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The 30 Day MBA: Your Fast Track Guide to Business Success
General business readers, executives, managers, accountants, business lawyers, schools of continuing studies, extension courses and executive education
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 1, 2009
91 people are currently reading
824 people want to read
About the author
Colin Barrow
102 books36 followersColin Barrow is the author of more than 25 books in the fields of entrepreneurship, business management and international property development. His books have been published by the BBC, The Economist, The Sunday Times, Kogan Page, he has authored or co-authored ten books in the Dummies series and been translated into a score of languages including Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Georgian, Romanian, Polish and Bahasa Indonesia.
Following a career in business where he held senior staff and line positions, including that of managing director of a substantial manufacturing enterprise with multi -plant and multi-country operations he was Head of the Enterprise Group at Cranfield School of Management, a leading European Business School, for ten years. He has been a visiting professor in universities in the US, Europe and the Far East. For five years he was a non-executive director of a high tech venture capital fund, has sat on Government task forces and is now strategic advisor to a number of business owners.
As well as his own books he currently writes freelance, ghost writing and 'Anglicising' books for American authors and lectures extensively on business topics. You can hear Colin's podcast on team building at http://www.morethanbusiness.com/Knowl...
Following a career in business where he held senior staff and line positions, including that of managing director of a substantial manufacturing enterprise with multi -plant and multi-country operations he was Head of the Enterprise Group at Cranfield School of Management, a leading European Business School, for ten years. He has been a visiting professor in universities in the US, Europe and the Far East. For five years he was a non-executive director of a high tech venture capital fund, has sat on Government task forces and is now strategic advisor to a number of business owners.
As well as his own books he currently writes freelance, ghost writing and 'Anglicising' books for American authors and lectures extensively on business topics. You can hear Colin's podcast on team building at http://www.morethanbusiness.com/Knowl...
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
June 30, 2016
"The 30-Day MBA" presents like an extended syllabus that argues an individual can create their own courseplan and independently master the competencies covered in a 2-year MBA. This book alone won't give you the knowledge to be competent in business; rather, it lays out the areas you'll need to learn, gives you a brief overview of the subtopics you'll to focus on, and then links you to the resources - articles, talks, other books - you'll need to do so.
This means you can't sit down, read this book, and be proficient in business. It does mean you can sit down, read this book, identify areas where your knowledge is lacking, discover how to fix that, and then go out and do the work to remedy those holes. At the end - a process the books recommends should take something more in the range of 12 to 36 weeks (depending how much time you'll devote to each topic) - you'll have knowledge similar to what you would have learned by paying $100,000 to a top business school.
There are certainly arguments to be made for going to business school - the networking opportunities, on-campus interviews with prestigious companies, interviews, and a whole host of other resources - but if you need business skills and not necessarily the rest of the frills, this book can be a place to start.
Note than none of the resources provided are very unique or groundbreaking. You could find them all - and honestly, some much better ones - with a Google search. The problem is knowing what you need to Google in the first place. Thus, this book should be viewed as a jumping off point for one's personal research for someone with NO background in business.
The areas covered by this book:
Accounting
Conventions and principles, bookkeeping process, cash-flow forecasts and statements, calculating profit, balancing the books, finding financial facts, business ratios
Finance
Where business gets its money - the difference between debt and shareholder's investment - understanding the role of private equity - floating on a stock market - calculating the cost of capital - budgeting for the future
Business History
The foundation of contract law - the first business gurus - early accounting - stock markets and coffee houses - limiting liabilities - encouraging innovations - banking beginnings - the world's oldest ventures
Business Law
Forms of business - employing staff - innovation issues - tax legalities - trading regulations - rules on mergers and acquisitions
Economics
Schools of economic thought - market structures and competition - managing growth - understanding business cycles - fiscal and monetary policy considerations - assessing economic success
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur vs intrapreneur - social entrepreneurs - creative destruction, the spur - why we need entrepreneurs - money for business plans
Ethics and social responsibility
Owners vs directors - stakeholder groupings - ethical and responsible strategies - whistle-blowing - green pays off
Marketing
Measuring markets - assessing strengths and weaknesses - understanding customers - segmenting markets - the marketing mix - selling - researching markets
Operations
Outsourcing - production methods - controlling operations - maintaining quality - information systems
Organizational Behavior
Structural options - Line and staff relationships - Building and leading teams - understanding motivation - managing people effectively - director's roles - handling change
Quantitative and qualitative analysis
Decision-making tools - statistical methods - making forecasts - assessing cause and effect - soft studies - carrying out surveys
Strategy
Devising strategies - differentiation - cost leadership - first to market, first to fail - tools and techniques for shaping strategy - mergers and acquisitions
Electives - either Business Communications, Business Planning, Mergers and Acquisitions, or Introduction to International Global Business
For a greater example of what resources this book offers on each subject, I'll summarize what's offered in the Operations chapter.
• The Lean Resources Institute's website
• A short review article on manufacturing
• A website on linear programming
• Online notes on queuing theory
• Links to 3 online courses in operations management and 4 online case studies
As I mentioned earlier, not very unique. If you're familiar with EdX or Coursera, starting with a basic business course there would probably be as good as this book.
This means you can't sit down, read this book, and be proficient in business. It does mean you can sit down, read this book, identify areas where your knowledge is lacking, discover how to fix that, and then go out and do the work to remedy those holes. At the end - a process the books recommends should take something more in the range of 12 to 36 weeks (depending how much time you'll devote to each topic) - you'll have knowledge similar to what you would have learned by paying $100,000 to a top business school.
There are certainly arguments to be made for going to business school - the networking opportunities, on-campus interviews with prestigious companies, interviews, and a whole host of other resources - but if you need business skills and not necessarily the rest of the frills, this book can be a place to start.
Note than none of the resources provided are very unique or groundbreaking. You could find them all - and honestly, some much better ones - with a Google search. The problem is knowing what you need to Google in the first place. Thus, this book should be viewed as a jumping off point for one's personal research for someone with NO background in business.
The areas covered by this book:
Accounting
Conventions and principles, bookkeeping process, cash-flow forecasts and statements, calculating profit, balancing the books, finding financial facts, business ratios
Finance
Where business gets its money - the difference between debt and shareholder's investment - understanding the role of private equity - floating on a stock market - calculating the cost of capital - budgeting for the future
Business History
The foundation of contract law - the first business gurus - early accounting - stock markets and coffee houses - limiting liabilities - encouraging innovations - banking beginnings - the world's oldest ventures
Business Law
Forms of business - employing staff - innovation issues - tax legalities - trading regulations - rules on mergers and acquisitions
Economics
Schools of economic thought - market structures and competition - managing growth - understanding business cycles - fiscal and monetary policy considerations - assessing economic success
Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneur vs intrapreneur - social entrepreneurs - creative destruction, the spur - why we need entrepreneurs - money for business plans
Ethics and social responsibility
Owners vs directors - stakeholder groupings - ethical and responsible strategies - whistle-blowing - green pays off
Marketing
Measuring markets - assessing strengths and weaknesses - understanding customers - segmenting markets - the marketing mix - selling - researching markets
Operations
Outsourcing - production methods - controlling operations - maintaining quality - information systems
Organizational Behavior
Structural options - Line and staff relationships - Building and leading teams - understanding motivation - managing people effectively - director's roles - handling change
Quantitative and qualitative analysis
Decision-making tools - statistical methods - making forecasts - assessing cause and effect - soft studies - carrying out surveys
Strategy
Devising strategies - differentiation - cost leadership - first to market, first to fail - tools and techniques for shaping strategy - mergers and acquisitions
Electives - either Business Communications, Business Planning, Mergers and Acquisitions, or Introduction to International Global Business
For a greater example of what resources this book offers on each subject, I'll summarize what's offered in the Operations chapter.
• The Lean Resources Institute's website
• A short review article on manufacturing
• A website on linear programming
• Online notes on queuing theory
• Links to 3 online courses in operations management and 4 online case studies
As I mentioned earlier, not very unique. If you're familiar with EdX or Coursera, starting with a basic business course there would probably be as good as this book.
March 31, 2020
I think this is a fantastic book, compared to a lot of business books this has so much information in it. It goes through the fundamentals of business and has loads of handy links and resources. I really liked that the author recommends the best course based on each business schools speciality. Coming from a person who has no idea about the business it is helping me to get up to speed with the key things I need to know.
March 8, 2019
This was a good high-level look at the subjects covered in an MBA program, with pointers to additional resources for a more in-depth study. I paid particular attention to the accounting, finance and marketing sections of the book, since those are the most applicable to my work. Definitely takes some time to read, digest and understand, but well worth it.
December 20, 2019
All 3 of the 30-Day MBA books I read were fantastic. It covers the "dry curriculum" basics that business owners should know. Each book overlaps in content in most areas, but have one or two additional chapters unique to its own. This version (red) has no additional information. It's the best choice for those looking to just cover the need-to-knows.
October 25, 2020
There are hardly new concepts and the analogies are quite lame, would only recommend to someone who wants to go to but higher level than basic but if you are already aware basic Management finance this might not be of any help to you
October 29, 2022
Very smartly written!
November 26, 2019
Good overview of the pieces of an MBA curriculum, but certainly not the curriculum itself. Possibly helpful to read this before deciding whether to pursue an MBA.
February 22, 2016
This is an interesting book, despite it not actually delivering what the reader may expect at first glance! Clearly you cannot get an MBA in 30 days, yet within 30 days of reading the book you might get a good idea about the core subjects that this advanced degree can offer. It is not deceptive if you look it at logically… Like a marketing campaign, it drew you in though!
Irrespective of the small print, the book does deliver a very good overview of subjects covered by an MBA degree. It could equally be a primer for business students generally and for those whose are active in business life but have not been studying for some time.
Accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behaviour, business history, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics and social responsibility, operations management, quantitative and qualitative research and analysis and finally strategy are all brought under the author’s expert tutelage, providing a concise overview on the subject and direction to many resources and case studies that can provide further enlightenment to the reader.
It just feels like it works. It is written in an open, accessible style that draws you in and gets you wanting to read more, even if ordinarily the subject might be one of the last things you want to read about. Things are always changing in the business world, so experienced “old hands” could find this a worthy refresher course to help validate their knowledge without feeling ashamed or uninformed. For the more inexperienced this can be a goldmine.
Many people assume that there is an almost-standard definition about an MBA, although it seems that many business schools cut elements from the curricula as they are “too practical” and thus not suited towards academia. Yet they may be precisely the skills a future business leader should have. Maybe this book can also help fill in some gaps. Sales and the art of selling is one such example the author cites. Every business needs sales, yet most MBA programmes seem not to touch on it, or hide it within subjects such as marketing where it is hardly considered with the importance that it deserves.
About the biggest niggle with the book is its habit of mixing several currencies with every example given. It just got in the way and for what? Nothing. Even a first-year business student will understand that currencies vary. A small complaint but something that was an irritation with every repetition. Yet the book itself deserves high praise. It has the potential to be a great companion for you when you need it. One of those books that you might not necessarily know you need until you have it on your bookshelf. Its comprehensive index lets you dig in deep before being directed to a source of educational enlightenment. The price is hardly going to be troubling too.
Irrespective of the small print, the book does deliver a very good overview of subjects covered by an MBA degree. It could equally be a primer for business students generally and for those whose are active in business life but have not been studying for some time.
Accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behaviour, business history, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics and social responsibility, operations management, quantitative and qualitative research and analysis and finally strategy are all brought under the author’s expert tutelage, providing a concise overview on the subject and direction to many resources and case studies that can provide further enlightenment to the reader.
It just feels like it works. It is written in an open, accessible style that draws you in and gets you wanting to read more, even if ordinarily the subject might be one of the last things you want to read about. Things are always changing in the business world, so experienced “old hands” could find this a worthy refresher course to help validate their knowledge without feeling ashamed or uninformed. For the more inexperienced this can be a goldmine.
Many people assume that there is an almost-standard definition about an MBA, although it seems that many business schools cut elements from the curricula as they are “too practical” and thus not suited towards academia. Yet they may be precisely the skills a future business leader should have. Maybe this book can also help fill in some gaps. Sales and the art of selling is one such example the author cites. Every business needs sales, yet most MBA programmes seem not to touch on it, or hide it within subjects such as marketing where it is hardly considered with the importance that it deserves.
About the biggest niggle with the book is its habit of mixing several currencies with every example given. It just got in the way and for what? Nothing. Even a first-year business student will understand that currencies vary. A small complaint but something that was an irritation with every repetition. Yet the book itself deserves high praise. It has the potential to be a great companion for you when you need it. One of those books that you might not necessarily know you need until you have it on your bookshelf. Its comprehensive index lets you dig in deep before being directed to a source of educational enlightenment. The price is hardly going to be troubling too.
February 17, 2016
As you would expect from a single book which claims to cover the whole MBA syllabus & more, this is a pretty superficial look at a wide range of areas which an MBA student might need to know about. If you have no idea how businesses work, or have a narrow knowledge and want to broaden it, this is a decent introduction, but you will need to do a lot more research or reading to get depth of knowledge in any of the areas.
As well as introducing these concepts, the author also takes the opportunity to take a number of pot-shots at business schools & MBA courses in general, and some in particular.
All in all, as a broad introduction, it does a decent enough job - the subtitle ("learn the essential business school concepts, ... and language") pretty much nails it (though I'm not as convinced about "...skills..."), but the main title ("30 day MBA") is a tad optimistic.
As well as introducing these concepts, the author also takes the opportunity to take a number of pot-shots at business schools & MBA courses in general, and some in particular.
All in all, as a broad introduction, it does a decent enough job - the subtitle ("learn the essential business school concepts, ... and language") pretty much nails it (though I'm not as convinced about "...skills..."), but the main title ("30 day MBA") is a tad optimistic.
September 28, 2020
This is not meant to be an MBA alternative, it is just a reminder of things you might want to recall from your MBA study days.
It shall not be treated as more than that!
It shall not be treated as more than that!
July 25, 2014
30 Day MBA
by Colin Barrow
Publisher: Kogan Page
30 Day MBA has been a popular title and is now in its third edition. The book covers the basic topics of an MBA without the study.
Topics included include accounting, business history, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics and social responsibility, finance, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, personal development, quantitative and qualitative research. It also incorporates external reading and resources, online library and information sources, case studies and links to online self-assessment tests.
While the is a useful tool for business people, it is not a serious reference book for actual MBA students.
by Colin Barrow
Publisher: Kogan Page
30 Day MBA has been a popular title and is now in its third edition. The book covers the basic topics of an MBA without the study.
Topics included include accounting, business history, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics and social responsibility, finance, marketing, operations, organizational behavior, personal development, quantitative and qualitative research. It also incorporates external reading and resources, online library and information sources, case studies and links to online self-assessment tests.
While the is a useful tool for business people, it is not a serious reference book for actual MBA students.
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February 8, 2011i have to read it first
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August 9, 2016this is one of my reviewers that I used for my comprehensive exam. Explained MBA topics in a simple and easy to understand way.
October 3, 2014
Had to force myself to finish it. I feel like it explain to someone who already knows
January 1, 2015
Doesn't exactly replace an MBA, but gives a quick overview of important topics. Not really that different from many other business books, but is informative and can be useful.
Read
April 15, 2020It's only show the picture with no other pages how can I download it or read it ¿¡¡¡¡¡¿¡¿¡
October 5, 2012
Couldn't get into it.
May 24, 2019
If you knew me, you would know how much I read. My books selection is predominantly business books as I read them for pleasure (people are different and can enjoy different things). My first ever choice are the business books with practical advice rather than theory that you can potentially put into practice.
“The 30 Day MBA: Your Fast Track Guide to Business Success” (5th Edition) by Colin Barrow attracted by attention. The contents are just perfect for the day-to-day reference. Of course, if you are looking to get MBA done, this book can be a great start similar to a book can be a great mentor or give some starting advice. Connecting to people through MBA or getting in person advice from a mentor is a lot different and not comparable.
Coming back to the book. The books is ideal for anyone starting MBA, already graduated from MBA or DBA because it contains the information to refer to. When we learn something and then do not use for a while, things get forgotten and I found (personally for me) the book as a very useful reference with short and smart explanations to the main MBA concepts. The book covers he 12 core disciplines of business: accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, business history, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics and social responsibility, operations management, research and analysis and strategy. The explanations are simple and straightforward, and each time followed by example. Absolutely great business cases added to cover the concepts in real practice.
I can definitely recommend this book as a table book to refer too and refresh the concepts you have learnt. Many thanks to the author for keep it short, smart, with plenty of examples and to the point.
“The 30 Day MBA: Your Fast Track Guide to Business Success” (5th Edition) by Colin Barrow attracted by attention. The contents are just perfect for the day-to-day reference. Of course, if you are looking to get MBA done, this book can be a great start similar to a book can be a great mentor or give some starting advice. Connecting to people through MBA or getting in person advice from a mentor is a lot different and not comparable.
Coming back to the book. The books is ideal for anyone starting MBA, already graduated from MBA or DBA because it contains the information to refer to. When we learn something and then do not use for a while, things get forgotten and I found (personally for me) the book as a very useful reference with short and smart explanations to the main MBA concepts. The book covers he 12 core disciplines of business: accounting, finance, marketing, organizational behavior, business history, business law, economics, entrepreneurship, ethics and social responsibility, operations management, research and analysis and strategy. The explanations are simple and straightforward, and each time followed by example. Absolutely great business cases added to cover the concepts in real practice.
I can definitely recommend this book as a table book to refer too and refresh the concepts you have learnt. Many thanks to the author for keep it short, smart, with plenty of examples and to the point.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews