Background Context
Nikola was looking for opportunities to further her studies by doing a distance learning MBA. A distance learning mode of study was thought to allow Nikola to develop herself without the need to move into a different university site. She started working in a family business where her dad was offering car rental services at a small city in the Midlands. Nikola wanted to help develop the family business and believed that she would be able to achieve this by having the MBA degree title under her name.
The Challenge
Nikola was initially excited by the opportunity she had to study for the MBA from her own place without the need to travel away from home. The initial start that she made with her studies was a very strong one. She told us how she was feeling that the opportunity to develop herself was eventually becoming a reality. Having abstained from academic studies since the graduation of her fist degree is Geology, however, Nikola started to find particularly difficult how academic concepts should apply in theory and why tutors were so keen on the use of theory. Even though she did not have any problem with understanding the theory the constant issue seemed to be the ‘application’ and this seeing inability caused her a lot of distress. When first contacted us Nikola expressed the following
The problem is with the application and not with the understanding of theories. There seems to me that there are hundreds of ways to apply these complex theories and do not know what to do. How do I know which one is the right way?
The Solution
MBA Winner tutors helped Nikola address her academic challenges. This was done by first focusing on the specific subject area in which theories had to be applied. Nikola was particularly struggling with differences about ‘modernism’ and ‘postmodernism’ and how they were being made relevant for the study of organizations. Our first step towards finding a resolution meant explaining core assumptions situated within the theories and their use from authors. For example, we spent time explaining how theories constitute generalised models that seek to explain the relationship between phenomena. However, we identified that ‘modernism’ and ‘postmodernism’ are thought to comprise of very complex ideas. Our approach to helping Nikola made a real difference onto her experience and for to understanding some core preliminaries. By engaging with Nikola we were able to identify the specific knowledge gaps and we developed a plan by asking her to apply specific segments of a theory into a case example. By working with Nikola and whilst providing her with real-time feedback she was able to develop confidence about herself and understanding of theories. Nikola’s efforts made a big difference to her ‘Management Theory’ where the use of ‘Ecological Theory’ was causing a lot of frustration. By developing a systematic method for using theories Nikola was able to develop a logical plan without feeling frustrated with the different ways in which theory could apply.
Learning Outcome
- Doing an MBA is not just about the study of businesses and their managerial challenges as initially thought prior to doing a business degree.
- Academic tutors have certain expectations about the use of theory without having the luxury to identify individual weaknesses that students might experience.
- Getting to the ‘bottom line’ of things is the answer to the challenges people experience. Even though more time and effort is required, having constant guidance and support what might seem to be increasingly difficult become easier and manageable.
