Professionals looking to expand their management knowledge and skills will go far with an online Master in Business Administration (MBA) in General Business from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. GMAC’s 2023 Corporate Recruiters Survey found “MBA graduates continue to be most in demand among global employers compared to candidates with business master’s or bachelor’s degrees.” While business master’s programs usually focus on a single specialty like finance or business analytics, MBA programs often offer a wider range of courses and introduce students to various aspects of business, such as data analysis, financial management, managerial economics and accounting, strategic management and ethical leadership.
Earning an MBA degree helps graduates earn a higher salary, increase job opportunities and even start their own business. A foundational aspect of being a successful leader is understanding the current issues in management and how an MBA degree can help overcome these challenges.
What Is an MBA Degree?
The MBA degree is a highly sought-after graduate degree that shows potential or current employers you’re ready to lead and manage a team. Coursework allows students to explore topics in behavioral management, accounting, data analysis, marketing, finance and more.
Southeastern’s program is 100% online, offering students the flexibility to earn a degree while continuing to work full time and tend to everyday responsibilities. Other than providing in-demand business skills, an MBA degree equips graduates with the skills to witness and overcome issues in management today.
Current Issues in Management
The modern business world has shaped a type of workplace leadership called contemporary management. It differs from traditional management due to the characteristics of technology use, decentralization of authority, employee independence, company culture initiatives and additional flexibility. Due to the nature of contemporary management, certain challenges arise in this type of work environment.
According to Indeed, “Knowing how to recognize these challenges and address them helps increase a manager’s confidence and ability to lead a team.” Consider the following examples of current issues in management:
- Low productivity: Productivity will ebb and flow in the workplace depending on employee morale, retention rates, company culture and more. A great manager knows how to motivate their team and help increase productivity when it seems to dip.
- Being understaffed: The changing landscape of the workforce is affecting industries differently. Some industries are dealing with budget cuts and decreased staff. Management who can shoulder the work and help their team progress even in tough times will prevail.
- Weak company culture: Company culture is a focus for modern businesses. Employees demand equality, work-life balance, flexibility and learning and development opportunities. The more a manager focuses on strengthening company culture towards what employees need to be happy, the better.
- Lack of communication: Although tech advancements are supposed to make communication easier (through video chatting or communication apps, for example), teams still have issues with effective and clear communication. Managers who promote ongoing discussions with employees and who know how to truly listen will create an atmosphere of communication.
- Time management troubles: Due to their title and responsibilities, managers can be pulled in multiple directions throughout the day, making it hard to stay on track and complete tasks on time. Managers who remain organized and prioritize their responsibilities will be successful.
Once you fully understand these business challenges, you can confidently lead your team and accomplish your organizational goals.
Overcome Management Issues in the Workplace With an MBA Degree
The modern workplace presents new challenges, but professionals prepared to overcome these challenges will prevail. One way to ensure you know how to handle common management issues is through education.
Southeastern’s online MBA in General Business program is taught by experienced faculty who focus on real-world applications and connectivity. The Contemporary Issues in Management course covers leading-edge issues in global business and provides real-life situations for students to manage. Upon completion, you’ll better understand contemporary management issues and how to deal with them.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online MBA in General Business program.