Richard Lynn, Service Improvement Manager, Medway Council

Since receiving my MBA in Technology Management from the Open University, I have reflected on what I have gained from my studies and what my employers and  sponsors have got from their support. Not having a first degree I became eligible to enter the MBA programme through the OU's Professional Diploma in Management. This one-year course focussed upon managing resources, change and development. By using existing work place experiences and the extensive course materials I began to understand the strengths of systems thinking and product development, costing, marketing, performance management and managing development and change. I was then able to study for the OU Technology Management MBA. The course consisted of two compulsory courses: Technology Management – an integrative approach and The strategic Management of Technology followed by a choice of one further course – I chose Financial Strategy. The final stage was a 12-month research project. I chose to explore the barriers preventing local authorities from implementing authentication technologies.

For my employers and sponsors, I am now far more effective and confident in working with senior managers. My MBA has given me a solid organisational view that enables me to place ICT strategically within the local authority as a key driver for the modernising agenda post-Gershon as well as giving me a language to describe how large organisations work, what drives them, how they can be shaped to develop and grow, how they are financed, how innovation can be nurtured and embedded within the culture to continually improve the services offered to customers.

For myself, I have used the MBA to develop skills that allow me to bridge the divide between ICT and the business, something that is essential if ICT is rightly to be placed at the heartm of an organisation's development strategy. On a personal note, I have thoroughly enjoyed my time studying, the friends and contacts I have made at the monthly tutorials and summer schools, the flourishing online community 'First Class' and now, four months after graduating, find myself looking through the online course lists for what I might study next.

Poonam Sharma, e-Government Programme ManagerLondon Borough of Hillingdon

Studying for the MBA will help me to understand how developments in technology can provide the underlying platform to deliver the e-Government agenda, which can act as a catalyst for cultural change to provide customer focused and easily accessible joined-up services within a local authority. After studying, I hope to be an individual who understands the new developments and have the professional knowledge and vision to harness changes effectively. I hope that the technology management studies will equip me to lead technological innovation and organisational change in this rapidly moving business environment.

The first year is divided into two modules covering performance and change management. The second and third years of MBA qualification will give me the technology skills, which will help me to develop, plan and implement new technologies. The Open University course started on the 1 November, with the first tutorial scheduled for 8 November. The tutorials are extremely useful as this is an opportunity to meet other students and the tutor. It is also a good forum to discuss issues and concerns of the subject. The material came by post about a month earlier and the supporting information is very helpful to assist with the self-study programme. A timetable is included which guides and helps me structure my study time. As part of this programme I also have access to the online conference system, which gives me access to all the course material and supporting information. As a group we have briefly introduced ourselves on the system by posting our course objectives. This short exercise also helps to get familiar with using the online facility.

John Barrett, Assistant Chief Executive (IT),North Ayrshire Council

"I decided to undertake the MBA to acquire new perspectives and understanding of non-ICT business areas. The course will broaden my knowledge and increase my skills in other business disciplines and provide me with a better understanding of how organisations operate. This will enable me to better align the Council's ICT investment with corporate and departmental objectives.

The first year course, 'Fundamentals of Senior Management', commenced last November and has already covered a wide range of topics including organisational structure and culture, customer excellence, marketing, HR management, finance and staff motivation.

Studying involves not just reading through the course material (which arrives in a large, heavy box!) but undertaking activities and exercises to re-enforce learning. Reflection on the course content is encouraged to try and apply the ideas, models and frameworks in your own area of work. Every six weeks written assessments are prepared and submitted to your Tutor. Prior to each assessment, tutorials are held which provide useful hints and tips on how to prepare a good submission. The tutorials also provide the opportunity to meet other students — on my course they come from all over Scotland, are of very different age groups and from different public and private organisations.

In order to cope with the workload of the course, I aim to spend two or three nights each week, and 4 or 5 hours on a Sunday. However, as the deadline for the written assessment approaches, the time spent increases considerably!

My experience of the course to date has suggested the following learning points:

• Don't underestimate the amount of time involved,
• Careful time management at both home and work is required (along with a very understanding partner!),
• Try and establish a regular study pattern, 
• Delegate work as much as possible to try and reduce the amount of work you would normally take home.

I have enjoyed the course so far, and I am considering a number of ideas for implementation within my own department.