Online students can plan their classes according to their availability, whereas on-campus programmes do not offer such flexibility. 
  • Online master’s degrees like an online MBA are generally less expensive than on-campus master’s courses. The lower price is due to the absence of infrastructure costs, rent and other utilities.
  • One major difference between an online master’s degree and an on-campus master’s degree is the mode of communication. The classroom courses are organised in real-time and offer personal interaction, while in online mode, students can attend the lectures via the internet and computer. 
  • The learning styles of the two master’s degrees are also different. You have peer support during on-campus master’s classes, while an online master’s degree requires a certain level of self-motivation.

READ MORE: Is it worth taking a degree online?

Are online master’s degrees affordable? 

The tuition fees for an online master’s degree are generally lower than for an on-campus master’s degree. The fees for an online master’s programme depend on many criteria like the choice of master’s, choice of university, choice of electives, etc. The list of institutions listed above offers affordable online master’s courses. Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) offers a master’s degree for an affordable fee ranging from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000. You can also look out for scholarships and financial help while applying for an online master’s degree.

Scholarships and financing

There are a lot of scholarships for master’s degrees in India. Many of the institutions listed above offer scholarships to certain categories of students who are:

  1. Divyaang (for students with disability)
  2. Defence Personnel 
  3. PSU, Central or State Government employees
  4. Meritorious students – Scored great marks in their 10+2 and undergraduate examinations

Most of the institutions listed above have EMI options with zero interest rates to help their students with financing their education. Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) has flexible payment options to permit the students to pay the fees in semester-wise instalments ranging from INR 25,000 to INR 37,500 per semester. MUJ offers scholarship discounts ranging from 10% to 20 % of the tuition fees to students belonging to any category listed above.

Why Online Manipal is a good option for pursuing an online master’s degree? 

The online courses offered by Manipal University Jaipur will help you become an expert in your domain. Manipal University Jaipur’s (MUJ) online courses offer students a wide range of electives. For its online MBA programme, the students can choose from Finance, Marketing, HRM, Operations Management, IT & FinTech, Analytics & Data Science, BFSI, and Retail Management electives. Online Manipal also offers free access to Coursera, which can be useful to hone your existing skills and learn new skills.

Furthermore, Manipal is a trusted name in the education sector in India and abroad. At Online Manipal, all the online degrees are specially designed for online learning to provide anywhere, anytime learning. Once approved the admission, students get full access to the state-of-the-art learning management system (LMS), where you will get all the information regarding the course, updates and notifications, study material, and access to the extensive e-library. The learning resources include short notes, explanatory reading materials, byte-sized concept videos, and recorded lectures. By taking quizzes, you can test your knowledge level from time to time. Discussion forums are the best place to interact with your faculty and co-learners while you resolve your academic and non-academic problems. The semester-end exams are held in remote proctored online mode, which enables you to attend the exams from the comfort of your home.

If you would like to pursue a future-ready programme, you can definitely consider Online Manipal, where you’ll get to do online master’s degrees from the top universities in India. Online Manipal also provides placement assistance to help you land a lucrative job and thrive in your career. You can also get direct access to the prestigious Manipal Alumni access.

Conclusion

With the advent of rapid internet technology and modern integrated systems, there is an ever-increasing rate of students applying for online master’s degrees. The tuition fees for an online master’s degree are generally lower than for an on-campus master’s degree. There are a lot of universities that offer affordable master’s programmes. You can opt to pay for the tuition fees semester-wise or even EMIs in some cases. Online Manipal offers a host of online master’s degree programmes. It has flexible payment options to permit the students to pay the fees in semester-wise instalments.

Best online bachelor’s degree programmes in 2022

With the development of technology, most things have become digital. Online learning has gained much popularity in recent years, and many individuals now prefer to pursue online degree courses over regular ones. One of the reasons for the popularity of such courses is that they provide self-paced learning. Students can continue their education through online learning and invest their remaining time productively.   

Like in other countries, students in India are also enrolling themselves in online degree courses and taking their careers to the next level. Therefore, an online bachelor’s degree will be an excellent option whether you are an employee or just completed your 10+2 and want to continue your study at your pace. 

What is an online degree course?

As the name suggests, an online degree course is a course exclusively conducted online. To pursue this course, students don’t need to attend the college campus, and such a course accommodates those who cannot pursue the regular courses for various reasons. According to a survey, 61% of HR managers believe that online learning is of equal quality with traditional learning. 71% of organisations hire candidates completing online degree courses. 83% of business leaders believe that pursuing an online course from a well-known institute is far better than taking an on-campus course from an average institute.

Some of the features of online degree courses are: 

  • There are no barriers to students in case of online courses as innumerable students can enrol into the course at the same time.
  • In a competitive country like India, students do not need to go through cutthroat competition to enrol in an online bachelor’s degree.
  • Students can attend classes at their convenience.
  • A flexible schedule helps the students pursue studies and other activities like working in an office, taking other courses, etc.
  • Since there is no expense on furniture and other infrastructure, the online course cost is lower and available at an affordable price.
  • Even students from low-income families can also afford online courses from top institutes.
  • In the online learning process, one to one interaction between teacher and students makes the class more engaging and interactive.
  • A high-quality curriculum helps the students increase their skills and knowledge in an unparalleled way.
  • Due to the flexibility of time and other conveniences, students can complete the full course without any difficulty, which leads to a higher retention rate.

Online degrees vs regular degrees

There are some basic differences between online degrees and regular degree courses. The differences are mentioned in the table below:

Online degree coursesRegular degree courses
Online degree courses are less costlyRegular degree courses are more costly
Innumerable students can attend classes simultaneously, and therefore there is no high competition for seats Only a limited number of students can join the course, making the competition for seats very high
One to one interaction between teacher and students makes the content easily understandableLack of adequate interaction creates difficulty for students to understand the content
Classes become more engaging and interestingLess engaging classes become less interesting
Instructors can clear doubts of students instantlyStudents may have to wait to get their doubts cleared
Flexible timing makes it convenient for students to attend the classesFixed timing creates inconvenience for attending the classes on time
Self-paced learningLearning is possible only in the stipulated time
No need to travelTravelling is required
High-quality curriculum as only top-ranked institutes are allowed to offer online by UGCThe quality of the curriculum depends on the rank of the institute
Less time consumingMore time consuming
Retention rate of students is higher due to being more flexible schedule and engaging deliveryRetention rate of students is low due to lack of flexibility 

Why get a bachelor’s degree vs a diploma?

Both bachelor’s degree and diploma programmes are fairly popular options after 10+2. Bachelor’s degree focuses on imparting knowledge by going to the root of a subject. Normally the duration of a bachelor’s degree may vary from three years to six years. In the case of a bachelor’s degree in general courses, the period may be three years. But, in the case of a bachelor’s degree in professional courses, the course period may vary from four to five years.

Unlike a bachelor’s degree, a diploma focuses on imparting a particular skill. The total time for completing a diploma may vary from three months to three years. Due to the absence of proper knowledge, some students go for diploma programmes instead of degree courses. 

A student benefits more by doing a bachelor’s degree rather than a diploma. These have been explained below:

  • International institutes always recognise bachelor’s degrees, but foreign institutes may not recognise a diploma.
  • Bachelor’s degrees allow students to dive deep into a subject, unlike a diploma that focuses only on teaching what is required.
  • Many avenues may open up for students by doing a bachelor’s degree. But a diploma offers only those opportunities for which a diploma course has been created. 
  • Bachelor’s degrees offer you opportunities to pursue master’s degrees and go for further studies. But by doing a diploma course, you may not be able to go for further studies.
  • The top companies always prefer those employees who have a bachelor’s degree rather than a diploma. Bachelor’s degrees are available in most of the top institutes.

What are the best online bachelor’s degrees in India?

There are many bachelor’s degree courses in India. To know about the best online bachelor’s degrees in India and top institutes that offer these courses along with the average salaries on graduation, look at the table below:

Online degree coursesTop collegesAverage salary (in INR)Subjects covered
Bachelor of Business AdministrationManipal University Jaipur, Jamia Millia Islamia, University of Madras, Vellur Institute of Technology, Amity University8 lakhsEffective Communication skills, Quantitative Methods, Financial Accounting, Principles of Management etc.  
Bachelor of CommerceManipal University Jaipur, Lovely Professional University, Vellur Institute of Technology3 lakhsBanking, Financial Services, Capital Markets, Market Research, Insurance, Supply Chain etc.
Bachelor of Computer ApplicationManipal University Jaipur, University of Mysore, Symbiosis University, Lovely Professional University, Vellur Institute of Technology, Amity University7.2 lakhs Fundamentals of Computers, C Programming, Operating Systems, Multimedia Systems, Web-based application development.
BAJMCAmity University, Chandigarh University, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology5 lakhsMass Communication Model and Theory, Print Journalism, Graphics and Visual Communication, Business Communication.
Bachelor of ArtsSymbiosis University, Amity University, University of Madras, Lovely Professional University, Jamia Millia IslamiaNot MentionedEconomics, English, History, Philosophy, Sanskrit
B.Sc Travel and Tourism ManagementPadmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Hindustan Institute of Technology & ScienceNot MentionedTravel Business, Service Marketing, Hospitality Management

How to choose the best online UG program?

Before choosing an online UG program, you should carefully gather some information from reliable sources. Based on that information, you can make your decisions.

Before choosing an online program, you should go through the following steps:

  • Research the institute 

Before making a choice for an online course, you should research the institute well. Find out the year of establishment, the total number of students enrolling every year etc. Moreover, you should also find out to which University the institute is affiliated, and whether the institute is accredited or not.

  • Course

Once you decide to take the online course, you should find out whether the course offered is fully online or not because some institutes offer partially online courses.

  • Fee

Once you decide on the institute, you should check the fee structure and compare the fee with other institutes. You should always compare with them for the same courses. 

  • Faculty

You should also gather information regarding faculty, including their qualification and experience, which faculty member is given a higher rating by students etc.

  • Time table

You should check whether the time fixed for a class is flexible or not. Also, check whether the videos are available after the live class or not.

  • Check requirements

Before enrolling in the courses, you should find out the requirements for the particular course. Check the eligibility criteria. If the criteria match your eligibility, you should apply for admission to the online UG course.

How to get admission to an online bachelor’s degree programme?

Before taking admission into an online programme, you should find out certain information and follow certain procedures.

  • Visit the website

To get admission to an online bachelor’s degree programme, you have to visit the official website of the institute. By visiting the website, you will be able to gather all the required information mentioned there. After going through all the information, you have to decide whether you should get admission into the institute or not.

  • Apply on the website

After going through all the information; you should apply online to the course you are interested in pursuing.

  • Consult with admission counsellor

If you have any confusion regarding taking admission into your desired course, you can consult with an admission counsellor. An admission counsellor will also help you if you are unable to make any decision regarding taking an online course.

  • Payment of fee

You can make the payment online by using a credit/debit card or any other mode suggested by the institute.

  • Wait for approval

After making the payment, you have to wait for approval from the University. Once approved, you’ll be informed by mail. 

Get a future-ready online bachelor’s degree from Online Manipal

Manipal University Jaipur offers three online bachelor’s degree programmes through Online Manipal at an affordable price. By enrolling in any of these courses, you can get lucrative opportunities. All three courses have been mentioned below:

  • Bachelor of Commerce

This course is designed so that you can acquire managerial skills and get success in the field of commerce by building competencies. This three-year degree programme will help you acquire knowledge of accounting principles, export and import laws, economic policies, and trade and business. In this course, subjects include Accounting, Managerial Economics, Marketing Management etc.

  • Bachelor of Business Administration

This course aims to prepare you in the field of business and make you industry-ready. You can access both live and recorded classes. This three-year online BBA course is open to all students irrespective of their high school streams. Those who are interested in building their career in the field of business administration can opt for this course. Subjects covered in this course are Business Management, Marketing strategy, Communication, Systems and Analytics, Finance etc.

  • Bachelor of Computer Application

This online degree course helps you build a lucrative career in computer technology. This three-year course is enriched with Google Cloud Computing Foundations, designed to introduce you to cloud technology. You will also learn from cloud infrastructure to application development. You will be provided practical knowledge with proper assessment and can learn at your own convenience from the comfort of your home. Subjects are IT and Computer Programming in C, Data Structure and Algorithms, Communication Skills and Personality Development etc.

Conclusion

Due to the popularity of online courses, many students have the opportunity to continue their education and other work. Technological developments have made online education more accessible, and students can access knowledge through online education at a very affordable price. Even working professionals can come forward to pursue online degrees to take their careers to the next level. Many institutes now offer online degree courses due to the increasing popularity of such courses. The universities on Online Manipal like Manipal University Jaipur and MAHE can help you find relevant bachelor’s degree courses.

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