===== USEFUL NEWS =====
In a recent article by the College Journal, they discuss "Tips on Researching Online M.B.A. Programs".

The author makes some excellent points. Some of which include:
- How long the program has been established
- Types of admission requirements
- Rates of acceptance and job placement

I think there was an underlying point that was not made. That is, first know yourself and your goals. Then decide which MBA program from which school will help you reach those goals.

===== QUESTIONS & ANSWERS =====
As I have been reading some MBA-related forums lately, many of them deal with MBA selection. For example, "Which school should I attend?" or "Which MBA program can I get into?".

So many of the responses request more background information and ultimately ask "What are you trying to accomplish?". This is a key element of any career pursuit. An MBA is a great degree with lots of benefits. Keep in mind, it should help you get to where you want to go and not be an end in and of itself.

===== ADMISSIONS CORNER =====
Essay writing is an essential part of the MBA admissions process. Effective writing allows you to stand out from the crowd. Whether you are aiming for a top school or not, you will benefit from well-written essays.

According to the New York Times, EssayEdge.com is "The world's premier application essay editing service." They can help you write an effective admissions essay.

===== BUSINESS CONCEPTS =====
A term that you will run across during your MBA is "Opportunity Cost". Actually it is a valuable concept to understand before your MBA. Opportunity cost means the cost of a forgone alternative or simply, the second best option.

It is easy to understand this in the context of a full-time MBA program. Giving up work for two years has a cost in income that could have been earned in that time period. So, in deciding your total costs of an MBA, make sure you factor in opportunity cost.

===== ONLINE MBA DIRECTORY =====
I have been working to update the details on the remaining online MBA programs. While I have not completed them all, I have finished up through schools starting with 'R'. I will continue progress on this task.

The new password to access the online MBA directory is 'online'.

===== HUMOR =====
This is taken from the abcformbas.com website.

Japanese vs. American management style

Two teams of American and Japanese corporations have a boat race. On the big day the Japanese win by a mile.

The discouraged Americans hire a consulting firm to investigate the problem. The findings are that the Japanese team had eight people rowing and one person steering while the American team had one rower and eight people steering. Based on these results, the American team is completely reorganized to include four steering managers, four steering area managers and a new performance review system for the person rowing the boat to provide work incentive.

The following year the Japanese win again, so the Americans lay off the rower for poor performance and give the manager a bonus for discovering the problem.