THE INTENSIVE WEEK…

During the EMBA orientation program, we were informed of the intensive week, when we will be having daily classes from 9am till 4pm, as opposed to the Fridays’ and Saturdays’ classes. 

We had to juggle with material readings, doing the assignments, preparing for presentations, and analysing case studies through the intensive week. This obviously took a toll on me, as I found it difficult keeping track of my classes, assignments as well as the demanding tasks in the office. I was forced to mentally categorize other tasks outside the MBA program as ‘not important’. 

By the mid-week, I knew I was going to breakdown if I did not find a way to manage my time – my group met every day even up till midnight to jointly solve the CFA assignments, review and analyse ABP cases. Whilst I enjoyed having great morale boosters in my group, the stress was indeed stressful. We had numerous deadlines to meet with loads of readings as well as assignments to submit. I then realised the great importance of the time management session we had during the orientation program, as I really struggled with managing my time during the period – I did not see this coming at all!! Every course during the intensive week requires critical and full attention – both the readings and the associated assignments. The most intriguing part of the week was the ABP ‘BCPC Internet Strategy Case’ role-play. We were given roles to simulate while analysing a business problem as a multi-functional team. Everyone was given a separate hand out describing the role to play in the team discussion. Some of the roles had some biases and undisclosed interests underlining their views and recommendations on the problem – these were unknown to the other team members discussing the case. The group decision-making process was simulated, and it was indeed interesting as this brought the reality of problem solving in organisations. The different characters were well played by the class!!

Towards the end of the week, we were opportune to have sessions with the different Group Directors. The session with my group director was interesting to me as I realized that everyone in my group was passing through similar fate. The feedback from almost everyone in my group came to me as relief, as it became clear to me that I am not alone in this struggle. These meetings with the group directors led to the interactive session with the MBA Director at the end of the intensive week. The class presented overwhelming challenges on the different individual struggles with the program. The session was indeed interactive, as the director committed to addressing some of the challenges on learnings while advising us on proper discipline with time. 

This advice from the director has caused me to remodel my time management and classified my tasks into ‘important and urgent tasks’, ‘important but not urgent tasks’, ‘urgent but not important tasks’ and ‘not important and not urgent tasks’.

I believe the above approach will help me to navigate through the program. 

Finally, I’m glad that I pulled through this. Really happy that the first intensive week is over!! #EMBA28