Coming from a purely technical background originally with a typical techy degree, I've been in the consulting world for a few years now specialised in CRM software and work in management consulting. I'm cool with all the client facing stuff related to my area but keep getting asked to do stuff I know nothing about but would actually like to learn. I think an MBA would be a great idea as I understand sweet FA about real issues affecting big companies other than what any relatively sane, relatively intelligent human being with no studied knowledge can logically surmise. Unfortunately cannot afford an MBA at this stage in terms of time or money, even the open university option. Can anyone recommend a bunch of books I could read that would give me at least a framework of knowledge, or something?Like if I read and understood these ten books then I'd be at least part way towards knowing as much as i would if I'd done an MBA.Likely to annoy people who do have MBAs who will say that it's a broader experience than reading some books but considering my situation, any practical advice would be great.Thanks.

Cannot vouch for it, but I've heard good things about The 10 day MBA.http://www.amazon.co.uk/10-day-MBA-Step-step-Mastering/dp/0749914017http://corporatewhore.blog.com

I got a version of that once and the first few chapters were full of spelling mistakes. Didn't really fill me with confidence.

That books gets so hyped up its unreal. I have a copy and found it to be utter drivel. In my opinion, you're better off getting yourself a decent business studies text book.

Thanks for the rpelies so far. Taking your comments on board, i think I'll probably get the 10 day mba book just because it's cheap. I've also looked at a few university websites for business and management degrees and noted down the course textbooks with a view to picking up some of those. I think that will start me off but if anyone has any other recommendations?

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.09/ppt2.html