e-o-u Review Blog

Many people dream of getting ahead in the business world, but few are aware of the steps they can take to make this dream a reality. If you feel like you’re ready to progress to the next level of management, perhaps an MBA would be the right choice for you. Generally taken by people who already have a few years of business experience under their belts, it is a great way to improve upon the skills you already have and demonstrate that you are ready for more of a challenge.

So what exactly is an MBA? The Masters of Business Administration is a postgraduate course that differs somewhat from others in that it would be unadvisable to apply for one directly after an undergraduate course – a prerequisite of an MBA is usually some significant work experience. If you have the required experience, then investing in an MBA will give you a highly respected qualification that is evidence of your knowledge of management, finance, information technology, ethics and marketing amongst many other things.

Generally most business schools will offer a range of MBAs so that you can pick one that best suits your situation. Ashridge Business School are one of the most respected providers of MBA courses in the country, and offer both a one-year full-time MBA and a two-year executive MBA for those who would rather study whilst remaining in employment. Whether you decide to take a year out for intensive study or to do your MBA on a part-time basis, the content of this course will be invaluable in today’s competitive market, and the inclusion of an MBA on your CV serves as proof that you are taking strides to improve your skills.

Though it all sounds irresistible, it’s worth remembering that deciding to do an MBA takes a big commitment – this is by no means a course for the faint-hearted. MBA students are expected to dedicate themselves fully to the intense schedule and maintain a competitive outlook to be top of the class. After all, the course is for those who wish to get ahead. Equally, you’ll have to consider whether you are in the right place in your life for this commitment – have you had enough experience in the world of business? Are you really ready for the next level of responsibility that may follow on from your new qualification? Also, will you be able to find the means to fund your MBA? There are various bursaries, loans and scholarships available for those wishing to apply (for example the MBA Loan Scheme financed by NatWest) but you will still be expected to pay a significant amount towards your fees.

If the answer to all of these questions is a resounding ‘yes’, then an MBA could well be the crucial step that you can take to help you move onwards and upwards in the business world. It takes time and dedication, but you’ll come away with a respected qualification that shows you have the skills for a top position.

Figures and offers are correct at the time of writing (11.09.08) and may be changed at the discretion of the provider.

For more information please visit us at http://www.ashridge.org.uk/mba

If you are a travel lover and are keen to travel to any and every place on earth then travel insurance is then a must for you. Whatever be your kind of trip a travel insurance can provide peace of mind for travelers weary of floundering airlines or natural disasters. However, the nature of your trip should dictate whether or not the purchase of trip insurance makes financial sense.

What it covers. Most travel insurance policies cover some standard trip mishaps:

•Personal property. Most policies will cover property lost by airlines, theft or other mishaps. Make sure your homeowner or renter insurance policies don’t already cover off-property losses to avoid redundancy. Some airlines will reimburse travelers for lost luggage, so keep that in mind as well.

•Emergency medical coverage. Check your health insurance policy. Many policies do not cover medical or emergency services outside your country of origin. This type of insurance could be beneficial if you have a pre-existing condition, but again you must ensure your policy will cover it by reading the fine print.

•Your plans change. Perhaps your house catches on fire, you fall ill, or are called to serve on jury duty. Natural disasters and other events beyond your control are usually covered by travel insurance. Read the fine print on any policy you consider for purchase. Don’t expect it to cover a missed flight if you oversleep or drink too much in the airport bar. Most trip insurance policies deny coverage for anything deemed within your control.

•The trip doesn’t happen. Perhaps the cruise operator or airline folds. In such cases, it’s often difficult to get refunds for travel plans gone awry without trip insurance. Checking the financial solvency of the companies with whom you do business might mitigate the need for insurance in some cases. Keep in mind that financial information may not be available for privately held companies, like travel agents or tour operators.

•Disasters while traveling. If your destination is prone to hurricanes, typhoons or other natural disasters, trip insurance makes sense. If such a disaster is unlikely, you may be wasting your money. Check your government’s travel advisories for your intended destination if traveling overseas.

For more information please visit us at http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk

Planning a trip to Tokyo? Going to visit relatives in Venezuela? Travel insurance is then a must for you. Whatever be your kind of trip a travel insurance can provide peace of mind for travelers weary of floundering airlines or natural disasters. However, the nature of your trip should dictate whether or not the purchase of trip insurance makes financial sense.

What it covers. Most travel insurance policies cover some standard trip mishaps:

•Your plans change. Perhaps your house catches on fire, you fall ill, or are called to serve on jury duty. Natural disasters and other events beyond your control are usually covered by travel insurance. Read the fine print on any policy you consider for purchase. Don’t expect it to cover a missed flight if you oversleep or drink too much in the airport bar. Most trip insurance policies deny coverage for anything deemed within your control.

•The trip doesn’t happen. Perhaps the cruise operator or airline folds. In such cases, it’s often difficult to get refunds for travel plans gone awry without trip insurance. Checking the financial solvency of the companies with whom you do business might mitigate the need for insurance in some cases. Keep in mind that financial information may not be available for privately held companies, like travel agents or tour operators.

•Personal property. Most policies will cover property lost by airlines, theft or other mishaps. Make sure your homeowner or renter insurance policies don’t already cover off-property losses to avoid redundancy. Some airlines will reimburse travelers for lost luggage, so keep that in mind as well.

•Emergency medical coverage. Check your health insurance policy. Many policies do not cover medical or emergency services outside your country of origin. This type of insurance could be beneficial if you have a pre-existing condition, but again you must ensure your policy will cover it by reading the fine print.

•Disasters while traveling. If your destination is prone to hurricanes, typhoons or other natural disasters, trip insurance makes sense. If such a disaster is unlikely, you may be wasting your money. Check your government’s travel advisories for your intended destination if traveling overseas.

For more information please visit us at http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk

The silvers, post their retirement often have a lot of free time. This time they can spend as per their wish; they love to indulge in many a hobbies traveling being one of them. Of course, as with anything else, it also comes with a risk. Feeling secure during a vacation or trip can be very important to seniors, so many opt to purchase travel insurance. Usually these policies cover three major events:

Medical & Emergency Health Coverage - Typically, your existing medical/health insurance will not cover services provided in foreign countries. For example, in the US, both Medicare and most employer-sponsored plans will not cover medical expenses oversees. If you fall ill while traveling, you’ll have to pay the cost of seeing a doctor or visiting a hospital out of pocket, unless you purchase supplemental travel insurance. To determine your coverage needs, read all the fine print of your existing policies to determine what oversees coverage is available, if any. When taking out a policy, make sure it covers any pre-existing condition. Read the find print. Be honest about your medical history. If something happens and you do need to make a claim, the insurance companies will possibly look into your medical history to find information to justify refusing your claim. To avoid delays or complications, it’s best to have your ducks in a row from the very start.

Emergency Medical Transportation – Depending on where your travels take you, sufficient care may not be available. Emergency Medical Transportation covers the cost of transporting you to an adequate medical facility. This type of transportation can be life saving, but is rarely available or affordable without insurance.

What type of plan is right for you? The best strategy is to shop around with many of the top travel insurance companies to see what package best suits your needs. You can do some online comparisons at sites such as insuremytrip.com (http://insuremytrip.com). Some seniors who plan to travel extensively may benefit from a permanent plan, which offers continual coverage. Others may want to insure specific trips. In general, a policy should not cost more than 5-10% of the total cost of the trip. Look for special offers senior citizen advocacy groups, like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Often discounts are available through such groups.

Trip cancellation - Perhaps you booked a $5000 cruise with XYZ Cruiseline. Two weeks before the cruise was scheduled to embark, XYZ Cruiseline folds, the cruise is cancelled, and you’re stuck without a refund. Or, perhaps your spouse falls ill and is unable to make the trip. In both circumstances, travel insurance would have provided you with a refund of your investment.

For more information please visit us at http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk

Almost all of us love to travel but in most cases cannot do so as we lack time. However this is not the case with elderly people. Many seniors take advantage of retirement and the extra time it provides by travelling, which is often a rewarding and life enriching experience. Of course, as with anything else, it also comes with a risk. Feeling secure during a vacation or trip can be very important to seniors, so many opt to purchase travel insurance. Usually these policies cover three major events:

Medical & Emergency Health Coverage - Typically, your existing medical/health insurance will not cover services provided in foreign countries. For example, in the US, both Medicare and most employer-sponsored plans will not cover medical expenses oversees. If you fall ill while traveling, you’ll have to pay the cost of seeing a doctor or visiting a hospital out of pocket, unless you purchase supplemental travel insurance. To determine your coverage needs, read all the fine print of your existing policies to determine what oversees coverage is available, if any. When taking out a policy, make sure it covers any pre-existing condition. Read the find print. Be honest about your medical history. If something happens and you do need to make a claim, the insurance companies will possibly look into your medical history to find information to justify refusing your claim. To avoid delays or complications, it’s best to have your ducks in a row from the very start.

Trip cancellation - Perhaps you booked a $5000 cruise with XYZ Cruiseline. Two weeks before the cruise was scheduled to embark, XYZ Cruiseline folds, the cruise is cancelled, and you’re stuck without a refund. Or, perhaps your spouse falls ill and is unable to make the trip. In both circumstances, travel insurance would have provided you with a refund of your investment.

Emergency Medical Transportation – Depending on where your travels take you, sufficient care may not be available. Emergency Medical Transportation covers the cost of transporting you to an adequate medical facility. This type of transportation can be life saving, but is rarely available or affordable without insurance.

What type of plan is right for you? The best strategy is to shop around with many of the top travel insurance companies to see what package best suits your needs. You can do some online comparisons at sites such as insuremytrip.com (http://insuremytrip.com). Some seniors who plan to travel extensively may benefit from a permanent plan, which offers continual coverage. Others may want to insure specific trips. In general, a policy should not cost more than 5-10% of the total cost of the trip. Look for special offers senior citizen advocacy groups, like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Often discounts are available through such groups.

For more information please visit us at http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk