The Mini-MBA: Why Is It So Popular?

For a little over ten years, I have been presenting the London School of Business & Finance certified Mini-MBA course and during that time it has attracted hundreds of delegates from around the world. Since its introduction the demand for this course has been constant and if anything, its popularity has increased in recent years. So, what is it about this course that makes it so popular?

The Mini-MBA is a unique distillation of the skills that need to be acquired in order to be considered successful in modern business. Not everyone is able to devote a year or two of their time to studying for a Master of Business Administration nor in some cases able to afford or secure funding to meet the costs associated with such a commitment, but in an age of rapid change within a highly competitive environment which is becoming ever more complex it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the issues involved and skills required if an organization is to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage.

The attraction of the Mini-MBA is that it is a highly intensive training course covering all the usual subjects associated with an MBA itself. In just five days a delegate will be introduced to all of the MBA subjects and concepts that normally take a year of full-time study. The course is designed to provide delegates with comprehensive knowledge of fundamental, proven strategies taught as both an academic and practical exercise. In other words, it is designed and delivered not as a purely academic exercise but to provide delegates with an opportunity to apply academic models to real life business issues and my role is to enhance their learning by providing them with examples, tips, techniques and even experiences, I have acquired over a career of more than 40 years in international business.

As a result, the course provides delegates with a holistic understanding of the skills and knowledge that will be required for any person to further develop their business and organizational acumen and even to prepare them for actual formal study for an MBA if that is the path they ultimately wish to take and, in many cases, do.

Another reason for its popularity is that the course is also sufficiently flexible to be designed and delivered either as an “In House” class having been tailored for an organisation’s specific requirements or as a public class where delegates from a number of quite different organizations in terms of size and sector can learn both from the course content and from one another and exchange ideas and best practice. So, it is not surprising that with the course specifically aimed at middle to senior level executives engaged in key management roles from a variety of disciplines within their respective organisations, I have seen organizations from manufacturing industries to healthcare, construction, telecommunications, education and professional services all benefiting from their staff having participated on this course.

Delegates should ideally have a graduate level education or at least a minimum of three to five years of experience in a business or organizational environment and my experience of delivering the course has shown me that this produces delegates with three different albeit in some ways similar aims:

1. Those who wish to understand the disciplines and skills required for business administration but do not have either the time or the funds to undertake MBA study at a business school or
2. Those who are considering undertaking MBA study and use this course as a taster to prepare them or
3. Those who already have an MBA or similar business or management qualification but are looking to update their skills and understanding or to learn about the latest management practices

My role and responsibility as the course leader are quite simply to fulfil the following objectives:

1. To provide a comprehensive introduction, overview and analysis of the core business disciplines.
2. To equip participants with the tools and knowledge that are crucial to business success.
3. To enhance the performance of participants in their present positions.
4. To prepare participants for further, substantial career progression by taking them beyond the horizons of their current role.
5. By using both traditional and innovative models, to provide a simple step-by-step guide to modern business administration

Successful delivery of these objectives will result in there being five key takeaways for all delegates:

1. To be fully conversant with the technicalities, terminology and academic models associated with MBA study and their application in the modern business environment.
2. To be able to apply such knowledge for the success of their organisation.
3. To be able to design, implement and develop innovative business strategies and structures.
4. To be equipped to understand the demands of complex business operations and the environment within which they operate.
5. To understand the role of organisational behaviour and development in today’s increasingly competitive global business environment.

These are the reasons why the Mini-MBA has been and continues to be so popular and it has not only equipped hundreds of participants with the knowledge, skills and essential tools they sought but also broadened their horizons and prepared them for new challenges on their chosen career path. I look forward to welcoming you on our next Mini-MBA course and to taking you on an enlightening journey through the mechanisms and practices of modern business administration.

Nigel H. Tomlinson.

Nigel is a Leoron Board Member and Head of Practice for Leadership, Management & Administration courses. He is also an Associate Lecturer for London School of Business & Finance and has a career that spans almost 40 years in international business and corporate international investment. Currently, he holds the position of non-executive director/advisor and innovation specialist. Nigel has led many companies into success including the Sheffield Chamber, which won various awards on the UK, European and World stage.