Back to school……………… MEMBA12
Analysis of business problems is the foundation of entire MBA programme. I am learning so many lessons from this course. My lecturer keeps repeating that the aim of the course is to teach the process or art of thinking. There are no right or wrong answers the most important thing is how you arrived at your decision. Every single step of the thinking process is important. First you must ensure that you know what the problem is and state it properly. You must question all assumptions, challenge established norms; explore all alternative solutions before creating a roadmap to solve the problem. The ability to think critically is important. All the information needed is stated in the case study, but you have to decode which information is key to the problem you are trying to solve. You must also learn how to make logical assumptions from the information. In addition, you must be able to make sense of the numerical data and use it in making your decisions. This course has made me question every single important decision I have made in my life.
Data is the new gold in the current dispensation. In the data-driven world of business, data analytics is a skill that every business executive must have. Data analytics is teaching me how to harness, analyse and interpret data. So far, I have learnt that the way data is collected is important. I have been taught how to clean data so that it can be used. I have been introduced to data analytic techniques to discover patterns, trends and insights from the data so as to aid decision making. I find this course fascinating as well as challenging.
Corporate Financial Accounting is a fundamental course for anyone aspiring for excellence in the business world. Already we have been taught that cash is king; businesses fail because of lack of cash. When reading the annual report of a company the most important information about the business is found in the statement of profit or loss; statement of financial position; the cash flow statement ; changes in the owners’ equity and the notes to the account. An MBA graduate must be read, understand, interpret as well as to produce all this information. We are learning accounting principles and standards; these are the rules that guide the preparation of the financial reports ensuring consistency and accuracy. I have learnt the fundamental skill of recording financial transactions in the company’s books. I have learnt the accrual concept and how critical it is in accounting. I have learnt financial ratios which is used to assess a company’s performance and provide insights into the health of the company.
Management communication is teaching me how to convey my thoughts, ideas, and strategies clearly, both in writing and verbally. This includes mastering techniques such as active listening, articulating ideas concisely, and adapting my communication style to different audiences in different situations.
I am learning from my group members and the work we have been assigned so far that no one is an island and collaboration is key to thriving. I am learning that the next two years is going to demand a lot from me in terms of juggling my academic work with other aspects of life especially work and family. I can’t wait to learn all I can from the academic work and other experiences on this EMBA journey.
