Re: Mba
I personally think that one of the most valuable things in an MBA is the live interaction (in class discussions or working in assignments) with your classmates. That element is missing in an online/distance learning MBA. I guess an online programme might be the only option for some people due to time constraints but if such constraints do not exist, I would rather go for a "normal" MBA: either full or part-time (Executive MBA). Distance learning is, in my view, fine for other type of degrees but not for an MBA.
In terms of prestige, my impression is that "normal" MBAs are more highly regarded by employers than online ones, which is not saying that an employer will not appreciate an online MBA. That is my personal opinion, again. However, and this not an opinion but a fact, I recently came across a job ad where they were looking for a candidate holding an MBA but it said explicitly it should not be an online one...
Having said that, I have a good concept of the OU as a whole and, as far as I know, the OU MBA has a good reputation among distance learning MBAs.