I eluded to the amount of work that would be necessary last week, and was correct in my assessment of the load. I spent over 16 hours. We had a full plate and I didn't complain about it. Luckily, this week was different. I didn't write a blog entry earlier in the week because I was recovering from the stressful load. I actually got the chance to play some soccer this week to relieve some tension.
I'll just summarize the class this week, and keep the entry short. We performed another SWOT analysis in class over the iPad. I honestly think that we have spent too much time doing the analyses in class. We have read 7 chapters over the semester coming in to week 3, but have really only talked about 2 of the chapters. I think that the material in the book is good, but it really is common sense, plus I had an intro to marketing class at UT. They are almost exactly the same concepts, but there have been some changes in the last six years that have been captured in the text. The only part of this course that feels like a graduate level course to me is the Facebook fan page competition, and the research papers. Everything else feels like Intro. I am a little put off by that, but I still find myself learning through repetition. Previously, I was reading the text word for word and trying to put all the data in my brain for easy recall, but have decided this is costing too much. I am now going to scan the chapters for the highlights, learn the concepts, and then use the textbook during the exams (open book).
The Facebook Fan Page project got ramped up this week, and I'm excited about the fact that we have, as a group, something we are excited to be fans of. It gives us a chance to have an experience that is relevant, even though I still haven't joined Facebook. I'll probably join at the last minute, just don't count on it.
Economics - Here's where my excitement comes from this week. First, I was riled up because we lost points on our first assignment for items that we felt should have been given full credit. I agree with the grading now, but at the moment I think I didn't want to be responsible for my group losing points. I realize that we can use that to grow now. I think my group trusts me still. I have been responsible for keeping the communication between members. The real excitement came after a member of another group asked to me to tutor her and that they would be willing to pay for my effort. This was flattering, but I declined based on the fact that I don't have the time for one on one tutoring. Instead, we asked this member to join us for our study sessions. We started our weekly groups by meeting at a Barnes and Noble this week on Tuesday. The first meeting was 2 hours and we got through Econ chapter 1. Thursday, we got together on Skype for another 2 hours and made it through chapter 2. I actually think my entire team could easily get through these chapters after we broke each of the equations into what they actually stand for. I find myself driving these discussions, but I'm hoping my group members start taking the lead at some point.
I really felt that this was a good break week for me as there is only one deliverable for the week, but we have been working on our long term projects as well.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Realization that Facebook Matters
I try not to start every blog entry with "So...", but it feels so natural. It's the way you pick up a conversation after a few moments of silence. It reminds me of Dr. Ford's reference to SWWC in Week 0. "So what, who cares?" The conversation has made it to the exhaustive point that you have covered everything you need to say, and then there's this "So" followed by your personal call to arms. I'll come back to this later.
This week we talked about marketing insights and discussed the importance of recognizing fads, trends and megatrends. Trends are interesting in my opinion because in the early phase of adoption, people think they will be the next megatrend and try to encourage momentum. Going back to fads, its funny to think of the items that catch on in America, and even more hilarious how long these stick around. Key fads that were mentioned were silly bands and snuggies. Megatrends piqued my interest, because I'd love to be a part of creating a product that revolutionized the world. iPod has changed the way people work, play, exercise, travel, shop and I've probably not even stated half of the places iPod is marketed to. The iPad is next. What blows my mind is that they really just made the thing bigger added some futuristic touches and again every company is considering using this product in their every day business.
Ok, you were waiting for the segue, here it is. Our major project for Marketing class is a facebook fan page. [I'm probably suppose to capitalize the F, we know Zuckerberg capitalized on it.:)] I just can't get behind this movement. I see that it has mesmerized way more people than I can imagine, but I wonder about the marketing impact. I've been thinking SWWC for about 3 years now. Well, I have to do this assignment regardless of my desire, so I picked up "The Social Network" movie this evening at a Redbox (I can get behind the Redbox movement, sorry Blockbuster, it was nice while it lasted.) I hoped that the movie would help me to understand why people have such an insatiable desire to feel connected online. I didn't get my answer, in fact I felt like maybe I don't have what it takes to see a real winner of a product. Honestly, the company is valued at 25 billion dollars. The only positive takeaway I got was that I don't have to worry about getting sued by my friends. I feel so confused and I think I would like to read comments about what it is I am missing on facebook. I get this feeling that if people spent half as much time on social networking sites they could spend that saved time being helpful in the community. The answer to SWWC is apparently a lot of people care as well as a lot of businesses, too. Maybe, just Maybe, I am waiting for someone to make me a believer.
Marketing class flew by again this week, and I was so engaged in the conversations about the Hyundai Equus and Infiniti that I basically forgot to write anything down. This is becoming a "trend". I'm hoping that I can retain the information as a result of actually caring about the content rather than forcing it down my throat. I really felt again like this program is the right fit for me in where I am at. I wouldn't have gotten anything out of it three years ago.
Economics has a very professional feel to the class, and I really liked the way Dr. Estrada pulled three or four questions and answers together to make one larger question in the end. Questions about who bears the responsibility of an ad valorem tax, why are we outsourcing jobs, why not tax foreign companies for selling products to make our countries more competitive. These are questions that my coworkers and I will discuss in our break room at lunch but I always find that the engineers of the world all seem to think so similarly. When Dr. Estrada facilitated the discussion I found myself "chewing" on unfamiliar thoughts. This is why I'm sold on the cohort based system of education.
The work load last week was manageable since I was ahead in Economics reading, but this week looks to be twice as much work, and we need to get rolling on this facebook page. As a group, my four teammates and I are secretively creating a fan page (which I won't disclose on this blog), because the other groups are going to attempt acts of "corporate espionage" to help them gain more followers. For this reason, I hope everyone uses the correct privacy settings when joining the fan page.
Sorry so long, good night.
This week we talked about marketing insights and discussed the importance of recognizing fads, trends and megatrends. Trends are interesting in my opinion because in the early phase of adoption, people think they will be the next megatrend and try to encourage momentum. Going back to fads, its funny to think of the items that catch on in America, and even more hilarious how long these stick around. Key fads that were mentioned were silly bands and snuggies. Megatrends piqued my interest, because I'd love to be a part of creating a product that revolutionized the world. iPod has changed the way people work, play, exercise, travel, shop and I've probably not even stated half of the places iPod is marketed to. The iPad is next. What blows my mind is that they really just made the thing bigger added some futuristic touches and again every company is considering using this product in their every day business.
Ok, you were waiting for the segue, here it is. Our major project for Marketing class is a facebook fan page. [I'm probably suppose to capitalize the F, we know Zuckerberg capitalized on it.:)] I just can't get behind this movement. I see that it has mesmerized way more people than I can imagine, but I wonder about the marketing impact. I've been thinking SWWC for about 3 years now. Well, I have to do this assignment regardless of my desire, so I picked up "The Social Network" movie this evening at a Redbox (I can get behind the Redbox movement, sorry Blockbuster, it was nice while it lasted.) I hoped that the movie would help me to understand why people have such an insatiable desire to feel connected online. I didn't get my answer, in fact I felt like maybe I don't have what it takes to see a real winner of a product. Honestly, the company is valued at 25 billion dollars. The only positive takeaway I got was that I don't have to worry about getting sued by my friends. I feel so confused and I think I would like to read comments about what it is I am missing on facebook. I get this feeling that if people spent half as much time on social networking sites they could spend that saved time being helpful in the community. The answer to SWWC is apparently a lot of people care as well as a lot of businesses, too. Maybe, just Maybe, I am waiting for someone to make me a believer.
Marketing class flew by again this week, and I was so engaged in the conversations about the Hyundai Equus and Infiniti that I basically forgot to write anything down. This is becoming a "trend". I'm hoping that I can retain the information as a result of actually caring about the content rather than forcing it down my throat. I really felt again like this program is the right fit for me in where I am at. I wouldn't have gotten anything out of it three years ago.
Economics has a very professional feel to the class, and I really liked the way Dr. Estrada pulled three or four questions and answers together to make one larger question in the end. Questions about who bears the responsibility of an ad valorem tax, why are we outsourcing jobs, why not tax foreign companies for selling products to make our countries more competitive. These are questions that my coworkers and I will discuss in our break room at lunch but I always find that the engineers of the world all seem to think so similarly. When Dr. Estrada facilitated the discussion I found myself "chewing" on unfamiliar thoughts. This is why I'm sold on the cohort based system of education.
The work load last week was manageable since I was ahead in Economics reading, but this week looks to be twice as much work, and we need to get rolling on this facebook page. As a group, my four teammates and I are secretively creating a fan page (which I won't disclose on this blog), because the other groups are going to attempt acts of "corporate espionage" to help them gain more followers. For this reason, I hope everyone uses the correct privacy settings when joining the fan page.
Sorry so long, good night.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
First Week
Ok, so Week 1 started with almost every student in class fifteen minutes before 6pm. That indicates one of two things, either we as a cohort are really excited to get the ball rolling, or 620 traffic backs up something nasty around 5:30 and no one wanted to be late. Ok, so one classmate was late and I know she felt horrible about that first impression with the professor, but she'll impress him in the end.
All joking aside, there were great conversations while learning who our team mates will be for the first two semesters. It may not have been explained before, but we are a cohort of 20 students and are divided into 4 teams. Three of the 4 groups have 3 ladies and 2 men, with the remaining group having 3 men and 2 ladies.
I was very excited about the team I was placed on as I had already had good discussions with two of them prior to learning of the arrangement. Ironically, I was placed in a group with the student I disagreed with in week 0. I think that Dr. Ford may have observed the way we debated the hot topic of taxes and placed us together because of the way we engaged our problem. I already feel that my team has a great blend of experience and talent.
Class started with Professor Warren's Marketing Management class. We introduced ourselves, discussed the syllabus and then jumped into an intriguing question. Monday evening was the night before the much anticipated announcement of Apple joining forces with Verizon to introduce the iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network. So, as most people may gather, I am a technophile, and I love considering the challenges that technology companies face. Technology companies do not have the luxury of time. Delaying a release of software for 3 months can cost a company dearly. Consider the phone I just got back in September, the Samsung Vibrant. This phone came out in the summer, maybe June or July. By October internet forums were talking about how slow T-Mobile was to update software for the phone. Seriously, the operating system was less than half a year old. The fueling force behind that is version 2.1 (nicknamed Eclair) which the phone was released with is already 2 versions behind Google's latest offering 2.3 (Gingerbread). Sorry about the tangent, but it sure illustrates that companies have a fanatical customer base, luckily only about 10% of people are early adopters.
Professor Warren led us while we attempted to prepare a SWOT analysis as a class. So, it seems easy to find Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for such a high profile company, but it certainly became apparent that Strengths and Opportunities are difficult to differentiate between. The same goes for Weaknesses and Threats. More than once, I spoke out to voice a facet I didn't feel had been revealed, simply to realize that my concern boiled down to an issue that was listed already. Admittedly, it wasn't my finest hour, but I liked being a part of the brain trust. Everyone else in class seemed engaged with the problem as well. I will fill in details about future assignments as they get closer to my radar. I am not able to think about some of the upcoming projects yet for fear of my brain drowning.
Next we had Managerial Economics with Dr. Joselito Estrada. I want to be fair when I say this, but Dr. Estrada's class topic is nowhere near as exciting as Professor Warren's by any stretch of the imagination. Also, considering that Dr. Estrada gets our minds at 8:10pm in the evening after our 8 or 9 hour day of work and prior class. The odds were completely stacked against our Economics professor. That said, I was interested the entire class. Yeah, I saw people losing some steam during class, but by no fault of the teacher. This class will not be focused on the mathematical calculations of economic textbooks, but instead deciphering what the values would mean, and getting comfortable with the lingo.
I've got to end this post, it's long-winded, but the best question of the evening came from Travis when he asked if the content from this discussion was covered on the test, what would that question look like. Here is where you would assume I took good notes, right? Yeah, I had already put my notepad up. That's what I learned on Monday, don't pack up until you are sure it's over. Tchau!
All joking aside, there were great conversations while learning who our team mates will be for the first two semesters. It may not have been explained before, but we are a cohort of 20 students and are divided into 4 teams. Three of the 4 groups have 3 ladies and 2 men, with the remaining group having 3 men and 2 ladies.
I was very excited about the team I was placed on as I had already had good discussions with two of them prior to learning of the arrangement. Ironically, I was placed in a group with the student I disagreed with in week 0. I think that Dr. Ford may have observed the way we debated the hot topic of taxes and placed us together because of the way we engaged our problem. I already feel that my team has a great blend of experience and talent.
Class started with Professor Warren's Marketing Management class. We introduced ourselves, discussed the syllabus and then jumped into an intriguing question. Monday evening was the night before the much anticipated announcement of Apple joining forces with Verizon to introduce the iPhone 4 on the Verizon Wireless network. So, as most people may gather, I am a technophile, and I love considering the challenges that technology companies face. Technology companies do not have the luxury of time. Delaying a release of software for 3 months can cost a company dearly. Consider the phone I just got back in September, the Samsung Vibrant. This phone came out in the summer, maybe June or July. By October internet forums were talking about how slow T-Mobile was to update software for the phone. Seriously, the operating system was less than half a year old. The fueling force behind that is version 2.1 (nicknamed Eclair) which the phone was released with is already 2 versions behind Google's latest offering 2.3 (Gingerbread). Sorry about the tangent, but it sure illustrates that companies have a fanatical customer base, luckily only about 10% of people are early adopters.
Professor Warren led us while we attempted to prepare a SWOT analysis as a class. So, it seems easy to find Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats for such a high profile company, but it certainly became apparent that Strengths and Opportunities are difficult to differentiate between. The same goes for Weaknesses and Threats. More than once, I spoke out to voice a facet I didn't feel had been revealed, simply to realize that my concern boiled down to an issue that was listed already. Admittedly, it wasn't my finest hour, but I liked being a part of the brain trust. Everyone else in class seemed engaged with the problem as well. I will fill in details about future assignments as they get closer to my radar. I am not able to think about some of the upcoming projects yet for fear of my brain drowning.
Next we had Managerial Economics with Dr. Joselito Estrada. I want to be fair when I say this, but Dr. Estrada's class topic is nowhere near as exciting as Professor Warren's by any stretch of the imagination. Also, considering that Dr. Estrada gets our minds at 8:10pm in the evening after our 8 or 9 hour day of work and prior class. The odds were completely stacked against our Economics professor. That said, I was interested the entire class. Yeah, I saw people losing some steam during class, but by no fault of the teacher. This class will not be focused on the mathematical calculations of economic textbooks, but instead deciphering what the values would mean, and getting comfortable with the lingo.
I've got to end this post, it's long-winded, but the best question of the evening came from Travis when he asked if the content from this discussion was covered on the test, what would that question look like. Here is where you would assume I took good notes, right? Yeah, I had already put my notepad up. That's what I learned on Monday, don't pack up until you are sure it's over. Tchau!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Beginning of the Exciting Journey
Week 0 - Launch Workshop
So I have to admit that the Launch Workshop was a great idea on the part of the administrators of this program. There was a high level of anxiety, fear, and excitement coming into the first week of the semester. There would have been no way for me to focus on economics or marketing.
The evening was devoted to getting Cohort 2 acclimated with the learning environment we will use for the next 2 years, as well as getting to meet with our teammates. I wasn't expecting to learn so much about 19 different people on the first class, especially since I talk so much. This fact made itself apparent quickly. I joke about this, but it truly is an area I will be focusing on this semester. Luckily, "listening to others" is one of the core competencies that we are working toward. In order to jump start my corrective action I have begun listening to the Andy Stanley Leadership podcasts during my work day.
Prior to Week 0, we were faced with an issue, "Leaking Talent Pipeline", and asked to form a one-page situation brief focusing on one of the many aspects. As a father of a six year old I focused on the education of our children and collaboration. What's somewhat bizarre about my choice is that I constantly am amazed by how stinking smart she is in comparison to what I was doing in first grade. In that regard, who am I to say there is a problem with the education system. AHHH, that's when I had the revelation that my daughter may just be an out-lier. There is truly an issue with the system, and this is one area that I was glad to get some perspective of my classmates on.
See John Griffin's blog for more specifics about how we discussed the issue http://jgriffinmba.blogspot.com/. Each of the groups I was in focused mainly on Education and Collaboration. So, in discussing the issue with one table I heard a solution that frustrated me. The proposal was taxing companies more if they used labor from other countries. I was initially upset because it seemed discriminatory and completely against free enterprise and capitalism. As the evening went on, I realized that being upset about proposed solutions would be the worst way to go through the MBA program. We all obviously need to think outside the box, and we have to throw ideas out there even if they are half-baked or are counterproductive. I'm glad I realized this in week 0.
I also realized that there are certain students that share my exact same strengths and I am very similar to some students. At the same time, there are people in our class that are going to be very good at providing insight that I could never produce. I am proud to be a part of Cohort 2 already. As Jim Collins, author of "Good to Great" and "Built To Last", states "You need to get the right people on the bus". I think I'm on the correct bus, and this bus is definitely headed for an incredible destination.
So I have to admit that the Launch Workshop was a great idea on the part of the administrators of this program. There was a high level of anxiety, fear, and excitement coming into the first week of the semester. There would have been no way for me to focus on economics or marketing.
The evening was devoted to getting Cohort 2 acclimated with the learning environment we will use for the next 2 years, as well as getting to meet with our teammates. I wasn't expecting to learn so much about 19 different people on the first class, especially since I talk so much. This fact made itself apparent quickly. I joke about this, but it truly is an area I will be focusing on this semester. Luckily, "listening to others" is one of the core competencies that we are working toward. In order to jump start my corrective action I have begun listening to the Andy Stanley Leadership podcasts during my work day.
Prior to Week 0, we were faced with an issue, "Leaking Talent Pipeline", and asked to form a one-page situation brief focusing on one of the many aspects. As a father of a six year old I focused on the education of our children and collaboration. What's somewhat bizarre about my choice is that I constantly am amazed by how stinking smart she is in comparison to what I was doing in first grade. In that regard, who am I to say there is a problem with the education system. AHHH, that's when I had the revelation that my daughter may just be an out-lier. There is truly an issue with the system, and this is one area that I was glad to get some perspective of my classmates on.
See John Griffin's blog for more specifics about how we discussed the issue http://jgriffinmba.blogspot.com/. Each of the groups I was in focused mainly on Education and Collaboration. So, in discussing the issue with one table I heard a solution that frustrated me. The proposal was taxing companies more if they used labor from other countries. I was initially upset because it seemed discriminatory and completely against free enterprise and capitalism. As the evening went on, I realized that being upset about proposed solutions would be the worst way to go through the MBA program. We all obviously need to think outside the box, and we have to throw ideas out there even if they are half-baked or are counterproductive. I'm glad I realized this in week 0.
I also realized that there are certain students that share my exact same strengths and I am very similar to some students. At the same time, there are people in our class that are going to be very good at providing insight that I could never produce. I am proud to be a part of Cohort 2 already. As Jim Collins, author of "Good to Great" and "Built To Last", states "You need to get the right people on the bus". I think I'm on the correct bus, and this bus is definitely headed for an incredible destination.
Start of My Own Blog
Preface: Multiple influences have pointed me to begin blogging my experience, and I admit I am not the most experienced journalist. Amanda Keeter's blog was inspirational in my decision to blog as well as Dr. Ford's recommendation to begin capturing my experience before it is mandatory. Additionally, another cohort peer, John Griffin, has decided to blog his experience as well. At this point, I am not interested in mimicking their blogs, but I plan to cross-reference their experiences, to create more multi-dimensional picture of what the Concordia MBA experience has to offer for prospective students.
A special thanks to Amanda for providing information to Cohort 2 students about what to expect. I know that you helped to ease some anxiety in the weeks leading up to the Orientation and Launch Workshop.
A special thanks to Amanda for providing information to Cohort 2 students about what to expect. I know that you helped to ease some anxiety in the weeks leading up to the Orientation and Launch Workshop.
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