Anton de Wet
Deciding to take on an MBA was driven by a desire to refresh some of the latest business school thinking and to broaden my outlook, with the view to moving from a specialist debt position (at the time) into mainstream general management. Next, I had to decide on the university and/or business school.
Some of the more important factors influencing my selection were:
Internationally recognized institution; Flexibility in the modular construct of the course; The term allowed to complete the MBA; The ability to connect with fellow students in study groups without necessarily having to do so; Value for money
I found the study materials concise and well presented. They enabled me to snatch time out of a busy schedule, zone in on the relevant topic and work through the chapters, which include practice exam-style questions, etc.
During the course of my studies I transferred to Durban, took on a new role and was able to pick up where I left off, having started my first modules in Johannesburg. I spent a few years in Durban and then returned to Johannesburg, again to a new, expanded role within the bank. Organizing examination venues and excellent administration in dealing with these address changes were managed seamlessly.
I have been in banking for around 18 years and have been exposed to various business models, economic cycles, risk analysis and the challenge of deriving and marketing value-added solutions to our client base. Completing the MBA at this stage of my career was intellectually stimulating and provided a new perspective on some of the fundamentals of business. I applaud the academic and administrative staff of Heriot-Watt in compiling and administering the distance learning MBA programme. Thanks and well done.
Debra Bouwer
I started my studies with Edinburgh Business School in 1998 in part to fulfil an ambition to obtain my MBA and also to equip myself with essential business skills. I selected EBS out of several options because of its high standing in the MBA arena, the fact that it offered distance learning vs full time study and finally, because it worked on the basis of international business practices.
I completed the MBA over a period of 2.5 years and in that time, gained the confidence and expertise to move forward in my career to the point that I opened an Adventure Tour Company. The business acumen gained has proven beneficial time and time again, particularly in the fields of Finance and Marketing.
In completing the course, I cannot say that it was easy going, as each course requires a lot of dedication, focus and discipline. Having said that, the introduction of web-based study groups and forums proved highly beneficial and subsequently, I have made numerous international contacts.
The fact that one engages in self study means that one has to have a much clearer grasp and understanding of the course content, which, naturally, means greater knowledge retention.
The crowning moment came at graduation time, when I stood with many other people who were once mere names on web-based forums, and received my degree.
I have no hesitation in recommending the degree.
Edwin Mungadzi
It took me a long time (more than a year!) to decide on which MBA course to study. I eventually chose EBS for two main reasons:
1. The distance learning facility and flexibility that the programme offers its students.
2. The opportunity to study with an internationally recognized institution with impeccable standards that are formally recognized and whose course content is highly regarded for its quality and relevance by both current students and graduates.
I received my first course material in December 2004 and planned to complete the degree in as short a time as I could manage. My approach was to tackle a set of three modules at a time, starting with the ones that I was more comfortable with in order to gain confidence. The challenge was in managing the long hours of study required for success with a busy deadline-driven work schedule plus family time (wife and two kids aged 9 and 7). I committed to my study timetable, which entailed reducing my Saturday rounds of golf per month from the usual four to one and studying for at least 4 hours per day during weekdays (from 8pm, when my kids go to bed, to midnight).
It was a lot of hard work but I will forever be grateful that I’ve done it! The course has definitely sharpened my skills at work and this should catapult me to greater heights.
I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to study towards an outstanding and relevant MBA whilst in full-time employment.
Brian Civin
After 20 years as managing director of my own group of companies, the experience gained and the knowledge that there must be easier ways to do things led me into the consulting arena. It is interesting to note that the environment of senior management is not necessarily difficult but is bounded by self imposed barriers of ego, status and isolation.
The decision to take on the EBS MBA was the most enlightening experience of my career. After 25 years there is not much that has not been seen and done, but the new insights gained and the endorsement of some of the concepts I had used without being sure why was like an epiphany. The value of the practical approach to each sphere of business was so useful and the simple to use methodology of instruction was exciting to the extent that I accelerated my programme and ultimately completed the course in 20 months.
The value that I have added to client businesses as a direct result of the information contained in the programme is immeasurable. It is not specific knowledge but the overall rounding off of the meeting between knowledge and experience that is the goal. The flexibility of the distance learning programme and the ability to access any assistance as and when needed, meant, that as a particularly independent and busy person I could work at my own pace and plan my own programme. This was something I could not find elsewhere. It is my intention to apply my experience to the doctorate programme in the near future. The cost and exchange rates being the only obstacle.
Heidi Grimmer
At the time that I decided to pursue an MBA I needed to consider my work travel commitments. Many of my colleagues had furthered their brewing training at Heriot-Watt, through distance learning courses. Their positive feedback about Heriot-Watt made EBS a natural choice for me.
A review of the quality of the academic staff at EBS, convinced me even further. The rest was self discipline, hard work and a very supportive husband.
The EBS allowed me to combine my technical knowledge with a broader business understanding. One of the perceived weaknesses of distance learning is the lack of personal contact with other students. However, it was possible to address this by looking within SAB and some of the suppliers to understand the application of the various modules. I found many colleagues willing to assist when they heard that my motive was to apply my MBA knowledge.
I would certainly recommend EBS for anyone considering a distance learning MBA.
Mpoti Ralephata
When I decided to study for a DBA degree my two overriding criteria for selecting a University were that it should offer a full distance-learning international programme that was flexible enough to accommodate my travelling schedule.
The EBS DBA fully met and exceeded my expectations. Firstly the study component of the program equipped me with research skills that proved to be a key success factor for my research. Secondly the EBS DBA roadmap with clearly defined tollgates instilled discipline in my work and constantly reassured me that I was making progress. Lastly my interactions with my research supervisor were greatly enhanced by the EBS web based learning platform.
There were no unnecessary delays while I waited for feedback or an appointment to discuss with the supervisor.
I strongly recommend the EBS DBA program.
