An MBA SOP is built around career trajectory: where you are, where you want to be, and why the gap needs this programme rather than more experience. Quantify your professional impact — MBA committees read numbers fluently.
Usually 800 to 1,200 words, or one to two pages, unless the university states otherwise. Follow their limit exactly — exceeding it is a common and avoidable rejection reason.
An SOP is academic and forward-looking: your research interests and goals. A personal statement, especially in UK applications, allows more personal narrative and motivation.
For master's and PhD applications, yes. It is the clearest evidence that you chose the department rather than the ranking — but only name people whose work you have actually read.