Having completed further analysis over the last week or so, specifically looking at creative problem solving techniques and organisational culture, as well as having received feedback on my EBI from TMA 1, I have come to the conclusion that my original concept of using the EBI to reflect on the broad series of change initiatives affecting the Maritime Reserve is probably too unwieldy and nebulous for me to demonstrate that I have been able to make positive changes due to the applications of ideas from B716. Therefore, I am refocusing my EBI onto the major changes the RMR need to be make which are going to be under my control. Thus, my new 100 word proposal is:

The Royal Marines Reserve (RMR) has to redefine its capability due to changes the Royal Marines (RM) are making in response to the SDSR. The RM has to shrink in size, meaning that certain capabilities will be at greater risk. However, by changing the structure of the RMR, in terms of rank and specialism’s, the risk to the RM can be mitigated. Nevertheless, the delivery of this change will be challenging, as it will be complicated by a reduction in regular RM support to the RMR which means that at least one RMR HQ and 7 Detachments will be closing.

Posting over at the FT MBA Blog

I will now be posting some items over at the FT MBA Blog: http://blogs.ft.com/mba-blog/

Distance learning or nearness learning?

I am now seven weeks into a MBA with the Open University Business School and it is clear that the challenge of combining full time work with part time studying is not to be underestimated.  I am not advocating that a full time MBA is an easy option, however, the discipline, time management and dedication needed to succeed in an executive MBA programme is worthy of note.  For me the key to success, and I must caveat that statement with the obvious observation that I have only just started, is foresight, flexibility coupled with a positive outlook.

 However, from my perspective the benefits of studying for a MBA whilst being in a full time job are obvious.  First, I am able to continue with my career.  Second, the impact on my family is minimised by no dramatic change in personal circumstances i.e. giving up work, although it is fair to say that studying part time requires considerable support from family and friends.  Finally, and most importantly from my perspective, I am able to immediately apply what I am learning within my work environment and this enables me to generate learning cycles which benefit me, my organisation and my fellow students.

This process is aided by the fact that modern technology means that I am able to carry around a “university in my pocket” so that via a smart phone or any computer with Internet capability I can access the course, the library and my fellow students.  This has affected how I work and I now actively plan to take moments of reflection to consider how what I am learning on the MBA can help me in work and conversely how what I am doing and learning at work can help me to understand the concepts being taught.  The synergy generated by this interaction cannot be underestimated.

That said, it is less than two weeks before I meet my tutor and tutor group for the first time and I am really looking forward to meeting all of the people I have been interacting with over the last few weeks.

Cognisant that I still on the sunny uplands and that I have not started the real climbing yet I am glad to say that I am really enjoying the course.  There is a long way to go and there will be tricky bits to come, however, if it was easy it probably would not be worth doing!

Minor amendments to first draft of TMA 1

Thankfully there only needed to be a few minor amendments to first draft of TMA 1.  I will print out draft 2 and have another look tomorrow before passing it on to a couple of people to read through.  This process served me well when I studied for my MA a couple of years ago.  I only wish I had been organised and disciplined enough to do it during my undergraduate years!  However, I suppose that is what working does for you i.e. you develop a work ethic.

The positives and negatives of an online profile

There is an interesting discussion on the positives and negatives of an online profile at CMI:

http://www.managers.org.uk/practical-support/management-community/blogs/your-online-profile-and-its-impact-getting-hired

I suppose the key question is how to ensure that your profile benefits you both socially and professionally?

Reflections on the first week

The first week has been all about orientation and introductions.  It has not been too intense and at the moment I am probably about a week or so ahead of schedule.  Whether I will be able to stay ahead of the power curve is another question!