Effective management is the key to a successful organisation. Management is a versatile discipline that can be defined as a vital process of achieving goals using technical, people and financial resources in an environment.
The primary responsibilities of management usually involve providing strong leadership and direction, planning and implementing strategies, organising and allocating resources, and handling the helm of an organisation.
Studying a management degree will give you an understanding of management theories, conduct and strategies that are needed to become an excellent manager. It can also equip you with the necessary skills to take up a leadership role and prepare you for a career in various sectors such as government, multinational corporations, non-profit organisations as well as a diverse range of industries.
Pursuing a management degree can offer a plethora of benefits for leadership development. It can help enhance skills such as decision-making, conflict resolution and ethical leadership while also fostering strategic thinking capabilities. By having a relevant and solid education in management, you can become a future business leader with the necessary tools to thrive.
What you will learn in management courses
The field of management comprises various areas of study that share common core subjects. The subjects most covered in management courses include:
- Strategic management: Discover the process of achieving an organisation’s goal by effectively managing its resources. It includes setting objectives, analysing the competitive environment, evaluating the organisation's internal strengths and weaknesses, assessing different strategies and ensuring that these strategies are implemented successfully.
- Operations management: Learn about the practice of managing business operations to attain prime efficiency. It involves converting materials and labour into goods and services while balancing costs and revenue to achieve the goal of maximising the organisation's profit.
- Organisational behaviour: Examine how individuals interact within groups and conduct themselves in an organisation. This is used to improve business operations and understand a company’s culture.
- Financial management: This area of management entails the detailed planning, control and distribution of an organisation’s funds.
- Marketing management: Attain skills in creating and executing strategies to promote a company’s brand or services.
- Human resource management: Delve into the system responsible for managing people within a company. It involves the hiring, compensation and training of employees.
Career opportunities in management
A management degree is recognised as a highly valuable qualification offering diverse skills applicable to various industries. It presents a great opportunity to explore different professional paths and achieve success in your desired field.
Career paths and opportunities
Here are some general career opportunities or roles to consider if you are unsure about which area of expertise to specialise in. As a management degree holder, these roles can help you explore various fields and departments to identify your interests.
Management trainee
- This position is typically designed for graduates who are keen to develop their leadership skills and prepare themselves for future leadership positions within a business or organisation.
- Management trainees will rotate through various departments including marketing, finance and more, providing them with practical knowledge and understanding of the company's functions, policies and staff responsibilities. Throughout their rotation, they will work closely with mentors and experienced managers.
- Average salary range: RM3,000 to RM4,000 monthly
Manager
- A manager supervises a department’s team members to ensure it functions efficiently.
- Their primary responsibilities include devising and executing business strategies and assigning tasks to team members. Managers are also required to monitor and evaluate employee performance and lead team members.
- Average salary range: RM7,250 to RM9,750 monthly
Entrepreneur
- An entrepreneur is a person who takes the initiative to start and manage a business venture with limited resources and planning.
- They assume all the risks and rewards associated with their business idea, which is usually centred around a new product or service rather than an existing business model.
- An average entrepreneur's salary can vary greatly depending on the industry, size and success of the business, and its location.
If you have a specialisation or department in mind, these are some of the career paths you can explore.
Human resources
- Human resources manager - Average salary: RM7,000 to RM9,400 monthly
- Training and development manager - Average salary: RM5,550 to RM8,050 monthly
- Human resources director - Average salary: RM11,750 to RM14,250 monthly
Operations
- Operations analyst - Average salary: RM3,500 to RM5,400 monthly
- Operations manager - Average salary: RM6,250 to RM8,750 monthly
- Chief operating officer (COO) - Average salary: RM12,750 to RM15,250 monthly
Sales and marketing
- Sales executive - Average salary: RM3,400 to RM 4,500 monthly
- Marketing manager - Average salary: RM6,050 to RM8,550 monthly
- Sales director - Average salary: RM9,750 to RM12,250 monthly
Finance and accounting
- Financial analyst - Average salary: RM3,800 to RM6,300 monthly
- Finance manager - Average salary: RM7,750 to RM10,250 monthly
- Chief financial officer (CFO) - Average salary: RM12,750 to RM15,250 monthly
Consulting
- Business analyst - Average salary: RM4,300 to RM6,800 monthly
- Business consultant - Average salary: RM4,050 to RM6,550 monthly
Top institutions offering management degrees
Undergraduate level
| University | Programme |
|---|---|
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | Bachelor of Business Management with Honours
|
| Multimedia University (MMU) |
Bachelor of Business Management (Hons)
|
| SEGi University | Bachelor of Business Management (Hons)
|
| HELP University |
Bachelor of Management Honours
|
| Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) | Bachelor of Business Management with Honours
|
| Sunway University |
Bachelor of Science (Hons) Business Management
|
Postgraduate level
| University | Programme |
|---|---|
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | Master of Management
|
| Taylor’s University | Master of Management
|
| Management & Science University (MSU) | Master in Management
|
| UCSI University | Doctor of Philosophy (Business and Management)
|
| Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | Master of Science (Management)
|
| UNITAR International University | Doctor of Philosophy in Management
|
FAQs about management degrees in Malaysia
- Diploma programme: Two years
- Bachelor’s degree: Three years
- Master’s degree: One to two years
- Doctorate programme: Three years
A management degree can be a great asset in securing a managerial position and business role or pursuing entrepreneurship. Depending on your long-term goals, you can choose from undergraduate to graduate-level degrees in management to fit your needs.
When selecting a management course, it's crucial to consider several factors. These factors include accreditation, curriculum and specialisation relevant to your career goals, faculty expertise, feedback from alumni, and opportunities for internships and studying abroad. Additionally, it's important to weigh the reputation of the programmes and universities, and tuition fees that fit your budget.
Definitely. With the rise of technology, universities have adapted to the changing times by offering online management courses. These courses provide the flexibility students need to pursue their education without compromising their daily routine. You can check out these online management courses here.
Conclusion
Obtaining a management degree can pave the way for a wide range of career paths and opportunities. There is much to be gained in pursuing management courses in Malaysia, including the valuable skills and knowledge offered in these programmes. Take the first step and explore the management courses offered by leading institutions in the country, which are available on this page.