Dear All,
This month's newsletter is being delivered a little earlier than usual (and in time for Christmas). I have learnt that you really have to be careful how you say what you say in emails because a version of last month's e-newsletter was bounced back undelivered, unread and unloved from several corporate inboxes for containing objectionable content. The offensive word was one for obvious reasons I now cannot repeat because the same thing will happen again, but trust me it was part of an, innocent, legitimate and well-intentioned idiomatic phrase. Perhaps this is just a by-product of the information age, with its insatiable need to be connected rubbing up against the equally insatiable modern demand not to say anything that could be construed the wrong way.
December is an interesting month in a Business School. On the one hand, it's when managers are fully engaged with their world of work or study and are conscious of needing to complete the year, finish up, polish off or set in motion things ready for the year to come (as we are doing now in our campaign to recruit for the February DL MBA intake). Alongside this sense of urgency - and in fact also part of it - there is also a focus on the personal, on celebration, tradition and on winding down. Many of you will never have been busier, never have been moving and thinking as fast as you are now - and all at a time when you also need to keep an eye on all the other halves of your lives, the one in which you and those around you are growing up.
I don't think these demands are mutually exclusive, but they are very hard to balance if you haven't answered the fundamental question of what it is that you really want in life. Taking on a venture such as the Henley MBA is a great chance really to ask yourself that question. And celebrating Christmas (or any other end of year festivity) while taking on the Henley MBA might feel like hell - particularly if you have deadlines looming. However, if you take the view that these varied and apparently contrary demands are all part of the same thing, then you can't really make progress in one without the other.
So don't feel guilty about stopping to enjoy yourselves in the next couple of weeks, because at the same time you will be making sense of your development by getting perspective on why you are doing this MBA.
News from Henley around the world
Part of the charm of Henley when you visit is that quintessential Englishness of the house, grounds and surrounding countryside, but we shouldn't forget that the College reaches out to many other parts of the world, and there have been a few developments recently which it might please you to know about.
The first of these involves the re-organisation of Henley in Sweden with IHM and rebranding of the new operation, managed from Denmark, as Henley Nordic. Nordic now covers Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Greenland (yes, we have MBAs there, too!!) and the Faroe Islands. We were also very pleased to announce arrangements to launch MBA intakes in Hong Kong and Malta later in 2008. Actually, re-launch might be more accurate, since Henley has a long history in both places. I hope that there will be other exciting news to give you in 2008 about the MBA in other locations.
Possible Dissertation topic
Dr Susan Rose writes: "I have recently been contacted by a someone who works with the Scottish Enterprise Board. He is working with a company developing a new software that enables online recommendations for products (such as those you get with Amazon, only better). He is looking for some work to be done and it could be something for a Dissertation. If you have any students who are in search of a dissertation topic and interesting in one in the marketing area it may be a useful contact."
Home Straight Community news
Nothing concentrates the mind quite like an immoveable deadline, and for some of you December 31st may be looming like a huge registration ice-berg about to hit the MBA Titanic. As was my own case in the wilderness years of Part Three on the Henley MBA, the time when I was most adrift was the time I really should have been reaching out to Henley and managing my time. It will be no different for you if you have fallen behind or are otherwise struggling to get to the end of the MBA.
The good news is that help is out there. The Home Straight Community is one port of call, and so is the life-raft of re-registration time. The College will write to you when you approach the end of your normal registration period, but it really is up to you to respond. If you need help, guidance, assistance or just information about when your registration is due to end, please get in touch with a Home Straight Tutor or your course administrator where you are studying.
Similarly, if we don't have your current address and contact details, we won't be able to find you, so please make sure you let us know if it changes. Tracing undeliverable emails when sending this newsletter is one way of keeping the database up-to-date, but don't allow something as important your MBA to slip just because you move.
Don't Miss the Bus...
Whilst I'm on that subject, this is a quick reminder to any of you who are working at Part Two of the MBA that as we move across to the delivery of the new curriculum, you will need to make sure that you complete your Part Two assignments within registration and, vitally, that you book to sit the Part Two exam no later than September or December 2008. The December Part Two exam will be the last.
And finally...
The last piece of news is about me. I'm pleased to tell you that I have received a promotion from Programme Leader to Director of Studies for the Distance Learning MBA, taking over from Professor Jane McKenzie.
So with best wishes from all the staff and faculty at Henley, we look forward to seeing you in 2008.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Campaign for Slow Learning
This morning I attended a one-day workshop/conference/seminar (terms which seem increasingly interchangeable these days) co-hosted by Microsoft at their Campus in a leafy edge of Reading. It's interesting how Microsoft, purveyors of software programmes almost always labelled 'Office', use a different word to describe their own premises. Perhaps it's the proximity of Reading to Slough that makes them want to move away from the office mentality. Anyway, I have to confess that I lasted only about 90 minutes at the conference, which was about Knowledge Transfer between University and business.
My early departure was partly down to the evident inability of the academics lined-up to speak during the opening session to engage the audience on the topic of knowledge. Additional irony was provided not just by their reliance on Microsoft's (Office) PowerPoint to speak in our sleep, but by their juxtaposition with the speaker from Microsoft, who did not use slides in his address.
Another reason for hitting the road at the first break was the simple realisation that the topic of this conference, and the audience in tow, was going to add nothing to my journey, nor was I going to add anything back; I was at the wrong conference. So, I cut and ran and came in to the College to do some work.
However, there is opportunity for learning in everything, and a thought did occur to me during one of the opening slots, during which someone else from Microsoft was describing work trends. We do have an obsession for trends, don't we? We're always trying to predict where we're going, though it usually ends up being a view of what's next based simply on where we've been. What's more, trends are apparently outside our control, and we stand before them powerless in their majesty.
Nevertheless, as we heard about how busy we are all becoming, how fast everything is and how much, much, much information we have to deal with now (as well as making information just about the only thing we deal with now), I couldn't help feeling that we're missing something.
I have noticed (in hindsight, of course) that the trend in Management Education and Training is for things to be delivered in ever shorter times. Two-year MBAs become one-year. Five day trainings need to be done in two. It might tick the convenience box, but does anyone really enjoy anything lasting as a result?
The thing I like best about the Henley Distance Learning MBA is that it takes over three years to complete. For many people, grown up in the information age, when everything we do is a solution, and where every solution should be instant, this doesn't seem like a plus. However, if you take the mindset of the Slow Movement , and apply it to Adult Learning then a whole new facade is revealed. The process of learning at this mature level can have many unexpected benefits and really does taste better when left to mature. As distance learners you have the luxury of time; of applying, testing and reflecting on everything.
So, I would like to start the Campaign For Slow Learning. It will draw upon the same desire to slow down and enjoy life that many other sections of the slow movement profess. So take control and join me, but make sure you take your time...
My early departure was partly down to the evident inability of the academics lined-up to speak during the opening session to engage the audience on the topic of knowledge. Additional irony was provided not just by their reliance on Microsoft's (Office) PowerPoint to speak in our sleep, but by their juxtaposition with the speaker from Microsoft, who did not use slides in his address.
Another reason for hitting the road at the first break was the simple realisation that the topic of this conference, and the audience in tow, was going to add nothing to my journey, nor was I going to add anything back; I was at the wrong conference. So, I cut and ran and came in to the College to do some work.
However, there is opportunity for learning in everything, and a thought did occur to me during one of the opening slots, during which someone else from Microsoft was describing work trends. We do have an obsession for trends, don't we? We're always trying to predict where we're going, though it usually ends up being a view of what's next based simply on where we've been. What's more, trends are apparently outside our control, and we stand before them powerless in their majesty.
Nevertheless, as we heard about how busy we are all becoming, how fast everything is and how much, much, much information we have to deal with now (as well as making information just about the only thing we deal with now), I couldn't help feeling that we're missing something.
I have noticed (in hindsight, of course) that the trend in Management Education and Training is for things to be delivered in ever shorter times. Two-year MBAs become one-year. Five day trainings need to be done in two. It might tick the convenience box, but does anyone really enjoy anything lasting as a result?
The thing I like best about the Henley Distance Learning MBA is that it takes over three years to complete. For many people, grown up in the information age, when everything we do is a solution, and where every solution should be instant, this doesn't seem like a plus. However, if you take the mindset of the Slow Movement , and apply it to Adult Learning then a whole new facade is revealed. The process of learning at this mature level can have many unexpected benefits and really does taste better when left to mature. As distance learners you have the luxury of time; of applying, testing and reflecting on everything.
So, I would like to start the Campaign For Slow Learning. It will draw upon the same desire to slow down and enjoy life that many other sections of the slow movement profess. So take control and join me, but make sure you take your time...
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Well, that's Handy
With a little idle time on my hands, I was browsing second-hand books in Oxford the other weekend and thus combining two things I have learnt to love as an adult. In Oxfam in Summertown I had looked over, with head in permanent tilt, the spines of all the books. The very last one caught my eye. It was "The Empty Raincoat", by Charles Handy.
I'm now a believer that our thoughts focus what we do and do not see, and what we do and do not do. Since words such as complexity, ambiguity and paradox are very much on my mind at the moment, and since this book talks of paradox, I immediately thought it would make an interesting read, despite its age (it was published in 1994).
I haven't yet finished it, and there are passages and sentiments which I don't think have really been borne out by events in the world since then, but his writing is consistently approachable and much of what he is saying - I think - resonates even more soundly today, even if that is only a sounding board for other reflections of my own.
Once I get through it, I will try to sum up the essence of what I am taking away from it here...
I'm now a believer that our thoughts focus what we do and do not see, and what we do and do not do. Since words such as complexity, ambiguity and paradox are very much on my mind at the moment, and since this book talks of paradox, I immediately thought it would make an interesting read, despite its age (it was published in 1994).
I haven't yet finished it, and there are passages and sentiments which I don't think have really been borne out by events in the world since then, but his writing is consistently approachable and much of what he is saying - I think - resonates even more soundly today, even if that is only a sounding board for other reflections of my own.
Once I get through it, I will try to sum up the essence of what I am taking away from it here...
Friday, November 30, 2007
November e-Newsletter
Hello all,
I realise that it is now two years since I joined Henley and so a good point to look back, reflect a little, and then look forward. As many of you who spend long hours with your noses pressed to the rock-face in study and assignment writing will know, it is difficult to find the space to step back from the myriad details and take in the bigger picture, both for yourself and your organisation where you spend most of your time.
In my second interview to work at Henley, I asked my interviewers what they most enjoyed about working here. What their answers told me boiled down to three things. First, there is the setting, purpose and atmosphere of the College buildings, space, history and grounds. Then there is the creative freedom and calibre of the faculty and community of collegiate learners. Finally, the contact with the developing stories of the programme members - you. My own experience has borne out these observations. It is a very good exercise - when I have schedules and workshops coming out of my ears - to step out of the office and walk down to the bank of the Thames by the boathouse, look back at the College and remind myself how fortunate I am and how I have grown (and aged!) in the last 24 months.
Looking ahead, the challenge for the next two years will be delivering on a par with our increased placing in the rankings (and we're waiting with baited, expectant breath for the FT European Business Schools ranking due out on December 3rd) by making sure we do what we already do efficiently, and also by making sure we embrace innovation. The new MBA curriculum launched in 2007 is part of this, as is our movement toward sharing networks and knowledge via platforms such as LinkedIn (the Henley group now has over 2,500 members) and other forums organised through Henley. But there are lots of other things to learn.
Management education, and the MBA, is no longer the mechanistic, reductionist and taught process it was 10 or 20 years ago. Henley's new curriculum is not like any other school's in that it breathes life into the manager as a whole person who is part of many networks, and recognises that the really good stuff comes when you master who you are just as much as you master the business environment you work in.
We've taken the position that management is all about creating sound choices in an environment where uncertainty, ambiguity and paradox create dilemmas. One of the things I have learnt in the last two years is that learning itself carries a number of inherent dilemmas - the most intriguing of which is that in order to learn something fundementally new you may have to reject something old that is equally fundemental. Delivering on that is an exciting challenge to take into the next two years...
New Intakes
In November we welcomed new intakes from Germany (Munich) and Ireland to Henley at a joint Starter Workshop, with twenty-five and thirty-one managers respectively. These were above target in both cases and so congratulations to all those involved in bringing them on board. I'd like to remind you all that the next Henley-Based group kicks off with their first workshop in late February, so now is the time to prick the conscience of anyone you think would benefit from the Henley MBA. If they apply by mid December, they may also be able to secure the course at 2007 prices and beat the increase. Details from Margareta Koter
Home Straight Community Up-date
On Sunday November 4th, Richard Lacey and Mike Green facilitated the Community's second event at the College. The positive effects of the investment of time and energy of all those involved is now beginning to show. since kicking off earlier in the year, well over fifty people have been able to hand in their final dissertation, and many more are beginning to move their feet out of the sticky Glastonbury mud in front of the Part Three Pyramid Stage!
Mike has posted some of the flip-charts from the session on the Home Straight blog, which is open by invitation (from me) to anyone who is beyond their Dissertation Due date. Don't forget, also, that the Dissertation Tutorial is also available to you to post comments and questions to a tutor. In December's e-newsletter I will be announcing dates for Dissertation Clinics in 2008.
Board of Examiners
As in past newsletters, I'd like to share with you some of general information about attainment on the MBA so that you can get a feeling for where your results sit with those achieved by others on your programme. These figures are for all members in all locations who were presented to the Board in October. There are no significant variations in different locations.
[not shown on the blog]
Phil Vokins (HB31) - up-date
You may remember mention earlier in the year of Phil's fund-raising exploits. A recent email from him confirms that he has completed his odyssey by finishing the New York Marathon. As Phil writes:
"we are still collecting now but have already raised and received pledges for just short of £3,500. This was in memory of John Welsh, a good friend who was cared for by the Royal Marsden before he ultimately died there in late 2003."
As for the NY race, I liked Phil's commentary: "A bit scared of the course, I gave it loads of respect and paced myself at an easy jog/run knowing I wasn't going to be able to run the 26.2 at threshold, so took it very steady stopping on 18m for a drink.... I also stopped several times for drinks and an unscheduled 5+ minutes on 9m in Brooklyn after realising that it's hard to run and text at the same time, dropping my phone which duly smashed into several pieces and I then spent time retrieving. (Big thanks to the anonymous guy in the crowd who lent me his phone so I could text. Even though my own phone was reduced to its constituent parts and the front landed in a puddle of Gatorade in the gutter, it works again - well done Nokia!)
Perhaps the most incredible part of the occasion was the crowd and massive support they gave the runners. The roar as we crossed the Queensboro bridge from Queens onto 1st Ave in Manhattan on 16m was unbelievable, but each of the 5 boroughs was unique with the ethnic diversity of Brooklyn and its bands en route, and the hip-hop/rap from the Bronx (when most needing a lift on 21m) were really special. The support was so good that only one problem presented itself - few US runners put names on their shirts but I did - meaning that it became very hard to acknowledge the continuous cries of support and 'Go, Phil', 'Looking Good, Phil' (yeah, even I find that one hard to believe) and so on. Of course, if someone bothers to scream support it's only right to acknowledge them but also quite distracting after a while, so for large parts of the race I found myself hiding in the middle of the wide roads just so I could get on with it. (Even then, there was still an "I see you, Phil" on the Willis Avenue Bridge on 20m!).All in all, a fantastic experience and highly recommended. Will I do one again? You bet! Thanks once again for the donations and the real reason behind all this, it is still possible to donate or track the year at www.justgiving.com/phils2007events "
Business Continuity Awards 2008 - Student of the Year
Peter Thomson, of the Future Work Forum, and Mark Evans (Publisher CIR Magazine) has asked whether we can spread the word about this Award. Mark writes:
"I am writing to you in advance of the official call for nominations for the BC Awards 2008. The Awards will launch very soon, but we are looking to create an especially strong field this year for the Student Category. As you might know, the winner in this category last year was ex-Henley (proposed by Jean-Noel Ezingeard) and we would like to continue a strong link to the college (I'm a Henley MBA myself).The details are below, so if you know of a particularly good student, or students, I hope you will be able to nominate them or forward this to them.
The nominated individual should be taking, or have completed in the past five years, a professional course of study in business continuity, disaster recovery or crisis management. Students undertaking programmes in risk management where these include significant coverage of business continuity may also apply. Entrants may be full or part-time students of universities or of professional institutes. To apply for this award, the entrant must EITHER submit a written dissertation of not more than 2,000 words on the subject of 'future trends in business continuity management' OR submit a 2,000 word abstract of a thesis concerning risk management of business continuity or related subjects, accompanied by an endorsement for the academic tutor. This category will be assessed through clarity of the arguments expressed, formal references given and innovative thought. In addition, the dissertation must show clear practical application and focus.This category is open to undergraduates and post-graduates from all academic and vocational institutions offering undergraduate, masters and diploma level qualifications."
If you'd like to be put in touch with Peter or Mark, please email me.
Comings and Goings
There are a couple of people who need to be mentioned this month. The first is the news that Professor Jane McKenzie is moving from her current role as Director of Studies for part-time MBAs (including the distance learning) to replace Professor David Birchall as Head of the School of Management Knowledge and Learning and Chairman of the Board of Examiners, two key roles in the life of the College.
The second person for a mention in despatches is Lynne Stone, who is leaving the College after 19 years. You may have met Lynne at an MBA fair, Preview Day, alumni event or any one of a host of events. If you have, then you will then know that Lynne is a fantastic representative of the College; urbane, passionate and interested in you and your plans. Her depth of knowledge and integrity will continue to inform our outreach to new members and as an alum herself, she will stay in touch.
Chris Dalton
DL MBA Programme Leader
I realise that it is now two years since I joined Henley and so a good point to look back, reflect a little, and then look forward. As many of you who spend long hours with your noses pressed to the rock-face in study and assignment writing will know, it is difficult to find the space to step back from the myriad details and take in the bigger picture, both for yourself and your organisation where you spend most of your time.
In my second interview to work at Henley, I asked my interviewers what they most enjoyed about working here. What their answers told me boiled down to three things. First, there is the setting, purpose and atmosphere of the College buildings, space, history and grounds. Then there is the creative freedom and calibre of the faculty and community of collegiate learners. Finally, the contact with the developing stories of the programme members - you. My own experience has borne out these observations. It is a very good exercise - when I have schedules and workshops coming out of my ears - to step out of the office and walk down to the bank of the Thames by the boathouse, look back at the College and remind myself how fortunate I am and how I have grown (and aged!) in the last 24 months.
Looking ahead, the challenge for the next two years will be delivering on a par with our increased placing in the rankings (and we're waiting with baited, expectant breath for the FT European Business Schools ranking due out on December 3rd) by making sure we do what we already do efficiently, and also by making sure we embrace innovation. The new MBA curriculum launched in 2007 is part of this, as is our movement toward sharing networks and knowledge via platforms such as LinkedIn (the Henley group now has over 2,500 members) and other forums organised through Henley. But there are lots of other things to learn.
Management education, and the MBA, is no longer the mechanistic, reductionist and taught process it was 10 or 20 years ago. Henley's new curriculum is not like any other school's in that it breathes life into the manager as a whole person who is part of many networks, and recognises that the really good stuff comes when you master who you are just as much as you master the business environment you work in.
We've taken the position that management is all about creating sound choices in an environment where uncertainty, ambiguity and paradox create dilemmas. One of the things I have learnt in the last two years is that learning itself carries a number of inherent dilemmas - the most intriguing of which is that in order to learn something fundementally new you may have to reject something old that is equally fundemental. Delivering on that is an exciting challenge to take into the next two years...
New Intakes
In November we welcomed new intakes from Germany (Munich) and Ireland to Henley at a joint Starter Workshop, with twenty-five and thirty-one managers respectively. These were above target in both cases and so congratulations to all those involved in bringing them on board. I'd like to remind you all that the next Henley-Based group kicks off with their first workshop in late February, so now is the time to prick the conscience of anyone you think would benefit from the Henley MBA. If they apply by mid December, they may also be able to secure the course at 2007 prices and beat the increase. Details from Margareta Koter
Home Straight Community Up-date
On Sunday November 4th, Richard Lacey and Mike Green facilitated the Community's second event at the College. The positive effects of the investment of time and energy of all those involved is now beginning to show. since kicking off earlier in the year, well over fifty people have been able to hand in their final dissertation, and many more are beginning to move their feet out of the sticky Glastonbury mud in front of the Part Three Pyramid Stage!
Mike has posted some of the flip-charts from the session on the Home Straight blog, which is open by invitation (from me) to anyone who is beyond their Dissertation Due date. Don't forget, also, that the Dissertation Tutorial is also available to you to post comments and questions to a tutor. In December's e-newsletter I will be announcing dates for Dissertation Clinics in 2008.
Board of Examiners
As in past newsletters, I'd like to share with you some of general information about attainment on the MBA so that you can get a feeling for where your results sit with those achieved by others on your programme. These figures are for all members in all locations who were presented to the Board in October. There are no significant variations in different locations.
[not shown on the blog]
Phil Vokins (HB31) - up-date
You may remember mention earlier in the year of Phil's fund-raising exploits. A recent email from him confirms that he has completed his odyssey by finishing the New York Marathon. As Phil writes:
"we are still collecting now but have already raised and received pledges for just short of £3,500. This was in memory of John Welsh, a good friend who was cared for by the Royal Marsden before he ultimately died there in late 2003."
As for the NY race, I liked Phil's commentary: "A bit scared of the course, I gave it loads of respect and paced myself at an easy jog/run knowing I wasn't going to be able to run the 26.2 at threshold, so took it very steady stopping on 18m for a drink.... I also stopped several times for drinks and an unscheduled 5+ minutes on 9m in Brooklyn after realising that it's hard to run and text at the same time, dropping my phone which duly smashed into several pieces and I then spent time retrieving. (Big thanks to the anonymous guy in the crowd who lent me his phone so I could text. Even though my own phone was reduced to its constituent parts and the front landed in a puddle of Gatorade in the gutter, it works again - well done Nokia!)
Perhaps the most incredible part of the occasion was the crowd and massive support they gave the runners. The roar as we crossed the Queensboro bridge from Queens onto 1st Ave in Manhattan on 16m was unbelievable, but each of the 5 boroughs was unique with the ethnic diversity of Brooklyn and its bands en route, and the hip-hop/rap from the Bronx (when most needing a lift on 21m) were really special. The support was so good that only one problem presented itself - few US runners put names on their shirts but I did - meaning that it became very hard to acknowledge the continuous cries of support and 'Go, Phil', 'Looking Good, Phil' (yeah, even I find that one hard to believe) and so on. Of course, if someone bothers to scream support it's only right to acknowledge them but also quite distracting after a while, so for large parts of the race I found myself hiding in the middle of the wide roads just so I could get on with it. (Even then, there was still an "I see you, Phil" on the Willis Avenue Bridge on 20m!).All in all, a fantastic experience and highly recommended. Will I do one again? You bet! Thanks once again for the donations and the real reason behind all this, it is still possible to donate or track the year at www.justgiving.com/phils2007events "
Business Continuity Awards 2008 - Student of the Year
Peter Thomson, of the Future Work Forum, and Mark Evans (Publisher CIR Magazine) has asked whether we can spread the word about this Award. Mark writes:
"I am writing to you in advance of the official call for nominations for the BC Awards 2008. The Awards will launch very soon, but we are looking to create an especially strong field this year for the Student Category. As you might know, the winner in this category last year was ex-Henley (proposed by Jean-Noel Ezingeard) and we would like to continue a strong link to the college (I'm a Henley MBA myself).The details are below, so if you know of a particularly good student, or students, I hope you will be able to nominate them or forward this to them.
The nominated individual should be taking, or have completed in the past five years, a professional course of study in business continuity, disaster recovery or crisis management. Students undertaking programmes in risk management where these include significant coverage of business continuity may also apply. Entrants may be full or part-time students of universities or of professional institutes. To apply for this award, the entrant must EITHER submit a written dissertation of not more than 2,000 words on the subject of 'future trends in business continuity management' OR submit a 2,000 word abstract of a thesis concerning risk management of business continuity or related subjects, accompanied by an endorsement for the academic tutor. This category will be assessed through clarity of the arguments expressed, formal references given and innovative thought. In addition, the dissertation must show clear practical application and focus.This category is open to undergraduates and post-graduates from all academic and vocational institutions offering undergraduate, masters and diploma level qualifications."
If you'd like to be put in touch with Peter or Mark, please email me.
Comings and Goings
There are a couple of people who need to be mentioned this month. The first is the news that Professor Jane McKenzie is moving from her current role as Director of Studies for part-time MBAs (including the distance learning) to replace Professor David Birchall as Head of the School of Management Knowledge and Learning and Chairman of the Board of Examiners, two key roles in the life of the College.
The second person for a mention in despatches is Lynne Stone, who is leaving the College after 19 years. You may have met Lynne at an MBA fair, Preview Day, alumni event or any one of a host of events. If you have, then you will then know that Lynne is a fantastic representative of the College; urbane, passionate and interested in you and your plans. Her depth of knowledge and integrity will continue to inform our outreach to new members and as an alum herself, she will stay in touch.
Chris Dalton
DL MBA Programme Leader
Friday, November 09, 2007
Progress...
Like the proverbial London bus, just when there seem to be no doctoral supervisors, along come two!
Lancaster (bless 'em!) have responded with the news that I now may be taken on by two academics for my PhD. A few hurdles remain to be jumped, but I will have an interview next week with one of them and I suppose I shall know from that whether it's a goer.
Lancaster (bless 'em!) have responded with the news that I now may be taken on by two academics for my PhD. A few hurdles remain to be jumped, but I will have an interview next week with one of them and I suppose I shall know from that whether it's a goer.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Got them can't-get-going-on-my-PhD blues
Two months after applying, this afternoon Lancaster sent me almost the first email in the process concerning my PhD application.
Theirs is not a university that likes to keep foster the impression that they are pleased to see you and are hungry for applicants.
Unfortunately, the email was to inform me that "We regret that after careful consideration we have been unable to find a suitable supervisor with the capacity to take on a new doctoral student in your research area. Unfortunately, we are therefore unable to offer you a place on our PhD programme."
I guess I need to have a different mindset to understand the PhD application process and as much as I'm quite disappointed, I'm not daunted. I shall be looking around for other avenues and possible venues to study.
It did have the odd side benefit of appreciating that the ethos and (usually) speed of administration and delivery on the MBA at Henley really is focused on the ones who secure our future - the programme members.
Since my research proposed study in critical reflection, I shall now go and reflect a bit with a glass of single malt.
Theirs is not a university that likes to keep foster the impression that they are pleased to see you and are hungry for applicants.
Unfortunately, the email was to inform me that "We regret that after careful consideration we have been unable to find a suitable supervisor with the capacity to take on a new doctoral student in your research area. Unfortunately, we are therefore unable to offer you a place on our PhD programme."
I guess I need to have a different mindset to understand the PhD application process and as much as I'm quite disappointed, I'm not daunted. I shall be looking around for other avenues and possible venues to study.
It did have the odd side benefit of appreciating that the ethos and (usually) speed of administration and delivery on the MBA at Henley really is focused on the ones who secure our future - the programme members.
Since my research proposed study in critical reflection, I shall now go and reflect a bit with a glass of single malt.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
October e-newsletter
Dear all,
If you're not new to study at Henley, you will know by now that in my newsletter opening paragraph I use all sorts of (cunning) ploys to reflect on a link between the environment of the College and one or more aspects of your journey as adult learners. More often than not, these links are informed by metaphors. The best of these are those that work for you on other levels, preferably without any conscious intervention on my part. Your brains just work that way.
In October there have been many ways of seeing things at or around Henley that might do the trick, but the one which has stuck in my mind (not for the first time) has been the graduation ceremony. You might not need to stretch your imagination too far to encompass a link between that and your learning, but what struck me about it this time round was not the obvious pleasure defined by the moment of spotlit recognition on stage, nor the shared pride amongst the guests, but rather the many levels of organisation and knowledge that went into the delivery of the event itself. What you won't (or shouldn't) see when you graduate are the days and weeks of careful arranging beforehand and the almost telepathic communication between managers, administrators and helpers on the day. Without that ecology of the whole, the faculty you see processing would be lost and chaos would ensue. Somehow, we need to keep in mind that the very visible part of your MBA is enabled by the ecology of the world you live - your families, your colleagues, your bosses and your friends. Ecologies are delicate things and they can change, so simply becoming more self aware of yours is as central to reaching your goal as a passing grade in an assignment or exam.
Up-town top Ranking
Last month you may recall how happy I said our Principal was at the news that our full-time MBA had been placed in the top 10 of the World's MBAs by the Economist. Imagine the smile on his face when it was revealed that Henley had jumped 12 places in the 2007 FT Executive MBA rankings from 42nd to 30th. Both positions are tremendous news for the College and, by strong association (since this is also your MBA), you!
The FT means that we are:
5th in the UK (6th in 2006)
9th in Europe (11th in 2006)
30th in world (42nd in 2006
Overall Henley is the 2nd biggest climber in the UK and the 6th biggest climber in the world - moving up 12 places compared to our position in 2006. For full results see here http://rankings.ft.com/emba-rankings
There are occasional lists of distance learning MBA programmes, but as yet no rankings. I have no doubt, though, that if there were, Henley would be number one.
LinkedIn
Thank you to all who signed up to the new Henley group on LinkedIn. We went from zero to 1,000 members in less than 48 hours. LinkedIn had actually capped new groups at that number, so there was a wait while they responded to my desperate emails and raised it. There are now nearly 2,300 alumni and current programme members in the group. The main advantages of using LinkedIn this way are that you only have one central place to keep your professional profile up to date, AND one place to go and search for others in your field, your part of the world, or even in an area where you are researching for career or studies.
If you are already a member and your email has been preloaded, you will have immediate access. You may also receive a pending approval message. Some of you may find the system telling you that your email id is already in use - this usually means that you signed on to LinkedIn some years ago, created an account and have forgotten your password.
Home Straight Community
This Sunday (November 4th) we host the Home Straight Community's second event, open to all Henley-Based programme members who have gone past their dissertation due date and, er, not yet completed. As in the first event, the emphasis will be on sharing experience and good advice on how to get the ball rolling. Mike and Richard will be running the show. With that in mind, we now welcome anyone in intake HB27 who will not have submitted their dissertation by the due date at the end of October. For details of the event and how to attend, contact Charlotte Ordish.
Don't forget, too, that you can sign up for the Home Straight Blog by emailing me for an invitation. During the month several community members have been able to post entries describing how they have now, finally, finished.
Apropos, the last Dissertation Clinic of 2007 will be held on Tuesday December 4th. Clinics are a chance to come in and refresh the process of research and writing, and also to consult one-to-one with a member of Henley faculty and are particularly appropriate if you have not yet reached the point where you have been assigned a supervisor.
Course Reps meeting
This was held at the College on Friday 19th October, and I will be circulating the minutes to your rep shortly.
Optional Skills Workshop
On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November, we will be running a series of half-day skills workshops. Take up for these has, however, not been strong and some are in danger of not being run, which would be a shame. If you would like to participate, sessions cost just 50 GBP and can be booked by contacting Susan Parr but you'll need to do this by Friday November 2nd if we are to make up minimum numbers to run.
Just to remind you of the session titles: Facilitation, Research Methodology. Consultancy Skills and Effective Networking (Saturday), and Consultancy Skills, Intro to NLP, Coaching and Mentoring, Effective self Marketing (Sunday).
Recruitment for 2008
If you are like I was when I did my Henley DL MBA, you will be meeting a mix of responses when you tell people about it. These various reactions can probably be placed along a continuum that covers non-interest, bewilderment, pity, envy, awe and genuine interest. We know that many of you are studying at Henley because it was recommended to you, and of course we want to encourage you to do the same when you come across others in your network for whom the MBA would make sense. To keep the programme strong, I'd like to ask you to let us know if there is someone you know, or work with, who would be interested in coming along to the College or speaking to someone about their development. Our next intake starts in February 2008 so now if the ideal time.
Professor David Birchall
I just wanted to recognise the work of Professor Birchall, who is retiring from Henley at the end of November. Henley has been going for sixty years and David has been part of more than half that story, joining in 1974. A prolific author and research, when you realise that David was also instrumental (amongst other things) in the launch of Henley degree programmes outside the UK, the creation and launch of the distance learning MBA, the modular MBA, Project Management MBA and Henley's Doctoral programme, you begin to appreciate why he was made an honorary Master of the College at the October graduation.
If you're not new to study at Henley, you will know by now that in my newsletter opening paragraph I use all sorts of (cunning) ploys to reflect on a link between the environment of the College and one or more aspects of your journey as adult learners. More often than not, these links are informed by metaphors. The best of these are those that work for you on other levels, preferably without any conscious intervention on my part. Your brains just work that way.
In October there have been many ways of seeing things at or around Henley that might do the trick, but the one which has stuck in my mind (not for the first time) has been the graduation ceremony. You might not need to stretch your imagination too far to encompass a link between that and your learning, but what struck me about it this time round was not the obvious pleasure defined by the moment of spotlit recognition on stage, nor the shared pride amongst the guests, but rather the many levels of organisation and knowledge that went into the delivery of the event itself. What you won't (or shouldn't) see when you graduate are the days and weeks of careful arranging beforehand and the almost telepathic communication between managers, administrators and helpers on the day. Without that ecology of the whole, the faculty you see processing would be lost and chaos would ensue. Somehow, we need to keep in mind that the very visible part of your MBA is enabled by the ecology of the world you live - your families, your colleagues, your bosses and your friends. Ecologies are delicate things and they can change, so simply becoming more self aware of yours is as central to reaching your goal as a passing grade in an assignment or exam.
Up-town top Ranking
Last month you may recall how happy I said our Principal was at the news that our full-time MBA had been placed in the top 10 of the World's MBAs by the Economist. Imagine the smile on his face when it was revealed that Henley had jumped 12 places in the 2007 FT Executive MBA rankings from 42nd to 30th. Both positions are tremendous news for the College and, by strong association (since this is also your MBA), you!
The FT means that we are:
5th in the UK (6th in 2006)
9th in Europe (11th in 2006)
30th in world (42nd in 2006
Overall Henley is the 2nd biggest climber in the UK and the 6th biggest climber in the world - moving up 12 places compared to our position in 2006. For full results see here http://rankings.ft.com/emba-rankings
There are occasional lists of distance learning MBA programmes, but as yet no rankings. I have no doubt, though, that if there were, Henley would be number one.
Thank you to all who signed up to the new Henley group on LinkedIn. We went from zero to 1,000 members in less than 48 hours. LinkedIn had actually capped new groups at that number, so there was a wait while they responded to my desperate emails and raised it. There are now nearly 2,300 alumni and current programme members in the group. The main advantages of using LinkedIn this way are that you only have one central place to keep your professional profile up to date, AND one place to go and search for others in your field, your part of the world, or even in an area where you are researching for career or studies.
If you are already a member and your email has been preloaded, you will have immediate access. You may also receive a pending approval message. Some of you may find the system telling you that your email id is already in use - this usually means that you signed on to LinkedIn some years ago, created an account and have forgotten your password.
Home Straight Community
This Sunday (November 4th) we host the Home Straight Community's second event, open to all Henley-Based programme members who have gone past their dissertation due date and, er, not yet completed. As in the first event, the emphasis will be on sharing experience and good advice on how to get the ball rolling. Mike and Richard will be running the show. With that in mind, we now welcome anyone in intake HB27 who will not have submitted their dissertation by the due date at the end of October. For details of the event and how to attend, contact Charlotte Ordish.
Don't forget, too, that you can sign up for the Home Straight Blog by emailing me for an invitation. During the month several community members have been able to post entries describing how they have now, finally, finished.
Apropos, the last Dissertation Clinic of 2007 will be held on Tuesday December 4th. Clinics are a chance to come in and refresh the process of research and writing, and also to consult one-to-one with a member of Henley faculty and are particularly appropriate if you have not yet reached the point where you have been assigned a supervisor.
Course Reps meeting
This was held at the College on Friday 19th October, and I will be circulating the minutes to your rep shortly.
Optional Skills Workshop
On Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th November, we will be running a series of half-day skills workshops. Take up for these has, however, not been strong and some are in danger of not being run, which would be a shame. If you would like to participate, sessions cost just 50 GBP and can be booked by contacting Susan Parr but you'll need to do this by Friday November 2nd if we are to make up minimum numbers to run.
Just to remind you of the session titles: Facilitation, Research Methodology. Consultancy Skills and Effective Networking (Saturday), and Consultancy Skills, Intro to NLP, Coaching and Mentoring, Effective self Marketing (Sunday).
Recruitment for 2008
If you are like I was when I did my Henley DL MBA, you will be meeting a mix of responses when you tell people about it. These various reactions can probably be placed along a continuum that covers non-interest, bewilderment, pity, envy, awe and genuine interest. We know that many of you are studying at Henley because it was recommended to you, and of course we want to encourage you to do the same when you come across others in your network for whom the MBA would make sense. To keep the programme strong, I'd like to ask you to let us know if there is someone you know, or work with, who would be interested in coming along to the College or speaking to someone about their development. Our next intake starts in February 2008 so now if the ideal time.
Professor David Birchall
I just wanted to recognise the work of Professor Birchall, who is retiring from Henley at the end of November. Henley has been going for sixty years and David has been part of more than half that story, joining in 1974. A prolific author and research, when you realise that David was also instrumental (amongst other things) in the launch of Henley degree programmes outside the UK, the creation and launch of the distance learning MBA, the modular MBA, Project Management MBA and Henley's Doctoral programme, you begin to appreciate why he was made an honorary Master of the College at the October graduation.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
"The Tassle is worth the Hassle"
Today is the October graduation here at Henley, and I am between ceremonies right now. This morning's was very interesting, and featured many getting their degrees from the International Network as well as those studying at Henley. No doubt I will make reference to it somehow in October's newsletter, but for all its solemnity and pomp, the graduation is a really satisfying ritual to watch from the stage.
Even more so as we have just completed two long days of tutor conference and international network meetings. The tutors were gathered from all parts of the world (for some reason I always have a bizarre image of a meeting of the type of organisation of baddies that often featured in James Bond films in the 60s and 70s) and was very useful in looking ahead to next year's roll out of the new MBA curriculum.
What was especially gratifying was the sense that on the programme, our students (we call them members) are being encouraged to reflect as they go - and that when they do it is having a strong positive impact - and that our team of Personal Tutors is beginning to gel into a community.
As for graduation, I like this Dr Seuss quote:
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go."
Even more so as we have just completed two long days of tutor conference and international network meetings. The tutors were gathered from all parts of the world (for some reason I always have a bizarre image of a meeting of the type of organisation of baddies that often featured in James Bond films in the 60s and 70s) and was very useful in looking ahead to next year's roll out of the new MBA curriculum.
What was especially gratifying was the sense that on the programme, our students (we call them members) are being encouraged to reflect as they go - and that when they do it is having a strong positive impact - and that our team of Personal Tutors is beginning to gel into a community.
As for graduation, I like this Dr Seuss quote:
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own.
And you know what you know.
You are the guy who'll decide where to go."
Friday, October 12, 2007
The Italian job
I'm very happy to announce that Giampiero is safe and sound!
If you don't know who Giampiero is, it won't mean much. If you have met him, you will at once be very relieved to know he's fine, as well as instantly curious as to what could have happened to him.
Giampiero Favato is, he won't mind it said, a larger-than-life Henley faculty member who runs engaging and very well received workshops on Finance. He was yesterday involved in a head-on collision in his car about 40 meters from my desk on the busy road that runs past the College. He drives, or since it is now in so fit state, drove a Smart car and, well, I will let his email to us carry on...
"I am sorry I scared the hell out of you, but, believe me, I never intended to.
In spite of the dramatic dynamics of the accident (I come from the Country of Opera!), nobody actually was seriously injured. I just have swollen knees and a sore shoulder, that's all, and I am rapidly improving. Few days of rest and I will be as good as new. Even though I passed out, my cognitive functions did not get any damage, meaning that they are not any worse that they used to be. Also the other driver seems to be fine, just a little shocked.
I am still unable to figure out who cut off whom, but it was a frontal crash, I know that. I saw what is left of my car, and I was clearly hit on the left front side... But this is a job for forensic police... the important fact is that nobody got seriously injured.
Thank you for your concern and your wishes. I will be back next week, as soon as I find another car to drive. Have a nice weekend,
Giampiero."
If you don't know who Giampiero is, it won't mean much. If you have met him, you will at once be very relieved to know he's fine, as well as instantly curious as to what could have happened to him.
Giampiero Favato is, he won't mind it said, a larger-than-life Henley faculty member who runs engaging and very well received workshops on Finance. He was yesterday involved in a head-on collision in his car about 40 meters from my desk on the busy road that runs past the College. He drives, or since it is now in so fit state, drove a Smart car and, well, I will let his email to us carry on...
"I am sorry I scared the hell out of you, but, believe me, I never intended to.
In spite of the dramatic dynamics of the accident (I come from the Country of Opera!), nobody actually was seriously injured. I just have swollen knees and a sore shoulder, that's all, and I am rapidly improving. Few days of rest and I will be as good as new. Even though I passed out, my cognitive functions did not get any damage, meaning that they are not any worse that they used to be. Also the other driver seems to be fine, just a little shocked.
I am still unable to figure out who cut off whom, but it was a frontal crash, I know that. I saw what is left of my car, and I was clearly hit on the left front side... But this is a job for forensic police... the important fact is that nobody got seriously injured.
Thank you for your concern and your wishes. I will be back next week, as soon as I find another car to drive. Have a nice weekend,
Giampiero."
Thursday, October 04, 2007
"Well you're just in time to be too late...."
It's a line from a Hank Williams song, but it kind of sums up a couple of things at work lately.
The first was an invitation issued to existing MBA programme members to attend a trial workshop of for a new module. The response was pretty overwhelming and rapid, and a number of people found themselves on a waiting list. It's probably one of those irreconcilable aspects of a Distance Learning course that there's just never enough face-to-face workshops to satisfy the hunger for knowledge and human desire not to miss out on stuff that's new.
The other was an invitation emailed out to many thousands of people who are part of the Henley alumni group (as well as those now on the MBA) to join a Henley group on LinkedIn. Within hours of its launch, the group had 1,000 members. Something in LinkedIn's computers must have then blown a fuse and decided that this group was not accepting any new members, uh-uh, no sirree-bob, no way.
So this morning I had several hundred 'what's-going-on?' emails, many of which were very disgruntled. It's at times like these that I despise technology, which in this case has managed to create more work than it saved.
I hope we (or, LinkedIn) sort this out soon, and we can actually start using the group there for networking.
The first was an invitation issued to existing MBA programme members to attend a trial workshop of for a new module. The response was pretty overwhelming and rapid, and a number of people found themselves on a waiting list. It's probably one of those irreconcilable aspects of a Distance Learning course that there's just never enough face-to-face workshops to satisfy the hunger for knowledge and human desire not to miss out on stuff that's new.
The other was an invitation emailed out to many thousands of people who are part of the Henley alumni group (as well as those now on the MBA) to join a Henley group on LinkedIn. Within hours of its launch, the group had 1,000 members. Something in LinkedIn's computers must have then blown a fuse and decided that this group was not accepting any new members, uh-uh, no sirree-bob, no way.
So this morning I had several hundred 'what's-going-on?' emails, many of which were very disgruntled. It's at times like these that I despise technology, which in this case has managed to create more work than it saved.
I hope we (or, LinkedIn) sort this out soon, and we can actually start using the group there for networking.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
September e-newlsetter
Dear all,
It's an autumnal end to the month here at the College, with a mix of days alternating between bright and blustery and misty and overcast. Somehow the grounds seem to shine in all weathers, though it's not without a lot of work done unseen in the background. Our Principal's face was equally ebullient yesterday with the news that in the 2007 Economist MBA rankings, which uses our Full-Time programme as its source, has placed Henley in the world's top 10 for the first time, a rise of four places on last year. This translates to 5th in Europe and 2nd in the UK. In the particular areas of "Potential to Network", "Personal development" and "Educational experience" we are now ranked number 1 in the world. We came first also in the categories for "Faculty Quality"; "Student Quality" and "Breadth of Alumni Network" and number 2 in the world for both "Increase in salary" and "Final salary".
This is a very satisfying result and one which, like our pristine grounds, is the result of the hard work of many people in the background. It is also a challenge to us (and you!) to keep it up, and to continue to make this MBA different from the rest.
Aptly, this month's newsletter is being written at the same time that our newest MBA intake, HB36, are in College for their Starter Workshop. There are 50 managers in this group, and they are now getting to grips with their first module, Dynamics of Management. One really interesting story from this group was the re-uniting after 27 years without meeting, of two former classmates of the same High School in Nigeria. Neither had any inkling that the other had applied to the Henley MBA! As for other news this month:
Thanks to all those who responded to a separate email trialing a new workshop structure (those in intakes HB35 and HB36 and those studying abroad via an associate won't have received that, sorry) and I'm glad to say that it filled up in about two days. We look forward to seeing you here on October 20th.
Home Straight Community Up-date
September was a good month for the Home Straight Community, with progress made on contacting and engaging with members coming to the end of their registration period, and at least two dozen people who have now submitted their final dissertation for marking. The community will welcome any member of Intake HB27 who has not completed by the end of October and Richard and Mike will be running their second Home Straight Community event at the College on Sunday November 4th. Details of this will be sent to all community members soon. In the meantime, the next dissertation Clinic will be on October 11th. Please contact Susan Parr if you would like to attend.
Leadership and Change Conference
This year's Full-Time MBA group have been preparing a one-day conference on Leadership and Change as part of their assignment in that subject. The conference, which will be held on November 23rd, "features top key international speakers from industry who will share their exciting experiences and provide deep insights into the challenging and topical subject of Leadership and Change.
The event will include a panel discussion drawing conclusions to take away. Speakers and guests include:
Professor Iain Densten, Lancaster University Management School. Iain will provide the latest research insights into leadership and its relationship to organisational effectiveness, behavioural complexity, communication and organisational culture.
John Morris, Principal Consultant, The Answer Ltd
Karen McKeever, Head of Talent and Leadership Development, DSG International. Karen will provide a perspective from her practical experience of engaging people in a time of cultural and structural change and keeping them engaged through the challenges.
Robert P. Fritz, Vice President, Vestas Constitution, Vestas Wind Systems A/S. Robert will share his exciting story of a successful turn-around, with a huge change management programme addressing corporate culture and financial performance whilst maintaining an impressive growth rate of more than 20% per annum.
Sian Evans, Head of Talent, Premier Foods. Sian will together with Iain Densten, John Morris, Karen McKeever and Robert P. Fritz discuss changes from a practical perspective and round up the conference with some examples of “what-to-do” and “what-not-to-do” in practical Change Management seen from a leader’s perspective.
Optional Skills Workshops
I'm pleased to say that we have finalised the line-up of half-day optional workshops on the weekend of November 17th and 18th. Full details will be available on your eLearning area and also from Susan Parr.
Saturday (morning)
Facilitation Dr Jean-Anne Stuart
Research Methodology Carola Hillenbrand
(afternoon)
Consultancy Skills Dr Stephen Simister
Effective Networking Tony Newton or Judith Perle
Sunday (morning)
Consultancy Skills (repeated)
Introduction to NLP Professor Kevin Money
(afternoon)
Coaching and Mentoring Dr Richard McBain
Effective Self-Marketing Bill Faust
To book (and numbers are limited in each session), again please contact Susan Parr.
Early results from the Annual Questionnaire
In all, we received 137 completed questionnaires in response to the 2007 Survey, so thank you very much. The report summarising the results will be posted in your intake's eLearning area. There were marginal improvements in 12 of the 17 questions asking for a rating, including the big question of to what extent overall the programme has met your expectations. There was some very useful and constructive criticism and comments, which have now been shared with various parts and levels of the College.
Quantitative Skills workshop
Please note that the Quantitative Methods Workshop 1 (of 2) has been re-scheduled from the 6th October to 19th November. The workshops could be of benefit to programme members on any MBA programme who are seeking to develop their skills in quantitative analysis.
Only those currently in Part 3 of the Programme will be eligible to attend.
Comings and goings
September saw several long-standing members of faculty and staff leaving, and I wanted to acknowledge a few who you might have come across on the MBA programme. Professor Susan Foreman, who most recently held the post of Director of Open Programme (of which your MBA is one), and who was the first woman ever to be appointed Professor at Henley, has left and will be the new Dean of the Business School at Stafford University. Susan's replacement is Neil Gibbons. Linda Parham, who was involved in many aspects of managing the introduction of the new MBA curriculum as well as development of the materials in the previous version, is leaving to take up an post in eLearning at the College of Law in London. Also moving on are Helen Innes, who was a course administrator for several Associate Network countries, and Linda Mateus, who helped do about a million tasks connected with electives, elearning and administration.
It's an autumnal end to the month here at the College, with a mix of days alternating between bright and blustery and misty and overcast. Somehow the grounds seem to shine in all weathers, though it's not without a lot of work done unseen in the background. Our Principal's face was equally ebullient yesterday with the news that in the 2007 Economist MBA rankings, which uses our Full-Time programme as its source, has placed Henley in the world's top 10 for the first time, a rise of four places on last year. This translates to 5th in Europe and 2nd in the UK. In the particular areas of "Potential to Network", "Personal development" and "Educational experience" we are now ranked number 1 in the world. We came first also in the categories for "Faculty Quality"; "Student Quality" and "Breadth of Alumni Network" and number 2 in the world for both "Increase in salary" and "Final salary".
This is a very satisfying result and one which, like our pristine grounds, is the result of the hard work of many people in the background. It is also a challenge to us (and you!) to keep it up, and to continue to make this MBA different from the rest.
Aptly, this month's newsletter is being written at the same time that our newest MBA intake, HB36, are in College for their Starter Workshop. There are 50 managers in this group, and they are now getting to grips with their first module, Dynamics of Management. One really interesting story from this group was the re-uniting after 27 years without meeting, of two former classmates of the same High School in Nigeria. Neither had any inkling that the other had applied to the Henley MBA! As for other news this month:
Thanks to all those who responded to a separate email trialing a new workshop structure (those in intakes HB35 and HB36 and those studying abroad via an associate won't have received that, sorry) and I'm glad to say that it filled up in about two days. We look forward to seeing you here on October 20th.
Home Straight Community Up-date
September was a good month for the Home Straight Community, with progress made on contacting and engaging with members coming to the end of their registration period, and at least two dozen people who have now submitted their final dissertation for marking. The community will welcome any member of Intake HB27 who has not completed by the end of October and Richard and Mike will be running their second Home Straight Community event at the College on Sunday November 4th. Details of this will be sent to all community members soon. In the meantime, the next dissertation Clinic will be on October 11th. Please contact Susan Parr if you would like to attend.
Leadership and Change Conference
This year's Full-Time MBA group have been preparing a one-day conference on Leadership and Change as part of their assignment in that subject. The conference, which will be held on November 23rd, "features top key international speakers from industry who will share their exciting experiences and provide deep insights into the challenging and topical subject of Leadership and Change.
The event will include a panel discussion drawing conclusions to take away. Speakers and guests include:
Professor Iain Densten, Lancaster University Management School. Iain will provide the latest research insights into leadership and its relationship to organisational effectiveness, behavioural complexity, communication and organisational culture.
John Morris, Principal Consultant, The Answer Ltd
Karen McKeever, Head of Talent and Leadership Development, DSG International. Karen will provide a perspective from her practical experience of engaging people in a time of cultural and structural change and keeping them engaged through the challenges.
Robert P. Fritz, Vice President, Vestas Constitution, Vestas Wind Systems A/S. Robert will share his exciting story of a successful turn-around, with a huge change management programme addressing corporate culture and financial performance whilst maintaining an impressive growth rate of more than 20% per annum.
Sian Evans, Head of Talent, Premier Foods. Sian will together with Iain Densten, John Morris, Karen McKeever and Robert P. Fritz discuss changes from a practical perspective and round up the conference with some examples of “what-to-do” and “what-not-to-do” in practical Change Management seen from a leader’s perspective.
Optional Skills Workshops
I'm pleased to say that we have finalised the line-up of half-day optional workshops on the weekend of November 17th and 18th. Full details will be available on your eLearning area and also from Susan Parr.
Saturday (morning)
Facilitation Dr Jean-Anne Stuart
Research Methodology Carola Hillenbrand
(afternoon)
Consultancy Skills Dr Stephen Simister
Effective Networking Tony Newton or Judith Perle
Sunday (morning)
Consultancy Skills (repeated)
Introduction to NLP Professor Kevin Money
(afternoon)
Coaching and Mentoring Dr Richard McBain
Effective Self-Marketing Bill Faust
To book (and numbers are limited in each session), again please contact Susan Parr.
Early results from the Annual Questionnaire
In all, we received 137 completed questionnaires in response to the 2007 Survey, so thank you very much. The report summarising the results will be posted in your intake's eLearning area. There were marginal improvements in 12 of the 17 questions asking for a rating, including the big question of to what extent overall the programme has met your expectations. There was some very useful and constructive criticism and comments, which have now been shared with various parts and levels of the College.
Quantitative Skills workshop
Please note that the Quantitative Methods Workshop 1 (of 2) has been re-scheduled from the 6th October to 19th November. The workshops could be of benefit to programme members on any MBA programme who are seeking to develop their skills in quantitative analysis.
Only those currently in Part 3 of the Programme will be eligible to attend.
Comings and goings
September saw several long-standing members of faculty and staff leaving, and I wanted to acknowledge a few who you might have come across on the MBA programme. Professor Susan Foreman, who most recently held the post of Director of Open Programme (of which your MBA is one), and who was the first woman ever to be appointed Professor at Henley, has left and will be the new Dean of the Business School at Stafford University. Susan's replacement is Neil Gibbons. Linda Parham, who was involved in many aspects of managing the introduction of the new MBA curriculum as well as development of the materials in the previous version, is leaving to take up an post in eLearning at the College of Law in London. Also moving on are Helen Innes, who was a course administrator for several Associate Network countries, and Linda Mateus, who helped do about a million tasks connected with electives, elearning and administration.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
HRH = Henley's Royal Happening
A couple of days ago we had a Royal visitor to the College and I was one of those who was selected to stand in line to be presented after the ceremony unveiling the official opening of the River House Executive Learning Center (not to be confused with a retail business selling children's toys). The Royal in question was HRH Prince Richard, Duke of Gloucester, cousin to the Queen (the last bit I add, for a complete picture).
Actually, a really complete picture would include the remark that HRH etc is a really approachable and interested dignitary, although I am probably prejudiced by the fact that in the line-up he stopped and talked (and listened!).
This is the second time I have stood in line to meet a Royal. The first was about 15 years ago in Hungary on the occasion of the Queen's State visit there. The most interesting things that stood out at that particular meeting were the obvious charisma she has (I don't know whether the person brought that to the role, or the role brought that to the person) and the very professional way she worked the room, focusing and listening and then moving effortlessly on. HRH etc had the same skills, so one wonders whether the upper classes are given classes in small-talk.
We had had several staff/faculty dress rehearsals and numerous protocol emails and memos on the correct forms of address and suitable forms of dress. Don't offer your hand till they offer theirs... bow or curtsy if you wish, but no grand gestures... don't hog the conversation... and so on. Being 'official' and 'important' is an art as well as a science, and one that might make a good subject of research. George Soros was another who I can attest as having that ability to work a room without actually ever really coming in contact with anyone in it.
Speaking of research, I also found out that Lancaster have located the two halves of my application (after I called them) and are now hunting high and low for a supervisor. Any week now...
Actually, a really complete picture would include the remark that HRH etc is a really approachable and interested dignitary, although I am probably prejudiced by the fact that in the line-up he stopped and talked (and listened!).
This is the second time I have stood in line to meet a Royal. The first was about 15 years ago in Hungary on the occasion of the Queen's State visit there. The most interesting things that stood out at that particular meeting were the obvious charisma she has (I don't know whether the person brought that to the role, or the role brought that to the person) and the very professional way she worked the room, focusing and listening and then moving effortlessly on. HRH etc had the same skills, so one wonders whether the upper classes are given classes in small-talk.
We had had several staff/faculty dress rehearsals and numerous protocol emails and memos on the correct forms of address and suitable forms of dress. Don't offer your hand till they offer theirs... bow or curtsy if you wish, but no grand gestures... don't hog the conversation... and so on. Being 'official' and 'important' is an art as well as a science, and one that might make a good subject of research. George Soros was another who I can attest as having that ability to work a room without actually ever really coming in contact with anyone in it.
Speaking of research, I also found out that Lancaster have located the two halves of my application (after I called them) and are now hunting high and low for a supervisor. Any week now...
Monday, September 24, 2007
And all our yesterdays have lighted fools
Today is my birthday. It's not one of those landmark numbers which seem to sit in the collective pysche like gift-wrapped elephants-in-the-room. It's just 44, which is not so far down the forties to hint at 50, nor so far away from 40 to threaten the need to stop listening to the Clash or looking at members of the opposite sex. But still, it is a good age to reflect on some things. I am currently waiting for a response from Lancaster University's tardy admissions team about my PhD application, and that does seem like a very grown-up project. And the other day, during an experiential learning exercise in the Starter Workshop for a couple of new MBA intakes, I realised that I have now attained a level of experience and comfort with what I do at work that allows me to have fun with the process and operate at more than one level with a group.
However, it was also at the weekend that a Saturday shop assistant in Boots asked me, quite solemnly as part of a loyalty card upgrade prompted by the computer in front of her, whether I was under 60. She really wasn't sure.
However, it was also at the weekend that a Saturday shop assistant in Boots asked me, quite solemnly as part of a loyalty card upgrade prompted by the computer in front of her, whether I was under 60. She really wasn't sure.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Not playing hardball
There are a number of major sporting events going on at the moment. The Rugby World Cup, of course. The Women's Football World Cup. 20/20 Cricket. Champions League and Euro 2008 Qualifiers.
The Henley Annual Softball Tournament outranks them all.
This is traditionally a hotly contested and sometimes testily fraught nail-biter, with ten-player teams drawn from every section of the College. It is played during early summer on the lovely lawns in front of the main building, with two qualifying groups playing in parallel mini-leagues, the winners of each then facing off in a tense final. However, 2007's tournament was a victim of the floods and rains of the summer and the re-scheduled date fell in September. On a Friday. This reduced the field of teams from 10 to 4, but the resulting competition was noticeable for how little competition there was.
I have to own up to the fact that my team, Kosta's Crusaders, came fourth, which is another way of saying last. This blow was lessened by the twin facts that we were the only team to beat the eventual winners, Top of the Ops, and that the winners won by beating the usually all-conquering IT department team, the e-Invincibles.
Other highlights included several home runs from faculty veteran Emilio Herbolzheimer (he never missed the ball) and some 'quirky' umpiring decisions by our Principal, including the very dodgy 'out' call on my team-mate and his PA, Margy.
Events such as these are part of the glue that sticks the organisation together. It was liberating to listen to the irreverant back-chat (on the field), and the stories of tournaments gone-by (off it). Next year, I sincerely hope that we repeat the experience (though not the coming last bit).
The Henley Annual Softball Tournament outranks them all.
This is traditionally a hotly contested and sometimes testily fraught nail-biter, with ten-player teams drawn from every section of the College. It is played during early summer on the lovely lawns in front of the main building, with two qualifying groups playing in parallel mini-leagues, the winners of each then facing off in a tense final. However, 2007's tournament was a victim of the floods and rains of the summer and the re-scheduled date fell in September. On a Friday. This reduced the field of teams from 10 to 4, but the resulting competition was noticeable for how little competition there was.
I have to own up to the fact that my team, Kosta's Crusaders, came fourth, which is another way of saying last. This blow was lessened by the twin facts that we were the only team to beat the eventual winners, Top of the Ops, and that the winners won by beating the usually all-conquering IT department team, the e-Invincibles.
Other highlights included several home runs from faculty veteran Emilio Herbolzheimer (he never missed the ball) and some 'quirky' umpiring decisions by our Principal, including the very dodgy 'out' call on my team-mate and his PA, Margy.
Events such as these are part of the glue that sticks the organisation together. It was liberating to listen to the irreverant back-chat (on the field), and the stories of tournaments gone-by (off it). Next year, I sincerely hope that we repeat the experience (though not the coming last bit).
Friday, August 31, 2007
Applying myself
I finally finished writing my application to start a PhD. It's taken months! That's not because it takes me an age to fill out a form, but rather because I felt I needed to present a decent case for my proposed area of research (which I've blogged a little about quite a while ago). What I thought would be a 2,000 word document, including references meticulously referenced the Harvard way, actually expanded to nearly 5,000 words.
Apparently, what I actually get down to in my research may well be nothing like where I have now begun, but (equally apparently, or so I'm told) the process of writing, reflecting, rejecting and re-creating is essential to the doctoral process.
Great, I can hardly wait!
For now, I am going to sit back for a while and wait for the reaction from Lancaster. And post up one of those generic metaphoric photos of people in a race (culled from the Guardian).
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
August e-Newsletter
Dear all,
How was your summer? Our world now goes by us so rapidly, and the Henley community of programme members is such a diverse group that I doubt any two of you will have had exactly the same experience. It does sometimes feel as though you need to force yourself to slow down, take stock or simply reflect. And you do. What's more, when you reflect, research shows that you should be writing things down and share with others because this focuses your mind and improves your thinking. Since you are all (I hope) fully committed to making the MBA work for you, I wonder how many of you took some time this month deliberately to switch off and then record your thoughts.
For the record, we have all been in reflective mood here at Henley. We had an excellent three-day Faculty Conference at the start of the month and it was a pleasure to see some 'esprit de corps' develop. Particularly interesting was a presentation exercise given to us in teams. It was a real taste of the kind of thing we often put programme members through on workshops and I think we gained many insights from this. No doubt, some of these and other input on participation and facilitation will emerge in future workshops with you.
Annual Survey
Thanks to those to responded to the original call for participation in the July newsletter, and also to those who went online to complete it after my second email. We now have nearly 130 replies, which is equal to last year. No doubt the activist 'red' thinkers amongst you will feel the need to beat that. Be my guest - the survey can be found at (link withheld). The survey will close on September 6th.
Home Straight Community
The Home Straight Blog now has 53 contributors. It would be great to see more of you there, sharing your pain as well as your success stories, and if you are one of those beyond your scheduled Dissertation Due date with no dissertation done, email me and I will invite you to the blog.
I know that the latter part of the MBA can often seem to go by in a haze. You need to keep in mind where you are, how much registration time you have left, whether your contact details with Henley are up-to-date, and what sort of study plan you can present if you need to request a period of re-registration. If you need advice on any of this process, you can write either to your course administrator or to Amy Ward.
For Community members, please note that the next event will be at the College on Sunday November 4th, starting with a buffet lunch. Full details will be provided to you by the Home Straight guardians, Richard Lacey and Mike Green. Richard notes that "there has been a 17% increase in the number of programme members we have “engaged” in the Home Straight community, up to 161 from 138 last month. We are actively supporting and encouraging this group."
Part of my role will be to write this month to those of you who have not engaged with the Home Straight Community or who have fallen behind and are now out of normal registration.
Leadership Research opportunity
There's also an opportunity to take part in a piece of leadership research. Mike Green, who you may also know as a Personal Tutor and Business Transformation e-tutor, is conducting some research on the leadership roles managers need to step into during times of change. He'd really like you to help him by completing a 20 minute questionnaire on your experiences of leaders and managing change. Please email him on mike.green@henleymc.ac.uk.
Mike believes you'll also receive an executive summary of the research.
From the IT Department
Fortuitous timing of an email from HelpDesk means that I can tell you:
Due to essential maintenance, there will be no access to the eVision Portal (eAssignments Submissions) on 5th September 2007 from 09.30 to 16 :30 BST
Due to an essential upgrade, the public website, eLearning and eLibrary will be unavailable for periods of time on Friday 7th September 2007 from 09.30 to 16 :30 BST.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Comings and Goings
I don't usually feature news on people arriving or leaving the College, but wanted to pay tribute to Alison Gale, our Registrar and College Secretary, who will be leaving us at the end of the month. Alison has been with Henley for 11 rock-solid years and is one of those people you rarely meet as a programme member, but whose integrity, thoroughness and calm head is what allows the rest of us to do our job.
How did you sell the MBA to your employer?
We are often asked by potential members for ways to present the MBA to their organisation, especially if sponsorship is being sought. In conversation with Chris Parker, Director of Business Development, I began to wonder whether our 'usual suspect' answers tell the whole story. So I'd like to ask those of you who needed to persuade, sell or demonstrate the value of the distance learning MBA to a boss or sponsor to share your experience with us. Let me know.
Next month we welcome new intakes form Denmark [DK02], Finland [FN02] and the UK [HB36] at Henley for their Starter Workshops. There's also a Dissertation Clinic on September 15th and if you would like to benefit from that, please email Susan Parr. September's e-newsletter will include full details of the Optional Skills workshop weekend in November on the 17th and 18th.
Chris Dalton
Programme Leader
How was your summer? Our world now goes by us so rapidly, and the Henley community of programme members is such a diverse group that I doubt any two of you will have had exactly the same experience. It does sometimes feel as though you need to force yourself to slow down, take stock or simply reflect. And you do. What's more, when you reflect, research shows that you should be writing things down and share with others because this focuses your mind and improves your thinking. Since you are all (I hope) fully committed to making the MBA work for you, I wonder how many of you took some time this month deliberately to switch off and then record your thoughts.
For the record, we have all been in reflective mood here at Henley. We had an excellent three-day Faculty Conference at the start of the month and it was a pleasure to see some 'esprit de corps' develop. Particularly interesting was a presentation exercise given to us in teams. It was a real taste of the kind of thing we often put programme members through on workshops and I think we gained many insights from this. No doubt, some of these and other input on participation and facilitation will emerge in future workshops with you.
Annual Survey
Thanks to those to responded to the original call for participation in the July newsletter, and also to those who went online to complete it after my second email. We now have nearly 130 replies, which is equal to last year. No doubt the activist 'red' thinkers amongst you will feel the need to beat that. Be my guest - the survey can be found at (link withheld). The survey will close on September 6th.
Home Straight Community
The Home Straight Blog now has 53 contributors. It would be great to see more of you there, sharing your pain as well as your success stories, and if you are one of those beyond your scheduled Dissertation Due date with no dissertation done, email me and I will invite you to the blog.
I know that the latter part of the MBA can often seem to go by in a haze. You need to keep in mind where you are, how much registration time you have left, whether your contact details with Henley are up-to-date, and what sort of study plan you can present if you need to request a period of re-registration. If you need advice on any of this process, you can write either to your course administrator or to Amy Ward.
For Community members, please note that the next event will be at the College on Sunday November 4th, starting with a buffet lunch. Full details will be provided to you by the Home Straight guardians, Richard Lacey and Mike Green. Richard notes that "there has been a 17% increase in the number of programme members we have “engaged” in the Home Straight community, up to 161 from 138 last month. We are actively supporting and encouraging this group."
Part of my role will be to write this month to those of you who have not engaged with the Home Straight Community or who have fallen behind and are now out of normal registration.
Leadership Research opportunity
There's also an opportunity to take part in a piece of leadership research. Mike Green, who you may also know as a Personal Tutor and Business Transformation e-tutor, is conducting some research on the leadership roles managers need to step into during times of change. He'd really like you to help him by completing a 20 minute questionnaire on your experiences of leaders and managing change. Please email him on mike.green@henleymc.ac.uk.
Mike believes you'll also receive an executive summary of the research.
From the IT Department
Fortuitous timing of an email from HelpDesk means that I can tell you:
Due to essential maintenance, there will be no access to the eVision Portal (eAssignments Submissions) on 5th September 2007 from 09.30 to 16 :30 BST
Due to an essential upgrade, the public website, eLearning and eLibrary will be unavailable for periods of time on Friday 7th September 2007 from 09.30 to 16 :30 BST.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Comings and Goings
I don't usually feature news on people arriving or leaving the College, but wanted to pay tribute to Alison Gale, our Registrar and College Secretary, who will be leaving us at the end of the month. Alison has been with Henley for 11 rock-solid years and is one of those people you rarely meet as a programme member, but whose integrity, thoroughness and calm head is what allows the rest of us to do our job.
How did you sell the MBA to your employer?
We are often asked by potential members for ways to present the MBA to their organisation, especially if sponsorship is being sought. In conversation with Chris Parker, Director of Business Development, I began to wonder whether our 'usual suspect' answers tell the whole story. So I'd like to ask those of you who needed to persuade, sell or demonstrate the value of the distance learning MBA to a boss or sponsor to share your experience with us. Let me know.
Next month we welcome new intakes form Denmark [DK02], Finland [FN02] and the UK [HB36] at Henley for their Starter Workshops. There's also a Dissertation Clinic on September 15th and if you would like to benefit from that, please email Susan Parr. September's e-newsletter will include full details of the Optional Skills workshop weekend in November on the 17th and 18th.
Chris Dalton
Programme Leader
Friday, August 24, 2007
Developing our faculties
I have not posted to this blog for quite a while. That's not for the want of things to say, just the weight of other things going on. Aside from holiday, August contained a number of workshops at Henley and I also took some time out to draft my application proposal to start my PhD. That's actually not yet complete, but it's almost there so I hope to post it off to Lancaster before the start of September.
One other interesting event was an internal three-day Faculty conference at the College at the start of August. It had been set up at the end of 2006, and there was pretty much a three-line whip to attend that was set by our then Academic Dean (knowing, no doubt, that you'd otherwise not herd faculty together in August any other way). Until he learnt better, our new Academic Dean, not cognisant of the call-up, was in awe of our enthusiasm and dedication when he saw the room full of academics!
The conference was very good. Amongst other things, we had two sessions led by external (US) academics; one on tools and techniques for encouraging participation in the classroom, the other on facilitation techniques. These were great for challenging our current thinking and seeding some new ideas. About two thirds of the way into the conference we suddenly changed track, and were presented with a task in teams to come up with a pitch to a client for some corporate work. The shift in emphasis from informal, languid, collegiate and bonding to more of the kind of task we like to set out MBAs when they come in to workshops caught me off-guard, but I'm glad to say that the subsequent interaction with my 'team' was very rewarding and turned out to be a continuation of the fun from the earlier sessions. Whether or not we produced professional pitches to the 'panel' from the client (which included our Principal), I don't know, but there was certainly a lot of fun and creativity that came out.
One other interesting event was an internal three-day Faculty conference at the College at the start of August. It had been set up at the end of 2006, and there was pretty much a three-line whip to attend that was set by our then Academic Dean (knowing, no doubt, that you'd otherwise not herd faculty together in August any other way). Until he learnt better, our new Academic Dean, not cognisant of the call-up, was in awe of our enthusiasm and dedication when he saw the room full of academics!
The conference was very good. Amongst other things, we had two sessions led by external (US) academics; one on tools and techniques for encouraging participation in the classroom, the other on facilitation techniques. These were great for challenging our current thinking and seeding some new ideas. About two thirds of the way into the conference we suddenly changed track, and were presented with a task in teams to come up with a pitch to a client for some corporate work. The shift in emphasis from informal, languid, collegiate and bonding to more of the kind of task we like to set out MBAs when they come in to workshops caught me off-guard, but I'm glad to say that the subsequent interaction with my 'team' was very rewarding and turned out to be a continuation of the fun from the earlier sessions. Whether or not we produced professional pitches to the 'panel' from the client (which included our Principal), I don't know, but there was certainly a lot of fun and creativity that came out.
Monday, July 30, 2007
July e-newsletter
Dear all,
This month has been one of the wettest on record in the United Kingdom. At Henley we've seen the river Thames swell and accelerate past the College, though not burst its banks, and we've been deluged by news stories about flooded middle-England streets, disrupted public services and ruined crops from reporters standing in rubber Wellington boots. Even though it is the media silly season, and one might expect to see more coverage of items which at other times be lesser stories (sacred bulls with tuberculosis, wealthy heiresses having epiphanies in prison, the BBC fixing phone-in competitions), the impact of so much unusual weather is all everyone has been talking about.
There's something in human nature that tends to assume that conditions experienced where I am must be the same everywhere else. Of course, this is not so. Other parts of Europe are suffering from opposite extremes of heatwaves, and some parts of the world, perhaps your own, have their own very dramatic stories to tell. Whether temporary climate glitch or sure sign of tipping point reached, it is interesting how easy it is becoming to reach out to a global community such as Henley's, and note how that may be a hopeful sign that we can both educate ourselves and then act to deal with change.
Annual Survey 2007
Two surveys in this newsletter. First, it's time to exhort you to participate in the annual survey of distance learning Programme Members. Many of you will recall that last August's questionnaire could be filled out online. Longer memories may also recall that there was a new format and new questions, which we have retained for this year and which will make possible a direct comparison of results to check progress.
Go there now (you can't go there from this blog, of course)!! Or, if you can't, then try to do it within the next 48 hours, otherwise it will disappear under the weight of other emails and things to do. A note to those reading this who are studying with Henley via the International Network - this is primarily aimed at Henley-Based members and your local provider may well be collecting feedback their own way. However, if you still feel like filling it in, please go ahead.
I will place a reminder to complete this in the August newsletter and then post analysis of the results in late September.
Second Survey - Market Research
Ruth Parkinson from our Market Development Team has asked me to highlight the following:
"We are in the process of gathering information about our current programme members. This information will be used to inform our future marketing communications plan. We are interested in:
· What specifically attracted you to Henley as opposed to another MBA supplier.
· What media do you refer to in your social and business life.
I would be extremely grateful if you could complete the following questionnaire online by Tuesday 31 July. It should take a maximum of 10 minutes.
(link not supplied)
LinkedIn
The other week I went to an internal meeting to discuss the merits of using LinkedIn and whether or not the College should create its own user group of current and past MBA programme members. This turned out to be a no-brainer, and a rare occasion at Henley where everyone agreed and a meeting finished early. However, LinkedIn have temporarily pulled the facility for new groups. As soon as they have up-graded, they will let us know and we will be going about piloting this. For those of you who are not familiar with it, Linkedin is a social networking tool (ah, yes, Web 2.0!) which has particularly taken off in Europe among 35 to 45 year olds. It's doubtful your teenage children, nephews or nieces will have heard of it, so your chance to show off your Internet skills.
Home Straight Community
News from Richard Lacey and Mike Green, who are running this community of busy people who are beyond their dissertation due date is that there are currently 276 members, exactly half of which been in touch with them one way or another. The Home Straight Community Blog now has 47 contributors. It's very interesting to read the posts, one of which take me (painfully) back to my time at the end of the Henley MBA:
"Feeling really like the end is in sight, have decided that, hell or high water, I'm submitting in Oct and getting this out of the way. My commitment to a good mark has been overshadowed by the thought of just getting it done."
One date for your Community diaries will be Sunday November 4th, the next time the Community holds a gathering at the College. We will start with a lunch and Richard and Mike will organise an afternoon of motivation for weary learners.
This is particularly important for any of you who are coming to the end of your normal or first period of re-registration and haven't yet got round to arranging for further time or submission before your time is up!
Next Dissertation Clinic
A little earlier than that, another reminder that the next Dissertation Clinic will be on September 15th. Contact Susan Parr on for details.
A further date in your diaries is the 2007 optional Skills Workshop weekend, to be held on November 17th and 18th. More details in the August newsletter.
Free Coaching Sessions
In the past I have highlighted the fact that Henley runs an extremely successful Coaching Certificate course. As part of their programme, participants run two real coaching sessions with volunteers. These are usually 60-90 minutes long, are confidential and can be on any topic on your mind. If you would like to take advantage of this, please email Sharon Hickman on for further details and dates.
Intake HB26
The recent awful weather may have been a factor in an up-take to attend a dinner that ended up being too low to go ahead with. We plan to re-schedule this event for this intake later in the year. Don't worry if you have already submitted final dissertation, or if you have yet to submit a proposal - this will be a valuable get-together for you all. Details to follow from Charlotte.
Finally, as always, a reminder that the best source of new programme members for Henley is via referral, and the best way for you to protect your own investment is by recommending this programme to people just like you. The next Henley-based intake will start studying at the end of September, so if you have anyone in mind that you think would benefit, please let me know and I will pass on their details to our marketing team.
This month has been one of the wettest on record in the United Kingdom. At Henley we've seen the river Thames swell and accelerate past the College, though not burst its banks, and we've been deluged by news stories about flooded middle-England streets, disrupted public services and ruined crops from reporters standing in rubber Wellington boots. Even though it is the media silly season, and one might expect to see more coverage of items which at other times be lesser stories (sacred bulls with tuberculosis, wealthy heiresses having epiphanies in prison, the BBC fixing phone-in competitions), the impact of so much unusual weather is all everyone has been talking about.
There's something in human nature that tends to assume that conditions experienced where I am must be the same everywhere else. Of course, this is not so. Other parts of Europe are suffering from opposite extremes of heatwaves, and some parts of the world, perhaps your own, have their own very dramatic stories to tell. Whether temporary climate glitch or sure sign of tipping point reached, it is interesting how easy it is becoming to reach out to a global community such as Henley's, and note how that may be a hopeful sign that we can both educate ourselves and then act to deal with change.
Annual Survey 2007
Two surveys in this newsletter. First, it's time to exhort you to participate in the annual survey of distance learning Programme Members. Many of you will recall that last August's questionnaire could be filled out online. Longer memories may also recall that there was a new format and new questions, which we have retained for this year and which will make possible a direct comparison of results to check progress.
Go there now (you can't go there from this blog, of course)!! Or, if you can't, then try to do it within the next 48 hours, otherwise it will disappear under the weight of other emails and things to do. A note to those reading this who are studying with Henley via the International Network - this is primarily aimed at Henley-Based members and your local provider may well be collecting feedback their own way. However, if you still feel like filling it in, please go ahead.
I will place a reminder to complete this in the August newsletter and then post analysis of the results in late September.
Second Survey - Market Research
Ruth Parkinson from our Market Development Team has asked me to highlight the following:
"We are in the process of gathering information about our current programme members. This information will be used to inform our future marketing communications plan. We are interested in:
· What specifically attracted you to Henley as opposed to another MBA supplier.
· What media do you refer to in your social and business life.
I would be extremely grateful if you could complete the following questionnaire online by Tuesday 31 July. It should take a maximum of 10 minutes.
(link not supplied)
The other week I went to an internal meeting to discuss the merits of using LinkedIn and whether or not the College should create its own user group of current and past MBA programme members. This turned out to be a no-brainer, and a rare occasion at Henley where everyone agreed and a meeting finished early. However, LinkedIn have temporarily pulled the facility for new groups. As soon as they have up-graded, they will let us know and we will be going about piloting this. For those of you who are not familiar with it, Linkedin is a social networking tool (ah, yes, Web 2.0!) which has particularly taken off in Europe among 35 to 45 year olds. It's doubtful your teenage children, nephews or nieces will have heard of it, so your chance to show off your Internet skills.
Home Straight Community
News from Richard Lacey and Mike Green, who are running this community of busy people who are beyond their dissertation due date is that there are currently 276 members, exactly half of which been in touch with them one way or another. The Home Straight Community Blog now has 47 contributors. It's very interesting to read the posts, one of which take me (painfully) back to my time at the end of the Henley MBA:
"Feeling really like the end is in sight, have decided that, hell or high water, I'm submitting in Oct and getting this out of the way. My commitment to a good mark has been overshadowed by the thought of just getting it done."
One date for your Community diaries will be Sunday November 4th, the next time the Community holds a gathering at the College. We will start with a lunch and Richard and Mike will organise an afternoon of motivation for weary learners.
This is particularly important for any of you who are coming to the end of your normal or first period of re-registration and haven't yet got round to arranging for further time or submission before your time is up!
Next Dissertation Clinic
A little earlier than that, another reminder that the next Dissertation Clinic will be on September 15th. Contact Susan Parr on for details.
A further date in your diaries is the 2007 optional Skills Workshop weekend, to be held on November 17th and 18th. More details in the August newsletter.
Free Coaching Sessions
In the past I have highlighted the fact that Henley runs an extremely successful Coaching Certificate course. As part of their programme, participants run two real coaching sessions with volunteers. These are usually 60-90 minutes long, are confidential and can be on any topic on your mind. If you would like to take advantage of this, please email Sharon Hickman on for further details and dates.
Intake HB26
The recent awful weather may have been a factor in an up-take to attend a dinner that ended up being too low to go ahead with. We plan to re-schedule this event for this intake later in the year. Don't worry if you have already submitted final dissertation, or if you have yet to submit a proposal - this will be a valuable get-together for you all. Details to follow from Charlotte.
Finally, as always, a reminder that the best source of new programme members for Henley is via referral, and the best way for you to protect your own investment is by recommending this programme to people just like you. The next Henley-based intake will start studying at the end of September, so if you have anyone in mind that you think would benefit, please let me know and I will pass on their details to our marketing team.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Grim Outlook as Lightning Strikes and the Waters Rise
Friday was a weird day the College, as it must have been for many people in the south of England. Torrential, persistent, cats-and-dogmatic floods of rain came down for most of the day as some anti-cyclone span relentlessly overhead. The roads, lanes and paths in the Thames Valley around the College took on more the look of the Thames than the valley and, for once, it felt much better being on the inside looking out.
At approximately one in the afternoon a huge flash of intermittent lightning brought the whole College to a halt as our power went off. When it came back on the surge, coupled with a separate hardware problem, seemed to have knocked out our email system sideways like a punch-drunk boxer.
It's always fascinating to watch what happens when the email is down. It reminds me of the scene at the end of the film 'Battle of Britain' where the previously frenetically busy control room (the one with women in tin hats pushing numbers around a huge map of the south of England whilst being watched by Laurence Olivier) suddenly has nothing to do. Everyone just sits around. It's just too quiet.
Eventually people start to re-arrange their desks, clear their papers, some even picked up the phone in lieu of an email. Henley being Henley, a great many other people headed off for a cup of tea, which seemed to re-ignite the lost art of Conversation (and invited in its poor cousin, Gossip). I found myself transferring the file I was working on for my boss to a USB memory stick and actually taking it there myself!
Such a period of reflection usually results in us all realising that about 80% of what we do sat at our desks on email is, if not a complete waste of time, then still perhaps not the best use of our time. The trouble is the remaining 20% which we do actually rely on electronic means to get done.
At approximately one in the afternoon a huge flash of intermittent lightning brought the whole College to a halt as our power went off. When it came back on the surge, coupled with a separate hardware problem, seemed to have knocked out our email system sideways like a punch-drunk boxer.
It's always fascinating to watch what happens when the email is down. It reminds me of the scene at the end of the film 'Battle of Britain' where the previously frenetically busy control room (the one with women in tin hats pushing numbers around a huge map of the south of England whilst being watched by Laurence Olivier) suddenly has nothing to do. Everyone just sits around. It's just too quiet.
Eventually people start to re-arrange their desks, clear their papers, some even picked up the phone in lieu of an email. Henley being Henley, a great many other people headed off for a cup of tea, which seemed to re-ignite the lost art of Conversation (and invited in its poor cousin, Gossip). I found myself transferring the file I was working on for my boss to a USB memory stick and actually taking it there myself!
Such a period of reflection usually results in us all realising that about 80% of what we do sat at our desks on email is, if not a complete waste of time, then still perhaps not the best use of our time. The trouble is the remaining 20% which we do actually rely on electronic means to get done.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
e-Newsletter for June
Dear all,
Many years ago I used to enjoy listening to the live football commentary on the radio on Saturday afternoons. I can recall that at a certain point during the early part of the second half the commentator would always say "welcome to listeners on the World Service". This didn't really mean anything to me until I myself went left the UK to work abroad in 1987. Behind the Iron Curtain, with no access to the Internet (of course) and speaking none of the language of my new country, I used to rely on the BBC World Service to connect with home; music from John Peel plus the Saturday sports commentary. Thus I became one of those listeners welcomed from outside for the last part of the game. This helped me realise the importance of reaching out, and being reached out to, in order to belong. Getting the same message as everyone else kept me in touch in many different ways, and helped me through the transition from blinkered Brit to wide-eyed European (or so I like to think).
So, it is at this point that I'd now like to welcome to this newsletter for the first time College members from the Henley worldwide Associate Network who have started their MBA this year, including locations where the Henley Distance Learning MBA is offered around Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and New Zealand.
Each month in these emails, my aim is partly to look back to try and inform everyone of some of the things that have been going on at the College, and partly look forward to what is coming up. In so doing, I also reflect on where we are and who we are. As such, it tends to be a little personal and informal, so bear with me...
As always, this newsletter will be re-posted to my Blog. I'm still looking to link this blog to anyone else's, so if you are keeping one, please let me know.
New Intakes
This month has been as hectic as any other. We welcomed our latest Henley-based intake, HB35, for their first workshop and hosted Intake 28 for their final one, covering the Dissertation. The Henley MBA is changing, but what remains the same is the fact that it is in almost all cases a giant self-development step, and viewing two intakes at opposite ends of the schedule just reinforced that.
Home Straight Community up-date
Richard Lacey and Mike Green report more success stories in the Home Straight, with several of you now at dissertation submission or beyond, and many others feeling more energised and better informed about how to tackle the final stages of the MBA when the schedule seems to have left you in the lurch.
The private community blog now has 43 contributors, and if you are in Intake 26 or below and looking for support or solace, please contact me for an invitation to the Blog, or either Richard Lacey or Mike Green for further info.
Survey thanks
In last month's e-newsletter I asked for volunteers to assist with a conjoint analysis research project. Thanks to those of you that did. Early results from Henley enrolled participants show that a] accreditation, b] active career and personal development, and c] a blend of workshop, teamwork and online are what you look for in your MBA. The next step will be to widen the research to include people like you who have not yet started their MBA, or are studying somewhere else.
There was a second survey on your view of the Henley Reputation, which is also still ongoing. If you'd like to participate, the link to click is (only via email).
Next month I will be announcing the launch of the Henley DL MBA Annual Survey, my annual feedback fest on all aspects of your programme.
Completion Rates
'Lies, damned lies and Statistics' is a quote ascribed to Benjamin Disraeli and often used to express frustration at the way numbers are used, abused and misused to make a point. Within Distance Learning, some other schools are somewhat 'economical with the truth' about their progression and completion statistics (sometimes quite understandably, I suspect).
My view is that our job is to present a realistic picture. This is, after all, the most demanding way to get a most demanding degree at the most demanding time of your lives, so our job is first to acknowledge this and second put in place as many mechanisms to help you keep on track as possible. That's why, for instance, you go through this MBA as part of a Learning Team in an Intake, and why you have a Personal Tutor.
I thought I'd share with you some completion data for some of the older Henley-based MBA Intakes. Bear in mind that it can (in practice as well as theory) take up to six years to graduate, so these will be figures for intakes that may have started studying in the late 1990s...
[Data restricted, as this is a public blog].
The positive message here is that the improvement in progression and completion we wanted to see with the advent and intervention of the Personal Tutors is beginning to show itself. We hope that the dedicated forum created with the Henley Home Straight will prevent more people from 'falling off the edge' at the end of the MBA. Add to this the excellent facilities available in the Henley dissertation database and e-Library, and there is no reason why you should not have the support you need up to proposal submission.
Phil Vokins' charity everything-athon
Since it was also mentioned last month, a quick up-date on Phil's exploits to raise 4,000 GBP the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. Phil is already over half way to his target after only one event. Well done to him and hopefully an inspiration to others in the Henley community?
To find out more, and to donate, visit his web page at www.justgiving.com/phils2007events. If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid can be added to your donation with tax relief at no cost to you.
Linkedin
Many of you will already be aware, to varying degrees, of this networking site. Several people have been asking whether Henley would consider setting up an MBA group on Linkedin and I can confirm that we are looking into doing this. I hope to have more information by next month's newsletter.
Henley Members' Day - July 7th
For those you who will be in the UK and who would prefer to avoid sitting in front of the TV or completing an assignment, another quick reminder of Henley Members Day, where you and your family may enjoy the grounds, bring a picnic, eat strawberries and cream and take in the Regatta Week atmosphere. Full details can be found on the Henley web site at http://www.henleymc.ac.uk/henleymc03.nsf/pages/alumni_events
Let's hope that the recent rainy weather stays away that day.
The MBA in 6 words
I received a number of replies to this request. Here are the best:
R Revamp
E Earnings
W With
A Arduously
R Researched
D Dissertation
(Steven Hallissey)
**************************************************
"A strong sense of personal triumph"
(Simon Greathead)
*************************************************
-challenging
-great networking
-teamwork
-immensely rewarding
(anon)
************************************************
"What will I do with this?"
(Dave Cox)
Chris Dalton
DL MBA Programme Leader
Many years ago I used to enjoy listening to the live football commentary on the radio on Saturday afternoons. I can recall that at a certain point during the early part of the second half the commentator would always say "welcome to listeners on the World Service". This didn't really mean anything to me until I myself went left the UK to work abroad in 1987. Behind the Iron Curtain, with no access to the Internet (of course) and speaking none of the language of my new country, I used to rely on the BBC World Service to connect with home; music from John Peel plus the Saturday sports commentary. Thus I became one of those listeners welcomed from outside for the last part of the game. This helped me realise the importance of reaching out, and being reached out to, in order to belong. Getting the same message as everyone else kept me in touch in many different ways, and helped me through the transition from blinkered Brit to wide-eyed European (or so I like to think).
So, it is at this point that I'd now like to welcome to this newsletter for the first time College members from the Henley worldwide Associate Network who have started their MBA this year, including locations where the Henley Distance Learning MBA is offered around Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and New Zealand.
Each month in these emails, my aim is partly to look back to try and inform everyone of some of the things that have been going on at the College, and partly look forward to what is coming up. In so doing, I also reflect on where we are and who we are. As such, it tends to be a little personal and informal, so bear with me...
As always, this newsletter will be re-posted to my Blog. I'm still looking to link this blog to anyone else's, so if you are keeping one, please let me know.
New Intakes
This month has been as hectic as any other. We welcomed our latest Henley-based intake, HB35, for their first workshop and hosted Intake 28 for their final one, covering the Dissertation. The Henley MBA is changing, but what remains the same is the fact that it is in almost all cases a giant self-development step, and viewing two intakes at opposite ends of the schedule just reinforced that.
Home Straight Community up-date
Richard Lacey and Mike Green report more success stories in the Home Straight, with several of you now at dissertation submission or beyond, and many others feeling more energised and better informed about how to tackle the final stages of the MBA when the schedule seems to have left you in the lurch.
The private community blog now has 43 contributors, and if you are in Intake 26 or below and looking for support or solace, please contact me for an invitation to the Blog, or either Richard Lacey or Mike Green for further info.
Survey thanks
In last month's e-newsletter I asked for volunteers to assist with a conjoint analysis research project. Thanks to those of you that did. Early results from Henley enrolled participants show that a] accreditation, b] active career and personal development, and c] a blend of workshop, teamwork and online are what you look for in your MBA. The next step will be to widen the research to include people like you who have not yet started their MBA, or are studying somewhere else.
There was a second survey on your view of the Henley Reputation, which is also still ongoing. If you'd like to participate, the link to click is (only via email).
Next month I will be announcing the launch of the Henley DL MBA Annual Survey, my annual feedback fest on all aspects of your programme.
Completion Rates
'Lies, damned lies and Statistics' is a quote ascribed to Benjamin Disraeli and often used to express frustration at the way numbers are used, abused and misused to make a point. Within Distance Learning, some other schools are somewhat 'economical with the truth' about their progression and completion statistics (sometimes quite understandably, I suspect).
My view is that our job is to present a realistic picture. This is, after all, the most demanding way to get a most demanding degree at the most demanding time of your lives, so our job is first to acknowledge this and second put in place as many mechanisms to help you keep on track as possible. That's why, for instance, you go through this MBA as part of a Learning Team in an Intake, and why you have a Personal Tutor.
I thought I'd share with you some completion data for some of the older Henley-based MBA Intakes. Bear in mind that it can (in practice as well as theory) take up to six years to graduate, so these will be figures for intakes that may have started studying in the late 1990s...
[Data restricted, as this is a public blog].
The positive message here is that the improvement in progression and completion we wanted to see with the advent and intervention of the Personal Tutors is beginning to show itself. We hope that the dedicated forum created with the Henley Home Straight will prevent more people from 'falling off the edge' at the end of the MBA. Add to this the excellent facilities available in the Henley dissertation database and e-Library, and there is no reason why you should not have the support you need up to proposal submission.
Phil Vokins' charity everything-athon
Since it was also mentioned last month, a quick up-date on Phil's exploits to raise 4,000 GBP the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign. Phil is already over half way to his target after only one event. Well done to him and hopefully an inspiration to others in the Henley community?
To find out more, and to donate, visit his web page at www.justgiving.com/phils2007events. If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid can be added to your donation with tax relief at no cost to you.
Many of you will already be aware, to varying degrees, of this networking site. Several people have been asking whether Henley would consider setting up an MBA group on Linkedin and I can confirm that we are looking into doing this. I hope to have more information by next month's newsletter.
Henley Members' Day - July 7th
For those you who will be in the UK and who would prefer to avoid sitting in front of the TV or completing an assignment, another quick reminder of Henley Members Day, where you and your family may enjoy the grounds, bring a picnic, eat strawberries and cream and take in the Regatta Week atmosphere. Full details can be found on the Henley web site at http://www.henleymc.ac.uk/henleymc03.nsf/pages/alumni_events
Let's hope that the recent rainy weather stays away that day.
The MBA in 6 words
I received a number of replies to this request. Here are the best:
R Revamp
E Earnings
W With
A Arduously
R Researched
D Dissertation
(Steven Hallissey)
**************************************************
"A strong sense of personal triumph"
(Simon Greathead)
*************************************************
-challenging
-great networking
-teamwork
-immensely rewarding
(anon)
************************************************
"What will I do with this?"
(Dave Cox)
Chris Dalton
DL MBA Programme Leader
Hug a tree today!
Although I occasionally love to insert the witty, humorous or quirky sayings of others in my communication, I've always mistrusted the use of quotations for enlightenment because it's difficult to avoid coming across as either too folksy, too esoteric, or simply just 'kitsch' or corny.
Nevertheless, there was one thing I found in a book called 'Everyday Tao', by Deng Ming-Dao, which has been playing itself around and around somewhere in my head for a few months now. This book is quite simple, short explanations of the origins and meanings of a number of Taoist principles and characters. The one which I liked particularly was "Pair". I won't quote the book; the idea within that interested me was the notion that opposites are pairs and that the one gives the other its meaning to us. I think this is really true and has been helpful in understanding the concept of paradox, in which two otherwise independent and workable notions are given a new, seemingly unworkable, meaning by being placed next to each other.
Then, just as I was about to leave it at that, I found the following quotation attributed to Deng Ming-Dao, and couldn't quite leave it where I found it:
" A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows towards it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great ... Absorb, absorb, absorb. That is the secret of the tree."
After so many experiential team building courses spent in exploring management metaphors in woodland, and after hearing on Radio 4 this morning about a campaign to identify and protect Britain's remaining ancient trees, I decided to risk it.
Nevertheless, there was one thing I found in a book called 'Everyday Tao', by Deng Ming-Dao, which has been playing itself around and around somewhere in my head for a few months now. This book is quite simple, short explanations of the origins and meanings of a number of Taoist principles and characters. The one which I liked particularly was "Pair". I won't quote the book; the idea within that interested me was the notion that opposites are pairs and that the one gives the other its meaning to us. I think this is really true and has been helpful in understanding the concept of paradox, in which two otherwise independent and workable notions are given a new, seemingly unworkable, meaning by being placed next to each other.
Then, just as I was about to leave it at that, I found the following quotation attributed to Deng Ming-Dao, and couldn't quite leave it where I found it:
" A tree uses what comes its way to nurture itself. By sinking its roots deeply into the earth, by accepting the rain that flows towards it, by reaching out to the sun, the tree perfects its character and becomes great ... Absorb, absorb, absorb. That is the secret of the tree."
After so many experiential team building courses spent in exploring management metaphors in woodland, and after hearing on Radio 4 this morning about a campaign to identify and protect Britain's remaining ancient trees, I decided to risk it.
Monday, June 25, 2007
The Dilemma of (un)sustainable growth
There is a lot being said (which, cynically and ironically, one might simply describe as a lot of hot air) about global warming. Yet somehow, although it is on the minds of many individuals here at the College, I'm not sure it has manifested itself with equal force in too many of the courses and programmes we run.
Something I heard on the radio this weekend started a thought in me about this. Our current situation, and ever more evident consequences upon our environment, is as a direct result of not just decades but arguably several centuries of commerce, trade and consumption. The fifty or sixty years of steady growth in wealth (for many), improvements in health (for some) is at the expense not only a great many more people, but also of a finite set of resources. We cannot go on growing forever and while a sustainable model for development might emerge with some political force in the coming years in the developed world, there seems to be almost nothing that can be done to prevent the rapidly developing economies of Asia, South America and the Indian sub-continent doing exactly what Japan, the US and most of Europe has done.
At Henley we have started to look at management as a series of challenges in complexity, especially at the strategic level. But it seems to me that the biggest dilemma of them all will be that in order to achieve (or simply maintain) our comfortable, technologically advanced and (let's be honest) luxurious way of life we must do so at the expense not only of millions of others but also at the cost of the ecological balance that we once lived in symbiosis with (in fact, we were its product). I am an optimist. I truly believe that we will discover ways of tackling this - at least in theory. In practice, this new regard for sustainability will become the only management philosophy worth following.
Something I heard on the radio this weekend started a thought in me about this. Our current situation, and ever more evident consequences upon our environment, is as a direct result of not just decades but arguably several centuries of commerce, trade and consumption. The fifty or sixty years of steady growth in wealth (for many), improvements in health (for some) is at the expense not only a great many more people, but also of a finite set of resources. We cannot go on growing forever and while a sustainable model for development might emerge with some political force in the coming years in the developed world, there seems to be almost nothing that can be done to prevent the rapidly developing economies of Asia, South America and the Indian sub-continent doing exactly what Japan, the US and most of Europe has done.
At Henley we have started to look at management as a series of challenges in complexity, especially at the strategic level. But it seems to me that the biggest dilemma of them all will be that in order to achieve (or simply maintain) our comfortable, technologically advanced and (let's be honest) luxurious way of life we must do so at the expense not only of millions of others but also at the cost of the ecological balance that we once lived in symbiosis with (in fact, we were its product). I am an optimist. I truly believe that we will discover ways of tackling this - at least in theory. In practice, this new regard for sustainability will become the only management philosophy worth following.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Pilates (not of the Caribbean)
As a trainer I have never felt more alive than when running (sometimes literally if I was with a group that was late, or lost) outdoor team building events in the countryside. Not only is there something inherently 'natural' about using all the many levels of metaphor to be found in our surroundings in personal and organisational development, it was a great way to make the connection between mind and body.
Because often the work at Henley is quite desk-bound - more than is good for the body (or the mind!), I have started to change my habits. Last Monday I went along for my first pilates class in Oxford, which is a series of carefully arranged floor movements, stretches and exercises designed to increase flexibility and build up your 'core' muscles (the ones middle-aged men like me often ignore in favour of hunched shoulders).
No doubt there is a world of pilates-geeks, in-jokes and folk-lore now to discover. Thankfully, I am now old enough not to really care that I am the least flexible person in the room (for now...!).
Because often the work at Henley is quite desk-bound - more than is good for the body (or the mind!), I have started to change my habits. Last Monday I went along for my first pilates class in Oxford, which is a series of carefully arranged floor movements, stretches and exercises designed to increase flexibility and build up your 'core' muscles (the ones middle-aged men like me often ignore in favour of hunched shoulders).
No doubt there is a world of pilates-geeks, in-jokes and folk-lore now to discover. Thankfully, I am now old enough not to really care that I am the least flexible person in the room (for now...!).
Monday, June 11, 2007
Rummaging around in the references
I confess! I am now preparing a proposal to undertake a PhD.
I imagine that this, in educational terms, will compare to my MBA Dissertation rather in the same way that the Hobbit compares to the Lord of the Rings.
What I sense lies before me is the dubious honour of sacrificing every free moment for the next four to six years in the selfish pursuit of, first, a thorough background understanding in, then the pinpoint investigation of and finally the worldly-wise formation of noble yet unfinished conclusions around my given topic. And all written and spoken about in a way that must please minds so well-trained in viewing the world with rigour that in so pleasing them, my own mind must itself become changed and enlarged.
Ah yes, I am in this for an enlarged mind!
On the few occasions I have spoken with people about this, the first question asked is generally "a PhD on what"? It's at this point I can report I become uncustomarily tongue-tied and inarticulate. I usually blurt out something about management learning, but it feels like a paradox - the problem is that the more you look at the beginning, the more you see, and the more you see, the less you feel able to focus, so the further away you feel you are becoming from answering the 'on what' question.
But I am told this is normal, and the feeling on confusion will pass and be replaced by others, such as 'overwhelmed', 'intrigued', 'engaged' (if you're lucky), 'frustrated' and 'sick of the whole damn thing'. Can't wait.
Anyway, my topic (as worded in my head today) looks something like this -
Already I can report progress in my learning. I have learnt that you don't have to read every word of every academic paper! In fact, you are stupid to do so. There will be some that you will read until you know them word-for-word and be glad that you do , and others that you will you know that well but wish hard that you didn't. But mostly you become a very discerning raider of the lost references, picking through the papers cited to pick out the gems and the links. I am likening it to the newspaper journalist who goes through the litter bins of the subject of their story to look for clues.
I imagine that this, in educational terms, will compare to my MBA Dissertation rather in the same way that the Hobbit compares to the Lord of the Rings.
What I sense lies before me is the dubious honour of sacrificing every free moment for the next four to six years in the selfish pursuit of, first, a thorough background understanding in, then the pinpoint investigation of and finally the worldly-wise formation of noble yet unfinished conclusions around my given topic. And all written and spoken about in a way that must please minds so well-trained in viewing the world with rigour that in so pleasing them, my own mind must itself become changed and enlarged.
Ah yes, I am in this for an enlarged mind!
On the few occasions I have spoken with people about this, the first question asked is generally "a PhD on what"? It's at this point I can report I become uncustomarily tongue-tied and inarticulate. I usually blurt out something about management learning, but it feels like a paradox - the problem is that the more you look at the beginning, the more you see, and the more you see, the less you feel able to focus, so the further away you feel you are becoming from answering the 'on what' question.
But I am told this is normal, and the feeling on confusion will pass and be replaced by others, such as 'overwhelmed', 'intrigued', 'engaged' (if you're lucky), 'frustrated' and 'sick of the whole damn thing'. Can't wait.
Anyway, my topic (as worded in my head today) looks something like this -
'Creative Interventions in the development of cognitive capacities for strategic decision making in managers'There, I've said it!
Already I can report progress in my learning. I have learnt that you don't have to read every word of every academic paper! In fact, you are stupid to do so. There will be some that you will read until you know them word-for-word and be glad that you do , and others that you will you know that well but wish hard that you didn't. But mostly you become a very discerning raider of the lost references, picking through the papers cited to pick out the gems and the links. I am likening it to the newspaper journalist who goes through the litter bins of the subject of their story to look for clues.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Thursday, May 31, 2007
e-Newsletter for May
Dear all,
The poet Robert Frost is attributed as saying "By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day." It does sometimes seem that the one thing you can be sure of at the start of the MBA programme at Henley is that your life is about to get busier, not quieter. For all sorts of reasons.Yet we ask you in the midst of all that speed not only to work hard to a regime of deadlines and schedules, but also to pause and reflect. How do you manage that? I suspect there are a lot of ways one could, and very few that one actually does. Nevertheless, I hope that you will take a few moments now to read through this newsletter and, if any part of it suggests something, some thought personal to you, take another moment to note it down.
My Zen moment over, here is this month's:
Graduation
Twice a year, a few days before the event, large lorries arrive at the College and begin to unload all the bits and pieces needed to assemble a large and very sturdy marquee on the lawn. Like the flow of the Thames, this is part of the reassuring rhythm of Henley and the ceremonies (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) are good reminders of what Henley stands for. You may be learning at a distance, but it is important to find and celebrate those moments along the way that are tangible and that connect you to the real purpose of all that hard work.
After the announcements and handshakes, an extra prize for outstanding work during the MBA is also presented. This year, I am delighted to be able to tell you that there were two prize-winners, and they were both recipients of the DL MBA. Congratulations to Maria Whipple-Trautmann and Ranjit Balaram.
Home Straight Community up-date
So, with the thought of graduation fresh in your mind, it seems appropriate to up-date you on the Henley Home Straight Community. You will recall that this is a venture that groups all those at Part Three who are now beyond their Dissertation Due date. It is being guided by tutors Richard Lacey and Mike Green, and supported by Charlotte Ordish.
Richard and Mike report that the community theoretically now numbers 290 of you. In practice, 123 members are active, either via email and/or in attending the workshop and contributing to the Community blog. There are, in fact, now 38 contributors to the Blog, which complements Ken Bull's Dissertation discussion area on eLearning. The Blog is private, and you need to be invited in by me, so email if you would like to sign up. An quick audit of the 290 reveals a few people who may be out of normal registration time. We will be trying to follow up on this, but you can also be pro-active. The College allows you an additional 12 months of registration and, with Special Appeal, another 6-12 months to complete your dissertation. To kick-start this, contact your course administrator.
Board of examiners round-up
You will know by now that I like to provide some statistical feedback after the Board of Examiners meetings, which are held once a quarter. The main purpose is to give you a sense of proportion when it comes to judging how you are doing in relation to others on the MBA. Generally speaking, you worry too much that your own grades are not high enough. As you know, in life size is not all-important, it's what you do with it that counts! It's the same with assignment and exams.
So, at the April Board, we learnt that there in the previous quarter there had been 116 FoM assignments submitted, none had failed, and the average grade was B-. There were 211 Managing Information, three were fails, and an average mark of B. Managing People produced 179 assignments submitted, 5 of which failed, and the mean was B-. 205 members sat the Part One Exam, 13 failed and the average was C-.
At Part Two, the 210 Managing Marketing assignments averaged B-, and three failed. In Managing Financial Resources, there were 166 assignments, of which 1 was a fail. The average was B-. Managing Performance had 251 assignments, an average of B and no fails. The Part Two exam was sat by 101 members, plus another 5 project management MBAs. The average was C and there were 6 fails. Four of the five Project Management MBAs passed first time. There were a total of 8 Part Two exam re-sits, and everyone passed.
At Part Three, there 231 ISPs submitted. One failed. The average mark was B-. The exam was sat by 391 members (a larger than usual total) whose mean grade was C+. 16 members failed their part three exam in this quarter. 147 Dissertations were marked, 7 failed. The average was B.
Looking for an ISP Project?
One of the client directors at Henley has asked me to see if anyone is looking for an ISP subject. They have been approached by a manager in ESAB, an engineering company owned by Charter Plc, and they are interested in working with an MBA on a strategy project. The process would start now, with detailed information being provided from their business units, regions and functions on where they see the markets driving the business and functional aims for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. The MBA role is to support analysis of the data coming in (which will involve questioning/challenging) and also carrying out related analysis of competitor activity. This is an analytical role (rather than 'blue sky thinking strategist) and full time. Based in London, it could develop into permanent role or will consider 'contract' approach.
If this interests and suits you, please let me know.
Survey I: Reputation
Susan Rose and Carola Hillenbrand are conducting some research about perceptions of the Henley Brand. I have already asked a few intakes who were in College for workshops to participate (thanks!) and now Carola has created an online version. She has asked me to post the following:
" We need you!........ Your opinion counts! As part of an initiative led by the executive committee we are currently engaging in a survey about Henley's Reputation. The information we receive will be used to improve Henley's relationship with members and Alumni and to improve Henley's Reputation in the market. But to do this we need your help to fill in a questionnaire.This is an opportunity for you to share your opinions with us and for us to listen to you. The questionnaire is confidential and anonymous. Please click on the link below to fill in the questionnaire. Most importantly it should only take a few minutes of your time, so many thanks for your help.
Survey II - Conjoint Research
Richard McBain writes: "The College is seeking help in research that it is carrying out into the programme preferences of current and potential MBA students. It aims to identify the order of preference of characteristics of an MBA programme, such as the ability to tailor content, price, and international scope for example. This research will help Henley to continue to develop the MBA Programme further. Participation will take approximately 30 minutes and it will involve ranking a number of different possible programme alternatives and recording the choices. It can be completed anywhere and a briefing pack will be sent to participants by e-mail."If you would like to participate please contact me and I will pass this on to Richard. * Both these surveys will be a good way to develop your understanding of research methodology, something that at some point in the MBA you will need.
Sweet Charity
I suspect that a lot of you are involved in one way or another with projects aimed at raising funds for charities and other good causes. I wouldn't normally use the newsletter to try and drum up support for an individual member, but as it might inspire you either to support this cause, or work toward helping one of your own choosing, I would like to tell you about Phil Vokins (Intake 31) who is undertaking an extraordinary range of physical trials between now and November to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.
To find out more, and to donate, visit his web page at www.justgiving.com/phils2007events. If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid can be added to your donation with tax relief at no cost to you.
And all of that on top of a full-time job, family and MBA studies!
Download the Podcast - now!
Alas, this is not an instruction to download mine; I have yet to inflict my voice upon the world. Jonathan Salter, of Intake 33, has written to me to share his experience of subscribing via iTunes Store to some very useful MBA and business related podcasts. I would encourage some exploration of this. You may be looking for good additional content for your MBA, or you may need an audio component to while away the hours of travel you do. Either way, there are probably dozens of regular, topical and useful podcasts you can subscribe to.
iTunes is one way of doing this, but there are other 'aggregator' software packages and podcast directory web sites where you can search for, preview and then subscribe (i.e. your computer automatically searches for and downloads the new audio files as soon as they are published).
Dissertation Clinic - June 8th
A quick reminder that the next Dissertation Clinic will be held on Friday June 8th. Contact Marcia Doughty for details and booking. Speaking of bookings, Susan Parr has conscientiously reminded me to remind you to book early for your workshops generally. There is always a deadline given online, and the College cannot guarantee rooms after that.
Henley Members Day Saturday July 7th
Bouncy Castles! And lots of stuff to amuse your kids as well. The Henley Members Day opens the College up for you and your family to come along and spend some time to enjoy the grounds, bring a picnic, eat strawberries and cream and take in the Regatta Week atmosphere. Full details can be found on the Henley web site at http://www.henleymc.ac.uk/henleymc03.nsf/pages/alumni_events
Finally, the MBA in 6 words
With so many calls to participate and volunteer, this is my most interactive newsletter to date. For anyone with an extra few spare moments, here is an intellectual challenge: Ponder your progress on the Henley MBA so far - and then express your thoughts as 'The MBA in 6 words'. Email them to me and I will publish a selection in the June newsletter (anonymously, if you like).
Good luck to anyone sitting their exams in June.
The poet Robert Frost is attributed as saying "By working faithfully eight hours a day you may eventually get to be boss and work twelve hours a day." It does sometimes seem that the one thing you can be sure of at the start of the MBA programme at Henley is that your life is about to get busier, not quieter. For all sorts of reasons.Yet we ask you in the midst of all that speed not only to work hard to a regime of deadlines and schedules, but also to pause and reflect. How do you manage that? I suspect there are a lot of ways one could, and very few that one actually does. Nevertheless, I hope that you will take a few moments now to read through this newsletter and, if any part of it suggests something, some thought personal to you, take another moment to note it down.
My Zen moment over, here is this month's:
Graduation
Twice a year, a few days before the event, large lorries arrive at the College and begin to unload all the bits and pieces needed to assemble a large and very sturdy marquee on the lawn. Like the flow of the Thames, this is part of the reassuring rhythm of Henley and the ceremonies (one in the morning, one in the afternoon) are good reminders of what Henley stands for. You may be learning at a distance, but it is important to find and celebrate those moments along the way that are tangible and that connect you to the real purpose of all that hard work.
After the announcements and handshakes, an extra prize for outstanding work during the MBA is also presented. This year, I am delighted to be able to tell you that there were two prize-winners, and they were both recipients of the DL MBA. Congratulations to Maria Whipple-Trautmann and Ranjit Balaram.
Home Straight Community up-date
So, with the thought of graduation fresh in your mind, it seems appropriate to up-date you on the Henley Home Straight Community. You will recall that this is a venture that groups all those at Part Three who are now beyond their Dissertation Due date. It is being guided by tutors Richard Lacey and Mike Green, and supported by Charlotte Ordish.
Richard and Mike report that the community theoretically now numbers 290 of you. In practice, 123 members are active, either via email and/or in attending the workshop and contributing to the Community blog. There are, in fact, now 38 contributors to the Blog, which complements Ken Bull's Dissertation discussion area on eLearning. The Blog is private, and you need to be invited in by me, so email if you would like to sign up. An quick audit of the 290 reveals a few people who may be out of normal registration time. We will be trying to follow up on this, but you can also be pro-active. The College allows you an additional 12 months of registration and, with Special Appeal, another 6-12 months to complete your dissertation. To kick-start this, contact your course administrator.
Board of examiners round-up
You will know by now that I like to provide some statistical feedback after the Board of Examiners meetings, which are held once a quarter. The main purpose is to give you a sense of proportion when it comes to judging how you are doing in relation to others on the MBA. Generally speaking, you worry too much that your own grades are not high enough. As you know, in life size is not all-important, it's what you do with it that counts! It's the same with assignment and exams.
So, at the April Board, we learnt that there in the previous quarter there had been 116 FoM assignments submitted, none had failed, and the average grade was B-. There were 211 Managing Information, three were fails, and an average mark of B. Managing People produced 179 assignments submitted, 5 of which failed, and the mean was B-. 205 members sat the Part One Exam, 13 failed and the average was C-.
At Part Two, the 210 Managing Marketing assignments averaged B-, and three failed. In Managing Financial Resources, there were 166 assignments, of which 1 was a fail. The average was B-. Managing Performance had 251 assignments, an average of B and no fails. The Part Two exam was sat by 101 members, plus another 5 project management MBAs. The average was C and there were 6 fails. Four of the five Project Management MBAs passed first time. There were a total of 8 Part Two exam re-sits, and everyone passed.
At Part Three, there 231 ISPs submitted. One failed. The average mark was B-. The exam was sat by 391 members (a larger than usual total) whose mean grade was C+. 16 members failed their part three exam in this quarter. 147 Dissertations were marked, 7 failed. The average was B.
Looking for an ISP Project?
One of the client directors at Henley has asked me to see if anyone is looking for an ISP subject. They have been approached by a manager in ESAB, an engineering company owned by Charter Plc, and they are interested in working with an MBA on a strategy project. The process would start now, with detailed information being provided from their business units, regions and functions on where they see the markets driving the business and functional aims for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations. The MBA role is to support analysis of the data coming in (which will involve questioning/challenging) and also carrying out related analysis of competitor activity. This is an analytical role (rather than 'blue sky thinking strategist) and full time. Based in London, it could develop into permanent role or will consider 'contract' approach.
If this interests and suits you, please let me know.
Survey I: Reputation
Susan Rose and Carola Hillenbrand are conducting some research about perceptions of the Henley Brand. I have already asked a few intakes who were in College for workshops to participate (thanks!) and now Carola has created an online version. She has asked me to post the following:
" We need you!........ Your opinion counts! As part of an initiative led by the executive committee we are currently engaging in a survey about Henley's Reputation. The information we receive will be used to improve Henley's relationship with members and Alumni and to improve Henley's Reputation in the market. But to do this we need your help to fill in a questionnaire.This is an opportunity for you to share your opinions with us and for us to listen to you. The questionnaire is confidential and anonymous. Please click on the link below to fill in the questionnaire. Most importantly it should only take a few minutes of your time, so many thanks for your help.
Survey II - Conjoint Research
Richard McBain writes: "The College is seeking help in research that it is carrying out into the programme preferences of current and potential MBA students. It aims to identify the order of preference of characteristics of an MBA programme, such as the ability to tailor content, price, and international scope for example. This research will help Henley to continue to develop the MBA Programme further. Participation will take approximately 30 minutes and it will involve ranking a number of different possible programme alternatives and recording the choices. It can be completed anywhere and a briefing pack will be sent to participants by e-mail."If you would like to participate please contact me and I will pass this on to Richard. * Both these surveys will be a good way to develop your understanding of research methodology, something that at some point in the MBA you will need.
Sweet Charity
I suspect that a lot of you are involved in one way or another with projects aimed at raising funds for charities and other good causes. I wouldn't normally use the newsletter to try and drum up support for an individual member, but as it might inspire you either to support this cause, or work toward helping one of your own choosing, I would like to tell you about Phil Vokins (Intake 31) who is undertaking an extraordinary range of physical trials between now and November to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Campaign.
To find out more, and to donate, visit his web page at www.justgiving.com/phils2007events. If you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid can be added to your donation with tax relief at no cost to you.
And all of that on top of a full-time job, family and MBA studies!
Download the Podcast - now!
Alas, this is not an instruction to download mine; I have yet to inflict my voice upon the world. Jonathan Salter, of Intake 33, has written to me to share his experience of subscribing via iTunes Store to some very useful MBA and business related podcasts. I would encourage some exploration of this. You may be looking for good additional content for your MBA, or you may need an audio component to while away the hours of travel you do. Either way, there are probably dozens of regular, topical and useful podcasts you can subscribe to.
iTunes is one way of doing this, but there are other 'aggregator' software packages and podcast directory web sites where you can search for, preview and then subscribe (i.e. your computer automatically searches for and downloads the new audio files as soon as they are published).
Dissertation Clinic - June 8th
A quick reminder that the next Dissertation Clinic will be held on Friday June 8th. Contact Marcia Doughty for details and booking. Speaking of bookings, Susan Parr has conscientiously reminded me to remind you to book early for your workshops generally. There is always a deadline given online, and the College cannot guarantee rooms after that.
Henley Members Day Saturday July 7th
Bouncy Castles! And lots of stuff to amuse your kids as well. The Henley Members Day opens the College up for you and your family to come along and spend some time to enjoy the grounds, bring a picnic, eat strawberries and cream and take in the Regatta Week atmosphere. Full details can be found on the Henley web site at http://www.henleymc.ac.uk/henleymc03.nsf/pages/alumni_events
Finally, the MBA in 6 words
With so many calls to participate and volunteer, this is my most interactive newsletter to date. For anyone with an extra few spare moments, here is an intellectual challenge: Ponder your progress on the Henley MBA so far - and then express your thoughts as 'The MBA in 6 words'. Email them to me and I will publish a selection in the June newsletter (anonymously, if you like).
Good luck to anyone sitting their exams in June.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Learning Opportunities, the ones that never knock..?
When a person undertakes an MBA, there are several paradoxes of learning they must deal with.
The big one, no doubt, is the 'old' versus 'new' in adult learning. Unlike children or younger learners, managers come into the programme with a sophisticated knowledge base constructed around many very well established beliefs and strategies. They've had, in fact, years of experience. Since they are about to get going on a major piece of self development, there is often no real barrier to the idea of new ideas. However, if these new ideas require the old ones to change, it can be quite a painful process.
Another paradox is revolves around whether a programme member, the learner, gains more from achieving high marks, which validate their assessed input, or from low marks (or even failure), which usually generates longer and more considered feedback and reflection and sometimes even challenges them to re-think their thinking (double loop learning?). I can recall starting my MBA and feeling that not getting a good grade was a judgement on my capability. It was, but not in the way I thought at the time. What was really being tested was my capability to learn how to learn. I didn't get that until much later on!
These dilemmas sit in the same intellectual doctor's waiting room as the College's own paradox of a study programme where the customer is also the consumer; having come so far in their careers, and with them having paid so much money [and they just being so awfully busy] should we make it a easy ride for them or should we stubbornly stick to our guns and patiently wait for the realisation (which might never come, or might not come during the MBA) that the big thing you need to know about the MBA that its real opportunities lie not in plainly sailing through it - but rather in what you learn about yourself in the storms.
The big one, no doubt, is the 'old' versus 'new' in adult learning. Unlike children or younger learners, managers come into the programme with a sophisticated knowledge base constructed around many very well established beliefs and strategies. They've had, in fact, years of experience. Since they are about to get going on a major piece of self development, there is often no real barrier to the idea of new ideas. However, if these new ideas require the old ones to change, it can be quite a painful process.
Another paradox is revolves around whether a programme member, the learner, gains more from achieving high marks, which validate their assessed input, or from low marks (or even failure), which usually generates longer and more considered feedback and reflection and sometimes even challenges them to re-think their thinking (double loop learning?). I can recall starting my MBA and feeling that not getting a good grade was a judgement on my capability. It was, but not in the way I thought at the time. What was really being tested was my capability to learn how to learn. I didn't get that until much later on!
These dilemmas sit in the same intellectual doctor's waiting room as the College's own paradox of a study programme where the customer is also the consumer; having come so far in their careers, and with them having paid so much money [and they just being so awfully busy] should we make it a easy ride for them or should we stubbornly stick to our guns and patiently wait for the realisation (which might never come, or might not come during the MBA) that the big thing you need to know about the MBA that its real opportunities lie not in plainly sailing through it - but rather in what you learn about yourself in the storms.
Friday, May 18, 2007
What did we do before email?
Sometimes I arrive at work in the morning and, fresh and full of energy, open Outlook and say to myself "today's the day I reduce this pile of x emails [this morning, my inbox had 516 entries, 14 of which were new] to zero!"
And yet, each time this happens, I fail to succeed. It's not that more emails arrive, though they do. I fail because:
1. Rather like the person who rips up the old carpet to lay down the new, finds old newspapers underneath and then cannot but spend hours reading through them, as I click through the older emails I come across ones which call out to be re-read.
2. Rather like the other person whose house is just full of junk because they dare not, or will not, throw anything away in case it prove useful one day, I leave certain emails undeleted in case they are needed in the future.
3. Rather like the third person who starts to sweep up the garden, then stops for a chat with their neighbour, then stops for a cup of tea, then remembers that phone call they promised to make.... it's all too easy to find something distracting to do [and that's why you're reading this as a post].
I am still old enough to remember the working world before email. Looking back at my first office job as a volunteer at CND in the early 80s, I wonder how we managed to do anything! I remember opening and stuffing a lot of envelopes and a lot of people thought the telephone was a good way to talk to us. Then there were faxes! Sometimes, we'd come in and find a long trail of curled up paper trailing across the floor. I don't miss the fax machine, but I do miss the joy of opening a letter that someone has written, or typed and spent time and effort on.
Emails are both so personal and instant. Sometimes overly so.
Any solutions to the mountainous inbox? Let me know yours and I'll let you know mine.
And yet, each time this happens, I fail to succeed. It's not that more emails arrive, though they do. I fail because:
1. Rather like the person who rips up the old carpet to lay down the new, finds old newspapers underneath and then cannot but spend hours reading through them, as I click through the older emails I come across ones which call out to be re-read.
2. Rather like the other person whose house is just full of junk because they dare not, or will not, throw anything away in case it prove useful one day, I leave certain emails undeleted in case they are needed in the future.
3. Rather like the third person who starts to sweep up the garden, then stops for a chat with their neighbour, then stops for a cup of tea, then remembers that phone call they promised to make.... it's all too easy to find something distracting to do [and that's why you're reading this as a post].
I am still old enough to remember the working world before email. Looking back at my first office job as a volunteer at CND in the early 80s, I wonder how we managed to do anything! I remember opening and stuffing a lot of envelopes and a lot of people thought the telephone was a good way to talk to us. Then there were faxes! Sometimes, we'd come in and find a long trail of curled up paper trailing across the floor. I don't miss the fax machine, but I do miss the joy of opening a letter that someone has written, or typed and spent time and effort on.
Emails are both so personal and instant. Sometimes overly so.
Any solutions to the mountainous inbox? Let me know yours and I'll let you know mine.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
In Pod we trust
Drove up from Oxford to Telford to the University of Wolverhampton (Telford campus) for a one-day workshop 'Podcasting made easy on a PC'. Luckily, this did not involve any police constables.
I got three things out of the day:
What it is, and what it is not. Although they may use the same technology, 'click-to-listen' links and embedded audio on web sites are not, strictly and anorakly speaking, podcasts. A podcast is a regularly up-dated audio file hosted on a server and requested (automatically after first time) for download by a subscriber. The subscriber chooses how they want to listen to the audio files, which they collect on a piece of software called an 'aggregator' (iTunes being an example of one, Doppler another). All this is pulling content to you, as opposed to the creator of the podcast pushing it. All very now, all very Web 2.0. Podcasts can be searched if the person who has created it has bothered to put in searchable descriptions, or tags.
Blimey, there are a lot of podcasts out there! There are some obvious places to go and find them, such as the BBC web site, and there are a lot of web sites that act as search engines or directories. You can also make one yourself and, as long as you have it placed on a server to host it, anyone else can subscribe to it just by pasting in the web address, or url, or 'feed', as I now have learnt to say... Podcasts come in all shapes and sizes, all subjects and (let me tell you) all variations of quality. Pick an interest, go to podcastalley.com, search for it, copy the feed to iTunes, subscribe and listen - your life will change beyond recognition!
As for making them, well that is a lot easier than some of you might think, but also a lot less easy than most of you might think. By which I mean you need to a] keep it short, b] keep it light, and c] prepare well. There's plenty of software to help you do that and we played around with a couple of packages, producing some very varied results. But these things are always harder at the beginning and who amongst you has not recorded their own teenage voice/made their own Top of the Pops when they were young?
I am now considering whether or not to work on a series of podcasts for Henley DL MBA programme members.
I got three things out of the day:
- A much better definition of what is and what is not a podcast
- Experience searching for and subscribing to different kinds of podcasts
- A little bit of practice in making one for myself
What it is, and what it is not. Although they may use the same technology, 'click-to-listen' links and embedded audio on web sites are not, strictly and anorakly speaking, podcasts. A podcast is a regularly up-dated audio file hosted on a server and requested (automatically after first time) for download by a subscriber. The subscriber chooses how they want to listen to the audio files, which they collect on a piece of software called an 'aggregator' (iTunes being an example of one, Doppler another). All this is pulling content to you, as opposed to the creator of the podcast pushing it. All very now, all very Web 2.0. Podcasts can be searched if the person who has created it has bothered to put in searchable descriptions, or tags.
Blimey, there are a lot of podcasts out there! There are some obvious places to go and find them, such as the BBC web site, and there are a lot of web sites that act as search engines or directories. You can also make one yourself and, as long as you have it placed on a server to host it, anyone else can subscribe to it just by pasting in the web address, or url, or 'feed', as I now have learnt to say... Podcasts come in all shapes and sizes, all subjects and (let me tell you) all variations of quality. Pick an interest, go to podcastalley.com, search for it, copy the feed to iTunes, subscribe and listen - your life will change beyond recognition!
As for making them, well that is a lot easier than some of you might think, but also a lot less easy than most of you might think. By which I mean you need to a] keep it short, b] keep it light, and c] prepare well. There's plenty of software to help you do that and we played around with a couple of packages, producing some very varied results. But these things are always harder at the beginning and who amongst you has not recorded their own teenage voice/made their own Top of the Pops when they were young?
I am now considering whether or not to work on a series of podcasts for Henley DL MBA programme members.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
April e-newsletter
Dear all,
Yesterday evening several of us went to central London for the MBA fair organised by AMBA. If you have ever been along to a fair, you will know they are somewhat bizarre (or perhaps just bazaar), a hotel ballroom with jumble-sale tables and the crazy presupposition that a manager will compare, select and even decide on which MBA to take on the basis of short 'visits' to the various schools in the room.
Whilst it is certainly true that Henley benefits primarily on word-of-mouth as its best form of recruitment (and with that in mind, I should plug the forthcoming June intake here!!) I find that MBA Fairs are good for two things:
1. they are an excellent tool for thinking about and then learning how to express succinctly what makes Henley distinctive. This is an often asked question. Frankly, it is best to have a Programme Member to hand to answer that from a learner's perspective (as we did yesterday - thank you Andrew Nagberi). My own answer revolves around four things - an Intake full of depth of experience and width of background, a practical, integrated curriculum that develops the ability to see and think strategically, an environment conducive to and focused only on management education, and an attention to your personal development that assumes you already hold the key to your own success. If I'm way off the mark, please let me know!
2. they are even better as places to listen to people like you, and actually that is why I enjoy them. Asking questions of the people who come up to the Henley stand is a great way to communicate to them that Henley expects people to take charge of their own learning. Or perhaps I'm just naturally curious.
Anyway, I would encourage you to think about coming along to an event some time. If nothing else, it will make you think about why you are on the MBA.
MBA Home Straight Community
As you may recall, in last month's newsletter I told you about a plan to launch a group within the DL MBA aimed at all those at Part Three who were behind schedule on completing their dissertation. We decided to call this the "Home Straight Community" and two experienced tutors, Richard Lacey and Mike Green, were appointed to co-ordinate.
The first community event took place at the College on April 21st and was very well attended. Richard and Mike spent some time focusing on many of the most common aspects of the process that people find difficult and also on where the best resources are, in particular the Dissertation area on the eLearning site, run by Ken Bull.
We also tried to allow space for those present (some 35 of you) to get into groups to share next steps. Interestingly, people naturally gravitated to groups that corresponded to four key phases along the dissertation route - a] not yet started, b] pre-proposal, c] post proposal, doing literature review, research methodology, and d] post lit review, doing or done the fieldwork.
A special blog has been set up at http://henleyhomestraight.blogspot.com/. It's private, so you won't see it unless you have been invited to register. All those attending have already been invited, and if you are in Intake 26 or lower and would like to follow and contribute, drop me an email.
Another opportunity to get involved with some research
You may recall in previous newsletters call from Mike Griffiths, an alumnus of the College for assistance with some really interesting research projects, several of which were useful for people in the dissertation phase of their MBA. Mike writes again:
"we are a small consulting firm called PDN based in the UK and US (since we last spoke we acquired another firm and our previous firm CSI has been rolled into this larger firm PDN) and have been invited to share our collective experience to an audience of 300 HR Directors on May 8-9th on the most pressing culture issues today and how you can maximize Human Resources' impact across the company.
I would be very grateful if you might put me in touch with current MBA students with strong investigative skills and an affinity for this subject who could work with me to collate the existing research available. There are four specific areas we have been asked to comment on:
1. Creating a cost cutting culture that doesn't kill morale
2. When leaders need to change culture. What is the leader's role in changing culture. How much does their personality and leadership style affect cultural change?
3. Creating cultures for growth - what are the cultures that are most predictive of growth?
4. Cultural issues in mergers and acquisitions Is there research that demonstrates that culture affects performance? Where are the most compelling examples of culture helping produce high performance?
The general theme is “What are the typical approaches to and models of culture diagnosis and change and how can they practically be applied by leaders, HR Dirs and their teams? And throughout all of these subjects we need to examine where HR has played an important part and what is HR's potential role in creating and changing culture in the future? It's very important for this audience that we not only provide practical tools and ideas but we have cases where things have worked and failed.
"If this is close to anyone's heart and they have time, I will happily pass on your details to Mike. I think there would be some excellent networking and mentoring opportunities in return.
The BBC's What Not To Wear
I know you are generally a dapper lot, but here's a chance to boost visibility your start-up business and learn a few sartorial tips:"The BBC's What Not to Wear is back for a new series and are currently looking for entrepreneurs who feel their appearance is holding their business back. Image is key when running a successful business, especially if you are the face of the company, get this wrong and it could have drastic affects on your turnover. We want to find 60 people who fall into this category and within those 60 two will go forward for a life changing makeover. We are aiming to find all 60 by the end of April - can you help?"Anyone interested in this can either let me know, or contact Janet Till at Henley
Personnel changes at the College
From time to time it is useful to let you know of some of the changes in key positions here at Henley. Our Dean, Jean-Noel Ezingeard, will be leaving in July and he will be replaced by Abby Ghobadian.
Several other faculty members to go include Trevor Long, Vic Dulewicz and Chris Head. We're all sad to see them leave, but I'm glad to say that many will return as Visiting Fellows. I'm also glad to say that the team administering your programme (Susan, Natalie and Charlotte) remains firmly in place!
Other changes include the departure of Phil O'Neil as Director of Operations. He is replaced by Nigel Francis.
We're looking forward now to May, which will include a fairly gregarious Intake 29 Part Three start and - of course - the Graduation ceremony on the 26th. It's also the month one begins to see more activity on the river in front of Greenlands, and you know that summer has arrived.
Chris Dalton
Programme Leader
Yesterday evening several of us went to central London for the MBA fair organised by AMBA. If you have ever been along to a fair, you will know they are somewhat bizarre (or perhaps just bazaar), a hotel ballroom with jumble-sale tables and the crazy presupposition that a manager will compare, select and even decide on which MBA to take on the basis of short 'visits' to the various schools in the room.
Whilst it is certainly true that Henley benefits primarily on word-of-mouth as its best form of recruitment (and with that in mind, I should plug the forthcoming June intake here!!) I find that MBA Fairs are good for two things:
1. they are an excellent tool for thinking about and then learning how to express succinctly what makes Henley distinctive. This is an often asked question. Frankly, it is best to have a Programme Member to hand to answer that from a learner's perspective (as we did yesterday - thank you Andrew Nagberi). My own answer revolves around four things - an Intake full of depth of experience and width of background, a practical, integrated curriculum that develops the ability to see and think strategically, an environment conducive to and focused only on management education, and an attention to your personal development that assumes you already hold the key to your own success. If I'm way off the mark, please let me know!
2. they are even better as places to listen to people like you, and actually that is why I enjoy them. Asking questions of the people who come up to the Henley stand is a great way to communicate to them that Henley expects people to take charge of their own learning. Or perhaps I'm just naturally curious.
Anyway, I would encourage you to think about coming along to an event some time. If nothing else, it will make you think about why you are on the MBA.
MBA Home Straight Community
As you may recall, in last month's newsletter I told you about a plan to launch a group within the DL MBA aimed at all those at Part Three who were behind schedule on completing their dissertation. We decided to call this the "Home Straight Community" and two experienced tutors, Richard Lacey and Mike Green, were appointed to co-ordinate.
The first community event took place at the College on April 21st and was very well attended. Richard and Mike spent some time focusing on many of the most common aspects of the process that people find difficult and also on where the best resources are, in particular the Dissertation area on the eLearning site, run by Ken Bull.
We also tried to allow space for those present (some 35 of you) to get into groups to share next steps. Interestingly, people naturally gravitated to groups that corresponded to four key phases along the dissertation route - a] not yet started, b] pre-proposal, c] post proposal, doing literature review, research methodology, and d] post lit review, doing or done the fieldwork.
A special blog has been set up at http://henleyhomestraight.blogspot.com/. It's private, so you won't see it unless you have been invited to register. All those attending have already been invited, and if you are in Intake 26 or lower and would like to follow and contribute, drop me an email.
Another opportunity to get involved with some research
You may recall in previous newsletters call from Mike Griffiths, an alumnus of the College for assistance with some really interesting research projects, several of which were useful for people in the dissertation phase of their MBA. Mike writes again:
"we are a small consulting firm called PDN based in the UK and US (since we last spoke we acquired another firm and our previous firm CSI has been rolled into this larger firm PDN) and have been invited to share our collective experience to an audience of 300 HR Directors on May 8-9th on the most pressing culture issues today and how you can maximize Human Resources' impact across the company.
I would be very grateful if you might put me in touch with current MBA students with strong investigative skills and an affinity for this subject who could work with me to collate the existing research available. There are four specific areas we have been asked to comment on:
1. Creating a cost cutting culture that doesn't kill morale
2. When leaders need to change culture. What is the leader's role in changing culture. How much does their personality and leadership style affect cultural change?
3. Creating cultures for growth - what are the cultures that are most predictive of growth?
4. Cultural issues in mergers and acquisitions Is there research that demonstrates that culture affects performance? Where are the most compelling examples of culture helping produce high performance?
The general theme is “What are the typical approaches to and models of culture diagnosis and change and how can they practically be applied by leaders, HR Dirs and their teams? And throughout all of these subjects we need to examine where HR has played an important part and what is HR's potential role in creating and changing culture in the future? It's very important for this audience that we not only provide practical tools and ideas but we have cases where things have worked and failed.
"If this is close to anyone's heart and they have time, I will happily pass on your details to Mike. I think there would be some excellent networking and mentoring opportunities in return.
The BBC's What Not To Wear
I know you are generally a dapper lot, but here's a chance to boost visibility your start-up business and learn a few sartorial tips:"The BBC's What Not to Wear is back for a new series and are currently looking for entrepreneurs who feel their appearance is holding their business back. Image is key when running a successful business, especially if you are the face of the company, get this wrong and it could have drastic affects on your turnover. We want to find 60 people who fall into this category and within those 60 two will go forward for a life changing makeover. We are aiming to find all 60 by the end of April - can you help?"Anyone interested in this can either let me know, or contact Janet Till at Henley
Personnel changes at the College
From time to time it is useful to let you know of some of the changes in key positions here at Henley. Our Dean, Jean-Noel Ezingeard, will be leaving in July and he will be replaced by Abby Ghobadian.
Several other faculty members to go include Trevor Long, Vic Dulewicz and Chris Head. We're all sad to see them leave, but I'm glad to say that many will return as Visiting Fellows. I'm also glad to say that the team administering your programme (Susan, Natalie and Charlotte) remains firmly in place!
Other changes include the departure of Phil O'Neil as Director of Operations. He is replaced by Nigel Francis.
We're looking forward now to May, which will include a fairly gregarious Intake 29 Part Three start and - of course - the Graduation ceremony on the 26th. It's also the month one begins to see more activity on the river in front of Greenlands, and you know that summer has arrived.
Chris Dalton
Programme Leader
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
