Today’s world places significant emphasis upon an individual to succeed and often the achievement of a Master’s Degree in Business Administration (hereafter referred to as an MBA) is heralded as a marker toward achievement of success. The desire to pursue an MBA is clouded with debate as to the true value of real world outcomes. Simply, are the efforts, time, and money worth the anticipated return on investment? This author will analyze and critique her own personal decision based on for pursuing an MBA as well as identify criteria used to determine credible sources in presenting an effective argument.
Determinants of Source Credibility Spratt (2011) outlines specified criteria when determining source credibility. Appraising author specific details particularly for evidence of formal credentialing, any organizational affiliations, antecedent published work and/or citations in related sources. A critical analysis of a source’s credibility and accuracy are imperative including evidence of peer-review or replication of factual information in other credible sources? The currency of a source should be assessed specifically as it pertains to publication year and any revisions. Balancing currency with the knowledge of various landmark authoritative sources and continuing relevancy and credibility despite passing years. Searching and being vigilant for signs of bias or hidden agenda will assist deciding on source objectivity. Finally, considering the purpose and intended audience couple with a critical analysis within the context of the related study area will support the credibility of an

The Worth of a MBA
One common strategy towards “success”, is the use of higher education as a tool to self-ameliorate; the more specific or advanced the degree, the more highly sought-after and lucratively remunerated the qualified individual shall become. Thus earning an MBA equates to higher net worth. Evidence exists there is an average 56% salary increase of MBA graduates over salaries prior to individuals entering an MBA program (Rubin and Dierdorff (2009). Arcidaiaconoa et al. (2008) studied MBA graduates’ income before and after degree completion attempting to quantify the advantages of an MBA pursuit. Study results supported the actual analysis of school and workplace merging and the building on non-cognitive skills as potentially having more consequence than actual monetary gains of an MBA.
Strong merit exists in the debate the gains of an MBA far outweigh those that can be measured by monetary value alone- solely monetary gain should not be the only measure. MBA curriculums have increasingly been accused of not keeping pace with today’s ever changing dynamic world. While the program choice is important, what the individual brings to the program, such as experience, personality, ability to network, values etc., are more likely predictors of success. While the exact definition of “success” must be tailored to an individual’s unique aspirations and value system, the common societal connotation and resulting implication of the term concerns hierarchy of work status obtained and material wealth accumulated. Simply stated money is not the sole reason individuals return to school. The motivation an individual demonstrates in the pursuit of such extrinsic success may be viewed as both an asset and as an indicator of their likelihood of eventual achievement. Ornstein & Baum (2010) suggest when employers assess candidates for hire; evidence of an MBA often is an indicator of several achievements. In order to study at the graduate level, an individual needs to possess various skills and knowledge which demonstrates commitment, investment, lifelong learning and development. These skills coupled with credentials, rather than credentials alone, are highly regarded by organizations when searching to match an individual to management and senior roles.
This author has been a nurse in healthcare for over twenty years