HR management, like any other professional discipline, throws many career options. However, before choosing any of the available choices, students hardly take time to understand the huge differences that remain hidden in the certifications. To most of the aspirants, it’s the subject that matters and not the fact whether its distance MBA or PG Diploma.
However, to be an informed decision maker, candidates must understand how an MBA course is different from PG Diplomas. Even in the context of Human resource management, the notion holds true. Therefore, here’s a little bit of clarity on how Distance MBA in HR is different from Post graduate diploma in HR management and which of the two, happens to be better for the future of the students.
A critical analysis between the two certifications can be summarised under the following heads:
- Accreditation and Recognition
Universities conduct distance MBA in HR whereas independent institutions offer post graduate diploma in HR management. Only universities have the right to grant MBA certificates and not any other institutions. Now since these institutions are autonomous in nature and are not affiliated with any university, therefore they offer post graduate diploma in HR management. Both these courses are of same stature in this respect.
- Nature and Structure of Curriculum
Here comes the real difference. Universities follow their age-old curriculum and their syllabus remains unchanged for years, in fact decades. Hence, there’s no up gradation or advancements. Students study the same thing in distance learning MBA in HR years after years. Nature of curriculum is rigid and there’s no scope of updating the content.
On the contrary, independent institutions always change their syllabus as per requirements of the industry. It makes an effort to know the essential skills and qualifications that are expected of HR professionals and include professional content in the course of post graduate diploma in HR management. It therefore prepares students in the best possible way and makes them future-ready. Both syllabus and academic curriculum is extremely flexible and specifically addresses the professional training requirements of HR aspirants.
- Exposure
Distance MBA in HR emphasises on theoretical knowledge only. The course mainly deals with theoretical information including HR management theories. Exposure is highly limited as students only read books and attain theoretical knowledge, which is of no use in the practical world. In short, HR courses conducted by universities lack adequate exposure and this limits the growth of candidates thereafter.
Contrary to this, post graduate diploma in HR management is more industry-eccentric. It thus provides lot of practical exposure and provides an interactive learning platform dominated by case studies, presentation, practical outlook and workable concepts. It hardly talks about theory and instead prepares students directly for the industry. Undoubtedly, there’s more exposure and practical guidance in such courses.
- Level of Training
Universities follow a conventional way of teaching. Distance learning MBA in HR is therefore suitable for entry-level jobs. It provides a theoretical base in HR after which students undergo yearlong training process in their work place. While pursuing this type of course, they acquire entry-level knowledge and job skills to have minimal sustenance in their respective work place.
On the other hand, the much better post graduate diploma in HR management provides advance level training that can take a candidate to senior level posts in an organization. Such a kind of course imparts high-level practical guidance by training candidates with advance skills and expertise. Level of training is way higher in autonomous institutions than in the universities.
Considering all the above parameters, it can be concluded that post graduate diploma in HR management stands in a better position that the conventional Distance MBA in HR which are conducted by universities