Learning by doing: Team building and leadership skills as integral components of Middlesex MBA

Unlike other approaches, this methodology is reported to increase retention of learning to 90% in comparison with 20% for example from an audio-visual presentation.

The cohort of seventy MBA students enthusiastically participated in the Applied Learning Experience (ALE) program, indoors and outdoors, which is part of the Middlesex MBA. The goal was to provide a stimulating shared learning experience with lessons that can be reflected on throughout the whole MBA program. The workshop was conducted by Kathleen Harrison-Carroll and Alan Birkett of Katalan Limited UK.

Exercises were reviewed indoors and implemented outdoors with the emphasis on behaviour observed and processes used. Comprehensive learning logs were provided in order to capture the information for future use. The experiential learning was enhanced and reinforced by carefully placed inputs on appropriate management theory, behavioural models and group debates to support and complement the taught programme. These inputs fulfilled a number of key functions. They provided vital information essential for the teams to be effective in the workplace and act as a catalyst for debate about specific work based issues that require addressing. They were a means of sharing experience and information about different situations and strategies for overcoming problems.

A member of the MBA cohort said that "the team activity threw light on my traits as a team player. The team feedback session was very helpful - I learnt things about my personality I did not know earlier". Another student noted that "Attending this session has given me an understanding of working in teams". The consensus feedback from the students was that learning by doing is the best way to learn.

Dr. Cedwyn Fernandes, MBA programme coordinator, said:

"The Middlesex MBA is all about providing practical applications that the MBA candidates can use at the workplace. This applied learning experience provided the opportunity to the candidates to get into teams and reflect on their roles as leaders."

This Applied learning experience will be followed up by three more on Business Planning, Marketing Strategies and an international field trip to Milan or Paris.