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Complete MBA For Dummies
Your guide to understanding the basics of an MBA
Want to get an MBA? The Complete MBA For Dummies, 2 nd Edition, is the practical, plain-English guide that covers all the basics of a top-notch MBA program, helping you to navigate today’s most innovative business strategies. From management to entrepreneurship to strategic planning, you’ll understand the hottest trends and get the latest techniques for motivating employees, building global partnerships, managing risk, and manufacturing. This fun, easy-to-access guide is full of useful information, tips, and checklists that will help you lead, manage, or participate in any business at a high level of competence. You’ll find out how to use databases to your advantage, recognize and reward your employees, analyze financial statements, and understand the challenges of strategic planning in a global business environment. You’ll also learn the basic principals of accounting, get a grip on the concepts behind stocks and bonds, and find out how technology has revolutionized everything from manufacturing to marketing. Discover how Once you know what an MBA knows, the sky’s the limit. Read The Complete MBA For Dummies, 2 nd Edition, and watch your career take off!
Want to get an MBA? The Complete MBA For Dummies, 2 nd Edition, is the practical, plain-English guide that covers all the basics of a top-notch MBA program, helping you to navigate today’s most innovative business strategies. From management to entrepreneurship to strategic planning, you’ll understand the hottest trends and get the latest techniques for motivating employees, building global partnerships, managing risk, and manufacturing. This fun, easy-to-access guide is full of useful information, tips, and checklists that will help you lead, manage, or participate in any business at a high level of competence. You’ll find out how to use databases to your advantage, recognize and reward your employees, analyze financial statements, and understand the challenges of strategic planning in a global business environment. You’ll also learn the basic principals of accounting, get a grip on the concepts behind stocks and bonds, and find out how technology has revolutionized everything from manufacturing to marketing. Discover how Once you know what an MBA knows, the sky’s the limit. Read The Complete MBA For Dummies, 2 nd Edition, and watch your career take off!
432 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2000
137 people are currently reading
468 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 13, 2024
Vapid, even for a business book.
I often read these Dummies series books to better understand something that I have no experience in. The same was true for this book. I have never worked in business. But I was surprised by how much hot air filled this book, how little I learned.
It is hard to say how much I actually read, because I would flip through a page or two, find nothing useful or interesting and then flit to a different section of the book, only to find myself repeating the process. There was just nothing there.
Possibly Read 5%.
I often read these Dummies series books to better understand something that I have no experience in. The same was true for this book. I have never worked in business. But I was surprised by how much hot air filled this book, how little I learned.
It is hard to say how much I actually read, because I would flip through a page or two, find nothing useful or interesting and then flit to a different section of the book, only to find myself repeating the process. There was just nothing there.
Possibly Read 5%.
October 11, 2020
As name suggests, good, entertaining, but pretty basic book. Good basic quick reference. Nice way to start mba stuff. Made me feel that nothing will teach me as well as starting a real business though. As there is lot more to each topic mentioned in the book.
September 8, 2021
I picked up this book hoping to understand the business side of this world. Now, I know why my Manager behaves the way he does. 😁
This book covers almost all the aspects of business, but just from the surface, of course. You will get a pretty holistic picture of departments that run the business. I have a renewed sense of awe and wonder for those brilliant minds, who, from the shadows, run everything in and around me.
Filled to the brim with tips, techniques, decision-making and approaches, this book really gives you a hint of all the correct and incorrect decisions made, and ascertains that you avoid it next time around.
The most difficult section of this book is Accounting. It gets technical real fast, and keeping up could be a challenge. I, for one, enjoyed what it had to offered.
Needless to say, this 400-page book will not make you the "Master" of Business Administration. But you will get a concrete idea of what you are getting into, and what will be the expectations set for you.
This book covers almost all the aspects of business, but just from the surface, of course. You will get a pretty holistic picture of departments that run the business. I have a renewed sense of awe and wonder for those brilliant minds, who, from the shadows, run everything in and around me.
Filled to the brim with tips, techniques, decision-making and approaches, this book really gives you a hint of all the correct and incorrect decisions made, and ascertains that you avoid it next time around.
The most difficult section of this book is Accounting. It gets technical real fast, and keeping up could be a challenge. I, for one, enjoyed what it had to offered.
Needless to say, this 400-page book will not make you the "Master" of Business Administration. But you will get a concrete idea of what you are getting into, and what will be the expectations set for you.
October 22, 2025
Outdated in some respects, as the book was written 2000 and a second edition was published in 2018. However, I gave it 5 Stars because the information is well communicated. It does it better than most business books or teachers I have encountered thus far. In addition the content has continued relevance and there are great examples within that just make sense.
In the end, the book, made me understand that modern business really is a culture, guided by scholars, executives, and politics for better or worse. As well, it makes you see companies are still learning how to run businesses the right way even after centuries.
In the end, the book, made me understand that modern business really is a culture, guided by scholars, executives, and politics for better or worse. As well, it makes you see companies are still learning how to run businesses the right way even after centuries.
May 16, 2021
I wanted to read this as a comparison to entrepreneur ship studies. I have a lot of expertise with executive education and thought would boost my skills. This book touches on what mangers do everyday and clearly explains the roles in mba professions. I covers management issues such as employee training, development, produce cycles, process changes, and mba market and financials. I would recommend this as for anybody exploring the management field.
February 22, 2019
Very introductory; if you've worked in business/tech companies, most of the info is common sense / too obvious. It did, however, help me identify the topics I want to further study up on (corp finance, management philosophy, economics). Also, provided useful perspective on building global businesses and supply chains.
August 2, 2025
I read this book to help me decide if I wanted to pursue an MBA. There was just enough information to move the meter towards yes because I learned things and there were still applicable items if I decided not to dig deeper. The content was also consumable without knowing a lot.
October 18, 2017
Practical, and helpful, a little dry, but I can see myself applying this information in the future.
September 6, 2019
I can’t even download .How can i read this book ?🤔
September 22, 2019
Great book
This Book covers the main MBA topics in very understandable manner. It underlines the most important things to remember. I highly recommend this book
This Book covers the main MBA topics in very understandable manner. It underlines the most important things to remember. I highly recommend this book
April 26, 2020
Very thoroughly written...
July 23, 2024
extremely basic
March 9, 2013
This book is likely okay for anyone with little to no understanding of basic business ideas. Much of this book is devoted to the teaching of the common sense soft-skills of management and human resource practices to the detriment of a stronger introduction to basic accounting principles and finance considerations. The authors do, however, provide a brief overview of the latter that may help readers to explore any concepts they are interested in further.
Potentially most useful to me were the communications and advertising checklists which could be examined prior to entering a brain storming session at the outset of a new marketing campaigns, for example. The section on strategic manufacturing, although basic, was also fairly interesting.
Overall, this book provides a generalized glimpse into the prospective content of an MBA program which helped to confirm my suspicion that the formal process required to obtain one is dramatically over-priced given the knowledge-depth of that asset. According to my own research, an MBA (requiring GMAT entry and a previous degree from a state university) still carries a decent amount of currency with respect to employment prospects and rate of return but this value is decreasing. Largely due to over supply (watering down standards/the ensuing and intensified trend of commodifying post-secondary education) and because organizations recognize that the 'hard skills' wrought pale in comparison to those possessed by students wielding full-on accounting designations (CA,CGA,CMA).
Other than those somewhat critical observations, this book does provide a basic introduction to the daily considerations business owners need to make which may enhance empathy among those who benefit from business yet are separate from the tangible aspects of business processes. This level of empathy is important when developing public policies that pertain to business and benefit the broader public.
Potentially most useful to me were the communications and advertising checklists which could be examined prior to entering a brain storming session at the outset of a new marketing campaigns, for example. The section on strategic manufacturing, although basic, was also fairly interesting.
Overall, this book provides a generalized glimpse into the prospective content of an MBA program which helped to confirm my suspicion that the formal process required to obtain one is dramatically over-priced given the knowledge-depth of that asset. According to my own research, an MBA (requiring GMAT entry and a previous degree from a state university) still carries a decent amount of currency with respect to employment prospects and rate of return but this value is decreasing. Largely due to over supply (watering down standards/the ensuing and intensified trend of commodifying post-secondary education) and because organizations recognize that the 'hard skills' wrought pale in comparison to those possessed by students wielding full-on accounting designations (CA,CGA,CMA).
Other than those somewhat critical observations, this book does provide a basic introduction to the daily considerations business owners need to make which may enhance empathy among those who benefit from business yet are separate from the tangible aspects of business processes. This level of empathy is important when developing public policies that pertain to business and benefit the broader public.
November 3, 2015
Honestly, give it a pass. The topic in itself is huge, and as such it is impossible to cover it properly in one book.
It's not really the fault of the author, but the main value in the book is the list of books that actually can cover the different topics.
It is really hard to cover management, HR, marketing, finance, cash flow management, accounting, sales, negotiation, risk management and all the other topics in less than 400 pages.
Instead of getting this book, find the MBA curriculum on the internet, and get books dedicated to the different topics - Cash-flow Management for Dummies, Accounting and Bookkeeping for Dummies,etc.
Or some other books if you don't like the Dummies series.
But seriously, skip this book. It won't give you much.
It's not really the fault of the author, but the main value in the book is the list of books that actually can cover the different topics.
It is really hard to cover management, HR, marketing, finance, cash flow management, accounting, sales, negotiation, risk management and all the other topics in less than 400 pages.
Instead of getting this book, find the MBA curriculum on the internet, and get books dedicated to the different topics - Cash-flow Management for Dummies, Accounting and Bookkeeping for Dummies,etc.
Or some other books if you don't like the Dummies series.
But seriously, skip this book. It won't give you much.
February 1, 2015
After I finished the "Complete M.B.A. for Dummies," a thought came to me, "This author is full of shit."
To me, a first-time M.B.A. subject reader, this M.B.A. book is D.O.A. How did she write this uninspired and unmotivated book? Did she talk to people-on-the-street to prepare for this book? This book feel like a routine, missionary position business book that gets publish yearly with updated information. How boring this book this?
I would not recommend this book and this "PhD" author to anyone. There are many inspired and informative books on the subject of M.B.A.
To me, a first-time M.B.A. subject reader, this M.B.A. book is D.O.A. How did she write this uninspired and unmotivated book? Did she talk to people-on-the-street to prepare for this book? This book feel like a routine, missionary position business book that gets publish yearly with updated information. How boring this book this?
I would not recommend this book and this "PhD" author to anyone. There are many inspired and informative books on the subject of M.B.A.
July 15, 2016
I'm thinking of enrolling in an MBA course and thought this might be a good introduction to it. The book is well written but I think it may not give an accurate picture of how difficult an MBA actually is. Nevertheless, I find the book to be pretty good as an intro. I own quite a few "for Dummies" books but this is the first one I've read cover-to-cover. I think this has to do with the way this book is formatted. I read it a Kindle Paperwhite BTW.
Read
October 9, 2008a great business read
November 19, 2009
A good review of the major topics covered in the course of studying for an MBA. I suspect it gets better as you work in business and re-read to find what you missed the first time.
November 16, 2010
Very comprehensive.
September 8, 2016
This book was focused more toward Small Business owners than I had anticipated, but there was still useful information.
Currently reading
October 17, 2012
March 13, 2013
I know it, but did not finish it
January 28, 2014
The employees with MBA were especially difficult about technology, management, negotiation, economics, etc.
June 12, 2014
It's not a replacement for formal training, but it's a wonderful reference guide.
August 13, 2016
My favorite author!
October 21, 2016
Great book!
Really, this is an all in one MBA book, the 'dummies' will throw you off, it's a really comprehensive and smart business book!
Really, this is an all in one MBA book, the 'dummies' will throw you off, it's a really comprehensive and smart business book!
July 23, 2012
Good overview.
August 31, 2018
Want to get an MBA? The Complete MBA For Dummies, 2nd Edition, is the practical, plain-English guide that covers all the basics of a top-notch MBA program, helping you to navigate today’s most innovative business strategies. From management to entrepreneurship to strategic planning, you’ll understand the hottest trends and get the latest techniques for motivating employees, building global partnerships, managing risk, and manufacturing.
This fun, easy-to-access guide is full of useful information, tips, and checklists that will help you lead, manage, or participate in any business at a high level of competence. You’ll find out how to use databases to your advantage, recognize and reward your employees, analyze financial statements, and understand the challenges of strategic planning in a global business environment. You’ll also learn the basic principals of accounting, get a grip on the concepts behind stocks and bonds, and find out how technology has revolutionized everything from manufacturing to marketing. Discover how to:
Know and respond to your customers’ needs
Handle budgets and forecasts
Recruit and retain top people
Establish and run employee teams
Use Sarbanes-Oxley to your company’s advantage
Negotiate with the best of them
Build long-term relationships with clients
Avoid common managerial mistakes
Improve cash flow
Market your products and services
Make the most of your advertising dollar
Once you know what an MBA knows, the sky’s the limit. Read The Complete MBA For Dummies, 2nd Edition, and watch your career take off!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews