The CEO of Aarya’s IT firm tied up with a premier business school to reserve thirty seats in an online management certificate program, aimed at grooming working professionals. The CEO, however, declared that the employees participating in this program will have to sign a three-year bond with the firm. Further, the CEO added that though good performance was a criterion for selection, he would hold authority to take a final call.
Aarya, well aware of her academic limitations, was unsure about the time available to prepare for the MBA entrance exams. She contemplated going for the management certificate program, instead of preparing for the MBA entrance exams.
Which of the following considerations will BEST help Aarya decide whether to apply for the online management certificate program?
Answer: E
Stakeholder and criterion: Aarya's goal throughout is career growth, which was the reason she wanted an MBA. She is weighing the certificate programme (with a three-year bond and the CEO's final say) against preparing for MBA entrance exams. The deciding consideration is whether the programme actually advances careers.
Why option 5 is best: if those who complete the programme do well in their careers, it meets her core goal. That makes it a sound alternative to a tough entrance exam and justifies the bond.
- Option 1: HR's appreciation may help her get selected. It says nothing about whether the programme is worth joining.
- Option 2: wanting a good alumni network is a preference. Nothing says this online certificate offers one.
- Option 3: Shruti's two attempts concern the MBA route. They do not help judge the certificate programme.
- Option 4: a manageable workload makes the programme feasible but not worthwhile. It does not show any career benefit.
Answer: Option 5