The choice of a career is usually infused with doubts and indecisions. In this modern day global fast-paced world, the choice of a career is critical. It is important that one chooses a career path that is marketable, relevant and can add value to modern day businesses. A career of such a nature is Business Administration. It is however important to have a thorough understanding of this field before embarking on it. MANCOSA provides an insight into the field of Business Administration Management, the duties of an administrator, and the potential career options of this profession.
What does Business Administration mean?
Simply put, business administration encompasses all facets of the administration involved in order to ensure a business functions effectively and successfully. This involves overseeing and supervising the operations of a business, taking decisions and the efficient organisation of organisational resources to achieve organisational goals and objectives. It also encompasses:
- Finance
- Development
- Quality assurance
- Sales
- Project management
- Research
- Marketing
Administration is applied at every level of any company. Since all businesses need managers and administrators to handle daily operations, business administrators are essential to the growth and profitability of a business.
What does a Business Administrator do?
The work of a business administrator includes planning, leading, controlling and organising activities within an organisation. Administrator’s duties also include:
- Financial management
- Staff recruitment
- Public relations
- Purchasing
- Expenditure
- Mediation
- Negotiation
- Marketing and promotion
- Facilitation of training programs
- Attending official functions
In order to better understand what business administrators do, read the extract below.
A day in the life: Business Administration
In a typical day, a business administrator oversees the general operations of an organisation or department. This may include supporting and overseeing teams, problem solving, developing and implementing plans, and meeting goals. A business administrator focuses on the work being done and the results that work is producing. Monitoring productivity and accounting are cornerstone responsibilities of a business administrator. Managers supervise the clerical and administrative personnel in an organisation or department. They can recommend and implement changes in policies and procedures so that goals are met more quickly with better results.
Some business administrators focus mostly on records and information management, which is experiencing employment growth. The growing reliance on cloud-based computing and record keeping has influenced the need for more information managers who can work with new technology and help their organisations move from older ways of record keeping. Generally, business administrators work in an office. They may interact with different departments or oversee one main department. One of the main components of a business administrator’s day is spending time communicating with both staff and executives. Setting schedules and timelines for meeting goals and executing strategies are part of a business administrator’s general tasks.
In order to execute these duties, it is important that a business administrator have certain skills to be able to effectively carry out their duties. These skills include problem solving, good verbal and written communication skills, computer literacy in a number of programmes and the ability to plan, lead, organise and control organisational activities effectively.
What are the Benefits of studying Business Administration?
A BBA will equip you with the knowledge and ability to manage a business. It provides a well-rounded understanding of organisational life and the ability to work effectively towards achieving organisational goals. Business administration courses are therefore varied and are designed to provide in-depth knowledge of a wide-range of topics related to business operations. It enables you to become an expert in the business field and to work effectively in the office regardless of your designation. As a business administrator, you can work in most departments in an organisation such as human resources, accounting, project management, or operations. You can also work in various industries, such as education, hospitality, finance, retail, health care, marketing, sales, logistics, supply chain management, and information technology. Studying business administration will therefore provide you with in-depth knowledge of a wide-range of aspects related to business operations. The knowledge gained from studying a BBA gives you the ability to achieve more than just one type of position as it equips students with a diverse skill set. In a nutshell, Business Administration increases one’s marketability in the job market and provides career opportunities, job versatility and security.
Business Administration Careers
- Management Consultant
- Senior Analyst
- Senior Manager
- Corporate Executive
- Entrepreneur
- General and operations managers
- Sales manager
- Administrative services managers
- Industrial production managers
- Transportation, storage, and distribution managers
- Social and community service managers
- Cost estimators
- Management
Administration also enables one to be able to work more effectively in the modern day work space in today’s fast-paced global world. This is because business administration studies are current and it enables a thorough understanding of the dynamics of organisational operations. Moreover, it enhances critical thinking skills, boosts one’s self-confidence and enhances communication, interpersonal skills and creativity skills, which are qualities required to operate effectively in the modern day office.
Business administration courses also have entrepreneurial potential. If you want to be self-employed, then effective administration management is the key as it provides you with the opportunity to start your own business or act as a consultant for other entrepreneurs.
Types of Business Administration Courses & Programmes
If you are interested in a career in business administration management, then MANCOSA is the right place for you. Business Administration courses are offered at undergraduate and postgraduate levels..
BBA students are presented with the opportunity to learn from experienced qualified instructors and to become versatile in skills that will allow them to work in various areas of a business. such as marketing, sales, customer service, human resources, accounting, ICT and administration. BBA studies will provide you with the knowledge and tools you will need to succeed in management and business related careers. You will also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from various walks of life that may positively impact your career development.
Study for an MBA after a BBA
If you have completed an Honours Degree in Business Administration, you can pursue a Master of Business Administration. On a master’s level, an MBA equips students with specialised knowledge and skills to be effective business administration leaders and practitioners in the workplace. The Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme is tailored for those in managerial and leadership positions and those aspiring to these positions who wish to improve or develop their knowledge and competencies in management and leadership in a business environment administration skill. It is designed to produce forward thinking managers and leaders who are prepared for business and industry in the context of emerging and dynamic markets. The MBA Degree provides students with the tools to employ innovative and strategic approaches to management within organisations in the context of a rapidly changing and information-rich global marketplace. In an environment where the need to understand and operate in a context of global socio-political and economic realities, MBA graduates are well placed to assume leadership and transformative roles.
Study Business Administration with MANCOSA
You can never go wrong with Business Administration as you are bound to gain knowledge and skills that will give you a competitive edge in the labour market or provide you with the foundation required to be self-employable. It is the modern day career choice for employability. Take a first step toward this career path or enhance your career by enrolling at MANCOSA.
By Dr Claudine Hingston – Head of MANCOSA Centre for Women Leadership & Academic