image
Home Management Upgrad MBA: Courses, Fees, Review, Placement [Online 2024]

Upgrad MBA: Courses, Fees, Review, Placement [Online 2024]

College Vidya Team Dec 11, 2023 7.2K Reads

UGC Notice

In this era of online education, most students are moving towards the online mode of learning. And as the demand for online learning is increasing more and more subjects and course domains have started in the online format. But the most popular course and most in-demand course that is started in the online format is the Master of Business Administration (MBA).

During the COVID times, MBA is one of the most popular courses that is chosen by the student through online mode along with data science courses. The main reason why the Online MBA Programs popularity has increased is student accessibility from their comfort to different colleges and universities present not only in India but also abroad. Due to this students can pursue their interest of specialization in MBA from any university or college they want to pursue. Students can also upskill themselves by pursuing this course along with working.

And as the demand for MBA in online has increased several institutes or can say organization has started to become a mediator in providing online education by collaborating with different universities or colleges present across India and abroad like upGrad. 

upGrad| चर्चा with Founders ft. Mayank Kumar

Here the question arises what is upGrad? How is upGrad MBA different from others? and many more, so let’s start and find out about this more in our blog.

upGrad- What is it?

  • It is an ed-tech company founded in the year 2015 by several people like-  Ronnie Screwvala, Mayank Kumar, Phalgun Kompalli, and, Ravijot Chugh.
  • upGrad is a Mumbai, India-based company dealing with online education areas.
  • upGrad is associated with the Government of India campaign i.e. Startup India by becoming its official education partner.
  • upGrad as the name suggests “to upskill oneself” and the same is the motto or we can say the purpose of this organization, is to provide education that helps an individual to upskill or upgrade themselves along with working.
  • It acts as a kind of mediator in providing several online programs in the field of IT, Management, Data Science, and Technology.
  • It does this by collaborating with several universities across India and overseas to provide online courses.
  • In this way, students enroll through upGrad in several universities, and degrees awarded are approved and affiliated through the university.
  • upGrad is recognized by National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
  • And, also the universities and courses listed on upGrad are UGC-approved. So, this shows that courses offered through upGrad are valid.
  • upGrad is partnered with several universities-
upGrad Partnered Universities for MBA Programs
upGrad Liverpool School of Business upGrad Deakin Business School upGrad IMT Ghaziabad
upGrad Birla Institute of Management Technology upGrad Golden Gate University upGrad Swiss School of Business & Management
upGrad Liverpool John Moores University upGrad IIIT Bangalore upGrad University of Maryland
upGrad IIM Kozhikode upGrad University of Arizona upGrad Caltech
upGrad eCornell upGrad IIT Delhi upGrad MICA
upGrad The Wharton School upGrad Duke CE upGrad Loyola Institute of Business Administration
upGrad Michigan State University
Areas where upGrad Deals
Master of Business Administration (MBA) Management
Data Science Law
Doctorate Business Analytics
Software and Tech Job Linked
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) Bootcamps
Marketing Study Abroad
HR Management Supply Chain Management

Let’s learn in detail about the most popular area that is upGrad MBA furthermore in this blog. Also Read: What Is MBA?

Upgrad MBA Courses Online 2023

upGrad MBA is the most popular course chosen by students nowadays. This is because of the exciting benefits and features provided by the upGrad MBA. The major of all the benefits that an upGrad MBA provides is student accessibility to different universities present across the world from their ease of comfort. Let’s know more about the exciting features of upGrad MBA.

upGrad MBA Key Features
 

  • MBA Specialization: upGrad offers MBA in various specializations like Finance, Marketing, Sales, etc. This provides the student with a varied number of options to choose from.
  • Variety of universities to choose from: Not only in the specialization but upGrad also offers a variety of choices in the case of universities also. Students can choose the best university or institute from which they want to pursue the MBA course by comparing these in terms of fees, LMS and other benefits, etc.
  • Offline Networking Sessions: upGrad organizes several offline sessions that help in student-to-student networking along with building a connection with the upGrad MBA hiring partners for placements and interviews. These sessions are organized periodically in various cities.
  • Industry-Driven Curriculum: The upGrad MBA offers learning through a curriculum based on the latest industry trends. Students get the opportunity to learn from great industry experts along with project and case-study-based learning. This helps the student to keep up to date with the current industry trends along with the practical application of their knowledge.

upGrad MBA Top Specializations 2023
 

upGrad MBA is provided in different-different specializations so that students have provided a variety of options to choose from. This helps the student to compare and choose among the best specialization for them. The specialization that one gets in an upGrad MBA is:

Online MBA In General Management Online MBA In Finance Management
Online MBA In HR Management Online MBA In Banking and Finance Management
Online MBA In Leadership Management Online MBA In Marketing Management
Online MBA In Business Analytics Management Online Global MBA
Online MBA In Hospitality Management Online Executive MBA

Universities and Colleges associated with upGrad MBA

As we know upGrad provides MBAs through various universities and colleges associated with it. So there are a variety of universities on upGrad that offers MBA program in different formats of learning, course duration, and specialization. Let us know in detail about upGrad MBA universities:

Deakin University Global MBA

This is an Australian-based business school associated with upGrad for offering several online MBA programs. The MBA courses are approved by AACSB & EQUIS and have gotten Deakin B-School accreditation. The Global MBA courses degree awarded by this university has gotten dual certification, one from the Deakin university itself and the other from the IMT Ghaziabad. So it's a great benefit provided to the students. Let’s know more about the benefits provided by this university.

Key benefits

  • Deakin university offers MBA through the upGrad platform in two types of course duration-
    • One is 24 months Global MBA program
    • Second is 12 months Global MBA program
  • MBA courses are offered in a blended format of live and recorded lectures.
  • Courses are approved by AACSB & EQUIS along with Deakin-B school accreditation.
  • Students get the benefit of personalized mentorship from several industry experts available.
  • A 24x7 student support is available throughout their learning journey for doubt resolution.
  • An option of one-week immersion to the university campus is also provided to the student. This is purely optional if the student wants to they can avail of this benefit.
  • Several job prospects open after pursuing this MBA course in the field of Business, leadership, management, operations, HR, etc.
  • Working professionals already working are the most eligible for pursuing this MBA, as they get an upgrade in their career. As we know that is all upGrad about, to upgrade yourself in your career.

Eligibility

  • The main eligibility of this upGrad MBA by Deakin university is that one must complete their graduation degree.
  • A minimum of 50% marks is required in their graduation.
  • And, a relevant work experience of 3 years is also required.

Fees

For 24-month Global MBA program

    • Rs.4,00,000
    • This fee can be paid through easy EMI installments of Rs.9,453 per month.
  • For 12-month Global MBA program
    • Rs.4,20,200
    • This fee can be paid through easy EMI installments of Rs.9,453 per month.

Deakin University Global MBA Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this upGrad MBA program:

Marketing Management 1 Sales and Distribution Management
Business Communication Operation and Supply Chain Management
Finance and Accounting Business Strategy
Decision Sciences Strategy Formulation and Strategic Capability
Business Economics Design Innovation
Business Law Strategy Financing
HR International Business
Behavioral Science High performing organizations
Marketing Management 2 Global Capstone project

Liverpool Business School Global MBA

This is a UK-based business school associated with upGrad for offering several online MBA programs. The Global MBA courses offered are approved and accredited by AACSB and EQUIS. The MBA courses degree awarded by this university has gotten dual certification, one from the Liverpool university itself and the other from IMT-Ghaziabad (IMT-G). Several offline events of this university are held periodically from time to time in various cities. This help in building interaction and help in increasing offline networking among students.

Key Benefits

  • Global MBA is offered by the Liverpool Business School.
  • The upGrad MBA that is provided by the university is of 18 months duration.
  • Constant career support is provided to the student during and even after their learning journey.
  • This university provides also an option of on-campus immersion to the students, but the fee with this option will increase.
  • Courses are provided in a blended format of live and recorded lectures.
  • Due to the dual credentials provided, the student gets an alumni status of two universities i.e. Liverpool and IMT-G.
  • Personalized mentorship through a variety of industry experts is provided to the students.
  • Placement assistance through job fairs, and upGrad career portals are provided to the students.
  • Learning is not only through theory sessions but also through different case studies and practical sessions.

Eligibility

  • The minimum eligibility of this course is the candidate must have completed their graduation degree.
  • A minimum of 50% marks is required in their graduation.
  • And, a relevant 2-year full-time work experience from the second year of their graduation course is required.

Fees

  • The average academic fee for this upGrad MBA course by Liverpool Business School is Rs. 4,20,200.
  • This fee can be paid through easy EMI installments of Rs. 8,196 per month.

Liverpool Business School Global MBA Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this upGrad MBA program:

Marketing Management 1 Sales and Distribution Management
Business Communication Operation and Supply Chain Management
Finance and Accounting Business Strategy
Decision Sciences Engagement, Leadership and People Performance
Business Economics Digital Innovation in Business
Business Law Leading Change for Sustainable Future
HR Enterprise and Risk Management
Behavioral Science Research Methodology
Marketing Management 2 Thesis Projects

IMT Ghaziabad Online MBA

This university also provides online management programs through upGrad along with collaboration with several UK universities. It provides two kinds of MBA programs, one is specially designed for job seekers, and another is a general MBA course. Both MBA courses are 11 months in duration. It also claims if they won’t get you placed in a company, they will give your admission fee back.

Key Benefits

  • Two kinds of Advanced General Management programs are offered by the university, one is job-oriented and another one is a general course.
  • In these courses all the core management skills are covered.
  • Student gets an option of live classes on weekends. So it's a benefit for them, who are working professionals.
  • Mentorship sessions by the best industry experts.
  • A career portal is designed for the student to easily apply for the jobs they want to apply for.
  • Along with subject sessions, communication skill development sessions are also conducted to improve their personality.
  • For the interview preparation several mock interview activities are conducted.

Eligibility

  • The minimum eligibility of this course is the candidates must have completed their graduation degree.
  • A minimum of 60% marks is required in their graduation.
  • And also, an age barrier is there in IMT-G that one must not exceed 28 years for enrolling in this course.

Fees

  • The average academic fee for this course by IMT-Ghaziabad is Rs. 1,50,00-Rs.2,50,000.
  • This fee can be paid through easy EMI installments of Rs.3,403 per month (In case of Rs. 1,50,00 fee) and Rs. 5,875 per month (In case of Rs.2,50,00 fee).

IMT Ghaziabad Online MBA Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this program:

Business Communication Operation and Supply Chain Management
Finance and Accounting Business Strategy
Decision Sciences OB/HR
Business Economics Sales and Distribution Management
Leadership, Engagement and People Performance Enterprise and Risk Management
Digital Business Innovation Sales and Distribution

Golden Gate University

This is a San Francisco-based business school associated with upGrad for offering several online MBA programs. Golden Gate University offers a 15-month MBA program through upGrad. Several Scholarship options are provided to some selected students to complete their MBA course. This is among the top 10% of U.S. universities according to College Factual. It provides WES-recognized MBA programs.

Key Benefits

  • Golden Gate University offers MBA, especially for working professionals.
  • The MBA courses are WES-recognized.
  • Students are provided with an option of campus immersion during the course.
  • 24x7 student support is one of the benefits that student gets through this university.
  • The degree awarded online is the same as the degree awarded on campus.
  • Around 70% of scholarship is provided to selected 5,000 students.
  • Students learned through live, interactive, and industry-specific sessions.
  • Along with theory, practical-oriented sessions are also conducted based on the case studies.

Eligibility

  • This upGrad program is especially for the working professionals of our country.

Fees

  • The average academic fee for this upGrad MBA course by Golden Gate University is $8,500 (this fee is after the scholarship).
  • The fee can also be paid through easy EMI options.

Golden Gate University Online MBA Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this upGrad MBA program:

Business fundamentals Marketing Management
Leadership and Management Business Analytics Foundation
Corporate Finance Organization teamwork
IT Operations and Supply Chain Management
Strategic Course and Capstone Elective Specializations

OP Jindal Global University MBA Program

This is an Indian university that offers online MBA program through upGrad. OP Jindal Global University offers an MBA in the field of Digital Science. The duration of this program is of about 2 years. Easy EMI options are provided by the university to ease the financial burden on the student. This university is UGC approved and has gotten an A grade from NAAC. And, the university is recognized as an ‘Institute of Eminence’ by the UGC.

Key Benefits

  • A 2-year MBA in Digital Science is provided by this university.
  • Courses provided is UGC approved.
  • Constant career support is provided to the student in their learning journey.
  • At their offline base camps, students get a chance to build their networking with several experts in industries.
  • Get updated with futuristic trends in the industry with this university.

Eligibility

  • The minimum eligibility of this course is the candidates must have completed their graduation degree with either science/commerce stream.
  • A minimum of 50% marks is required in their graduation
  • Some management entrance exam score is also required for admission like CAT, GMAT, XAT, etc. If not given any entrance exam then the candidate has to give Jindal Management Aptitude Test (JMAT).

Fees

  • The average academic fee for this upGrad MBA course by OP Jindal Global University is Rs. 3,50,000.
  • The fee can also be paid through easy EMI options.

OP Jindal Global University MBA Program Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this upGrad MBA program:

Semester I Semester II
Business Communication Marketing Management
Organizational Behavior People Management
Business Statistics Capital Markets and Instruments
Emerging Technology: Impact on Future of Business Financial Modelling and Data Visualization (Excel-based)
The Firm and the Consumer Consumer Behavior
Global Economics Operations Management
Analysis of Financial Statement Financial Management and Valuation
Introduction to Digital Finance Strategic Management
Semester III Semester IV
Project Finance Business Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility
International Business Principles of Financial Regulation
Services Marketing Behavioral Finance
Managing Fintech Ecosystems Artificial Intelligence in Business
Design Thinking Capstone Project
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency -
Financial Analytics -
Leadership Essentials for Business -

Birla Institute of Management Technology MBA Program

Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), is an Indian university that offers its online MBA program through upGrad. BIMTECH offers a Post Graduate Diploma in management of about 2 years. The courses offered by this university are AACSB and AICTE-approved. Several offline networking sessions are conducted periodically by BIMTECH in various cities. These sessions are conducted for network building and increasing interaction among fellow students.

Key Benefits

  • Students can pursue an MBA course from BIMTECH in dual specialization mode.
  • The MBA courses are AACSB and AICTE-approved.
  • Courses are provided in a blended format of live and recorded lectures.
  • Students' queries and doubts are resolved by upGrad buddy and 24x7 student support.
  • Constant career support is received by the student in their learning journey.
  • A one-to-one mentorship is offered by several industry experts.

Eligibility

  • The minimum eligibility of this course is the candidates must have completed their graduation degree.
  • A minimum of 45-50% marks is required in their graduation.
  • Work experience is not required for this upGrad MBA course.

Fees

  • The average academic fee for this upGrad course by Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH) is Rs. 2,75,000 including taxes.
  • This fee can be paid through easy EMI installments of Rs. 6,500 per month.

Birla Institute of Management Technology Online MBA Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this upGrad program:

Trimester1
  • Management Information Systems
  • Marketing Management-1
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Quantitative Techniques
  • Business Economics
Trimester2
  • Financial and Managerial Accounting
  • Data Analytics
  • Strategic Management
  • Information System Strategy
  • Operations Management
Trimester3
  • Emerging Technologies
  • Corporate Finance
  • Global Business Environment
  • Human Resource Management
  • Enterprise Risk Management
  • Soft Skills
Trimester4
  • Specialization 1: Choose any one (Marketing, Operations & Supply Chain, Finance, General Management)
  • Sales and Distribution
  • Digital Transformation
Trimester5
  • Specialization 2: Choose any one (Analytics, BIFS, IT, General Management )
  • Research Methodology
Trimester6
  • CSR
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Dissertation

Harappa School of Leadership

It is an Indian based leadership school that offers shortest duration online management program through upGrad. It offers an Accelerated Management Program of the duration of 6 months. It offers the shortest duration management program in which students learn about the basics of management.

Key Benefits

  • It gives the shortest alternative to the 2-year-long MBA programs.
  • Constant career support is provided by the school.
  • It offers to learn only through the live classes mode, no recorded lectures are provided.
  • Placement assistance is provided by the school after the successful completion of the course.

Eligibility

  • The only eligibility of this course is that the candidates must have completed their graduation degree.

Fees

  • The average academic fee for this upGrad MBA course by Harappa School of Leadership is Rs. 2,75,000 plus GST.
  • This fee can be paid through easy EMI installments of Rs. 7,488 per month.
  • Several scholarship options are also available for some selected students.

Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this program:

Leadership Product
Business Data
Marketing -

Atlas SkillTech University

It is also an Indian-based university that offers an MBA program through upGrad. But the difference is that it provides an offline MBA program that is an on-campus MBA. It is situated in Mumbai, India. It is a UGC-approved university that is powered by upGrad.

Key Benefits

  • It offers an on-campus MBA program with upGrad.
  • The course duration is of about 2 years.
  • Placement assistance is available in this course.
  • Students are also provided with several internship opportunities during this course.
  • Constant career support is present there for the student.
  • Learning is not only theory-based, several capstone projects are provided to the student to apply their learning concepts.

Eligibility

  • The minimum eligibility of this course is the candidates must have completed their graduation degree.
  • A minimum of 50% marks is required in their graduation.
  • Candidates pursuing their final year of graduation can also apply for this upGrad MBA course.

Fees

  • The average academic fee for this upGrad MBA course by Atlas SkillTech University is Rs. 10,45,000.
  • No EMI options are available for paying this fee.

Syllabus and Curriculum

Some core subjects that you will study during this upGrad MBA program:

Trimester 1
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Programming lab
  • Marketing Management
  • Cost and Management Accounting
  • Macroeconomics
  • Legal Aspects of Business
  • Entrepreneurship Fundamentals
  • Understanding Advertising
Trimester 2
  • International Business
  • Digital Marketing
  • Financial Statements - Accounting & Analysis
  • Managerial Economics
  • Ethics and Corporate Governance
  • Social Entrepreneurship
  • Brand Management & Strategy
Trimester 3
  • Financial Management
  • Integrated Marketing Communication
  • Corporate Strategy
  • Organisational Behaviour
  • Total Supply Chain
  • Business Statistics
  • Data Visualization

Trimester 4,5,6 (Specialisation

has to be chosen in this trimester)

  • Finance
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Business Analytics
  • Digital Marketing & Advertising

Upgrad MBA reviews-What students say about it?

Most of the students have a positive review of the upGrad MBA. The main important benefit that upGrad provides is flexible learning opportunities which is we can learn while working or pursuing other things simultaneously in our life. The other important thing that student says about upGrad MBA is that there is a variety of options that is specializations available to choose from. And also learning is not only through live lectures but also through mentorship by industry experts. One negative review about upGrad MBA is their expensive fee structure, but upGrad has also detected a solution for this problem also which is the payment of fees through an easy EMI option with zero percent interest. So let’s learn with upGrad MBA courses and get skilled and updated with all the industry trends.

Upgrad MBA Placements
 

Most of the students come across doubt that whether we got placement opportunities after pursuing an upGrad MBA program. So don’t take tension fellows although upGrad MBA is provided mostly in online mode, their placement assistance support is always there for the students. As we know the aim of upGrad is to upskill oneself and get a great job opportunity. So here are they always present to provide students with great placement opportunities post-completion of the MBA program.

Some of the hiring partners of upGrad are listed here where students get placed after successful completion of the course-

Amazon Accenture Capgemini
JP Morgan Infosys Myntra
TCS ICICI Bank OLA

Is Upgrad MBA Worth It?
 

  • 24x7 Learning Support: Whenever a student gets stuck in any scenario during their learning journey, upGrad is there to help them in any situation. The ‘Talk to Us’ option of upGrad helps the student to clear their doubts through a variety of experts present. The student will receive constant feedback on their projects and assignments, and also on the areas where they are lacking. Several doubt sessions are also conducted periodically to resolve students' doubts. So, this 24x7 learning support helps the student in improving themselves, and also they don’t feel like there is no one available to take care of their queries and doubts.
  • Constant Career Support: upGrad is always present there in your MBA journey even after completion. The team of upGrad helps the student not only in their learning process but also in improving their career prospects. This is done by providing career counseling, helping students to create an efficient resume, guiding them on how to crack an interview process, and providing placement assistance through several companies tie up to upGrad. In the upGrad MBA program, students get an opportunity to create networking with their fellow students and also with several companies. This is done through offline networking sessions organized by upGrad periodically.
  • Easy EMIs: The one major problem that student face during pursuing an online MBA is the expensive fee of the program, which is not easily affordable by anyone. The same problem is present with the upGrad MBA programs. Due to the global curriculum present their fee structure is very high. So, if the problem is persisting then the solution is also present there. One can pursue an upGrad MBA of their interest simply by paying their high fee through easy installments of EMIs. In this way, we can pursue our choice of subject with no financial burden.
  • Accredited MBA Programs: In the upGrad platform, the MBA programs provided are accredited and approved by several authorities. So, never think it is worth not doing an upGrad MBA. It is totally worth it because the degree awarded through them is approved and valid everywhere across the globe. The upGrad MBA programs are World Education Services (WES) & The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) recognized and accredited.
  • Global Exposure: The great feature that upGrad provides is the exposure of students to the global curriculum and industry. With its industry-driven curriculum and abroad university tie-ups, they provide global exposure to students. At times, if you are already working you get a great hike in your income and position after pursuing the upGrad MBA.

So isn’t it great to upskill yourself with these upGrad MBA programs? Obviously, it is, not only this learn and keep yourself updated with this global curriculum learning strategies.

Explorer Some Career Oriented Article

Jobs After MBA MBA Salary In India Best Online MBA Colleges In India
How to Choose An Ideal Online MBA? MBA Distance Education Explained Is An Online MBA Worth It?

upGrad v/s College Vidya

upGrad College Vidya
upGrad is an ed-tech platform that provides courses through association with some specific universities which means one can pursue courses on upGrad offered by some specific universities only. On the other hand, College Vidya is an unbiased platform that offers the student to come and compare all the universities equally on several parameters like fees, placements, LMS, etc.
In the case of upGrad, students get to know about those specific universities and their courses that are associated with upGrad. But in the case of College Vidya, students can get information about all the online universities that are approved and valid under UGC norms.
Student support is provided by upGrad. But it differs in providing student support only by calling and mailing options. Student support is provided by College Vidya. But in College Vidya along with the other contact options, video counseling options are also there for the students.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Yes, definitely upGrad MBA degree is valid as the degree is awarded by the associated university from which the one is pursuing the course. So, one has to check about the university accreditation listed on upGrad for degree validation.

Yes, upGrad provides placement assistance to the student after the completion of the course. Along with that career mentorship is also provided by the upGrad.

The average salary package that one gets after pursuing an upGrad MBA program ranges from Rs. 32 lakhs to Rs. 52 lakhs.

The fee for the upGrad MBA programs differs from university to university. It usually ranges from Rs. 2 lakhs to Rs.10 lakhs with easy EMI options available.

The minimum eligibility for pursuing an upGrad MBA is to have a bachelor's degree with a minimum of 50% marks. In some cases, relevant work experience is also required to pursue this course.

profile

By College Vidya Team

Idea Alchemist / Concept Creator / Insight Generator

Follow :

We are an online education platform where users can compare 100+ online universities on 30+ X-factors in just 2 minutes. With an active CV community, we have transformed online learning to quite an extent. With the CV Subsidy scheme, we contributing to GER in India while helping our learners with their finances in their “Chuno Apna Sahi” journey!

Every query is essential.

Our team of experts, or experienced individuals, will answer it within 24 hours.

Ask any Question - CV Forum

Recommended for you

Tired of dealing with call centers!

Get a professional advisor for Career!

LIFETIME FREE

Rs.1499(Exclusive offer for today)

Pooja

MBA 7 yrs exp

Sarthak

M.Com 4 yrs exp

Kapil Gupta

MCA 5 yrs exp

or

avatar
avatar
avatar
GET A CALL BACK

Career Finder

(Career Suitability Test)

Explore and Find out your Most Suitable Career Path. Get Started with our Career Finder Tool Now!

Get Started

avatar
avatar
avatar
Talk to Career Experts