MBA: The Title, Titans and the Transformation

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) title has been in the ‘centre of attention’ during past decades for business professionals and postgraduate students. It is the pinnacle of the qualifications of Business Administration and perceived as an ‘elite’ group. It is like the ‘special forces’ training in military, it has the capacity to transform a person into a skillful, knowledgeable and a smart corporate warrior. Most institutions conduct this programme as a degree, which predominantly focuses on ‘cramming & passing exams’, instead transforming the mindset and developing the domain of ‘skills’. Unfortunately, students too end up in treating the MBA as another degree programme and lose the intended outcome of ‘transformation’ in the mindset.

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) originated in the United States in the late 19th century, in response to the growing need for skilled managers during the industrial revolution. Industrialist looked out for skilled personnel to manage their businesses effectively and efficiently. Initially, it focused on practical skills for industrial management.

Harvard University is credited with establishing the first MBA programme in 1908, aiming to provide a practical, handson education in business and management. The program was influenced by the scientific management principles of Frederick Taylor and the desire to professionalize business leadership. It has become a globally recognised qualification for individuals seeking advanced business knowledge and leadership skills. Over the decades, MBA programmes expanded and adapted to meet the evolving demands of the business world and gained international popularity. Today, MBA programmes worldwide provide comprehensive business education and leadership skills, and evolving needs of the business world.

The title “Master of Business Administration” (MBA) reflects the programme’s focus on developing advanced skills and knowledge in various aspects of business management and administration. It signifies a postgraduate degree that equips individuals with the expertise needed to excel in leadership roles across diverse industries. The term “Master” indicates the advanced level of education, while “Business Administration” emphasizes the extensive scope of skills encompassed in the programme. The final ‘thesis’, ‘research/policy’ paper or an equivalent assignment, may demand the use of acquired knowledge and experience in order to demonstrate that the student is capable of surviving any kind of ‘storms in the business environment’ in real life context. This process lays the final touches on the ‘transformation of the personality’ of the MBA student. In fact, MBA helps to redefine the purpose of life and/or provide greater clarity to that purpose. Some finest and reputed MBA programmes conduct extensive interviews in selecting the candidates for the programme in order to evaluate the aptitude and attitude.

In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of powerful deities who predated the Olympian gods. In a broader context, outside of mythology, “Titans” is often used symbolically to describe individuals or entities that are exceptionally strong, influential, or dominant in their respective fields. It can also be a term used in business or sports to highlight companies or teams that are particularly powerful or successful. We see such powerful ‘Titans’ around the world in many fields.

There are two kinds of ‘Titans’. First type is that they may not be qualified or MBA holders, but their path, work and success are phenomenon. They stand above the rest, are achievers, have raised standards in respective fields and are inspirational. The reputed and finest MBA programmes invite these ‘Titans’ to share their success, experience and have discussions with the students to transform the mindset and develop skills. The ‘exposure’ sometimes does wonders in transforming personalities.

The other kind of Titans are the qualified MBA professionals, who are the leaders in their chosen fields and hold leadership positions in organizations at various levels and their contribution to the respective organizations are praiseworthy. Interaction with these ‘Titans’ is not only inspiring ‘, but will also be an effective learning process. The role of ‘Titans’ in MBA programmes is very influential and noteworthy.

An MBA can be a catalyst for transforming managers into well-rounded, strategic leaders in their respective fields. It transforms an individual to completely a new person, elevate his/her personality to a new level, which makes him/her to a strong, skilled and knowledgeable personality. It is important to note that the transformation depends on the ‘state of readiness to transform’ of each individual. If an individual seeks only an additional title, then the result would not be beneficial as much as it could be. Only the ‘transformation’ may make the ‘Title’ worth and create a path to become a ‘Titan’.

“Anyone may be able to pay for an ‘MBA’, but everyone cannot buy the ‘class’”.