Week 51: Electives - Block E (t-minus 0 week)

Week 51 is over and I have completed my MBA! It has not sunk in, but I know this is something special. Here is what happened this week:

Classes ended this week.

Sales Management had a final and "sales call" with the professor.

Corporate Finance had a final.

Project Management did not have a final exam, but they did do a PERT exam in class.

Now everyone is packing up their various binders. A lot of extra stuff is getting thrown out. A lot of sad faces and happy faces. Sad to be leaving, but so happy to be done!

Enough said. I'm off to join some of my classmates for a last pint at the Grad Club.

Graduation Dinner and Valedictorian Address

Saturday the class had our graduation dinner at Ban Righ Hall. Everyone showed up dressed to the nines. Quite a few of our professors came out and the entire administration was there. A nice meal served and some nice words said were said by Dr.Bill Blake, Director of MBA programs at Queen's, and Dr.Scott Carson, Director of the full-time MBA program at Queen's.

After dinner the class president and valedictorian addressed the class. The Elizebeth Hand and Team awards were also given out. Finally, there were the "fun" awards with a slide show (i.e. who was voted most likely to get arrested, kicked-out of cricket match, lick their own belly button, etc.). Once all that was done, the class headed out to the Joy Supper Club for a night of fun and dancing. All and all it was great, but at the same time bittersweet as we realized the end is very near and soon we will be saying good bye to many of our friends.

Our Valedictorian, Adam Grahn, really hit a note with his address to the class. I am posting it here, with his permission, so that our class can have access to it in the future.

First, I’d like to say a couple thanks you’s. I’d like to thank all of you, first for nominating and then for selecting me to represent you as valedictorian out of 75 people who could just as easily be standing up here.

I want you all to know how much I appreciate this, so I thought I’d give you a 30 second snippet to help you understand how much this means to me. I grew up in a very small town in BC as the third eldest in a family of 12. If asked what they wanted to be when they grew up, kids from that town dreamed about 3 things: heli-logging, driving a truck, or winning the Stanley Cup. I can tell you I only shared one of those dreams with the other kids, but I never could have dreamed that I might one day graduate as valedictorian from one of the most prestigious programs at one of the most prestigious institutions in Canada.

I can tell you that this moment, being able to stand up here, is the thing I am most proud of in my life… with one exception. That being getting married to my friend,
partner, supporter, and champion, Deedra. She is just as much a reason for me being up here as anything I’ve done, so thank you Deedra!

Almost exactly one year ago, 75 people gathered in the atrium of Goodes Hall. If you’re like me, it feels more like 5 years ago but what I recall of that gathering is how awkward I felt and how I kept repeating a mantra in my head… “What the BLEEP am I doing here?” I then recall Drs. Carson and Blake speaking about Queen’s and teamwork and what a transformational experience we were going to have… I have to admit, I was still a little unsure…

Then, over the next few weeks we were teamed up, bombarded, psycho-analysed and introduced to that wonderful team-building exercise known as 0.4. Over the course of the next 8 months, we worked our asses off and our teams became more than just a part of a marketing brochure… They became a part of who we are. Through the course of the year, through our efforts, our struggles and our triumphs, we HAVE been transformed. Of course we have learned the technical knowledge required to be considered an MBA… I think we’ve all seen enough 2x2 matrices and Discounted Cash Flows to validate that…

but what we’ve learned is how to lead and be led, how to take a group of people from different nationalities and with different personalities and turn it into a well-oiled machine that can tackle near any challenge. These are not skills that can be learned on-line or through a text book, but only through trial and experience. We, each of us, now has the ability to step out from here, this safe place, and walk confidently into the “real world”, comfortable in ourselves and our abilities. Comfortable working with, for and leading others, and, perhaps most importantly, with the knowledge that should the time come that we need help, there are 74 others standing behind us, ready with a shoulder to cry on, an arm to lean on, a joke to pick up our spirits or a smile to share. We have 74 friends.

And in my estimation, it is friendship that has been the ultimate benefit of our time here. If you do the math, we’ve essentially spent $60,000 and come away with 74 friends. That’s just a little under a $1000 a friend. Friends that have shared experiences and shared understanding. A very good investment, I assure you, especially given the economic uncertainty we are facing. I am sure that a year and a bit ago, when we all signed up for this program, none of us thought that we would be graduating into a market where jobs are scarce and the value of MBAs had been called into question. Yet, that is the situation, and at times like these, the value that friends provide may be the difference between success and failure.

So I’ve never performed a valedictory address before and hadn’t had the opportunity to hear one either, so I did what anyone would do in that situation, I looked it up on Wikipedia. While I was doing that, I discovered an interesting thing about the roots of the word. It turns out, that Valedictorian comes from the Latin “vale dicere,” which means – To Say Farewell… So I thought to myself, that’s pretty depressing… It sounds like I’m saying I’ll never see you all again. That would make this valedictorian address more bittersweet than sweet… a bit like the difference between marmalade and jam… So I’ve chosen to break with tradition a little bit and to say “See you soon” instead of Farewell, since I’m sure it is more accurate and since it’ll just make me sad to think otherwise.

So in a little over a week, as we venture out and each of us makes our mark on the business world and the world in general. As we work to better the lives of ourselves and our families. Think back now and then to the times we have shared here at Queen’s and conduct yourself with the grace, dignity and ethical standard expected of a Queen’s MBA grad. And above all, if ever any one of you should need a friend, you know where to look…

Thank you and See You Soon!

Links to youtube videos in parts (1), (2), and (3 w/ speech).

Week 50: Electives - Block E (t-minus 1 week)

Week 50. Just one week to go! Summer has arrived, or at least it feels like it. Most days are sunny now and its fairly warm during the afternoons. However, the evenings still get quite chilly.

Project Management continued with the class covering PERT and critical path. Everyone in the course seems to be enjoying it and the team teaching style seems to be working well. Students cannot miss even a single class or they will not complete the required 35 hours of classroom instruction required by the PMI to earn the PMP designation.

Marketing of New Ventures had a few guest lecturers. Topics covered were public relations, advertising and market entry strategies. People also seem to be enjoying this course.

Sales Management is still ongoing. I don't have an update on the class material covered as I'm not in this elective and I haven't had a chance to talk with anyone taking it. This is typical of the situation the class finds itself at the moment. We are all in different classes, some people are not even taking classes, and as a result we are rarely all in the same place at the same time.

Corporate Financing and Capital Budgeting Decisions has been interesting. The professor, Alex Faseruk, is here from Memorial University in St. John's Newfoundland for the 2 weeks required to teach the course. Material covered has been Real Estate project selection, Economic Value Added, Biotech/technology company valuation along with a review of pretty much all the finance material we have covered (i.e. different kinds of debt and equity, WACC, NPV, etc.). The professor is quite entertaining and realizes that we are all pretty tired after what we have been through. Students have assembled themselves into groups to complete a case analysis and 2 abstracts on other cases. The case a group analyzes is also the case they present to the class. Overall this is a very useful course as it really brings all the different pieces of the finance puzzle together.

This week we had a final class session with the BCC. They will be offering some basic consultation until mid-May when the next class starts. After that they will try to assist us, but their priority will be focused on the new class.

Also, there is a series of items we have been given to complete to graduate:

• Update mailing address on Alumni site
• Update mailing address on QCARD
• Meet with BCC for 5 minutes one-on-one
• Return keys & swipe cards
• Complete MBA exit survey
• Pay outstanding debts to the University and return all books to Library

All of these need to be signed-off by various people to ensure we can graduate

This week was the final point four. It was held at the Toucan and a lot of people came out. I'm sure there will still be gathers occurring, but the official "point four" has been put to rest.

Tomorrow we have our graduation dinner. This is a formal dinner being held in Ban Righ Hall and the results of the various awards the class had to vote on will be revealed. Should be a good evening and a great way to cap off the year.

This weekend will be filled with packing and some homework. Perhaps I will find some time to hangout with my peers. Only one week to go.

Week 49: Electives - Block E (t-minus 2 weeks)

Week 49. Gone. 2 weeks to go. 2 weeks is only 14 days or 336 hours or 20,160 minutes. That is all that is left of my MBA experience. It is hard to believe it has gone so fast, but as I look back on this blog and all the entries that I have made, it become apparent to me that the end is near.

This week we started off with rain followed by more rain and then topped off with a little more rain. Then it was snow with some more snow. All this with over cast grey skies. Very cheerful weather. You would never know it today, as the sun has come out and everything has dried off and melted. Who knows what next week will hold.

This week the last block, Block E, of electives started. Project Management has a fairly full class. This class will allow students to complete the class room requirements for a PMP certification from the PMI. After writing a test and submitting the appropriate work experience you can have a PMP designation. The class is being team taught by two professors. One is covering the actual PMI material. The other is covering more of the practical implementation of project management. So far everyone seems to be enjoying the class.

Marketing of New Ventures also started this week. Again the students seem to be enjoying it, but I'm not quite sure what they are covering. The course is supposed to be focused on marketing management challenges faced by tech start-ups with a major component to get new ventures "sustainable".

Sales Management has also started this week. This course is supposed to help students develop key skills, behaviors and strategies needed to succeed in sales. Specific issues included are prospecting, pre-approach, approach, presentation, trial close, determining objections, meeting objections, closing and follow-up.

Corporate Financing and Capital Budgeting Decisions will start next week. This course is 3 hours every day for the next two weeks and is based entirely on cases. The focus is exactly what the name states: bank credit, corporate financing policies, shares, convertible securities, optimal debt, dividend policies, project analysis, optimal investment decisions, hurdle rates, capital budgeting procedures, etc. Should be intense.

Most Consulting Project papers have been submitted. This was the course where students picked a project/organization to do consulting work for and completed a paper with their final recommendations and work.

The New Venture Project is coming to a close. I am only aware of one group who has taken this course. This project course paired students with mentors/advisers who helped them through the creation and review process of a business plan. After a few official stages of preliminary review the final business plan is due either this week or next.

Lots of people have started to pack-up their desks. I have no idea where I am going to find enough boxes for all my binders and textbooks.

This week's point four is a gathering at a fellow MBA student's pad to play some "Rock Band 2" prior to heading to "The Royal Tavern" for a pint. The Royal Tavern is supposed to be the bar that Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, purchased as no other bars would let him in. Rumour has it they have a copy of the original deed inside. Also, this bar is rumoured to be very unfriendly as it is a biker bar. Should be an adventure.

A lot of people are headed out of town this weekend on some last excursions. My wife and I are headed to Toronoto to see all the sights as we are headed back to Calgary after the program. We have been meaning to do this all year and only now are we actually getting it done. Hopefully we will be able to see the AGO, ROM, Casa Loma, CN Tower and the Bata Shoe Museum. We are also going to see a Raptor's game if everything goes according to plan.

Photo tour of Goodes Hall

Since not everyone can come and visit Queen's in person, I thought I would post a brief photo tour.

Here is Goodes Hall, home to all business programs at Queen's University:

Just inside the main entrance you enter an atrium which can be transformed for different occasions. It can be emptied and filled with chairs for speakers, caterers and tall tables can be brought in for a "wine and cheese" social event or tables can be set-up to have banquets.

Second angle from just above the main entrance:


At the far end of the atrium there is a stair case that takes you to MBA territory. Looking back down into the atrium:

The landing this staircase arrives at also leads to the hallway with the majority of the team rooms:

Now lets take a look at a typical team room. Each door is locked, but it is up to you and your teammates to keep it closed to ensure nothing gets stolen. Everyone has a key and the admin staff and security guard have an extra should lock yourself out. It is up to you and your team to decide what sort of stuff to "decorate" your team room with. This team here has decided on a nice plaque mounted team photo and seems to use the pin-up board to post interesting and insightful news clippings on current events.Opening the door reveals 6 work stations inside and a window on the far wall. Not all team rooms have window, but most do.

A look from the far side of the team room looking back. Note the team room on the other side of the hall:

Here is a look at a typical desk or work area. This is near the end of the program, so there are a lot of different binders and textbooks. Each course has a binder of material. During the core of the program these materials seem to just "appear" as the staff puts them together and delivers them as they are needed. There is room for all this stuff and lots of "pin-up" room as well. Naturally, there is also a LAN connection and plug-in for your laptop. Is that a case interview prep book I see there on the desk?
Each team room is equipped with a black and white bubble jet printer, mini-fridge, coffee maker, recycling bins and various stationary items. It is up to your team to make sure this area is kept neat and tidy. Otherwise you could find your fridge filled with mould...
Lets not forget the coat rack. Handy for storing suits or blazers for those unexpected networking opportunities. Also a good place for those bulky winter jackets needed to survive a Canadian winter. And, as you can see, each team gets a white board to use during team work sessions. Nice city skyline on the wall!
In addition to the team room there is the resource lounge, which most students refer to as the "E-bar" (a.k.a. Energy Bar). The E-bar is stocked by the student government and charges a small premium on the goods sold to fund various MBA activities. The main activity it was used to fund this year was MBA Games. The resource lounge has a couple of fridges, 3 microwaves, fax, phone, scanner, photocopier and laser colour printer. The sports equipment the program provides is also stored here (i.e. frisbees, soccer balls, cricket stuff, tennis stuff, squash stuff, etc.). This is also where the daily papers, other periodicals and magazines are displayed/stored for students to access.
Look from the other end of the room back:
Here is a look at the classroom. Every student has a name plate that has their name on the front and back. This makes it easy for your classmates to refer to you by name even if they are sitting behind you. After a couple of months you know every ones name, but the name plates still help professors who are coming in to start a new course. There are two projectors that show the slides on each side of the room so every student has a good view.Of course the progam would not be what it was if it wasn't for the tireless support of the staff. Here are the real stars of the program: From left-to-right we have:

• Kim Delaney, Program Assistant
• Kerri Regan, Program Manager
• Scott Carson, Professor and Director of Queen's full-time MBA program
• Lori Garnier, Associate Director of Queen's full-time MBA program
• Juanita Smith, Program Administrator
• Ruth Sherboneau, Administrative Assistant

That ends this brief tour. Hope this has been helpful for perspective students and nostalgic for alumni.

Queen's wins UCLA and Boston Tech Case Competitions

So, we have had several teams go to case competitions since our class has had a very keen interest this year. There has been a lot of internal rivalry to get on these teams as well as to be the team selected to go. As a result some pretty good teams have been sent out to competition.

We have had teams that went to:

• L'Oreal E-Strategy Challenge (Online) (Marketing)
• CSR Case Competition (November - hosted by University of Toronto) (CSR Strategy)
• Financial Executive International "Best in Class" (November - hosted at the University of Toronto) (Finance)
• Tata Consulting Case Competition (October) (Strategy)
• John Molson International Case Competition (January - hosted by John Molson School of Business in Montreal) (Everything)
• Boston Tech Strategy Case Competition (April) (Strategy)
• UCLA Global Leadership Competition (April - hosted by UCLA Anderson School of Business) (Strategy/Everything)

Last week the Queen's team that went to Boston Tech won first place! You can check it out on the blog for the event. First place got them $25,000 they got to split between the 4 team members

Just yesterday the Queen's team that went to the UCLA Global Leadership Competition won first place! Here is the official event website. They also won $25,000 to split between the 5 team members. Last year Queen's came in second and there was quite a bit of pressure for this year's team to perform. The competition is invitational only and the schools that attend are some of the best in the world:

• Fudan University School of Management, China
• HEC School of Management, France
• Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Business School, Hong Kong SAR
• Instituto Tecnologico Autonomo de Mexico (ITAM), Mexico
• London Business School, England
• National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore
• Peking University Guanghua School of Management, China
• Queen's School of Business, Canada
• Seoul National University, Korea
• Tel Aviv University (Recanati), Israel
• University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management, USA
• University of Chicago Booth School of Business, USA

To be asked to attend is an honour, but to win...wow. Congratulations to all the teams and I hope next year's class will embrace case competitions the way our year did. They are fun and you learn a lot.

Week 48: Electives - Block D (t-minus 3 weeks)

Week 48 is over...finally. Only 3 weeks to go. As spring approaches the skies are pretty much constantly overcast and it rains quite a bit here in Kingston.

Managing Innovation ended last week, so there is no update for that course.

Consumer Research ended yesterday. From what I could tell everyone was in groups completing some sort of group assignment/analysis with the professor going from group to group.

International Finance ended today with a Saturday morning exam. Everyone found it quite difficult and everyone was up late last night trying to study and get their formula sheets finalized. As much as I am going to miss my classmates and this time at Queen's, I am NOT going to miss the late night cramming and Saturday morning exams.

Either last week or this week the students in the Consulting Project course had to submit a 75 page paper. No word on what has been happening with the New Ventures Project course, but I will post something next week once I talk to some people in the course.

This week's point four was at Fanatics, a sports bar, where the class was able to reserve an upstairs area that comes complete with it's own bar, big-screen TV and a Nintendo Wii. Also, this weekend there is a big party/social gathering to see several of the exchange students off. A lot of them are leaving in the next week.

While all this has been going on I am busy booking a moving company and filing my taxes. Also, the job hunt continues, but it is difficult while studying full-time. Guess I should get some boxes this next week to start packing.

Next week, to kick-off Block E electives,"Marketing of New Ventures" and "Sales Management" courses start to the final block of electives. The following week the "Corporate Finance and Capital Budgeting Decisions" and "Project Management" courses start. Now that I have completed my required 5 elective courses I find myself presented with the decision of whether I should take anymore courses.