Last week, the Association of MBAs (Amba) held its gala
dinner in London, gathering representatives from its accredited schools
worldwide. The organisation, currently celebrating its 45th anniversary,
presented three annual awards on the night for innovation, entrepreneurship and
individual achievement.
According to Amba chief operating officer Vanessa
Harwood-Whitcher, the awards recognise schools and students who are using their
MBAs to make a difference in the wider world. "These awards give Amba the
opportunity to shine a light on the best demonstration of innovation,
leadership and entrepreneurial spirit coming from MBA students, graduates and
business schools," she says.
The MBA Student of the Year award (sponsored by The
Independent) went to Husameldin Elnasri from Lancaster University Management
School. Collecting his award, Elnasri – from Sudan – told the audience that he
felt like an ambassador not just for his country, but for Africa and Amba as
well. Joking that he is not "a numbers person," he described his
relief on realising that an MBA isn't about focusing on numbers, but on people.
"It is also about being mindful, culturally sensitive and emotionally
intelligent," he said.
Originally a veterinary graduate, Elnasri gained a research
Masters degree and has worked in both the not-for-profit and more recently
corporate sectors. Describing himself as having "a keen interest in the
role of business in societies", he taught part of the course on global
responsibility and responsible management, bringing his experiences of implementing
CSR strategies in Sudan to the classroom.
"Today's MBA programmes are helping students understand
and appreciate diversity, exchange cultures and to rediscover their leadership
potential," Elnasri says. "With organisations becoming increasingly
global and diverse, the latter set of skills is particularly important for the
managers of tomorrow."
Elnasri also believes that his own experiences of the MBA
have equipped him with new skills, networks and hopefully lifelong friendships.
"I can confidently say I have a better understanding of myself, my
abilities and to some extent my potential," he says, but acknowledges
there's always more to do. "The MBA has also made me realise my
shortcomings and my enormous need to continue seeking knowledge and 'practical
wisdom'."
The second award of the night, for innovation, went to
Insead's sci-tech commercialiser programme. The initiative pairs MBA students
with scientists working on a range of projects and uses workshops, bootcamps
and bespoke training courses to uncover the commercial potential in new
technological innovations.
Filipe Santos, Insead's associate professor of
entrepreneurship, believes that it's vital for business schools to be at the
forefront of innovation. "Given the pace of transformation in technologies
and dramatic business challenges, business schools need to continue innovating
to ensure a relevant and holistic education to MBA students and
executives," he says. "I hope that all the students who go through
the programme will gain a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, the
process of commercialising technological innovations and creating value in
society."
Cathal Brady, of Ultan Technologies, who won the
Entrepreneurial Venture award after developing a viable software concept that
met the needs of a niche market, also believes that embracing new outlooks is
vital for small and large organisations alike. "The ones that encourage
their workers to look for new ways to do things and to look for new lines of
business are the ones that flourish."
For Brady, the MBA experience at UCD Michael Smurfit
Graduate Business School gave him knowledge and confidence in areas outside of
his comfort zone and helped him to "spot opportunities that I would not
otherwise have spotted". He recommends that students get the most from
their studies by taking advantage of the exposure to different perspectives
that an MBA provides. "It's amazing what you learn when you have people
from outside your company and industry listen to and comment on your
experiences."
Once students take their places in the global business
community, Elnasri believes that they can make a huge difference. His message
to the MBA community at large is that "you have the power to change the
world: it is your responsibility to choose in which direction this change will
go." And for those wondering whether or not to follow him down the MBA
path? "Go for it – it will be one of the best decisions you ever made in
your life."
Source: 25th October 2012, The Independent by
Russ Thorne
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