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GMAT 2009

Should the GMAT Quiz Business Skills? (Discussion)

acrosstheuniverse said – Thu, 12 Jun 2008 19:02:38 -0000 ( Edit Link )

The GMAT is a standardized test that does not require you to have any knowledge of specific business models, experience or training in the field. Is this a bad thing? Do you think it is important to be tested on your abilities to success in the business world other than just your ability to answer standard mathematics and English questions? Would this separate the dogs from the pack? Or just make the GMAT harder to study for, or even deter some from even trying it?

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Author: acrosstheuniverse; Authority 623

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oLahav said – Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:54:21 -0000 ( Flag Edit Mark / Unmark Best Link )

One may ask himself- is there such a thing as business skills and can they be taught at all?

I personally hold the belief that no. Either you’ve got the entrepreneurial/managerial spirit or you don’t. They can teach you how to manage your financials, the legalities involved in running a business, and similar technicalities. But nobody can really teach you how to motivate people, how to come up with a potentially successful business idea, or how to sell merchandise. It’s a skill that like most skills is earned by practice and experience, never by sitting in a classroom.

So why does anybody need an MBA? Beats me. Why am I in a BBA program? Because if I’m already getting a Bmath, I might as well get a BBA at the same time.

So to actually say something relevant, no, they shouldn’t test real world business skills on the GMAT. A bit of finance and the like won’t hurt, but it is the critical thinking and communication that’ll make you a good businessperson, and that’s what the GMAT already tests for.

(MBA people, please don’t conspire to beat me up after work today, I’m sorry)
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Bonny said – Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:53:17 -0000 ( Flag Edit Mark / Unmark Best Link )
I believe asking questions related to business won’t be a good idea! Lets say if someone wants to pursue HR, and if he was questioned about business news and things like that, I believe it would only compel other coming later to study something that wont actually be of any use when the finish their MBA. But instead if they were to ask or check the managerial instincts or related things, then I am sure the candidates would concentrate more on the ‘needed’ topic and be better polished and would be much more efficient!
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But again, business knowledge equips you for business understanding and not your managerial skills.
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Regards, Bonny
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acrosstheuniverse said – Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:58:53 -0000 ( Flag Edit Mark / Unmark Best Link )

I agree with you Bonny that business understanding is more important to test than managerial skills. Since it is the latter that you would think you would be learning the most of when you’re actually acting within your MBA education. Plus, having a general knowledge of mathematics, critical thinking, analyzing as well as English writing and reading skills will surely improve your wit within your program of choice for the MBA.
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