Learn business management in only 80 minutes?

Perhaps it sounds too good to be true but a new book, 'The 80-minute MBA', claims to help people do just that. Read on to find out how.

The 80-minute MBA, which aims to give readers an overview of the business world in less time than it takes to watch a film, has been snapped up by people wishing to boost their business know-how.

It’s already shot to the top of the business book list and, at only £10.99, it’s a lot cheaper than signing up for an actual MBA course.

What’s in it?

Sadly, it’s not a condensed version of the actual MBA course. If it were, it could save students a lot of money. However, it does cover the core of an MBA; accounting, marketing and human resources, while focusing on a few key areas such as sustainability.

It could prove more fun than doing a whole course, though – the authors say it’s written to entertain.

The 80-minute MBA gives a refreshing take on leadership, suggesting students need not bother themselves with “charisma, balance, authenticity, coaching and strategy.” Instead, its core message is for students to know where they are going, what’s going on, who they are and how to build a strong team.

Who wrote it?

The book came about from a presentation put together by Richard Reeves, 40, an economics researcher who is also head of the think-tank Demos, and John Knell, 43, an economics consultant.

Knell said: “The book was written to inform and entertain. We are very pro-business. It matters more than ever and we want to take their responsibilities for creating wealth and doing good seriously.

We want moral behaviour from our business leaders towards the societies they serve. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun.”

Related links

• More about the 80-minute MBA
• Watch a video about the 80-minute MBA
• What's an MBA?

Your shout!

Do you think that MBA courses are worthwhile to get an edge in business? Is experience more important? Share your views by posting a comment in the box below.