Global MBA Testimonials
The process of creating value through work-integrated learning is extraordinary. It shifts the primary learning experience from the confines of academic institutions to the actual workplaces of our students. This transformation leads to an unparalleled sense of purpose, as it transitions skills training from theoretical teaching to the invaluable experience gained on the job.
Additionally, work-integration redirects the traditional focus of study from analysis to practical implementation. It is the act of implementation that has the power to bring about real change in the world. This new approach enables students to realize their potential in effecting positive changes within their work environments.
We invite you to explore the remarkable feedback from some of our students who have been willing to openly share their experiences of creating genuine value in their workplaces.
Shepherd Nhondova, Partner at PNA Chartered Accountants, Harare, Zimbabwe
12.2017 |
| This module continues to justify why I must shoulder on with IBR’s Global MBA as each module is proving to be a window of value addition to my firm and my family as well. The program’s relevance continues to soar positively to me as someone who ventured into entrepreneurship at an early stage with limited managerial exposure. |
| Project Management |
Yuna Mukandatsama, Human Resources Manager at PG Industries Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
10.2017 |
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Studying this course was a real eye opener. Before studying the course, I had limited understanding of how IT can influence the attainment of an organisation’s strategy. It was my view that IT would only provide support services. Now, there is a realisation that IT actually can shape the life of an organisation. IT can influence revenue generation and cost containment which impacts survival of an organisation. This is a new area for me and this assignment has opened my understanding of this subject. |
| Managing IT and strategy |
Jessica Moore, Organisational Effectiveness Manager at Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), Windhoek, Namibia
09.2017 |
| The assignment added great value in that it forced me once again to take a closer look at the industry I work in and even get answers to some of the tough questions which it seems that even the people in the company are struggling with answering. The knowledge I am gaining also allows me to have conversations on a level I never thought I would understand, which I am so grateful for. |
| Innovation and Digital Technology |
Ryan Kelly, Managing Director at Copier Kings (Pvt) Ltd, Graniteside, Harare, Zimbabwe
08.2017 |
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I am quite excited to be considering hiring a software developer. We have for too long left ourselves at the mercy of our current system providers, who are dragging their feet in implementing changes that we require. This will allow us to take back control of the software, and develop it perfectly in line with our needs, not those of a software developer who has several clients to consider. I believe that this will make a significant difference to our operations, and for a relatively low cost. |
| Managing IT and strategy |
Yuna Mukandatsama, Human Resources Manager at PG Industries Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
08.2017 |
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Studying this course was a real eye opener. Before studying the course, I had no interest at all in IT issues and how business can change by either harnessing IT or lagging behind on the same. I used to view social media especially face book and twitter as more of fun channels but as not channels that can be used for business. To me Facebook was very informal and had little value. However, after studying this course, I have a totally different view of Facebook and twitter, which channels our company can benefit from in reaching and engaging customers. |
| IT and Customer Relations |
Yuna Mukandatsama, Human Resources Manager at PG Industries Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
07.2017 |
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Studying this course has significantly changed the way I view IT in relation to business. Before studying the course, I was one of the people that viewed IT as something that have no significant impact on how a company conducts business. I realise now that if our company plays a blind eye to IT and how it’s quickly changing business models, the company might find itself out of business. |
| Innovation and Digital Technology |
Taurai Chitsiga, Senior SAP P2P Business Consultant EMEA at EOH, Berdfordview, South African Republic
07.2017 |
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Digital technology is my personal area of interest and this couldn’t have come at any time better than this where there are currently many opportunities to utilize digital technology to offer services to people. While studying this course I realized many opportunities and avenues to build startups. The course also showed me that companies should always revisit their business models as these can become obsolete with time. A business model that worked in 2000 cannot fully help a company twenty years down the line thus a business model cannot be static. |
| IT and Customer Relations |
Ryan Kelly, Managing Director at Copier Kings (Pvt) Ltd, Graniteside, Harare, Zimbabwe
07.2017 |
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I have been playing with the idea of hiring a software developer for some time now, and one thing or another has always seen the project put on the back shelf. Analysing the potential benefits of this step has highlighted what a no-brainer this is, and we will be following this course of action in the very near future. Our advantage lies in our swift and efficient service, and we are not making the most of the potential advantages that are available to us. This assignment has brought this into stark reality. |
| IT and Customer Relations |
Ryan Kelly, Managing Director at Copier Kings (Pvt) Ltd, Graniteside, Harare, Zimbabwe
06.2017 |
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This has been a very interesting assignment. It is easy in Zimbabwe to get bogged down in the day-to-day minutiae and problems and forget that outside our borders, the world is advancing apace. Looking outward at industry developments has reminded me of the importance of doing so. Of significant value was the realisation that the software we are developing needs to be controlled, to maintain our competitive advantage. We are greatly improving their product for them through our recommendations, and I am okay with that, as we are also benefitting from the improvements; we do not want to hand that on a plate to our rivals. Although there are many competing workshop management systems, and each has their own disadvantages and advantages, we are slowly streamlining this current system to be exactly what we want for our local market. We need to protect that, and this assignment has brought that starkly to the fore. |
| Innovation and Digital Technology |
Ryan Kelly, Managing Director at Copier Kings (Pvt) Ltd, Graniteside, Harare, Zimbabwe
06.2017 |
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This has been an extremely interesting assignment that I have personally taken a significant interest in completing. Our company is a family-owned operation, and the peculiar dynamics of working under my father have led me to not fully realise the leadership position I have taken on as managing director. Working on this assignment has made me realise that people are looking to me, not to my father, who is semi-retired, for leadership. I have been considerably more aware of how my actions are viewed through employees’ eyes, and in the short period I have been operating with this different viewpoint, I am able to see tangible benefits. I am more cognisant of being looked at as an example, which in turn has made me more deliberate in both my thoughts and actions whilst at work, and, strangely enough, at home as well. I believe this has been a very valuable assignment and will be going through the course text again when time permits to ensure that this material is absorbed and put to use. |
| Development of Management Skills |
Yuna Mukandatsama, Human Resources Manager at PG Industries Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
04.2017 |
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I have gained great insights on the Balanced Scorecard whilst studying this course. I had limited understanding of the Balanced Scorecard and the concept of the strategy maps was completely new to me. My employer will greatly benefit from the knowledge that I have acquired whilst writing my assignment and applying theory to the real world. Firstly, I will be a resource person for future BSC projects at no cost. Secondly, because of the vast knowledge that I now have, I can train people on the fundamentals of Balanced Scorecard. This will increase the chances of achieving success. |
| Strategic Performance Management |
Ryan Kelly, Managing Director at Copier Kings (Pvt) Ltd, Graniteside, Harare, Zimbabwe
04.2017 |
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I have in the past viewed the human resources function as a necessary evil, to be endured simply because our staff complement has passed a certain size, and consequently has a sufficient number of issues to warrant its own department. Viewing it through the lens of a department that should be contributing to the long-term success of the organisation has involved a complete rethink for me, and this has opened up new areas to explore. Looking at the long-term picture through the lens of the individuals who will be required to carry out the organisations ambitions puts a very different perspective on the long-term growth strategies. Ensuring that those individuals will be sufficiently motivated throughout that long-term period is crucial to our success. I believe that the firm will be better placed in the future once we have implemented the suggestions mentioned within this assignment. |
| Recruitment, Selection and Placement of HR |
Jessica Moore, Organisational Effectiveness Manager at Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC), Windhoek, Namibia
04.2017 |
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The value for me as a person is surely to understand any financial statement from any company and my own. I am now not so afraid of finance and can explain this information also to other people who are afraid. Finance is a big portion of every organization, and it was always one section that was lacking and now it enables me to have a better sense of the organization and also the financial implication of HR and other support services. |
| Financial Accounting |
Ryan Kelly, Managing Director at Copier Kings (Pvt) Ltd, Graniteside, Harare, Zimbabwe
03.2017 |
| Taking a detailed look at one of the processes at work has been illuminating. In the past, we have generally tried to reduce response times, but without a defined method behind our attempts. This has resulted in lacklustre results, in general. |
| Operations Processes |
Yuna Mukandatsama, Human Resources Manager at PG Industries Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
03.2017 |
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Prior to studying the Operation Processes course, I had no idea about the six sigma as a process improvement method. I just knew the Six Sigma as a concept. I did not have knowledge about its practical application to the business. after studying the course, I realized that the DMAIC methodology adds value to organisations like ours if implemented properly. My company will benefit as I will definitely recommend the application of the DMAIC methodology for the improvement of operations processes. I will be a resource person to my company when operations processes need to be re-looked at in order to meet customer requirements. |
| Operations Processes |
Yuna Mukandatsama, Human Resources Manager at PG Industries Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
03.2017 |
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I gained a lot of knowledge on project management by studying this course. Almost everything on project management was new to me. My employer will greatly benefit from the knowledge that I have acquired through studying this course. Firstly, I will be a resource person for future projects at no cost. Secondly, because of the vast knowledge that I now have, I can train people on the fundamentals of project management. This will increase the chances of achieving success. Since our company is not a project-oriented company, having knowledge on the fundamentals of project management will be adequate. |
| Project Management |
Ryan Kelly, Managing Director at Copier Kings (Pvt) Ltd, Graniteside, Harare, Zimbabwe
03.2017 |
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I believe the balanced scorecard will deliver significant benefits to our organisation, if implemented properly. The approach takes a complete look at an organization and allows it to translate its lofty mission and vision into practical, on-the-ground activities that are easily measured and tracked. So much so, that I am considering moving this up the calendar, and delaying the pursuit of our qualification of ISO140001 until the balanced scorecard is in place. |
| Strategic Performance Management |
Taurai Chitsiga, Senior SAP P2P Business Consultant EMEA at EOH, Berdfordview, South African Republic
02.2017 |
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As far as I am concerned this course forms the bases of my areas of interests. I always work with systems and I see many companies implementing systems, but I do not see them making an evaluation as to whether there is a benefit in putting those systems. Thus, through this course I have noted some important things I need to look at such as how a business model can be modeled around digital technology in order to create potential of profitability. Another great lesson I learnt is that in today’s world, I need to look at the relationship between the future potential of profitability and the application of digital technology. The ability to think ahead is very important. It is vital to see what may happen or changes that may okay in the industry as a result of digital technology and come up with strategies |
| Innovation and Digital Technology |
Taurai Chitsiga, Senior SAP P2P Business Consultant EMEA at EOH, Berdfordview, South African Republic
01.2017 |
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This is one course that I have enjoyed doing and will always try to use it in the real practice, in fact I have used the outcome already partially in one company that faced issues in implementing the balanced scorecard. I have explained to them during training how they can optimize their processes. How their contribution, effectiveness and efficiency will affect the objectives in the financial perspective theme and how they could optimize their SAP system. Thus, this course is one of a kind whose benefits are readily implemented. |
| Strategic Performance Management |