Table of Contents
Introduction
Even though people use business administration and business management interchangeably, the differences are fairly subtle and if you are someone who is considering pursuing a business-related qualification, you must know the difference between business administration and business management courses.
What is Business Administration?
The primary objective of business administration is to oversee the general leadership and guidelines involved in managing a business. It includes a broad range of tasks including improving business growth and revenue and the company’s day-to-day tasks. Simply put, business administration refers to managing an organisation’s time, people and resources.
Students who pursue a business administration qualification maintain the entire business itself, create strategies and learn about effective research and strategic planning.
What is Business Management?
Business management refers to the process of directing, planning and controlling the of a department focusing on employees’ day-to-day activities. Business managers often hold the position of department heads, project managers or team leads helping their teams in achieving daily tasks. Students with a business management course learn how to utilise several resources, directly impacting how their business operates and implement strategies to achieve better results and outcomes hence increasing revenue. Furthermore, it also includes the close monitoring of core operations to improve structure or profitability within specific departments. Â
Difference between Business Administration and Business Management?
Both fields may seem similar as they share the same goal of ensuring the smooth running of the business, but it is imperative to understand that both professions are not the same. In contrast, business administration is about business strategies and operations, while business management centres on the organisational and human elements of each department in the business. Simply put, business management focuses more on organising and planning, and business administration provides a broad background overseeing the overall working of the company.
To make things more understandable, here is a table summarising the differences between business administration and business management:
Differences between Business Administration and Management | ||
 | Business Administration | Business Management |
Scope | Oversees overall management of the organisation like coordination or strategic planning | Supervise and execute tasks associated with specific departments in the organisation |
Emphasis | Overall organisational efficiency | Execute tactical strategies and oversee day-to-day operations |
Roles | CFOs, COOs | Project managers, team leaders or supervisors |
Focus | Long-term goals of the organisation | Short-term objectives of a specific department |
Decision-making Level | High-level strategic decisions affecting the entire organisation | Operational decisions impacting a specific department’s functions |
Responsibilities | Developing policies and setting organisational goals | Implementing strategies and supervising employees |
Perspective | Long-term perspective: the big picture | Short-term perspective: department specific |
Difference Between Business Administration Courses and Business Management Courses
In order to make things more precise, we have also mentioned the different courses in business administration and business management.
One thing is certain, both courses will serve students extremely well; if you enrol on any of the mentioned courses, you will be equipped with the most essential business principles such as accounting, finance or marketing. With this being said, your skills will prepare you for many roles in prestigious business organisations, helping you understand how business works and operates.
You can choose to enrol on the mentioned Business Management and Business Administration courses:
Business Administration Courses | Business Management Courses |
|
|
Skills Gained: Business Administration Courses vs Business Management Courses
Skills Gained: Business Administration Courses | Skills Gained: Business Management Courses |
·       Leadership and Management skills ·       Financial Analysis ·       Market Research Analysis ·       Business Consultancy ·       Negotiation Skills ·       Organisational Skills ·       Strategic Planning and Thinking ·       Data Analysis ·       Risk Management ·       Technical Proficiency  | ·       Leadership and Communication Skills ·       Problem Solving ·       Team Management ·       Conflict Resolution ·       Decision Making ·       Time management ·       Teamwork ·       Conflict Resolution ·       Adaptability and Negotiation ·       Project Management  |
 |
Career Opportunities
Whether you pursue a business administration or business management course, both provide several career options to cover. So, for any individual, achieving a qualification in this field will set them apart from other candidates applying for a job.
Here are the numerous career opportunities which you can pursue after achieving business administration or management qualification:
Business Administration | Business Management |
·       Administrator ·       Accountant ·       Staff Accountant ·       Financial Analyst ·       Marketing Specialist ·       Human Resources Assistant ·       Logistic Manager | ·       Operation Manager ·       Financial Reporting Manager ·       Management Analyst and Consultant ·       Supply Chain Management ·       Financial Analyst ·       Customer Service Representative ·       Chartered Management Accountant |
Conclusion
Though both business administration and business management courses include almost the same subject matter, there are some noteworthy differences. While a student with a business management course will more likely handle daily business operations and lead their teams in achieving their goals and objectives; a student pursuing a business administration course will be more likely to take an authoritative role in maintaining overall business operations.
