All types of business fields deal with mathematics in some shape or form, and MBA students must have a solid understanding of various mathematical topics. Many institutions require students to complete a statistics course before being admitted into an MBA program and others require individuals to use calculus regularly. The specific requirements vary by program, but generally all MBA students should have at least a competency in college algebra.
Many MBA programs focus on creating instructional environments that mirror actual business settings by using student teams. A variety of businesses use teams to complete projects and come up with solutions to problems, and various MBA programs follow suit. All members of student teams are responsible for certain tasks and the success of the team relies on positive effort from all individuals. A lot of MBA programs integrate team-building exercises in various parts of the program, such as new-student orientation, projects in organizational behavior classes and workshops. Some programs form teams for a specific project in one course and others keep teams together for numerous courses.
All MBA programs teach the fundamentals of business, such as finance, accounting, economics and marketing. Most programs also include a variety of courses on domestic and international business practices to enable students to develop a strong well-rounded business foundation. Students learn about economic trends and how to assess patterns of the business marketplace as well as behavior of consumers. They also learn how to assess financial risks and communicate with business professionals using trust-building techniques and negotiation methods to achieve goals of their field.
Nearly all business schools incorporate technology into MBA programs to ensure students stay up-to-date with current technological advancements that they are likely to face in the business world. Many programs incorporate the use of databases, word processing, powerpoint presentations, spreadsheets and digital media into course content. Various schools require students to have their own personal laptop to promote success in the program.
MBA students learn to understand and use a variety of business strategies and how to incorporate them into decision-making techniques. They also acquire leadership skills and the necessary strategies for managing others within a business organization. Many MBA programs teach students ways to think critically under pressure to pursue successful careers as leaders. Simple and complex scenarios are often presented to illustrate to students the potential issues that could arise in their careers. The exercises help students develop and hone strong problem-solving abilities. Some programs also focus on assisting students to develop the ability to listen and produce information concurrently.