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PROSPECTUS

ONLINE MBA PROGRAMME

2014 - 15

DR. B. R. AMBEDKAR OPEN UNIVERSITY

Prof. G. Ram Reddy Marg, Road No: 46, Jubilee Hills,

Hyderabad - 500 033. Telangana State. India.

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CONTENTS

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY ................................................................................ 3

ABOUT ONLINE PROGRAM............................................................................. 3

BENEFITS OF ONLINE PROGRAM .................................................................... 4

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (ONLINE MBA PROGRAM) ............. 5 AIMS OF THE PROGRAM ................................................................................................... 5

DURATION OF THE PROGRAM .......................................................................................... 5

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ............................................................................................... 5

PROGRAM STRUCTURE ..................................................................................................... 5

ACADEMIC SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE STUDENTS .......................................................... 7

PATTERN OF EXAMINATION ............................................................................................. 8

AWARD OF DEGREE .......................................................................................................... 8

TUITION FEE ..................................................................................................................... 8

ADDITIONAL COSTS - For Printed Books and Micro SD Card. [Optional] ............................. 9

APPLICATION PROCEDURE ................................................................................................ 9

ELIGIBILITY ....................................................................................................................... 9

ENTRANCE TEST .............................................................................................................. 10

PATTERN OF ENTRANCE TEST ...................................................................................... 10

HOW TO APPLY FOR ENTRANCE TEST .......................................................................... 10

ADMISSION PROCESS - After Qualifying in the Entrance Test…..……………..……..………………11

CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS ......................................................................................... 12

ADDRESS FOR SENDING HARD COPIES ......................................................................... 12

IMPORTANT DATES ........................................................................................................ 12

HELPDESK - For Advice & Guidance .............................................................. 13

Annexure - A - List of Entrance Test Locations .............................................. 13

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ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University (Dr. BRAOU), Hyderabad, is the first Open University

in India, established by an Act of State Legislature in 1982 by the Government of Andhra

Pradesh. The University adopts a unique system of “Open Learning”, and serves the

objective of democratization of higher education and the ideal of continuing education.

Without any restrictions of age, sex, and occupation, the University offers basic degree

programs, vocational programs, professional programs and research programs through the

distance mode. The University intends to cater to the needs of those who:

have missed their regular education and are working and cannot attend conventional

institutions;

wish to utilize their leisure hours purposefully, e.g., housewives;

want to upgrade their skills and qualifications while working;

desire to enrich their creative and vocational interest;

live in remote areas and are looking for educational opportunities.

The University with a wide network of study centres throughout the state offers Research,

PG (M.A. / M.Com. & M.Sc.) and UG programs. Further, it offers professional programs

(MBA, M.LISc, B.LISc, M.Ed / B.Ed/ B.Ed-SE & BPR), Diploma and Certificate programs.

All the programs offered by the University are recognized by the UGC.

ABOUT ONLINE PROGRAM Dr. BRAOU‟s Online Program provides the following advantages to the learners while

retaining key features of Open - Distance Learning:

Course Material: The high quality course material, that has been a hallmark of the

Dr. BRAOU‟s tradition, continues with the Online Program too. Course material, in

the form of Lecture Notes, will be uploaded onto the University‟s Learning

Management System (LMS) and a list of reference books will also be provided

therewith. However, if a student wants course material in printed form, the same can

be purchased from the University on payment of the required amount.

Video-Based Lectures: The University provides access to large content library in the

form of video lectures to the students of its online program. The video based lectures

cover all the topics of the course and are organized in an easy-to use structure. The

learner, upon admission, is provided a unique user ID and password to access all the

online course content. Moreover, the system allows the learners to access, rewind and

view the lectures at their own time and convenience.

Mobile-Based Learning: Students of online program have an option of viewing the

lectures in the off-line mode (without internet connection) by getting them loaded

onto the memory cards of their android enabled devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets,

etc.).

High Levels of Interactivity and Support: The University‟s Online Program is

supported by a dedicated subject experts identified by the University. The students

can call up the help desk or write to the administrator of the program for any unsolved

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issues that need escalation. The faculty conducts regular webinars, virtual classroom

sessions and student support sessions for the benefit of the students.

BENEFITS OF ONLINE PROGRAM

Simplicity and Flexibility: The online format of education provides the students,

flexibility of time and space. Students can start learning at their own time and can

also interact with their teachers at their own convenience using the messaging and

forum modules of the Learning Management System.

Self-Paced Learning: Online learning provides the flexibility to the students to pace

their learning. Students can make their own learning schedules and incorporate them

into the Learning Management System. Students can also revisit a video lecture any

time during the currency of their course.

Open Scheduling: Online courses of the University are available in two admission

sessions of January and July. Students may opt for either of the session as they wish,

or those, who miss opting January admission session, may opt for the next July

session.

Better Access to Expertise: Online program uses the expertise of several educators

from across the globe. These educators are seasoned academicians and veteran

industry professionals. Using the online teaching formats, the University has been

able to bring in their expertise for the benefit of its students.

Up-to-Date Content: Most of the content available to the students in the Online

MBA Program is contemporary and relevant. Using cutting-edge technology, the

University has been able to keep the online content up-to-date.

Continuous Feedback and Analytics: The University uses several mediums to

interact with and provide feedback to its students. The University‟s LMS has

tremendous amount of analytics running on it and provides a window to the learners

to analyze their learning, progress, and to motivate themselves for their better

performance.

Networking Opportunities: The Online learning platform provides a window to the

learners to connect with other fellow learners / peers, to share and have access to their

expertise and knowledge among themselves. Such networking opens up more

opportunities of learning to its participants.

Effectiveness: The research done by various experts in the field, points out the fact

that Online Education, due to its extensive use of Audio and Video tools, has been

quite effective with the students. This is, further, reinforced by timely feedback with

integrated online quizzes and tools to rapidly evaluate learning. The video lectures

strive to simulate real life classroom experiences and provide mastery over the

subjects as compared to any other form of correspondence program.

A Better Fit for 21st Century Students: The 21st Century has seen a digital

revolution in the professional world. Most of the operations in a corporate (and

increasingly in Government), are performed using technology. Online learning

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inculcates technology skills and hence is considered to be better than traditional

distance programs.

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

(ONLINE MBA PROGRAM) The Department of Business Management of Dr. BRAOU, Hyderabad, has been offering

MBA Program (off-line) from 1993 onwards. For the first time, the Department is launching

„Online MBA Program‟ from 2014-15 academic year. The program is designed to provide

management education with special emphasis on strategic knowledge, decision-making skills

and expertise necessary to handle day-to-day managerial tasks.

AIMS OF THE PROGRAM The aims of the MBA program are:

to prepare graduates to assume managerial positions in corporate sector, and also

groom in-service candidates, to discharge their duties more effectively.

to prepare and equip graduates with latest, relevant and specialized knowledge in

management and business issues;

to help working managers to become more effective decision makers in their fields by

updating their knowledge and managerial skills;

to enable the managers to develop their skills of critical analysis, logical thinking,

creative imagination and independent judgment in the analysis and resolution of

complex managerial issues;

to enhance entrepreneurial traits and leadership qualities in the learners;

to inculcate a professional approach in the learners to address challenges of a fiercely

competitive market; and

to meet the demand of professional people at different managerial levels in industry.

DURATION OF THE PROGRAM The Minimum duration of Online MBA Program is two years, which is divided into Four (4)

Semesters, i.e., Two (2) Semesters in each year.

Maximum period for completion of the program is 6 academic years from the year in which

the candidate takes admission.

If the candidate fails to complete the program within the maximum duration permitted, then

he / she has to seek re-admission as per the norms of the University in vogue at that time, for

further completion of the program.

MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION The medium of instruction is „English‟ and the examinations are also in „English only‟.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE The Program consists of the following 24 courses (including Project Report) that are spread

over two academic years. A student has to study 6 courses in each of 1st, 2

nd and 3

rd

Semesters. All these courses are compulsory and common to all students. In the 4th

and final

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Semester, of six courses, one course is common to all students, four courses belong to

specialization area, and the last one is a Project Report. Student has to choose any one

specialization area in 4th

Semester as per his / her choice and has to study all the four courses

of the selected specialization area. At present, the University is offering specialization

courses in the following four areas:

(1) Finance; (2) Marketing; (3) Human Resource; and (4) Operations.

In summary, the student has to complete 19 common courses, 4 specialization courses and

submit a Project Report (Total 24 Courses) to get MBA Degree awarded by the University.

Student has to submit a Project Report preferably in Specialization Area opted by him/her or

on any general topic, and shall not select a topic in other specialization areas. Each course

carries a maximum of 100 marks.

DETAILED PROGRAM STRUCTURE FIRST YEAR

SEMESTER – I SEMESTER – II

MBA – 01: Management Process

MBA – 02: Managerial Economics

MBA – 03: Business Environment

MBA – 04: Management Accounting

MBA – 05: Managerial Communication

MBA – 06: Information Technology for

Managers

MBA – 07: Organizational Behavior

MBA – 08: Financial Management

MBA – 09: Marketing Management

MBA – 10: Human Resource Management

MBA – 11: Operations Management

MBA – 12: Quantitative Techniques

SECOND YEAR

SEMESTER – III SEMESTER – IV

MBA – 13: Business Ethics & Corporate

Governance

MBA – 14: Strategic Management

MBA – 15: Management Information Systems

MBA – 16: Entrepreneurship Development

MBA – 17: Operations Research

MBA – 18: International Business

MBA – 19: Innovation & Knowledge

Management

MBA – 20:

MBA – 21:

MBA – 22: Specialization Courses

MBA – 23:

MBA – 24: Project Report

Total Number of Courses: 24 (including Project Report)

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FOUR SPECIALIZATION AREAS & THEIR RESPECTIVE COURSES A) Finance:

MBA – 31: Security Analysis & Portfolio

Management

MBA – 32: Financial Markets and Services

MBA – 33: Management Control Systems

MBA – 34: International Financial

Management

B) Marketing:

MBA – 41: Consumer Behavior & Marketing

Research

MBA – 42: Advertising & Sales Management

MBA – 43: Retailing Management

MBA – 44: International Marketing

C) Human Resource:

MBA – 51: Performance Management

MBA – 52: Labour Laws

MBA – 53: Management of Industrial Relations

MBA – 54: International Human Resource

Management

D) Operations:

MBA – 61: Supply Chain Management

MBA – 62: Total Quality Management

MBA – 63: World Class Manufacturing

MBA – 64: Maintenance Management

MBA Degree will be awarded by the University as per the specialization chosen by the

student.

ACADEMIC SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE STUDENTS A student of Online MBA program is entitled to the following Academic Services:

Learning Management System (LMS) Access: The learner, upon admission, is

provided a unique user ID and password to access all online content. This content can

be accessed any number of times by the learner as per his/her time and convenience.

Course Material: Course material, in the form of Lecture Notes, will be uploaded on

the LMS together with a list of reference books. If a student wants a course material

in printed form, the same can be purchased, by paying the required amount.

Video Lectures: Video lectures by the University Professors and Experts will be

provided to the student on the LMS. The Video based lectures cover all the topics of

the course and are organized in an easy-to-use structure.

Mobile-Based Learning: Students of online program have an option of viewing the

lectures in the off-line mode (without internet connection) using any android enabled

devices (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, etc.) by getting those lectures loaded onto their

memory cards.

Faculty Interaction: Students have the option of interacting with faculty via Email,

Chat and Virtual Classrooms. The Virtual Classrooms are organized at regular

intervals for the students to participate and get their doubts, queries, etc., clarified /

answered.

Quizzes and Mock Tests: Quizzes and mock tests are made available to the students

to allow them to assess their level of understanding and also prepare for graded

assessments.

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In addition to these facilities, the University broadcasts radio-lessons through AIR,

Hyderabad - A, telecast Tele-lessons through Doordarshan (Yadagiri & Saptagiri) Channels

and also organize Live Tele-conference programs on Sundays from 2.00 pm to 3.00 pm on

the same channels. The students can also use these facilities.

PATTERN OF EXAMINATION The evaluation of students for Online MBA Program is based on two components, i.e.,

Continuous Assessment and Semester-end Examinations. Both Continuous Assessment and

Semester-end Examinations will be conducted ONLINE. Multiple Choice Questions and

Descriptive Questions will be there in Continuous Assessment and Semester-end

Examinations to test the analytical and conceptual comprehension of the students. Hence, the

students are expected to possess minimum typing skills.

Each course carries maximum 100 marks (30 + 70 = 100).

a) Continuous Assessment is the process of assessing the performance of students

through assignments, tests and participation in activities during the course as directed

by the University. Continuous Assessment carries a weightage of 30 marks.

Assignments shall be submitted as per the schedules decided by the University.

Students can work on the assignments on their personal computers / tablets, etc. at

their own pace and submit the work as per the schedule decided by the University.

b) Semester-end Examination: The final semester-end examination will be for 70

marks in each course. Case Analysis or Problem Solving Exercises may also be

included based on the nature / subject of the course. Semester-end examinations will

be conducted only at identified examination locations as per the schedule to be

announced by the University. The duration of the Semester-end examination for each

course will be three hours. THE EXAM IS NOT ON-DEMAND.

AWARD OF DEGREE Student shall score minimum 40% marks both in continuous assessment and in the semester-

end examination of each course separately, in order to qualify the single course of the

program. The final grade will be awarded after taking into account the marks so obtained for

all the courses both in continuous assessments and the final Semester-end examinations.

Based on the overall result of marks score, the Online MBA Degree shall be awarded, as

follows:

First Class with Distinction – 70% and above

First Class – 60% and below 70%

Second Class – 50% and below 60%

Pass – 40% and below 50%

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TUITION FEE The Tuition fee payable at the beginning of each semester is provided below. The payment

has to be made using the online payment gateway using Credit Card, Debit Card or Net

Banking.

SEMESTER AMOUNT (INR)

First Semester 10,000/-

Second Semester 10,000/-

Third Semester 10,000/-

Forth Semester 10,000/-

Total Fee 40,000/-

Note: Examination Fee has to be paid separately as per the norms of the University.

ADDITIONAL COSTS - For Printed Books and Micro SD Card. [Optional] Students can avail certain optional services on additional payment as shown below:

Sl. Particulars Cost

1 Printed Books (Course Material).

If collected in person at the University campus.

Rs. 1,500 per

semester.

2 Courier Charges for Printed Books. Rs. 250 per

semester.

3 Micro SD card loaded with the Offline App. and Video content.

If collected in person at the University campus.

Rs. 1,000 per

semester.

4 Courier Charges for Micro SD Card. Rs. 100 per

semester.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

ELIGIBILITY The Online MBA Program is open to fresh graduates as well as in-service candidates.

Further, it is open to all citizens of India, who are willing to take examinations in India and

satisfy the following conditions:

i) IN-SERVICE CANDIDATES

a) The candidates should have passed Bachelor Degree Examination of minimum

three years duration or graduates from allied subjects like Faculty of Engineering /

Technology, Medicine, Pharmacy, Law and Architecture from any University

recognized by UGC with a minimum 2 years of experience at executive /

supervisory level; OR

b) Any working person with a professional qualification (i.e., CA / CMA / CWA /

CS) with a minimum 2 years of experience at executive / supervisory level.

AND

c) Such candidates shall submit a Service Certificate certified by the current

employer, stating their designation, length of service, etc. Further, a No

Objection Certificate (NOC) has to be produced from such employer.

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ii) FRESH GRADUATES

a) The candidates should have passed Bachelor Degree Examination of minimum

three years duration from any University recognized by UGC with 50% marks

(5% relaxation is allowed in the case of reserved categories).

b) The graduates from allied subjects like Faculty of Engineering / Technology,

Medicine, Pharmacy, Law, and Architecture of any University recognized by

UGC with 50% marks (5% relaxation is allowed in the case of reserved

categories)

c) Any person with a professional qualification (i.e., CA / CMA / CWA / CS).

ENTRANCE TEST

Candidates, who seek admission into the Online MBA Program, shall necessarily

appear for an Entrance Test conducted by the University. The list of identified locations

where the Entrance Test will be conducted is provided in Annexure – A. However, the

University reserves the right to modify (add / delete) the locations, if required. The Entrance

Test is also 'ONLINE’.

PATTERN OF ENTRANCE TEST

The Entrance Test will be conducted in four areas mentioned below:

Area No. of Questions Marks

General Awareness 25 25

English 25 25

Quantitative Aptitude 25 25

Reasoning 25 25

Total 100 100

The duration of the test will be 2 Hours and Qualifying Marks in the Entrance Test will be

40 (Forty only). A 5% relaxation in case of SC & ST candidates only will be provided.

There will be no negative marks in the Entrance Test. A Model Paper for the Entrance Test

is uploaded on the University web site.

Candidates who do not qualify in the Entrance Test conducted during one session cannot

appear for the Entrance Test again for the same session. They can, however, appear for the

Entrance Test again during any of the next sessions.

HOW TO APPLY FOR ENTRANCE TEST 1) Login to www.eprograms.braou.ac.in, and click on „Apply Now‟ button on the

home page. Fill the ‘Application for Entrance Test of Online MBA’ with all the

required details, as per the instructions given in the application form.

2) Select the preferred date of the Entrance Test and the preferred test location. The

University will provide a few alternative test dates to allow students to take the

Entrance Test at their convenience. The Entrance Test dates and the List of Test

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Locations are subject to change, and in the case of such change, the students will be

intimated in advance.

3) Scan the following original certificates and upload them onto the University web site:

a) Date of Birth Certificate (SSC or Equivalent such as Passport or Certificate from

Registrar of Births & Deaths / Tahsildar, School Leaving Certificate issued by the

Head Master / Principal).

b) Memorandum of Marks and Degree Certificate of Qualifying Examination.

c) Relevant Social Status Certificate (SC / ST / BC).

d) Service Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the case of In-Service

Candidates.

4) In respect of Photo and Signature, put your passport size latest colour photograph on

a white paper and sign below the photo and scan it. The same shall be uploaded onto

the University web site.

5) Make online payment of Rs.750/- (Rupees Seven Hundred and Fifty) only, towards

Registration-Fee either by using a debit / credit card or net banking.

6) Hall Ticket for Entrance Test will be emailed to the candidate and also be uploaded

onto the University web site two days before the preferred date of the Entrance Test.

ADMISSION PROCESS - After Qualifying in the Entrance Test

An applicant qualified in the entrance test has to follow the following procedure for

completing the admission process:

1. The candidate needs to pay the required tuition fee of 1st Semester using the online

payment options provided there for, and invariably save / print the fee paid receipt.

2. On successful payment transaction, the candidate will be provisionally admitted to the

course and specialization, which he/she has applied for.

3. The applicant has to send by post the hard copies of the below mentioned documents,

that were also scanned and uploaded at the time of applying for the Entrance Test, to

the address provided there for:

a. Two print-outs of the application form submitted earlier for the Entrance Test

(the application form has to be signed now physically by the candidate);

b. One photocopy of each of the documents uploaded should be attested by a

Notary / a Gazetted Officer;

c. Original Service Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the

current employer; and

d. Three (3) Latest Passport Size Colour Photographs.

4. After verification of the hard copies of the documents submitted by the candidate, an

Admission Number will be allotted by the University. The student has to invariably

mention this number in every future correspondence with the University.

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5. Tuition Fee once paid will not be refunded. So, prior to making the payment, the

students are advised to make sure that they are eligible to take admission into the

‘Online MBA Program’ as per the eligibility criteria decided by the University.

NOTE: The student shall submit all the necessary Original Certificates for verification at

any time during the admission or the currency of the program, if asked by the University.

CHECKLIST OF DOCUMENTS

The following is the checklist of documents to be sent to the University as mentioned earlier:

Proof of Qualification: Attested photocopies of the last qualifying exam and

statement of marks (degree certificate / marks sheet).

Three (3) passport size latest colour photographs.

Attested photocopy of the marriage certificate (if applicable) indicating any change

in the name of the candidate.

Proof of Date of Birth: Attested photocopy of SSC or Equivalent Certificate such as

Passport or Certificate from Registrar of Births & Deaths / Tahsildar, School Leaving

Certificate issued by the Head Master / Principal.

Relevant Social Status Certificate (SC/ST/BC).

Original Service Certificate and No Objection Certificate (NOC) in the case of In-

Service Candidates.

ADDRESS FOR SENDING HARD COPIES

The Programme Coordinator

„Online Programs Cell‟

Students Services Branch,

Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Open University

Prof. G. Ram Reddy Marg, Road No – 46,

Jubilee Hills, HYDERABAD – 500033.

Telangana State, India.

Instructions for Dispatching the Envelope

i) Please send the envelope containing the documents mentioned above, through

„Registered Post Acknowledgement Due’ only.

ii) Please do write your Provisional Admission Number (Given for your Application) on

the backside of your photographs and also super scribe the same, on the envelope to

be sent / posted.

IMPORTANT DATES The Important dates for the January, 2015 batch is provided below:

Activity Date

Admission Notification

Last Date for submitting Application Form 17th

December 2014

Entrance Test Dates (Tentative) 20th

December 2014, 21st December 2014,

27th

December 2014, 28th

December 2014

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Last Date for Payment of Fees 07th

January 2015

Commencement of Program 10th

January 2015

Semester-End Examination (Tentative) 1st June 2015

Click on the link for Application Form: www.eprograms.braou.ac.in

HELPDESK - For Advice & Guidance

Phone Number – 8688 339 339

SMS – BRAOU to 56767

Annexure - A

List of Entrance Test Locations The tentative list of locations where the Entrance Tests will be conducted is provided below.

The list of locations may be modified, at the sole discretion of the University, based on the

number of students appearing for the entrance test at a specific location and on specified

dates.

1. Hyderabad & Secunderabad

2. Warangal

3. Khammam

4. Nalgonda

5. Mahabubnagar

6. Karimnagar

7. Nizamabad

8. Medak

9. Guntur

10. Vijayawada (Krishna District)

11. Eluru, (West Godavari District)

12. Rajahmundry

13. Vizag (Visakhapatnam)

14. Srikakulam

15. Tirupati

16. Kadapa

17. Ananthapuram

18. Kurnool

19. Nellore

20. Ongole

21. Bangalore

22. Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

23. Cochin (Kerala)

24. Mumbai (Maharashtra)

25. Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

26. Delhi

27. Kolkata (West Bengal)

28. Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)

29. Patna (Bihar)

30. Bhubaneshwar (Orissa)

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