February e-newsletter

Hello all,
It's a short month, so a short newsletter.

New Intakes

This month saw the launch of both our 34th Intake on the DL MBA and the 2007 Full-Time MBA programme. Involved in the delivery of the opening day on both, I have been reflecting on how interesting new starts are, and how the College should be making the most of all that is going on inside your heads as you come into the MBA.

If you are in an intake that has heard me tell my 'mountain' story at the Starter Workshop, you'll know that I firmly believe it's our job to mess (in the nicest possible way) with whatever your view of the world is and challenge you - right from the word go - to challenge yourself, your assumptions, framework for making sense of the world and awareness of your own true potential. Management at senior level involves a lot more than just theory, and requires the capability to think critically and deal with multiple contradictions without losing the plot. It's not going to happen overnight, but it is exciting watching the first step.

Intake 34's first step began in mid February with 38 Members. The vital statistics of the new intake are an average age of 35 and average number of years of work experience of just under 14 (8 of which in managerial roles). The group is 70% male, has 11 nationalities (but is 68% British) and about 50% are self-sponsored.

Dissertation Clinics

At the other end of the production line, you may find it useful to note in your diaries the following dates for one-day dissertation clinics. These are ideal jump-starts for anyone post Part Three exam but pre dissertation proposal, especially if your registration clock is ticking noisily toward the end of your normal registration period.

Thursday March 15th
Friday May 18th
Friday June 8th
Saturday September 15th
Thursday October 11th
Tuesday December 4th

It seems getting back on track by booking yourself into a clinic is all the rage these days and while we cannot promise you will meet Britney Spears, we can make sure that you leave with a much clearer idea of how the dissertation process works and how it can be useful for you in your career. Contact your course administrator for more details.

Superbrand-a-fragilistic

A couple of accolades have come the College's way this month. The first was in a memo from Chris Bones; "Henley has been voted a 2007 Business Superbrand by an independent, voluntary council of experts and 1500 business professionals. From thousands of brands initially considered, survey participants assessed each entrant on their perception of its strength in the market, with particular reference to quality, reliability and distinction. The Business Superbrands supplement was published in the Sunday Telegraph on the 25 February."

I must admit I had to hunt a little on the Superbrands web site to find us, ranked at 168, but that actually equates to fourth on the list in Executive Education.

The other award was a Silver Medal in the category "Best UK Management Training Centre", voted by the Meetings and Incentive Travel magazine. These recognise and reward service excellence.If there was an award for "Best spot to reflect on the MBA", my vote would go to the area on bank of the tranquil river Thames next to the Henley boat house. I'd be very happy to hear other nominations.

Good luck to all of you planning to sit a Part One, Two or Three exam in March.