MBA Yearbook 2011

GLOBAL TOP 50The Aspen Institute

CONTENTS

Dean’s Welcome

Aberdeen Business School MBA Workforce

Associate Dean

MBA Course Leader

Editorial Team Address

Class Representative

All I Really Need To Know

Student Profiles - General MBA

Student Profiles - Oil and Gas MBA

Most Likely...

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Projects

What We Have Been Up To

It’s All In A Day’s Life

Time Was Short, But We Had Time To...

Oil And Gas Edinburgh Trip

Bonding Up At The Burn House

General MBA Gronnigen Study Trip

Leadership Week And BSG

The Scottish Dragons Den

Aberdeen City

Robert Gordon University

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I’d like to take this opportunity to celebrate the success of our MBA programme and our MBA graduates. We are proud to offer a globally renowned MBA programme which is fully accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). In order to maintain that accreditation we rely upon a diverse international student cohort of highly motivated and experienced managers who bring their experience into the classroom to share with their peers.

We are constantly reviewing programme content and delivery modes to ensure that the qualification remains valid and relevant to today’s management challenges. Our graduates can be confident they have a qualification that is recognised by industry and which will contribute significantly to their personal and professional development. In 2010 Aberdeen Business School celebrated its forty-fifth anniversary. We were very proud to recognise our high profile industry supporters and sponsors at a special lunch to celebrate the event.

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From the Dean, Rita Marcella to the MBA class of 2011

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By way of introduction to this yearbook I thought it useful

to outline the history of Aberdeen Business School, a

faculty within Robert Gordon University. Although recently

established, the institution can trace its roots back to 1731

when Aberdeen merchant and benefactor Robert Gordon

bequeathed his estate to build a residential school for boys.

In 1903 Robert Gordon’s Technical College was formed

to bring together a range of further education activities in

Aberdeen. It was redesignated Robert Gordon’s Institute of

Technology in 1965 and awarded university status in 1992.

Throughout its history Robert Gordon University has

had very strong links with industry and the professions,

and Aberdeen Business School has sought consistently

to achieve professional accreditations wherever these

apply. We want our graduates to be recognised as

great employees and future industry leaders. Aberdeen

Business School is one of the leading providers of

management and professional education in Scotland.

The School is business-facing and our strong links with

industry, commerce and the public sector enable us to

ensure that our courses remain practical yet innovative,

and offer students one of the very best learning experience available.

Robert Gordon University is renowned for its vocational focus and has one of the strongest graduate employment records of any UK university. Robert Gordon University has been named by The Times Good University Guide, for the third year running, as Best Modern University in the UK, and was recently voted Top Modern University by the Sunday Times. These are fantastic accolades and will help our graduates to secure the best employment opportunities in the future.

Finally I would again like to congratulate all our MBA graduates on their achievements with Aberdeen Business School.

I wish you all every success in the next steps of your career.

Best wishes

Professor Rita Marcella

Dean of Aberdeen Business SchoolRobert Gordon University

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Change ManagementDr Emmanuelle Rey-Marmonier Prof Ken Russell Dr David Jones

Operations ManagementBryan McNay

Human Resource ManagementMoira Bailey John Taylor Anne Stevenson

Business Economics David Gibbons-Wood

Operational Financial Management Lindsey Stewart Prof Elizabeth Gammie

MarketingAndrew Turnbull Prof Bill Donaldson

Oil and Gas Management Ian Philips

Oil and Gas Contract LawDr Leon Moller

Strategic Management Dr Yvonne Turner Phil BurgeBill Sutherland

Petroleum Economics Dr Mohammed Kishk Dr Jesse Andrawus Dr Gbenga Oluyemi

Energy Policy and EnvironmentProf. Peter Strachan

Leadership, Communication & Change Prof Dennis TourishDr. Rob Smith

Corporate Finance Dr Farooq Ahmad

Launching a New Venture Prof Alistair Anderson Dr Farid Ullah

Supply Chain ManagementLanges Supramanium

Project Fundamentals Senga Briggs Douglas Nisbet

MBA Administrator Eilidh Sligo

Eiligh Sligo Ann Stevenson

Moira BaileyAlistair Anderson Rob Smith

Leon Moller

Farooq AhmadJesse Andrawus Dennis Tourish

Phill Burge

Bryan McNay Elizabeth Gammie Andrew Turnbull Bill DonaldosnLindsay Stewart

Douglas Nisbet

Peter Strachan Ken Russell

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This academic session has seen the best ever intake on our full time MBA programme with over 50 students undertaking either the general MBA or our specialised Oil and Gas Management MBA. We are very proud of our Association of MBAs accreditation and we are also very proud of you – our graduates.

Obtaining an MBA from a school accredited by the Association of MBAs is an excellent achievement. It is our hope that you will be able to obtain fulfilling jobs and be able to add to our growing reputation. Many congratulations on your success and my best wishes for your future. Having completed an MBA myself, I know the personal sacrifices you and those closest to you, will have undoubtedly made in order to get to where you are now.

This year has also the Aberdeen Business School become a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education. These principles relate to developing responsible leaders and I hope that you not only do well as a result of the MBA but also do some good in the world.

The reputation of any school is continually impacted upon by the performance of their graduates already in the world of work. There are significant opportunities to be ambassadors for your MBA Programme. Being an ambassador means that you should remain connected with us through the MBA alumni network and be prepared to give something back. Giving back can take many forms: providing us with good news stories about your career development; making recommendations to others to take our MBA; helping us with providing data for MBA rankings surveys; and providing feedback on the course especially where we seek your views on improvements that we are planning. Perhaps later in your career you may want to come back and provide a Master Class.

I hope that you will recognise your new role in society and lead with integrity, generate trust, serve others for a greater good than simply yourselves, and be accountable for your actions.

Professor Ken RussellAssociate Dean

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How fast does a year go by? It seems like a few weeks since the induction began in late September and although several individuals arrived afterwards, the large majority was able to enjoy the first weekend away at the Burn House, near Edzell. A great sense of camaraderie was born there and continues now as, at the time of writing, the study period nears its end. In the interval, friendships have become firmly established, which will last for a lifetime, and cherished memories have become planted in the minds of all who studied in the 2010-11 MBA and MBA Oil & Gas Management cohort at Aberdeen Business School.

So what has been the staff perspective? Always there will be issues and I know that for some of you there have been difficult personal situations to deal with. I hope too, that

you will all turn up on time when you return to the world of business! Overall, however, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable time and it has been a great pleasure working with you and coming to know you all in the course of the past 12 months. The variety of nations represented in the group, the mix of personalities, the high academic standards and the anticipation of high flying careers about to begin can all be reflected on. The combination, I hope, represents a truly rewarding experience and I trust you will look back in satisfaction on your choice of Aberdeen as a place to study, despite the cold, snow and darkness of the worst early winter weather in living memory! Surely anyway, there will be several future captains of industry amongst you, who will become famous in their chosen fields, wherever they go and whatever they do and no doubt all will be successful in some way, shape or form.

From my first encounter with an Egyptian national - wouldn’t it just be Ashraf who was first to create an impression? - turning up at the School in the summer of 2010, seeking advice and guidance on his choice of university and course, to the graduation ceremony, I personally will not forget the year as your course leader. The highs included the trip to Groningen, Holland, the visit to Nigg and Invergordon, the Marketing Decisions module, the leadership week, the employability events and of course, the weekend at the Burn House. It has been so good that I decided it couldn’t be improved upon and I move to a first phase of retirement at the start of the new session.

Good luck and great fortune to you all. In the words of the Aberdeen city toast, we were ‘Happy to meet, sorry to part and happy to meet again - Bon Accord’. You are welcome back any time!

Andrew Turnbull

MBA Full Time Course Leader 2010-11

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Education is what remains after one has forgotten everything he learned in school.

- Albert Einstein

One of the great discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do. Most of the bars we beat against are ourselves -

we put them there, and we can take them down.

- Henry Ford

Life is a series of collisions with the future; it is not the sum of what we have been, but what we yearn to be.

- Ortega Y Gasset

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Completing the MBA at RGU represents a significant achievement in the lives of the students who embarked upon it in the class of 2011. The bond created amongst the candidates during this year of working side by side in the programme will serve as a solid foundation towards lifelong friendship. This yearbook captures the memories that occurred throughout this transformational year and will always serve as a reminder to the immense personal change each of the students had during their journey. It will be an everlasting token to the deep commitment that was necessary of everyone in their endeavour to improve both personally and professionally. It is the sincere hope of RGU that the graduates of the 2011 MBA will continue to grow and prosper as they take the next step with their lives.

David Hajovsky on behalf of the Yearbook Editorial TeamMBA Class of 2011

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I am frequently asked whether my MBA experience was worth it and whether the course was valuable. I strongly believe that the MBA programme is an open book, and it is entirely up to you what you take from it rather than what you are given. I hope that for the most of us this year was valuable time, and a great experience. I believe that everyone took something special to carry with him / her that will prove valuable in their work and personal lives.

Sveta Lim

In such a short period of time, I have met so many outstanding personalities, those that have directly and indirectly influenced, motivated and challenged me, in so many ways. Whatever the circumstances that brought each person to Aberdeen this year, I believe that each comes with one similar goal: to become a better person (and of course, earn more money!). I know nobody would forget the 2010 Christmas holiday, ever! Now that this short period is coming to its end, I wish all the best to all my great fellow friends. I hope we shall keep in touch for many years to come. Look forward to an invitation for a reunion in five years time ;)

I am wishing a big fat pocket to each and every one of us, with hope to see you guys down in Malaysia very soon!

Alena Amir Hamzah

The MBA was a journey which will last in our minds as the experience is one which will not be repeated as we will take the experience on into our careers. I believe one day we will meet again when we least expect it, and then I won’t be saying goodbye.

Be well, do good work and keep in touch- Garrison Keillor

Feyisayo Durojaiye.

*photos:

David Hajovsky, Sveta Lim, Alena Amir Hamzah, Feyisayo Durojaiye,

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Being MBA Student Representatives (Students Reps.) was both honourable and challenging. Honourable, as such students were viewed to be capable and outspoken, who were able to serve and properly and proactively represent students’ views, ideas and interests. Challenging, as one had to visibly demonstrate and employ all his/her leadership, organizational and communication skills and abilities to engage all MBAs and Aberdeen Business School Leadership Staff, no matter how busy their respective work and study schedules were, to ensure the needed and agreed changes had been discussed and implemented.

As such, thanks to the initiative of the Students Reps, actively supported by the MBA Course Leader, Andrew Turnbull, there was optimisation of the academic

submissions schedule, whereby overlaps were removed and timely communications of study plans to all MBA students were arranged. This change enabled increasing quality of study results and overall satisfaction.

We learnt, or rather evolved as Leaders and a Team, as we had to cope with the demanding academic load and our mission. Therefore, due to the team efforts of the Student Reps. and the MBA Programme Director Allan Scott’s constructive ideas and input, Oil and Gas MBA students managed to undertake the Employability Programme, offered by the Business School, which had a very practical value for all students.

Furthermore, in order to give the opportunity for other capable students to deploy their creativity and project management skills, we were offered the chance to lead the MBA Yearbook creation. Thus, the MBA Yearbook, which you are reading now, is the result of great team-work, commitment and creativity of the MBA Yearbook Committee and which, we hope you will enjoy reading!

Dillyara Dosmakova

We came together in September 2010 and the cold Aberdeen winter welcomed pupils from diverse backgrounds, life-styles and work experience. A class-room of MBA students should not only provide a great learning environment but also a community of experts. Such was the quality of the cohort with students from varied careers – from law to accountancy, IT to HR, people management to finance. Learning in a class with such talents broadened the horizons for all of us to develop the skills of the managers of today.

The journey of getting together as classmates has been interesting. Right from experiencing the first snow for most of us to spending sleepless nights staying awake doing the coursework, it has been a challenge which

made us stronger and wiser. The class-room sessions were marked with interesting discussions and debates that made learning fascinating.

The leadership week showcased the big pool we were part of and was a great opportunity to meet the part-time and distance learning students. The leadership and communication lectures were very focused and helpful.

The final stage of our journey was marked with the consultancy projects which provided in-depth knowledge of the real world that we have been away from for the past year. Needless to say, it was a tough one year journey for all of us, but with the strong bonding that we had right from the start, great mix of personalities surrounded by positive energies, we had survived, not merely but joyfully.

The MBA has surely laid the path for all of us to build the next phase in our careers. Having passed out from the prestigious Aberdeen Business School and better equipped with the management facets, we have grown and matured as individuals and professionals. As much as we dreaded the hard work initially, we understood, that “the difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won’t”. ~Henry Ward Beecher~

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All I Really Need To Know I Learned In Kindergarten(A guide for Global Leadership)

All I really need to know about how to live and what to do and how to be I learned in kindergarten. Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain, but there in the sand pile at school.

These are the things I learned:

Share everything • Play fair • Don’t hit people • Put things back where you found them • Clean up your own mess

• Don’t take things that aren’t yours • Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody • Wash your hands before you eat •

Flush• Live a balanced life - learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work

every day some • Take a nap every afternoon • When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands

and stick together • Be aware of wonder. Remember the little seed in the Styrofoam cup: the roots go down and

the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that • Goldfish and hamsters and white

mice and even the little seed in the Styrofoam cup - they all die. So do we. And then remember the Dick-and-Jane

books and the first word you learned - the biggest word of all - LOOK.

Everything you need to know is in there somewhere. The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation. Ecology and politics and equality and sane living.

And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out in the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together :) Source: “All I Really Need To Know I Learnt In Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum.

http://www.robertfulghum.com/ All

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MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of

2010 Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011

Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class

of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011



























Class of 2011 Class of 2011 Class of 2011

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Personal contact of the right people, in the right place, at the right time has a potent and valuable part to play in every cause.

- Winston Churchill

Remember we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand.

- Emily Kimbrough

We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.

- Whoopi Goldberg

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Anna Ivkova Moscow, Russia

Career path, professional profile.I consider my professional experience to be interesting and varied: I used to work for a governmental body, national and international companies – both in consulting and industry. After serving a yearly term in the Foreign Office of Russia in Moscow, I took a three year diplomatic placement in New Delhi. However, upon completion of my term in India I felt I was too energetic and adventurous to undertake a regular career of a diplomat and decided to switch career. I joined KPMG office in Moscow, and after a couple of years I got tempted to work in the industry. I started to work as a project manager for EuroChem, a top European fertilizer company, and then worked for oil field services company Rimera, a Russian market leader. In EuroChem I focused on anti-dumping

projects opening international markets for the company products and in Rimera I broadened my professional expertise by managing strategic projects in green-field, business start-ups and national and international M&A.

Interesting fact(s) about you

Best employee award – 2008

Hobbies – mountain-biking, diving, kite-surfing, decoupage and painting

Your favourite quote, saying, expression

Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny. Charles Reade

Memorable moment during the MBA programme

Business simulation game

Known as

Warm person who is determined to put her point across, and also very fun lady with dancing feet.

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Bharath Chilakamarthy Andhra Pradesh, India.

Career path, professional profile.Prior to joining Robert Gordon University, I worked for four years in the insurance business with HDFC Standard Life Insurance Company as Assistant Sales Manager, India. I was really enjoying my job prior to the programme but I wanted to develop my business skills and gain exposure to international business. On a personal level, I was really ready to challenge myself, take a good look within and become a better leader of the finance world.


I am a kind, gentle, peaceful person who enjoys the simple things in life, nature, great books, great movies, great food, great company, and always great conversation. I have a love for learning, especially

spiritual philosophy.I love to be a performer, and I have been awarded as race champion by General Sales Manager of the company I worked for.


Reshape yourself through the power of your will...

Memorable moment during the MBA programmeDoing my MBA at RGU was definitely one of the best decisions I ever made. I had extremely high expectations coming into the programme but I had no idea of the extent to which the experience would exceed those expectations. The entire programme was wonderful learning experience for me with both ups and downs.

Known as

Being Super Macha (Lover boy). He has special place for girls. Affectionately called as “Guruji” (Guru of Love).

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Davis Antony Pulikottil Kerala, India

Career path, professional profile

Having done my early education and bachelors in India, I moved to United States to do my Masters in Computer Science and later worked as an Identity and Access management consultant for major clients such as Medtronic, General Electric and Alcatel-Lucent for more than five years.


I have swam with stingrays


Nothing is illegal if a hundred businessmen decide to do it – Andrew Young


Completed 27 course works and visited five different countries within twelve months.

Known as

Being a very nice and kind person, always helpful and contributing to coordinate the conflicts between class and the university. The man who took the class to Holland.

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Dhiraj Chandiramani Mumbai, India

Career path, professional profile. Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I worked for two and half years with a UK-based company - Packt Publishing Pvt Ltd - as a Senior Development Editor. I joined the company as a software tester where I used to code test the programmes before the book got published. I got promoted as a Development editor within a year where my profile was more like an analyst; recognising the demand for open-source and enterprise software in the US and UK market, proposing the content and structure of the book before contacting authors to help complete it. My latest position comprised of mentoring a team of four to six members, preparing team performance reports in addition to updating the team training documents and policies on the intranet.


I have managed to fracture my left hand thrice which cost me my bicycle as my mom gave it away in an argument to save me from further harm myself.


I know I was born and I know I’ll die... The in between is mine!!!


Amount of course works submitted in the first semester.

Known as

Being crazily irritating but damn funny....:)

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Dhruv Gupta Delhi, India

Career path, professional profile. Prior to joining the MBA at RGU, my career has been like a roller coaster ride in the legal profession with various twists and turns, ups and downs. My career as a professional Advocate began with handling civil litiga-tion at the Supreme Court of India under the supervi-sion of the Additional Advocate General of Haryana, Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala. After learning the truth about litigation (in six months), I decided that it was time for me to experience a different arm of the legal profes-sion. This was the turning point in my career which saw me join the legal services sector with multinational law firms CPA Global and UnitedLex Pvt. Ltd. For three years I worked and led teams on various projects pertaining to corporate law including but not exclusive to Master purchase, supply and services agreements

(contracts), compliance issues, providing legal opinion, mergers & acquisitions and dealing with PIRK (Product Recalls). It was after these experiences that I decided to undertake an MBA to improve my soft skills and widen my horizons beyond the legal industry.


I am a total movie buff and have watched a record of five movies back to back without taking a break (except bathroom breaks). I am also an avid Counter Strike (First person shooter PC game) player and have spent over twelve hours non-stop playing the game.


When something has to go wrong, it will (Murphy`s Law)!


Winning the Business Simulation Game and looking at the happiness on all my team mates faces.

Known as

Friendly person and a genuine friend who one can always count on at all times.

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Dinesh Raj R S Hosur, India

Career path, professional profile. Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I worked for three years in UST Global as a Business Analyst mainly for US Retail Clients, specialising in the Enterprise Application Integration (EAI) and Microsoft Sharepoint technologies. My work with the UST consulting team mainly involved marketing; liaison between technical consultants and potential new clients providing technical solutions for their business objectives; requirements gathering; technical writing and preparation of project management plans for successful new project sign offs.

I am a board member and work as a Business Development Manager for a smallscale call centre and softskills training firm Limat Technologies based in India. Currently I am working towards marketing and increasing the client base in the UK.


Involved in social work for past ten years won ‘Navarathna Award’ for Best President 2006. Served as ‘District Chairman International Service’ for Rotaract R.I.Dist 3200[2006-07]. Managed projects for 50 clubs having around 15,000 rotaractors and eventually ranked World No.1 Rotaract District for the year. Developing pllans to start a social enterprise named Mithre India.


Life is beautiful...


Participated in Scottish Den Competition at Strathclyde Business School Glasgow representing RGU.

Known as

Hardcore networker who would not miss a chance of expanding his contact list. Very passionate for events for a good cause. Can watch movies back to back for two whole days!

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Elzera Victoria Fernandes Bombay, India

Career path, professional profile. Prior to moving to Aberdeen to pursue a MBA at RGU, I worked for a couple of companies in Dubai. My last position was that of an Administration and HR Manager, where I led a team of eight (administrators and PROs). The job entailed managing the department, problems/disputes resolution; mentoring; decision-making, etc. I have diverse experience gained from working in the Purchase, Accounts and Administration & HR Departments.


I love to sing and dance (especially when alone), reading, I’m passionate about soccer and try not to miss the World Cup.


Where I come from, nobody knows. But where I go, everybody goes.


First semester was a nightmare – successfully completed 13 assignments without a stroke

Known asA very fierce lady despite her xxs size.

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Haris Hamza India

Career path, professional profile.Hailing from Dubai with over six years of experience in marketing and communications, I am specialised in areas such as Advertising, Brand Management, PR, Events and Exhibitions. I have worked in various parts of Middle East and Asia organising high profile events including the Common Wealth Olympics, Asian Olympics, Dubai World Cup, International Film Festivals, International Fashion Shows, Formula 1 and various Festivals. I have worked with various clients from a broad range of industries such as BP, Total, Apple, Samsung, Toyota, Government of Dubai, and Dubai Tourism. I look forward to steering my career further into sports events and marketing.


Loves football, photography, clubbing and an absolute travel freak. Awarded as the best contributor for the ceremonies of the 15th Asian Olympics Games.


“Do you know what I am saying?”


Every moment is memorable.

Known as

Being passionate for creative media, sport journalism and a laid-back person.

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Harshada Lokhande Mumbai, India

Career path, professional profileBefore moving to Aberdeen to undertake the MBA course at RGU, I worked for Accenture as a Requirement Analyst. My job responsibilities included interacting with client AT&T for requirements for new software development. Prior to that I worked for Lionbridge Technologies as a Technical Writer. In Lionbridge, my job responsibility involved interacting with clients such as Microsoft, HP and Pearson for creating documents such as the Functional and System Requirement documents.


My hobbies include reading, travelling, outdoor sports and music.


When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.


The unforgettable Netherlands STUDY tour!

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Ugbehe Efe Isaac Nigeria

Studied Electrical Electronics as my first degree, went ahead to develop my technical skills by taking up a short job for 18 months at the Nigerian Engineering Works Ltd and later got employed as maintenances engineer for a servicing company that were solidly into the building and management of hotels. This raised and matched my entrepreneurial desire which I have been developing since 2008 alongside my part- time job. Right now I wish to engage on the full time management of the hotel which I have actually been doing part time as to harness the total benefit of my labour as the hotels have shown great potential and return in the past years. The development through the MBA gave me a stronger stand of management principles and a greater understanding of people relationship management techniques and applications to competently take the business to the height I desire.


Love good food, football, music, movies and exciting outdoor games.


Life is good


The pressure to keep up with the cultural difference and study patterns’

Known asA mysterious and very discreet person.

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Tolulope (Tolu) Idowu Jaji Abuja, Nigeria

Career path, professional profile.My last job before proceeding for my MBA at Robert Gordon University was with Zenith Bank Plc, Abuja Nigeria. There I was a commercial banking officer where my job function majorly covered sales activities I sought out new customers for the bank by introducing and selling various bank products and also managed existing customers. I also packaged credit facilities for customers and functioned in customer service roles.


I love playing tennis although I must confess that watching it as well as any other sports on TV iisn’t my specialisation. I like watching movies also, although sometimes I could watch one movie for four days :-) interesting I guess.


God is always Faithful.


I stick with Sveta on the volume of course works in first semester, although my count is thirteen course works and one exam. That was oppressive man.

Known for

Asking the longest questions and giving the longest explanations and his unique laugh!

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Koyel Pranab Ghosh Mumbai, India

Career path, professional profile. Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I was with J P Morgan Chase company in India. I was a credit risk analyst for the CHASE-HNI project. J P Morgan is into investment banking in India and has its global operation in over 60 countries. My last role in my assigned project was to ascertain and mitigate risk for the project. I was also responsible to redefine prospects for the project by risk minimisation.


I am a national-level painter!!!!


I do it because I can, I can because I want to, I want to because you said I couldn’t.

Memorable moment during the MBA programmeCoursework’s took all the attention away for us to focus on anything else. One year passed and I never realised, what happened!!!!!

Known as

Ever smiling and a warm person with a strong spine inside! A serial pouter, a party goer, loves to complain just for the fun of it and appreciates life to the fullest.

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Madan Gopichandra Bangalore, India

Career path, professional profile.Before moving to UK, I worked as a Business Development Manager for CIPLA Ltd which is a well known pharmaceutical company in India for more than three years. During my career, I was mainly involved in people management.

I acted as an Ambassador and role model for the business, supported sales teams and opportunities through creating relationships with c-level contacts in customers and prospects.

I created and supervised a team of twelve including seven senior territory managers and business development executives. Our team was successful in producing fourteen different projects.


I have a great passion for mean machines i.e. cars and bikes. I love to play golf, table tennis and badminton.


“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one that has opened for us.”


Had the wonderful opportunity to meet people of different nationalities which was a truly treasured lifetime experience.

Known for

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Marina Pridatko Uralsk, KazakhstanCareer path, professional profile.Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake the MBA course at RGU, I was working in an Oi l& Gas company (Karachaganak Petroleum Operating) in West Kazakhstan for seven years. Karachaganak Petroleum Operating is a joint venture of four companies: BG, ENI, Chevron and Lukoil. During my career I was mainly involved in training and development of company personnel. On my latest position I was heading three training sectors related to languages training, business skills development courses and HSE training to ensure continuous employee development, a very important issue for any company.


My hobby is travelling, meeting new people and learning their cultures as well as cooking food of different nationalities: from Chinese I know sweet chilli chicken; from Indian I can cook chicken curry; from Nigerian I know egusi soup; and from Japanese I make sushi.


Those who strive for success-look for opportunities, those who don’t, look for excuses.


Memorable moment has not happened yet - it will be the MBA graduation ceremony!

Known for

Being witty, warm and giving and most importantly, giving an honest opinion – always :-)Also for being mother of Nidhi
































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Mingmei Wang Shanghai, China

Career path, professional profile.Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I worked for Bates 141 Advertising Company Ltd of Shanghai Branch as a senior account manager. Bates 141 is an advertising agency list under WPP. During my career, I was mainly involved in marketing activities that included advertising and market research. My latest assignment covered leading a team of three, responsible for: liaising with clients in a wide variety of industries, including banking (HSBC), automobile (General Motors) and white goods (Midea); and designing the overall domestic marketing strategy for strong business development of the client.

Interesting fact(s) about you I am fond of Roller Coaster. I spent eleven hours , riding all of the roller coasters in Tokyo Disney Sea Park within one day.

I like yoga and pole dancing.


Don’t be afraid of change, you may lose out on something good, but you might gain something even better. ------Leslie Esdaile


The four day international trip to Groningen is unforgettable!

Known for

Being very dedicated, most persistent and hard-working person who managed to overcome her language barrier in the first semester through hard work. Always finishing all courseworks way ahead of time and spending the remaining time helping others. Positive attitude of ‘okay, no problem, I can do it’ all the time. But being cutest of all, her ‘blu-blu-blu’ puzzle is a must to be solved.

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Neeraj Kumar Kesharbani Raipur, India

Career path, professional profile.Prior to undertake the MBA course at RGU, I had four + years of extensive experience of engineering consultancy in the energy and power sector as a mechanical engineer, through active involvement in optimising technological requirements and project process development strategies. I was tasked with the sole responsibility in synchronising different technical departments in Mecon Limited (India). Mecon is an ISO 9001 company appointed by the Government of India for engineering consultancy services to Iron & steel plant, power plant, Oil and Gas, general industries and infrastructure development projects besides executing turnkey projects in these areas.


At the age of nine, I once went to my friend’s house approximately five Km away and came back home eight hours later. I realised my parents were worried to the extent of going to the police after searching all around nearby places for several hours.


Do for the best.


Education tour to Groningen, Holland.

Known for

Being the perfect Taskmaster

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Nidhi BajajDelhi, India

Career path, professional profile. Before I was working as a Deputy Manager – Operations at IBM Global Business Processes in Gurgaon, India.

My 8 years (approx.) of expertise in varied domains and distinctive roles have made me learn various aspects of the business. Managing daily operations, making sure service level agreements are met on day-on-day basis, handling complaints, conflicts and managing teams have been my core responsibilities. I have had the opportunity to be a People Manager for almost five years and my learning has been that a successful People Manager is the one who leads by example, is also a Coach and ensures that he/she knows the team, listens to them, is committed, not judgmental and gives honest feedback.


Apart from the talkative me which everyone knows, I am a National level dancer – Indian Folk. I have won numerous awards and prizes. My most memorable moment was winning the 1st prize among 88 contestants in a Solo Dance Competition in 2001.


“Dreams do come true, if we only wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.” :-) James Matthew Barrie


The refreshing Holland Trip the windmills, the canals, bikes and whole loads of fun….!

Known for

Being Glamour Mother of General MBA (Full Timers), having a very strong personality, and love being the centre of attention.

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Senthilnathan Sengottaiah Palaninathan Coimbatore, India

Career path, professional profile.

Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I was a portfolio manager in a private bank for three years where my role was to do a portfolio analysis for the clients and help them diversify their investments in different financial instruments available.


Once while trekking with some of my friends in a forest in South India we saw a small spitting cobra which scared us. In order to defend ourselves in the forest, everyone went to get sticks. I found a big log and went to take it but it wasn’t a log. Only when I went near to pick it up, I realised that it was

a Python. Snakes and me, we have a special affinity.

I like playing cricket, reading books and wildlife trekking.


“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”


Spine chilling weather, disconnected internet connection, sent out from the home for flooding the bathroom and back to back submissions in December was an unforgettable experience.

Known as

Being very cool and patient in most circumstances, a reflector who will not lose his temper even in the hottest shoes. Too kind hearted sometimes to his own expense. Will go the distance for close friends. The funniest creature in a shy coat!
































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Sunil Handiganadu Venkatesh Bangalore, India

Career path, professional profile. Prior to pursuing my MBA from RGU, I was working for a company called Systems Advisers Group. They specialise in providing Enterprise Resource Planning software solutions. I have over five years of experience working as an IT consultant and software programmer. I have been involved in all the phases in the Software Development Life Cycle. I have experience in requirement analysis, software solutions designing, developing software and testing. I worked as a Team Leader with teams of sizes five to eight on projects for companies such as Microsoft.


I like hiking and playing racquet sports.


Leadership week, Study tour to Gronningen, Netherlands.


Keep talking... I always yawn when I’m interested”

Known as

Mr. Studious and the Stalker of the RGU journal database-will always have a handful of journals ready for all courseworks!

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Tonna Okoye Lagos, Nigeria

Career path, professional profile. Prior to the MBA programme, I had worked in the Financial Control and Strategy unit of Guaranty Trust Bank plc. In that role I managed the technical research activities of the unit and ed the team that prepared the quarterly Market Intelligence Reports. I also structured a demerger formula for divesting the bank’s assurance business by distribution of dividend in species. My earlier responsibilities included training the financial control staff on International Financial Reporting Standards regulations during the change-over to an IFRS system in the bank.

I am a self motivated and a results-oriented person who is very open to learning from others. My career aspiration includes being associated with a learning organization that encourages her people to be continually innovative and very serious with their continuing professional development.

I am a Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA) and with all humility a first class honours degree holder. The following quote sums up my reflection on one of my guiding principles in life: Wisdom is knowing what to do next, skill is knowing how to do it, and virtue is doing it.


I was once hit by a car when i was little but I immediately bounced up and bolted away. The rugged will to stay on and survive in harsh circumstances has always kept me moving on and on.


Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible….


Winning the business simulation game after earlier suffering an all time low TSR of -64.5%.

Known for

Being a smart talented person with a modest attitude in study as well as a good team player with excellent presentation skills. It is never too hard to answer Tonna’s questions, maybe because they are answers too as he asks longest questions and give longest explanations. He serves a great purpose than himself, he is practical, prudent, ambitious, disciplined, a perfectionist, and it works well with his analytical thinking and practicality.

S T U D E N T P R O F I L E S

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Venkatesh Mohandas KizhakkethilPalakkad, India


After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in instrumen-tation engineering I was employed for six months with Petron Engineering based in Mumbai, where I headed the construction & commissioning activities undertaken in various projects. I then moved to Qatar where I worked for Black Cat Engineering & Construction for three years and was involved in construction, commissioning & pro-curement (instrumentation) activities of oil & gas projects. Finally prior to coming to Aberdeen to undergo the MBA , I was a technical consultant to a start-up company in Qatar called BECON Engineering & Contracting and used to provide advice on matters pertaining to business develop-ment, procurement & recruitment of technical staff.


I was awarded by the client (Qatar Petroleum) twice on successful completion of two multi-million dollar projects in the Onshore Dukhan Oilfields while working for Black Cat Engineering.

I enjoy travelling and trying out new delicacies.


Live and let live!


The day I knew I passed strategic management..pheww.

Known for

Wherever there is food there he is!

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Adelagun (Ade) OlusogaNigeria

Career path, professional profile.Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I was with Seatrac oil &gas, Nigeria working as a commercial officer. My activities involved marketing and sales as well as handling business accounts that included crude oil marketing and sales of the refined products in the downstream oil & gas market


I had a ceiling fan cut in between my eyes when I was a kid but was so lucky I wasn’t blinded


Dig your well before you get thirsty Memorable moment during the MBA programme

Having to juggle three Economics and a Change Management coursework due on the same day under very cold weather conditions.

Known as

A quiet guy who roars with different perspectives and fresh ideas during discussions.

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Alena Amir Hamzah Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Career path, professional profileI was academically trained for 7 years to be a member of the legal profession, with experience in legal aid and practice in civil, criminal and non-contentious matters, as well as a legal advisor in various industries over the spread of six years –ranging from education, automotive and oil and gas industry. This MBA is pursued with the aim to diversify my portfolio and professionally enhance and distinguish myself as business personnel with legal background.


I will automatically organise a reunion every five years (my biological clock is ticked by the number of years I have left school!)


The best index to a person’s character is:

(a) how he treats people who can’t do him any good, and (b) how he treats people who can’t fight back.


Struggling to lip-read Terry in class to understand his accent!

Known for

Being very warm-hearted helper, tireless cook, good photographer and efficient events organizer whose decency and niceness is out of the question. Managing people is her second nature. Hats off to her how she managed the course and all of us. Events planner of the year.

World’s mommy who is also cranky, lively and jolly friend with the fastest Facebook posting skills.

Is also known for her pesto pasta, anchovies sambal and beef rendang.

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Almaz Zhalbyrov Asta, KazakhstanCareer path, professional profile.Before moving to Aberdeen I was working for ten years in KazTransGas National Company, which is involved in the transportation and sale of natural gas. My career within this company started as the specialist at the Contracts Department of the KazTransGas’ subsidiary, eventually becoming Director of the Marketing Department at KazTransGas (head-office) and later to obtain my current position of the Director of the Procurement Department. My latest assignment covered: planning, organisation and conducting procurement process of the company; preparation of annual purchases plan and monitoring its execution; monitoring gas condensate sale; and participation in conducting complex analysis of the company’s economic and financial operations.


I like wrestling and swimming.

Here, I also found that I like cooking, especially after a coursework submission (for stress removal).


Without hope there can be no disappointment… but without disappointment there can be no happiness.


“Christmas Holiday” with 6 courseworks.

Known for

His Kazakh-Uzbek pilau – wow! Quiet but caring, resourceful and reliable.

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Mugisha Amos Kabale-Rukiga, Uganda

Career path, professional profileImmediate previous activity was a politician and an active member of National Resistance Movement (NRM). Previous positions include: Director Operations Proc (U) LTD (2006-2010), Manager Procurement and Disposal Unit at Uganda Revenue Authority (1998-2006) and Senior Procurement specialist at American Procurement Company (1997-1998) Washington. I attended the University of Nottingham (1992-1995) graduated in BA (Honours) Industrial Economics, University of North London (1996) graduated in Procurement and Logistics Management (Diploma), Chartered Institute of Purchasing And Supplies UK (1996) Corporate Member. I was keenly involved in student activities and held responsibility as head finance of NUS in my secondary school days.


Hunting- At the age of 12, I walked 100 km on foot with peers who were much older than me and went hunting in a neighbouring country. We were pursued by the Game Rangers, in the melee I got lost in the game park and it took me two months to find my way back home. So, I am an adventure, sometimes I do not necessarily know where I am going but I love my journeys and the discovery.


The hunter in pursuit of an elephant does not stop to throw stones at birds


Human Resources first assignment. The lack of knowledge In Harvard referencing, the shock of the results left me in total limbo for almost two months.

Known for

His kinesics (body language) when ‘driving home’ a point.

Also for his aspiration for being the Oil Minister for the Sovereign Republic of Uganda and being a resourceful person who wants to know everything about power, probably to fully enjoy it himself .

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Ashish SharmaDelhi, India

Career path, professional profile.Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I was with Bureau Veritas, Dubai for six years. During my career I was mainly involved in various projects associated with quality control and quality assurance for Saudi Aramco, Petrofac, Occidental, Larsen & Tubro.


Received award from Saudi Aramco for the refurbishment of their jack-up oil rig SAR-201.


“The woods are lovely dark and deep. But I have promises to keep and mile, and miles to go before I sleep” Robert Frost.


Burn house visit.

Known for

Having a great personality and a humour ‘side’ to everything and bringing loads of humour to class discussions as being always ready with a witty reply. The sight of him makes you smile.

Acting as the janitor in Marketing for Andrew.

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Ashraf F. Hassan Gouda Giza, EgyptTwo miles from the Pyramids. Come and Visit

Career path, professional profile. After long entrepreneurial activity in the USA (1989--2007) I decided I had enough and wanted to work in a large firm. Every place I go they require MBA education. So I decided to reinvent myself and go back to school after twenty plus years. Having worked with Gillette company at the beginning of my career in Egypt as QC Supervisor then moved to the states to do survival jobs for couple of years then opened my business(s) in several areas of services. I started with a travel agency, then tax preparation, then computer training and education centre and then an office space leasing company. The pressure of running the business and being the front and last man for all aspects got me sick and I wanted to change my career path. I chose Aberdeen because of the Oil and Gas

advantage and more importantly, it’s tuition and ease of application compared to other MBA programmes.


*I hold a pilot’s license

*In 1984 I bought and drove a car from Belgium to Athens, Greece 5000 km, six countries, six languages, six currencies, three political systems in ten days. ( road maps only)

* 250 Km/hour speed on autobahn in Germany, 2007 (scary).

*Hot air Balloon Ride in Luxor Egypt

* I have climbed the Great Wall of China twice.


“The reasonable man adapts himself to the world; the unreasonable one persists in trying to adapt the world to himself. Therefore, all progress depends on the unreasonable man.” George Bernard Shaw


Meeting with Donald Trump.

Known as

The Boss Man – the smiling face and the big daddy image, who always sharing his snacks and chocolates. He brings positivity and energy, and is an example for all of us - study at any age, it only adds to our experience!

“It depends” is the favourite saying.

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Benedict Ndudi Itegbe Abuja, Nigeria

Career path, professional profile. I was a principal project manager with a Government agency for international trade. A registered architect, CAD specialist and an IT professional (RDBMS – Oracle). My typing is horrible though.


I’m left-handed by birth .I have climbed the Kilimanjaro, highest mountain in Africa, I love babies like a mum, they are simply angels.


Jesus loves you. If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right.


Wine/dine at the leadership dinner, free at last.

Known as

The Professor of the MBA class a passionate speaker.

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Bisola Jinadu (Abi)(Lagos, Nigeria) (London, UK)

Career path, professional profileI am an Accountant (soon to be Chartered Accountant). Before the MBA, previous roles include Investment banking, Financial analyst and Senior Account executive in busy Central London.


“The heights great men reached and kept was not attained by a sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upwards in the night”.


Twelve courseworks within two months of the first semester are unforgettable!

Known as

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David Hajovsky Austin, TX, USA

Career path, professional profile.My path into the oil and gas industry is probably a bit different from most. My first degree was in microbiology and initially I worked in this field with Allergan Pharmaceutical. After some time working in a microbiology lab I realised I wanted something a bit more exciting and adventurous so I made a career change. I joined Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) which specializes in seismic data acquisition and processing. During my time with PGS I helped manage an onshore field operation on over 20 different 3-D seismic projects throughout the North American region. I decided to leave for my MBA because I wanted to position myself for future growth opportunities internationally within the oil and gas industry.


I’ve completed full and half marathons through the years and am targeting my first ultra-marathon the first part of 2012. I’m quite a film buff and have attended various film festivals in Austin. During my early teenage years I was the Texas State Longbow Archery champion for three years running.


“I have learned to use the word ‘impossible’ with the greatest caution.” –Wernher Von Braun


Sitting down as a group and watching our homemade movie trailers during induction week. It was a nice ice-breaker.

Known as

Cool, calm, composed guy who is confident and always ready to lead and be Speaker of the cohort. Open Hearted Person who is very much lively, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a nice guy, an Ashton Kutcher look alike.ST

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Dillyara DosmakovaAstana, Kazakhstan

Career path, professional profile.I have got sixteen + years of total work experience, ten + of which are of commercial business management nature acquired in large Upstream Multinational O&G and Energy companies both in Kazakhstan and Brazil. Throughout my career, I have been responsible for international and domestic sales & marketing of Energy, Sulphur and Gas whilst ensuring resilient and cost-effective business strategies developed and the targeted markets and customers reached out. Regardless of job type, I have always strived to eliminate waste and loss by optimising business processes, sales and service agreements and communications with key stakeholders across all levels to enable achieving alignment and buy-in and which yielded positive results through the increased efficiency throughout the entire supply chain, profits and customers

satisfaction. At times, it was quite challenging to introduce change. However, upon seeing the tangible positive results achieved, I did always think that all the endeavors were worthwhile. I have wanted to pursue a Western O&G MBA degree for couple of years as I aim to progress in the international O&G markets. I would not have been able to do this without my husband’s support and I would love to thank him for his big heart and understanding.


I love poetry, dancing, singing and music. I used to write poems, professionally play piano and violin and be the choir soloist. However, all music stuff, finally, gave way to sports when I turned 13. I used to be the University basketball team captain (bachelor).


I used to use two sayings very often: “under-confidence is even worse than over-confidence” and yet “it is good swimmers that drown” which always reminded me of the need to strike the right balance between the two facets.


The endings of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd semesters!!!

Known as

Being an energetic lady who is never short of words for her remarks, questions and speeches. Her determination and enthusiasm in delivering tasks and targets is an example for everyone.

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I enjoy travelling, meeting new friends , and learning new languages. I also like exercising and staying fit.


Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.


The leadership week activities.

Known for

Always smiling, always ahead of the schedule with courseworks and sharing Favourite Question with Abi: ‘Are you Serious?’

Feyisayo (Feyi) Durojaiye Lagos, Nigeria

Career path, professional profile.Prior to the MBA program, I worked with AMEC Nigeria for about four years. I was involved in the closing out phase of the Bonga project, which is giant 300,000 tonnes FPSO, situated 120km offshore Nigeria. This was followed by the Major Integrity projects (MIPs). MIPs involved the revamp and upgrade of the existing operating facilities of Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited. During my career, I was actively involved in the project controls activities for the EPC project, such as project planning, cost control and management of change.

Post MBA I intend to use the knowledge and experience gained on the programme to improve my commercial skills in the business world.

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Franck-Olivier Kadio Côte d’Ivoire & France

Career path, professional profile.I started my career as an Instrumentation and Process Control Project Engineer in the refinery of Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Then, in order to get experience in the Upstream Oil & Gas industry, I accepted a job offer from an Engineering company in Paris, France. I worked there for two years as a consultant on major projects in Africa such as offshore platforms in Nigeria or gas wells in Algeria.

After six years of engineering experience, I decided to undertake the full-time MBA Oil & Gas Management to broaden my management skills and acquire a deeper knowledge of the industry in order to move to challenging new positions


I contribute to the global warming by working in the Oil & Gas industry, but I compensate it by investing in rubber tree plantation.


“The greatest danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark.” (Michelangelo)


Christmas Eve, alone, writing a coursework.

Known for

Typing 3000 words coursework in hours before submission, and being really good at thinking out of the box. Has the capability to remember 100 things at one time, except where he puts his bus pass.Frenchman who says: call me “Fronk”- can never pronounce it!!!

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Julius OgoGhana, Accra

Career path, professional profile.I graduated from Mendeleev’s University of Chemical Technology, Moscow Russia with a BSc and MSc degrees in chemical and petrochemical engineering in 1994/95 and then did my national service at Tema Oil Refinery in Ghana for one year. I then proceeded to teach briefly at Accra Polytechnic in Ghana until April 2000 when I again joined Tema Oil Refinery as a process engineer and later became a Refinery Shift Manager until September 2010 when I decided to pursue MBA Oil and Gas management at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.


I enjoy going to the beach in Accra to swim and jog in the beach sand. I love visiting various play ground to watch my three boys play.


It pays to be good to people on your way up, for it is

the same people you meet on your way down.


I can’t forget how I managed to go through the first semester with severe winter.

Known for

Secret love for music and dancing.

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Hajara Shuaibu Abuja, Nigeria

Career path, professional profile. My first job immediately after school was with Ecobank PLC . I have been with the bank for four years and during those years, I have worked in the Customer Service Unit, Funds Transfer Unit and Risk Management Group. The challenges presented by those units were totally different and interesting. Being a fast learner, I get bored easily hence the decision to challenge myself in a totally different sector. My banking experience, especially in my last position as a credit officer and knowledge gained here in RGU would help pave the path to my launch into the Oil and Gas industry.


I am an all rounder in terms of hobbies. I guess it all depends on my mood for the day. I love reading and watching films indoors with no interruptions. On the other hand, I love attending outdoor social and sporting events and just hanging out with friends. At the risk of sounding vain, I would like to add that I was voted the “prettiest girl” in my class in secondary school and “the best dressed female” in my department during my undergraduate studies.


Sh*t happens, get over it


Speed dating on the first day of induction. It was total chaos.

Known as

Friendly, affectionate, very much supportive but cool and calculating person who knows how to pause and reflect before jumping into a hasty decision.

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Hassan Ghanduri Haraba, Libya

Career path, professional profile.Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I worked for years for TOTAL E & P UK as a Senior Subsea Drilling Engineer, North – North Sea Projects (NNS). My responsibility was preparing oil well drilling bases of design, materialist, budget and drilling programme. Before that I was working for TOTAL Libya for ten years in deferent roles from Senior wells supervisor to production Supervisor and finally Senior Drilling Engineer, where I was responsible for preparing of drilling campaign for 39 development wells including call for tenders for material and services (we were team of three people including the drilling manager and we managed to complete all preparation within six months only). Finally, I have had spent eight years at the beginning of my carreer working for Waha Oil Company (Libya) where, escalated

through the positions from production Forman to drilling and production coordinator, responsible for 130 people and around 60K Bbls of oil production with two drilling rigs and one huge gas plant.


When I was 20 I was in the desert on a trip with friends. At night I gave a lift to someone by car around 15Kms away, and I got lost on the way back to our tent place. I spent a few hours trying to find my way without success, before I decided to sleep in the car until the morning. It was the first time I spent all night in the silence except for wolves songs.

My hobbies are travelling, playing volleyball and reading poetry in Arabic.


Patience is the key to success for the people who want to be on the top.


Studying for my MBA during tremendous events going on in my home country (Libya).

Known as

Very humble and pleasant guy, who is self-contained and very professional in his area of expertise.

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Henry Victor WoodTakoradi, Ghana

Career path, professional profile. I am an entrepreneur; I have run my own business in the past. Before signing up for the MBA, I was working as an in- country representative for a Major Swiss oil and gas service company and a focal person for its west African multipurpose fleet expansion. I have designed an integrated logistics strategy for businesses, led negotiations on a number of issues and look forward to a rewarding career in the field of commercial oil and gas negotiations. Since the future is very much unknown, I look forward to developing my skills on foreign policy and negotiations for the global stage – call it statecraft!


1. I enjoy reading, making contacts in the corporate world, writing proposals, seeking new opportunities.

2. I struck a hefty O &G deal only for the deal partner to die in a crash one week later

3. I enjoy political and diplomatic strategy discussions.

Your favourite quote,

All we have gained then by our unbelief Is a life of doubt diversified by faith, For one of faith diversified by doubt: We called the chess-board white, we call it black. – Thomas Carlyle


Every bit of the MBA experience will be memorable

Known for

Very rare to speak, laid back most of the time, but with expected burst of good opinion and contagious laughter.

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Mawunyo RubsonAccra/Akuse, Ghana

Career path, professional profileBSc Mechanical Engineer with several years of engineering work experience with Volta River Authority, major power utility in Ghana. I worked mainly as a project engineer in managing supervised implementation of various power related engineering projects. My last assignment, prior to embarking on the MBA programme was a five year secondment to West African Gas Pipeline Company. Again, I worked as an Onshore Project Engineer in the implementation of the West African Gas Pipeline Project (now completed and in operation), which sought to transport cheap natural gas from Nigeria across the sub-region to Ghana for power generation and industrial use


“In the fullness of time He makes everything beautiful! “


Survival of the 1st semester amidst ill-health gives me hope!

Known as

Humble and easy going person who is ready to help if he can.

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Moses AuduAbuja, Nigeria

Career path, professional profileBefore moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I was a banker in Nigeria, where I managed a strategic business unit of a bank. Basically, my roles were: defining the strategic business focus of the bank to team members and aid team members in achieving the bank’s strategic business objectives; managing the branch balance sheet, profit and loss account and the cash flow; corporate finance of large conglomerates. My financial experience coupled with the growth of Oil and Gas to sustain the main stay of the Nigeria economy gave me an insight to study MBA Oil and Gas Management. The skill; knowledge and expertise acquired would aid me to qualitatively and quantitatively appraise the economic viability of Oil and Gas projects to the benefit of my great nation. Also, the knowledge; skills and expertise acquired from the

consultancy project done for Accenture Group (UK) on the prevailing idea that, the North Sea Oil and Gas Supply Chain can be transferrable to the emerging offshore wind energy would be transferred to Nigeria where there is a prevailing power supply issue today.


I strongly believe in positive thinking: that everything is possible.


Nothing good comes easy.


Critically analysed as always asked by lecturers!

Known for

Focusing on the good even when things are bad, and looking for the gift in complications and living life with gratefulness.

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Natalia Shekhovtsova Vladivostok, Russia

Career path, professional profile.Prior to joining the Oil and Gas Management MBA in Aberdeen Business School, I spent a year in Singapore studying general management subjects to enhance my business knowledge. Before moving abroad, I was involved in various projects of Sakhalin 1 oil and gas development in the Russian Far East being in charge of cost control and contract administration functions.


During my stay in Singapore I was a part of a team of professional counsellors working hard to make lives of cancer patients a little bit brighter. I enjoy swimming and cooking and make my own bread.


A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty (W. Churchill)


Leadership week when we were given a unique opportunity to meet with outstanding leaders many aspire to become

Known for

Julia-Roberts look-alike who smiles ALL the time (especially when she is nervous during presentations :)

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Oluwadamilola T. Odugbemi (Dami)Lagos, Nigeria

Career path, professional profile.I have had about nine years work experience in the Oil and Gas Industry. My background is in accounting and have had the opportunity to work with Halliburton and Conoco Phillips. These have necessitated my interface with other cross-functional groups and Business Units located in North America and Europe. My functions span leading the Long Range Plan, Financial Reporting & Analysis amongst others. I look forward to continuing my working career in managerial roles, either in finance or commercial related job functions. In addition, I hope to contribute to the Global GDP by starting up my own business.


I used to enjoy driving at top speed but suddenly realised I could not repurchase my life if lost it in an accident, so I had to take a chill pill.


All things work for good for those who love God.


Twelve course works within two months of the 1st semester are unforgettable!

Known as

Very calm and respectful with smooth and calming voice, but baritone laugh.

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Raphael Asiem (Kuul)Takoradi, Ghana


To date, I have been working in a family business setup as an IT systems Manager. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to: system administration; electronic data management: and web support. Additionally, I own an IT vendor which deals mainly in the importation and wholesaling of computer products. As a sole proprietor, my leadership roles encompass liaising with suppliers

and buyers from Guangzhou and Ghana respectively.

The way forward to my future career ambition is to seek greener pastures in the oil and gas industry. However, I see myself not exiting the IT industry completely since there would be a pressing need for me to remotely support most of my copyright systems being used in Ghana by major organisations.


As part of my undergraduate dissertation requirement, I single handedly designed and rolled out an online school management system to support electronic learning for basic schools and in turn, the Government of Ghana took it upon itself to provide a mass media advertisement for this project, culminating in its widespread use by private and public schools alike. During my leisure periods, I spend much time on the piano and occasionally, I do visit the beach for swimming exercises.


Second chances are a gift, not a hand-out!


Late examination preparation has been one of my idiosyncrasies in every educational pursuit. However, during this MBA program, I bore the brunt of it when I had to remain in my seat continuously for 12 hours in order to make a coursework ready for submission.

Known as

A very determined person, who knows where he wants to go in life. Surprise-surprise, a very good pianist who spends most of his weekends travelling for recitals! The only man to change his name midstream through the programme.

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Richard N. (KK) Krakue Accra, Ghana

Career path, professional profile. Before moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I worked for fourteen years with ADK Consortium, providing consultancy services on major building and civil engineering projects. ADK Consortium is a multi-disciplinary consulting group comprising Architects, Engineers, Surveyors, Planners and Project Managers with a head office in the capital (Accra) and other locations in Ghana. During my career, I was mainly involved with the provision of quantity surveying and co-ordination services on a number of major projects as well as specializing in the provision of contractual advice, pre and post contract services. My latest assignment involved leading a team of ten to complete pre-contract quantity surveying services for the upgrading of Tamale General Hospital into a Teaching Hospital in Ghana. The scope included: construction of new buildings; rehabilitation

and upgrading of existing structures; supply and installation of equipment; and provision of technical support to meet international standards.


March 29th is a date I always remember. Twelve years ago on this date, I had a fatal car accident. Ten years after, on the same date, I had a life changing experience (not car accident!).


‘‘Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.’’ - Jim Rohn


An unforgettable winter during first semester!

Known as

Always a polite gentleman who is pleasant, friendly, reserved, values people and relationships and who knows how not to forget where he comes from - although very hard to get talking.
































Shankar Tiwary India

Career path, professional profile. I started my career as a process Engineer in India shortly after my graduation in Chemical Engineering. After working in this firm for almost two and half years, I switched to another company as a process engineer/ business Development analyst. I then decided to change my career in terms of bigger roles and more management responsibilities. I decided to study a MBA to sharpen my edge over others. I hope this programme would bolster my career and stand up to my expectations.


I love playing guitar. Hanging around with friends, especially in pubs, is my grand pass time.


The world is the great gymnasium where we come to make ourselves strong. Swami Vivekananda


Doing course works at the last minute!!!

Known forCoursework submission – tell me the night before!!

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Sohan Shah Pune, India

Career path, professional profile.After completing Mechanical Engineering I worked with Sulzer Chemtech India/Switzerland for over four years, designing the columns internals used in refining. Halfway in the journey I realised that although I was good at my job managing 19 people in a very short time, doing it well to win awards and working for projects across, Europe, Middle-East, India, Russia and Africa, it was the allied roles and responsibilities that I took up in the areas of operational excellence, benchmarking exercises for global locations, improving the costing tools to reflect competitive engineering practices initiated and working on new services to add to our business portfolio that really motivated me rather my routine work. To build on the commercial skills acquired through such roles I pursued my MBA Oil and Gas with the intention to move into a commercial role within the energy industry.


Hobbies include basket ball, hiking / trekking, investing, travelling, music


20% of life is what it brings to you and 80% is what you make of it.


Induction Week – making a movie, business idea, Burn House – the most memorable build-up to an onslaught of courseworks!!!

Known as

Smart man who can justify weird ideas logically.If he wanted to have omelette for breakfast, then he would start critically explaining with how and from where did the egg originate and will ultimately end up eating pancakes instead.

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Svetlana (Sveta) Lim Sakhalin, Russia

Career path, professional profilePrior to moving to Aberdeen to undertake this MBA course at RGU, I was for ten years with Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd on Sakhalin 2 Project – the first LNG project in Russia. During my career I was mainly involved in commercial activities that included crude oil marketing and sales to the Asia-Pacific market, and the introduction and marketing of a new oil blend into the market. My latest assignment covered leading the team of five to six operators responsible for commercial operations that included LNG and crude oil cargoes off-takes and delivery to receiving terminals as well as commercial operations of LNG and crude time-chartered tankers fleet.


I like alpine skiing and slalom in-line skating. I give a shot to every entertaining opportunity that can raise my adrenalin level.


All that is done is done for the best


Twelve ourseworks topped with an exam within two months of the 1st semester are unforgettable!

Known as

Smart, quiet, pro-active and unpredictable, but at the end very nice person with the photographic eye (MBA’s official incharge of ‘sweet memories’) who loves her chocolates during classes in order to keep the eye lids open.

Host of warm friendly parties at home.

From Russia with love.

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Terry Michael Allan Aberdeen, Scotland

Career path, professional profile.Upon graduating from university, in Accounting and Finance, I joined Talisman Energy as part of their graduate program, working across various operational functions in their North Sea operations. After leaving Talisman I joined Simmons & Company International Limited, a leading energy focussed investment bank, as part of their Corporate Finance team. During my time at Simmons I worked in their Aberdeen and Dubai offices, executing various M&A transactions across the energy sector, which ranged from sub $10 million equity raisings to multi-billion dollar public market M&A transactions.


My main passions are golf and football, although I enjoy training at the gym and mountain biking on the weekends. Nothing too earth shattering, although I have done a couple of bungee jumps and have a sky dive scheduled for later this year.


- No one plans to fail, they just fail to plan!- Always give 100% and you’ll never second guess yourself!


The first semester and the sheer intensity of the workload is unforgettable, however my most memorable moment of the MBA was getting a phone call from a classmate at 0648 on Christmas morning asking how to access an academic journal database.

Known as

Extremely nice guy with pragmatic, focused and determined personality. Bodybuilder who is fan of Arsenal football team and golf.

Despite inaudible Scottish accent he never lets an argument die and troubles all the lecturers in the class.

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Ugochi Ayodele Lagos, Nigeria

Career path, professional profile. My first degree was in Biochemistry after which I started a career in Banking where I amassed over six years significant and progressive experience in Strategic Marketing/Relationship Management and Customer Service. Having worked in three different banks in Nigeria and managed key Oil and Gas relationships in the bank which exposed me to the opportunities therein, I opted for a full time course in MBA Oil and Gas Management to develop a deeper knowledge of the industry for a transition having my key interest in strategy/business development and strategic relationship management (Next Level).


Was able to run my Nigerian home from Aberdeen effectively yet focused on my MBA pursuit. Also a personality with a heart for God.


You only live once, but if you work it right, once is enough.


The day I took the decision to take my son back to Nigeria in tears in the name of MBA!!! Gosh!!!!!!

Known as

Being very warm, friendly, caring and the best sister in Aberdeen.

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BOYS GIRLS

...to be a CEO? David Sveta

...to run a Country? Amos Alena

..to ask the most long-winded questions? Tonna Dillyara

...to win the Lottery and lose the ticket? Rubson Abi

...to become a Spy? Dami Koyel

...to become a Stand-up Comedian Ashish Mingmei

...to win a fight with a polar bear? Terry Nidhi

Amec Business Options in the UKCS

Team: Richard Krakue, Tonna Okoye, Feyisayo Durojaiye, Ugochi Ayodele, Sohan Shah, Hajara Shuaibu, Franck Kadio

The three month MBA management consultancy project was a significant learning opportunity for the team during the course of the programme. It not only gave the team the exposure and experience of consulting for a live project for a multinational organisation, it also allowed the team explore and use some of the strategy theories and processes taught during the programme. More so, it proved as a platform to enhance team spirit and leadership qualities amongst the team members by leveraging on individual competences.

The project involved developing strategic options for Amec along the oil and gas value chain that would help enhance their existing service offering in the UK North Sea. This took an action research process which entailed desk research, interview of key stakeholders with emphasis on the operators and analysis of their drivers, and a comparative analysis and evaluation of Amec and its competitors. Based on our findings, the team proposed two strategic options that would enable Amec to gain competitive advantage not only in the North Sea but as these can be applied to other business divisions globally.

As a team, the project evolved through a learning curve with feelings of uncertainty and optimism at the beginning to better clarity and complete success at the end.

We thank Amec for the support and opportunity given to work with them and we hope the relationship with RGU will continue to grow.

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Plug and Abandonment Market Opportunities in the UKCS for Halliburton

Team: Almaz Zhalbyrov Anna Ivkova Hassan GhanduriMingmei Wang

The project was delivered by MBA students upon the request of Halliburton, one of the top international companies who specialise in oil field services. The team provided a review of the well abandonment market in the United Kingdom Continental Shelf and suggested possible market opportunities for Halliburton and the strategies it should adopt in order to make use of these opportunities.

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Social Enterprise: Beyond opportunism

Team: Haris Hamza, Davis Pullikotil, Tolulope Jaji, Sunil Venkatesh

Health and social care has been facing a number of challenges due to an increase in the aging population, lower incomes, lack of resources and recent cuts in funding by the government. This has called to re-enforce and re-align new ways to cater to the needs of the eldery within Aberdeenshire. A newly re-aligned system to support people’s healthier lifestyles and to cater to the need of the old age sector has raised the opportunity to develop many social enterprises.

The scope of our project was to identify the range of social enterprise models available to the Aberdeenshire health and community care partnership to effectively use the available funds for the purpose of social enterprise.The objectives of this project were

1. To identify potential sustainable social enterprise models available to meet ‘Change Fund’ objectives which will en able the Aberdeenshire health and community care partnership to make better use of their combined resources.

2. To define funding options for the social enterprise models.

3. To map the value added offered by social enterprise models

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The project involved primary research to understand the expectations of the stakeholders and also to understand the working of existing social enterprises, voluntary and charity organisations. Several organisations currently engaged in social enterprising were selected from Aberdeenshire to be examined in the study. Based on the research findings, three social enterprising models were proposed to meet the objectives of the research and as a means of investing in local communities thereby promoting the health and well being of the older people within the community. These models are the Hybrid model, Franchisee model and the Venture Capitalist model.

We recommend that, once the right opportunities are identified and a proper framework is put in place, these social enterprise models could meet the varying needs of the local communities within Aberdeenshire. Further, a range of services such as private care, private domestic care, community services and revenue generating services can be tailored that best suit the purpose of the enterprise.

This project was well appreciated by our client, other supporting partners and by Aberdeenshire Council.

We are very thankful to:

Aberdeenshire health and community

care partnership recognises the need for

joint working between primary health and

social care teams as this will add value to

existing community health services.

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Gas to Power in Poland

Team: Dillyara Dosmakova, Oluwadamilola Odugbemi, Ndudi Itegbe, Alena Amir Hamzah

The overall objective of the Consultancy Project was to assess the competitiveness and the economic viability of generating electricity from natural gas in Poland. The project objective was driven by the need of Chevron Upstream Europe (“The Client”) to build up an understanding of the business opportunity to monetise gas in the power sector of Poland, given the shale gas reserves developed. Thus, to accomplish the Project objective, the Consultancy Team (“The Team”) has pursued a holistic approach to establish the current and prospective stand of natural gas in the energy mix strategies of Poland and the European Union (EU). It has, therefore, reviewed and assessed: legal and regulatory energy frameworks of the EU and Poland to define natural gas stance and the level of government support compared to other competing energy sources; coal, nuclear, wind, hydro; Poland’s energy industry developments with the focus made on gaining the insights on the way the industry functions at each segment of the power supply chain; and electricity generation, transmission, distribution, wholesale and retail trade, with the aim of revealing the major industry developing patterns, opportunities and challenges for gas to power project.

As a result of the integrated analysis and assessments performed, the Team has offered Chevron three, most optimal and secure long-term strategic direction options to monetise gas ensuring maximum asset value is generated. This has been a challenging but a worthwhile journey, as the Team managed to meet and exceed the Client’s high expectations, as expressed by Chevron. Each team-member not only deployed his/her business and team-work experience but also, undoubtedly, improve their skills.

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Shell UK. UKCS Gas Infrastructure Third Party Access

Team: Terry Allan, David Hajovsky, Sveta Lim and Natalia Shekhovtsova

The team worked with Shell UK to address a strategic problem facing the UKCS oil and gas industry. The team’s focus was directed towards the commercial frameworks and critical issues that exist between owners of transportation and processing infrastructure and the third party shippers who wish to gain access. Working closely with the commercial team at Shell UK, the project group conducted extensive research into the current framework in the UKCS and also examined third party infrastructure access frameworks utilised around the world in attempting to formulate industry wide recommendations that would benefit the UKCS and its key stakeholders. The project proved to be a valuable learning experience for the team in understanding the complexity that oil and gas companies face on a day to day basis.

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Review of WGPSN Integration ProcessTeam: Nidhi Bajaj, Marina Pridatko, Harshada Lokhande and Dhiraj Chandiramani.

Like capacity expansion, vertical integration and diversification, a large merger or an acquisition is a strategic move since it can make or break a company. Our project analysed the organisational environment after acquisition and, as all merging organisations hope for synergies by merging with or acquiring other industry players, there always exist hidden risks and liabilities, cultural differences, and ingrained or vested interest often present unpredictable challenges.

The coming together of Wood Group and PSN is one such move and our project looked at four aspects analysing the effect of the integration on: employees and their performance; the communication plan; identifying sensitivities and future potential risks; and evaluating benefits and disadvantages of matrix organisational structure.

Our project created a platform for us to understand and experience the change process and the various facets of integration. Over the three month period, we interviewed the senior leadership in a series of 40 personal and telephonic interviews. The next phase was the release of surveys for the middle management and employees without subordinates across the various geographies with a sample size of 232 employees and 30 managers. It was encouraging to see 50% responses were received in total. The open views of the leaders and the survey results brought to us the views of the people who are experiencing change. The final phase was the analysis of organisations which adopted the Matrix organisation structure and interestingly found that not all organisations were comfortable with a strict matrix structure over time.P

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Both the legacy organisations Wood Group and PSN had completely different structures before coming together. While PSN was a smaller size organization with a close-nit and open culture, Wood Group was a huge entity based organisation and leaders took decisions for their business units.

It was a great opportunity for us to work on the project getting a first-hand view from the drivers of the change and the opinions of the employees experiencing the change.

The final presentation was a great experience showcasing the leaders of WGPSN the insights of the change process. The leaders were happy to get thoughtful insights to the change process as we tried to highlight some challenges which, if addressed effectively, WGPSN will be able to successfully manage a highly complex, multifaceted global business.

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Offshore Renewable Energy

Team: Amos Mugisha, Bisola Jinadu, Moses Audu, Adelagun Olusoga

Accenture is one of the biggest consultancy firms in the world with a large footprint across the global oil and gas industry. Our group consisted of a team of four unique individuals with backgrounds varying from finance and commercial to engineering. The diversity of the group was our key strength and we leveraged on this to overcome challenges in order to deliver a successful project to the client.

Our consultancy project investigated the prevailing notion that the North Sea (Aberdeen) offshore oil and gas supply chain is directly transferable to offshore renewable wind energy, taking into consideration the readily available local supply chain activities from the oil and gas industry.

The emerging renewable energy sector is of significant interest to different organisational bodies and agencies including the government, the energy industry and other stakeholders as it paves way towards a long term measure of alleviating climate change and its adverse effect on the environment.

The project was a tremendous developmental experience for the team in terms of exposure and cultivating our consultancy skills. Needless to say, our clients Accenture were very pleased with the outcome, challenges identified and recommended strategies. It is believed that this project will contribute immensely to the body of knowledge available on the subject matter and it will form a basis for future research by subsequent MBA cohorts to build on.P

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Launching Nutritional Healthcare Products In Africa: A Market Analysis

By Dhruv Gupta

The aim of the market research laid out in this project is to help GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) in building a sourcing strategy for the procurement of wheat flour, which is the key commodity in the production process of Horlicks.

GSK (the client) is one of the world`s leading research based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies which had a turnover of £28.4bn with £5.0bn sales from its Consumer Healthcare Division in 2010. GSK`s competitive strategy is based on geographical expansion in the emerging markets and as a part of this strategy, GSK is planning on launching Horlicks, its fastest growing nutritional healthcare brand, in Western African country Nigeria. The strategic direction of the company with regards to sourcing of wheat flour is to source it from a supplier whose quality, service, reliability and pricing best meet the company needs. The market analysis of the Nigerian wheat flour industry has been specifically aimed at identifying whether the market would be able to support the strategic direction of GSK or will the company have to reassess its options for the sourcing of commodities critical in the production process of Horlicks. The development of a sourcing strategy depends upon a thorough market analysis which is the actual aim of the project.

After conducting the market analysis of the Nigerian wheat flour market and subjecting it to various analytical frameworks, the report identified that the Nigerian wheat flour market, due to its competitive nature, seems to allow GSK`s strategic directions to work as the market has a variety of suppliers (different capacities and scales) who in order to compete effectively choose to satisfy the needs of their clients. P

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Visiting Aberdeen Football Stadium.

Deutag. Trying our hands on Rig simulators at KCA Deutag.

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What I appreciate most about you exercise.

Day tour to the Nigg Yard with Global Energy Group

Marketing assignment in Aberdeen Airport.

Transport

Walk 22% Eco friendly

Bus 69% First Bus crushers

Car 5%

Bicycle 2% Eco friendly exercises

Taxi 2% Naughty

Languages

MBA Students Speak 34

Average Girls 3

Guys <3

Typical Workgroup scene - Ladies all stressed out, guy, BBm-ing.

...increasing COSTA COFFEE’s revenue.

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Phil’s Drill,

Hot Drinks (litres consumed during study year

Tea 3,723

Coffee 3,066

Hot Chocolate 876

Sight Aids (glasses or lenses)

Yes 46%

No 54%

...taste the water.

...go on a Cruise.

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Average

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Girls 5.5

Guys 9

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...go on a cruise.

...celebrate birthdays.

Weight

+ 31% enjoyed life and put on weight

- 42% studied hard and lost weight

= 27% balanced approach: enjoyed life, studied hard, went to gym

Average

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Girls 5.5

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...jump in the sun.

...learn celidh dance.

Average Height (cm)

Girls

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180

Accommodation

University accommodation 35%

Rent/Own apartment 65%

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During the first weekend of October 2010 the School organised for us to go on a team building trip to the residential conference centre ‘Burn House’. The house was a grand Scottish mansion in a stunning countryside location, built in 1791 and now completely modernised. The theme for this programme was ‘Entrepreneurship’, and it carried out a teamwork exercise for which an award was given for successful winning of the game. It was the first time we were working together in teams. We learned from each other and got to know each other through speaking and listening. It was a good start to our MBA journey, because it provided us an excellent opportunity to adapt to the new environment and relieve the anxiousness of a ‘fresher’. One of the most unforgettable things was the food. Most of us were introduced to Scottish food for the first time, and it was a challenge especially for our Nigerian and Indian friends. However, apart from that, everything was wonderful!

Mingmei Wang

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Age (years)

Average age Girls 31

Guys 32

General 29

O&G 33

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The much awaited trip for the MBA’s to the Netherlands, began with a flight to Amsterdam, where we were met by school reps L G Bjorkvoll and Angela Huizinga, and took a train to Groningen.

Groningen is a picturesque city in the Netherlands and is known as the Bike City since 57% of all transportation within the city is by bike. This city has a huge student population and is known as the youngest city in the Netherlands.

Having checked in to the hotel, we proceeded to the nearby restaurant Louis XV for a lovely Meet and Greet dinner with Prof. Marcella. After the dinner we went to discover Groningen, and ended up in a quite famous, authentic pub in the city centre where we enjoyed some great music, drinks and relaxed atmosphere – students heaven!

The next day we were taken around the town’s historic locations followed by a choice of either a boat trip or a tour around the city. The majority of us chose to go for a boat trip. It was an amazing experience as we could see some incredible boat houses and historic “Houses”, each with its own story. The Okaphone Visit accompanied by the story about the shop history and its 100 year survival, and the dinner at the De Vestebule followed by the night at casino brought a splendid end to a wonderful day.

The next day, after a tour around Groningen with a visit to the Rekavo, and lunch at the Land van Kokanje, we attended the guest lecture on ethics. The dinner at the De Gulzige Kater concluded an our GREAT TRIP to the Netherlands.

Koyel Gosh

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Each year a highlight of the Strategic Management module and the MBA Course is the Business Simulation Game (BSG) weekends which sandwich the Leadership Week (part of the Leadership, Communication and Change Module). The BSG weekends test the MBA students’ abilities to function as part of a team in a competitive environment, to grapple with the complexities of strategic management and deal with emotional highs and lows. At the beginning of every MBA cohorts’ time with us we emphasise the need to develop the skills necessary to cope with ambiguity and uncertainty. The BSG both tests the students’ theoretical understanding and also gives them the opportunity to develop these skills in a safe environment. Being highly competitive and motivated people, the frisson of competition adds further to the experience – everyone wants to do well at least and try to “win”. Inter cohort rivalry is intense, and perhaps inflamed by the facilitators! We have also seen over the last few years that students’ strategic decision making is affected by their own values even when making decisions within the simulated environment. The BSG allows students to bring together all that they have learnt, challenges their understanding of the theory they have learnt and is a testing environment.

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The Leadership Week brings together all the various MBA cohorts, full time, part time and distance learning. The week is an opportunity to hear from practitioners and senior managers from a range of industries and professions, as well as acclaimed academics in the field of leadership, about the practice of leadership and change management. We observe that often the stories told by these practitioners conflict with the theoretical models. For students, the scope for critical thinking, taking the useful from both theory and practice and reflecting on their own leadership story is an immensely valuable experience.

Taken together, the BSG weekends and the Leadership Week are an intense nine days which culminate the taught element of the MBA Course.

Phil Burge

MBA Course Leader

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The first Scottish Dragon’s Den was hosted by the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow UK, mid June 2011. RGU was represented by five brilliant students who spoke four different languages and came from three continents. The event was based on the famous BBC Dragon’s Den and was meant to add a practical element to the academic study of the MBA students.

Participants were representatives of AMBA accredited Scottish universities, with the entrepreneurs from Glasgow and Judging panels a mix of academia and successful business owners.

The entrepreneurs, just like the famous Dragon’s den, pitched their business to the teams from the participating universities (The Dragons). The teams had to evaluate, judge and offer finance to each entity based on its member’s convections of the potential of each business. The judging panels were there to observe the ability of the Dragons to negotiate and close a deal(s) with the entrepreneurs

It is a pleasure to report that, in this very first ever Scottish university level competition, the RGU team came among the top four university teams in recognising, evaluating, and assessing the businesses.

Feyisayo Durojaiye

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RGU Dragons with ABS MBA Director.

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Aberdeen, originally referred to as Aberdon meaning the mouth of the River Don and popularly referred to as the Granite City; full of life and activities and occasionally home to fair weather. As a part of Scotland, the local dialect (DORIC) is quite a challenge to master; Foo’s yer doos; (how are you doing), fit like (how are you), and Far Hiv Ye Bin (where have you been) it becomes a different ball game all together. But these are the things that make Aberdeen so fascinating, a city full of history and culture, with beautiful monuments and an exciting lifestyle.

Aberdeen is a city with first-rate recreational facilities; with its golf courses, bowling, cinemas, restaurants and sports facilities such as an ice rink, swimming pools, dry ski slope and gyms. At night the city centre comes alive with its exciting cafe culture, flourishing art scene and numerous entertainment hotspots. Being a university town and research centre and the home of Scotland’s Oil and Gas industry, Aberdeen is a dynamic city and the main shopping destination for the region.

And in the midst of this city is The Robert Gordon University, a professional university, with its breath taking architecture facilities with dedicated lecturers to awe and to change students’ lives and perception for the better.

The people of Aberdeen are accommodating and friendly, and the phrase “thank you” is something you will get to hear all the time, it’s become a part of the people, a way of life. For an international student coming in to Aberdeen for the very first time, the grandeur of the city from the plane’s window as it prepares to land at Dyce airport is a thing to see. The view of the beautiful Scottish landscape from the train is also a majestic experience adding to ones collective impression of Scotland and of course Aberdeen.

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COMMENT ON COURSE

This course is accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA). It is regarded as the international authority on the development of business leaders and the guardian of MBA quality standards. It plays a unique role in supporting business schools to develop business leaders and provides a network for MBAs, business schools and employers. Robert Gordon University is one of only a handful of institutions worldwide that have been accredited in all modes of the MBA. The focus of the MBA degree programme is leadership and RGU offers a first class learning environment in which to study for an MBA, blending the latest academic thinking with business knowledge and expertise, all of which is reflected in the MBA programme.

www.rgu.ac.uk/mba


Robert Gordon University, Garthdee Campus, Garthdee Road, Aberdeen, AB10 7QE, United Kingdom

Produced by The GatehouseDesign & Print Consultancy at Robert Gordon University

Robert Gordon University, a Scottish Charity registered under charity number SC013781

MBA Yearbook 2011

Documents

Transcript of MBA Yearbook 2011