MBA dissertation workshop with a twist

14th June 2007

The Diplomat Hotel, Bahrain proved an excellent venue for a dissertation workshop with a twist held June 14 – 17, 2007. The workshop forms part of the action learning MBA being delivered in-company in Kentz Engineering & Constructors.

Pictured above: Mark Hogan (MBA Associate), Donal O’Neill (Group HR Manager), Takis Karallis (Group HR Director), Hadyn Ingram (Dissertation Supervisor), Eric Sandelands (Dissertation Supervisor), Garry Ford (MBA Associate), Irvine Longridge (MBA Associate) and Shane Dooley-Cullinane (MBA Associate). Matthew Hind (Dissertation Supervisor) is missing from the picture.

The twist to the workshop is that, being an action learning process, workplace issues form the basis of all dissertations. The managers on the programme, known as “Associates” have a high level corporate sponsor, including the CEO of the company, to ensure alignment between each action learning dissertation and the needs of the business. The combined aims of the workshop were to combine academic rigour with practicality.

The dissertations being undertaken focus on:

• The implementation of systems in project start-ups;
• The cultural issues impacting on a company joint venture;
• The cultural implications of doing business in Russia;
• Addressing skills gaps.

Dr Eric Sandelands of Corporate Learning Consultants facilitated the workshop.

The group was small enough to engage in intensive roundtable discussion.

Dr Hadyn Ingram led discussions on dissertation process.

Kentz Group HR Director Takis Karallis provided a corporate perspective on emerging issues.