Business Management vs Business Administration

Business management and business administration both have important qualities that can lead you to varied career paths. But it is crucial to learn the difference between each business career to know which better suits your skills and abilities.  

Business management and administration generally cover many basics; however, both domains have subtle distinctions. In this article, we’ll cover both fields and layout an exact comparison for you to make an informed decision.  

Business Management vs Business Administration: Broad View

In broader terms, business management focuses on the overall management of a business department and business administration concentrates on specific job responsibilities within the business department.   

Business administration takes care of the interior of the organization, and business management looks to the outside. Business management focuses on the growth decisions and gives direction from a bird’s-eye view of the organization.   

Education Comparison

Business Administration  

A degree/diploma in business administration covers core business subjects such as marketing, finance, human resources, business laws and accounting. Some programs also cover, organizational behavior and operations research.   

Students often cover basics of all subjects and then choose a particular topic for specialization, such as accounting, marketing, accounting, business communication or business law.   

Business Management  

Students enrolled in the business management program take many of the same core subjects and may take courses in leadership, communications, logistics, performance management and more.   

Most important differentiating aspect in both fields is that students are trained in leading and supervising in the workplace. They learn how businesses are run, how to develop growth strategies and market a business.   

Career Prospects  

Both programs give students a broad understanding of business and prepare students for varied career paths. While there is no hard dividing line, careers in both fields have long-term career trajectory. There is in choosing the careers, following are some typical roles:  

Common careers in business management:

• Operations Manager: They oversee different departments within the company, ensuring tasks are completed as per set goals.
• Sales Manager: They lead a sales team to increase overall performance, meet set targets, engage with potential customers and enhance the team’s efficiency.
• Management Analyst: They help with the organisation’s comprehensive performance analytics and work with company leadership to determine the best course of future progression.
• Financial Manager: Working alongside legal and financial teams, they develop strategies to handle financial costs for the company. They assist leadership in managing the budget through data-driven reports.

Common careers in business administration:

• Marketing Specialist: They work with marketing and product teams to build campaigns, strategize and target the right audience to maximize profits for the organizations.
• Human Resources Specialist: They conduct phone screenings, interviews and recruit suitable candidates for the organization. They also work with current employees to build company culture and engagement.
• Accountant: Apart from creating financial reports, accountant track and analyze data for past and future financial decisions.

Business Management vs Administration – Important Skills  

Both fields are closely related and have multifaceted opportunities, which may lead to confusion, which path to take?  

If you are great at managing tasks and technical administration, business administration will be a better choice for you. Multi-tasking, problem-solving and innovative approach to day-to-day handling tasks is must-have for students planning to pursue a career in business administration.   

If you are a people-person and motivated by achieving goals and guiding others, business management is likely. Excellent communication skills and ability to lead effectively are must-have for the business managers.   

Earn a Business Diploma  

In today’s climate, students may find business administration is more widely applicable and versatile. BizTech College offers a 60-week diploma in Applied Business Administration.   

Modelled after the ‘real-life’ scenarios, the program educates students on business principles that are expected in the workforce. From marketing to sales, human resources, financing to accounting, management to operations, students learn in-depth working knowledge on running an effective and successful organization.   

Apart from theoretical know-how, students are prepared for technological changes required in the varied business settings.   

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