The Digital MBA 
Software review by Andrew Tong

The textbook is very easy to read. The eleven separate business software samples come as functional but time-limited versions of the full software. However, data cannot be accessed unless you pay for the full version (ranging from $99.00 to $990.00). Some of the trial programs also become inactivated within one month of installation in the absence of full version activation code. I didn't realize I was going to review eleven software in three weeks without getting to keep any of them. But maybe next time I will get to review a useful piece of hardware such as a printer. 

 Hardware requirements for the CD sampler: 4MB RAM (8 recommended); CD-ROM player; 386-33 MHz or higher; 640 X 480 256 colors (SVGA); Windows 3.1. 

 Test System: Win95 on the following hardware. 16MB RAM, 4X CD-ROM, Pentium 75 MHz, SVGA (256 colors) with local bus video; mouse. 

 Loading is a snap. An extensive user guide comes with the CD in the form of a 447 page textbook plus appendices. Technical support is available but not needed. Once the "CD" is installed, you are presented with eleven programs set up in four sections of business topics. You can choose to examine any of the business programs by clicking on their icons. Clicking an icon activates a dialogue box to prompt installation setup for a specific program. Installation for each program must be performed separately but was otherwise painless. Installing all eleven programs took up close to 400 MB on my hard drive. 

The companion text gives an adequate overview of the fundamentals involved in each business discipline the programs deal with. The step by step directions for running the demo programs are quite comprehensive since text space is capacious at nearly 450 pages. Anybody, except for the most novice of PC users, should be able to handle this (software demonstation and sales package). I do not consider myself qualified to pass judgement on the technical quality of the business programs although I hold title to a management degree. 

However, I can safely say the programs are not designed for the casual user. The book cover says it is suitable for every business manager and ower, but I doubt the programs are designed for a small professional office like that of a solo practice accountant, lawyer, or physician. 

The book provides some broad strokes coverage of fundamental business theories relating to four major areas. 1)- personnel and project managements 2)- strategic planning 3)- financial forecasting and 4)- business process modeling. Personally, I got more from reading the book than from the software. However, the program on strategic planning is certainly no worse than the program that a manager bought for our use at work. 

This book (and CD sampler) has a cover price of $39.95. The copy I evaluated shows a 1995 copyright by McGraw-Hill. Therefore, the demo softwares are at least one year old. The book (and CD sampler) is a reasonably good package for heightening one's awareness of the possibilities associated with automation.

But I am most impressed with the editor of The Digital MBA. Daniel Burnstein is the book's editor. The book introduced him as the president and founder of the Management Software Association. He has chosen a very creative way to sell software AND show off the potential possibilities automation can bring to management beyond spreadsheets and word processing. MBAs, consider yourselves warned!! 

Andrew Tong is in medical management and holds a masters degree in the same.