Week 37: Electives - Block A

Week 37 is ending and we are seeing the end of our first week back in classes. Kingston has taken a turn for the colder as temperatures have been dropping to -25 C (-13 F). I'm guessing the exchanges students, all 21 of them, that have joined us are finding the temperature a little surprising.

The electives that are currently being offered in this first block are:

• Corporate Valuation & Mergers and Acquisitions
• Marketing Strategy
• Financing of New Ventures
• Strategic Leadership

I'm currently in Corporate Valuation & Mergers and Acquisitions (taught by Bill Cannon) and Strategic Leadership (taught by Tina Dacin). Both are good courses. The Corporate Valuation & Mergers and Acquisitions course is quite a bit of work, but I am learning a lot. The Strategic Leadership course is a little more relaxed, but there is still reading that needs to be completed.

From what I have heard the Marketing Strategy course taught by Ken Wong is pretty good. People are enjoying it and the work required isn't too demanding. The same is true of the Financing of New Ventures course taught by Elspeth Murray.

The exchange students seem to be friendly and settling in nicely. Not all of them are from other MBA programs and therefore are only taking certain select courses. I'm sure they all had a blast at this weeks point four which was at a local bowling alley.

In addition, I have heard that some of our classmates have had some interesting adventures already. One in particular had to vacate the dormitory they were living in when a fire was started in the parkade.

Overall the work load is considerably less compared to the pace prior to Christmas. A lot of people are looking forward to taking some of their free time to look for work. In addition everyone seems happier and more relaxed.